JP2010050705A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problems wherein it traditionally requires great care, for a user to create an image for separation by fictitiously performing imaging so as to classify and set a plurality of taken images in order. <P>SOLUTION: A CPU 11 determines if the shooting date of the last frame of a first image shot and recorded last time in a memory card 26 and the shooting date of the first image shot this time is identical (S21). When the determination of this S21 is "NO" with different shot date, the CPU 11 outputs a CCD drive instruction to an image element drive circuit 19 (S22) to create a second image by the imaging signal acquired from the imaging element 18 with a shutter 17 closed. After that, the CPU 11 superimposes a date image to the second image (S23), provides an image file recording instruction (S24) to record the second image with the date image superimposed to a memory card 26, and sections the plurality of first images by the second image with date. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera that captures subject light through an aperture means by an optical system and forms an image on a photographing means to generate a plurality of images.

Conventionally, as this type of camera, for example, there is a digital still camera disclosed in Patent Document 1. This camera includes a display control device that easily and quickly confirms the contents of a plurality of groups and images included in each group and finds a desired image on a screen. This display control device classifies a large number of image data into groups based on feature information given to the image data, for example, time information, location information, category information, and the like. After that, a display frame for displaying a representative image as a characteristic of each group is displayed on the liquid crystal display, and when the movement of the pointer into the display frame is detected, a slide show is started, A plurality of images are sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display.
JP 2006-146755 A

  However, in the conventional camera disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to classify a plurality of captured images, based on feature information given to image data, for example, time information, location information, category information, and the like. An algorithm for classifying a large number of image data into groups is required. For this reason, since the system which implement | achieves the algorithm becomes complicated, in the said conventional camera disclosed by patent document 1, a camera cannot be comprised at low cost.

  In general, a plurality of images taken with a digital camera do not require a film unlike a conventional silver salt camera, so that a large amount of images are generated, and classification and organization of image data has become complicated. . In particular, when a large number of thumbnail list images are displayed on the external monitor in series, for example, when separating travel dates or when replacing photography equipment such as a single-lens reflex digital camera lens As a result, it was difficult to classify and organize the image data. In such a case, conventionally, the user himself / herself makes an empty image so as to create an image that becomes a delimiter for a plurality of images that have already been shot, and classifies and organizes the plurality of images that have already been shot. However, it was very time-consuming and lacked convenience.

The present invention according to claim 1 was made to solve such a problem.
First image generating means for capturing subject light through an aperture means by an optical system and forming an image on the imaging means to generate a first image;
Second image generation determination means for determining whether to generate a second image that can be distinguished from the first image;
A second image generating means for generating a second image when it is determined by the second image generation determining means to generate a second image;
The camera is configured to include a storage unit that stores a plurality of first images generated by the first image generation unit in a storage medium by dividing the plurality of first images by the second image generated by the second image generation unit.

  According to this configuration, the plurality of first images generated by the first image generation unit are separated by the storage unit by the second image generated by the second image generation unit and stored in the storage medium. For this reason, the plurality of photographed first images are automatically classified by the camera based on the second image, and are grouped and arranged. Therefore, in order to classify and organize the plurality of first images taken, the user creates an image that becomes a delimiter of the plurality of first images taken by performing emptying as before, There is no need to classify a plurality of first images. This eliminates the need to classify a plurality of images that have already been shot, and improves convenience in sorting and organizing the shot image data. In addition, the user can recognize the plurality of captured first images for each group separated by the second image by confirming the second image from the plurality of captured first images. Thus, it is possible to easily grasp all of a plurality of images, and it is possible to easily and quickly search and find a desired specific image. Further, unlike the conventional camera disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is no need for a system that realizes a complex algorithm for classifying a plurality of images, and the camera can be configured at low cost.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the first aspect,
The second image generation determination unit is configured so that the generation date of the first image generated last time by the first image generation unit is different from the generation date of the first image generated this time, or the previous generation by the first image generation unit. When the photographing equipment used at the time of the generation is different from the photographing equipment used at the time of the current generation, a determination is made to generate the second image.

  According to this configuration, when the generation date of the first image generated last time by the first image generation unit is different from the generation date of the first image generated this time, a plurality of images generated by the first image generation unit are generated. The first image is divided by the storage means by the second image generated by the second image generation means, stored in the storage medium, and automatically classified in time series. For this reason, the user does not need to classify a plurality of first images taken in time series by emptying the time series in a conventional manner.

  In addition, when the photographic equipment used at the time of the previous generation by the first image generation means is different from the photographic equipment used at the time of the current generation, a plurality of first images generated by the first image generation means. Are stored in a storage medium by being separated by the second image generated by the second image generation unit by the storage unit, and are automatically classified for each photographic equipment. For this reason, as in the prior art, when the user replaces the photographic equipment by himself, the user does not need to classify the plurality of photographed first images for each photographic equipment.

The present invention according to claim 3 is the camera according to claim 2,
The second image generation means generates the second image by the second image generation determination means, and the generation date of the first image generated last time by the first image generation means is different from the generation date of the first image generated this time. If it is determined, the second image including the generation date information is generated, and the photographic equipment used when it was generated last time by the first image generating means is different from the photographic equipment used when it was generated this time. When it is determined by the second image generation determination means that the second image is generated, a second image including photographic equipment information is generated.

  According to this configuration, when the generation date of the first image generated last time by the first image generation means is different from the generation date of the first image generated this time, the plurality of first images taken are The storage means delimits the second image including the generation date information and stores it in the storage medium. Therefore, the plurality of captured first images are automatically classified for each generation date, and the user confirms the generation date displayed on the second image from the plurality of captured first images. The plurality of first images taken can be easily grasped at a glance for each generation date.

  In addition, when the photographing equipment used when it was generated last time by the first image generating means and the photographing equipment used when it was generated this time are different, the plurality of photographed first images are taken by the storage means. The second image including the device information is divided and stored in the storage medium. For this reason, the plurality of photographed first images are automatically classified for each photographing device, and the user confirms the photographing device information displayed on the second image from the plurality of photographed first images. Thus, it is possible to easily recognize the plurality of first images taken at a glance for each photographing equipment used for photographing.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the third aspect,
The generation date of the first image generated last time by the first image generation unit is different from the generation date of the first image generated this time by the second image generation unit, and the second image generation unit was previously generated by the first image generation unit. If it is determined that the second image generation determination unit determines that the second image generation determination unit generates the second image because the shooting apparatus used at the time is different from the shooting apparatus used at the time of the current generation, Two images are generated.

  According to this configuration, when the generation date of the first image generated last time by the first image generation unit is different from the generation date of the first image generated this time, and when the first image generation unit generated the previous time. If the photographic equipment used is different from the photographic equipment used at the time of the current generation, the second means including the generation date information and the photographic equipment information is separated by the generation date or the photographic equipment by the storage means. And stored in the storage medium. For this reason, the plurality of first images taken are classified by the second image including the generation date information and the photographic equipment information, automatically divided for each generation date or for each photographic equipment, and the user takes a picture. By confirming the generation date information or photographing equipment information displayed on the second image from among the plurality of first images, the plurality of first images taken can be easily recognized at a glance for each generation date or photographing equipment. be able to.

The present invention according to claim 5 is the camera according to claim 4,
The second image generating means represents the generation date information displayed on the second image and the photographic equipment information in different colors.

  According to this configuration, the user can identify at a glance the generation date information and the imaging equipment information of the second image, which are expressed in different colors, and the plurality of captured first images can be identified for each generation date or It is easy to grasp by classifying by photographic equipment.

The present invention according to claim 6 is the camera according to claim 1,
After the second image is stored in the storage medium by the storage means, the first image whose file name order is changed by being divided by the second image, and the second image that delimits the first image are continuously added to the second image. An assigning means for assigning a file name is provided.

  According to this configuration, since the new file name that is continuous between the first image and the second image that divides the first image is given by the assigning unit, the order is changed by being divided by the second image. The file name of each image is automatically rearranged. For this reason, even if the second image is inserted into the plurality of first images later, the user does not need to perform the operation of reassigning the file name, and the convenience is improved, and the order of the file names is improved. It becomes easy to search for a desired image.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the first aspect,
The second image generation determination unit is configured to determine to generate a second image when continuous shooting is performed by the first image generation unit and a plurality of continuous first images are generated.

  According to this configuration, when continuous shooting is performed by the first image generation unit to generate a plurality of continuous first images, and the second image generation determination unit determines to generate the second image. A second image is generated by the second image generation means, and a plurality of first images generated by the first image generation means are divided.

The present invention according to claim 8 is the camera according to claim 7,
When the first image generation unit performs continuous shooting and generates a plurality of continuous first images and the second image generation determination unit determines to generate the second image, the storage unit stores a plurality of continuous first images. After the second image is stored before one image, there is provided an assigning unit that assigns a file name in which the second image is preceded by a plurality of consecutive first images after the second image is stored. And

  According to this configuration, after the second image is stored before the plurality of consecutive first images by the storage unit, the assigning unit has the order of the file names in which the second images are consecutive. Give the file name in front of the image. For this reason, the user confirms the second image from the plurality of first images taken, and the images after the second image are a plurality of continuous first images taken by continuous shooting. It is possible to easily recognize this, and it is possible to easily grasp a group of images taken continuously.

The present invention according to claim 9 is the camera according to claim 8,
When the first image generation unit performs continuous shooting and generates a plurality of continuous first images and the second image generation determination unit determines to generate the second image, the storage unit stores a plurality of continuous first images. After the second image duplicated before and after one image is stored, the order of the file names gives the file name that the duplicated second image is before and after the plurality of consecutive first images. It is characterized by providing a granting means.

According to this configuration, the assigning means stores the second image duplicated before and after the plurality of consecutive first images by the storage means, and then the order of the file names is determined based on the second image duplicated. The file names before and after the plurality of consecutive first images are given. For this reason, the user confirms the second image from the plurality of captured first images, so that the images sandwiched between the second images are a plurality of continuous first images captured by continuous shooting. Therefore, it is possible to easily recognize at a glance the group of images taken continuously.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the camera according to the first aspect,
Equipped with voice recognition means for recognizing voice,
The second image generation determination unit determines to generate a second image when the voice recognized by the voice recognition unit is associated with the first image generated by the first image generation unit. .

  According to this configuration, the user associates the voice by the voice recognition unit with the first image at the position where the second image is to be inserted among the plurality of photographed first images, so that the second image is at the desired position. Since it is inserted, a plurality of photographed first images can be classified and organized by the user. Further, the user can identify the contents of the group of the first images separated by the second image by listening to the sound associated with the first image.

The present invention according to claim 11 is the camera according to claim 10,
Conversion means for converting voice recognized by the voice recognition means into characters;
The second image generating means generates a second image including the characters converted by the converting means.

  According to this configuration, the plurality of captured first images are stored in the storage medium by the storage unit, separated by the second image including the character converted from the voice. For this reason, since the user can visually recognize the content of the voice associated with the first image with the characters displayed in the second image without hearing it, the first divided by the second image. It can be easily identified from the contents of a group of images.

The present invention according to claim 12 is the camera according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The second image generating means generates the second image by an imaging signal obtained from the imaging means in a state where the opening means is closed.

  According to this configuration, since the subject light incident on the imaging unit is blocked by the aperture unit, the second image is generated as a black image by the second image generation unit. Therefore, the plurality of first images taken can be easily recognized at a glance by the black second image.

The present invention according to claim 13 is the camera according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The second image generating means generates a second image based on predetermined image data.

  According to this configuration, the user stores the image according to the user's preference as predetermined image data in the storage unit, so that the user can make the user's preference with respect to the plurality of captured first images. A corresponding image can be inserted as the second image. For this reason, the user can classify and organize the photographed first images in a manner according to the user's preference.

  According to the image display device of the present invention, as described above, the plurality of first images taken are automatically classified by the camera based on the second image, and are grouped and arranged. This eliminates the need to classify a plurality of images that have already been shot, and improves convenience in sorting and organizing the shot image data. In addition, the user can recognize the plurality of captured first images for each group separated by the second image by confirming the second image from the plurality of captured first images. Thus, it is possible to easily grasp all of a plurality of images, and it is possible to easily and quickly search and find a desired specific image. Further, unlike the conventional camera, there is no need for a system that implements a complex algorithm for classifying a plurality of images, and the camera can be configured at low cost.

  Next, the best mode when the present invention is applied to a digital camera will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a digital camera according to the best embodiment.

  The digital camera 1 includes an interchangeable lens 2 and a main body 3. On the outside of the main body 3, a release button 9 and a display unit 10 for displaying various setting conditions and photographing results of the digital camera 1 are provided. The digital camera 1 also includes a power switch (not shown), a dial type selection switch that allows the photographer to select an exposure method according to the desired scene, and an image recording setting switch that sets conditions for image recording during shooting. Yes.

  The interchangeable lens 2 constitutes a photographic equipment that can be freely attached to and detached from the main body 3, and includes an aperture 6 in addition to the lens 5 that constitutes the optical system. Further, the interchangeable lens 2 is provided with a lens / aperture drive control motor 7 for focusing the lens 5 and driving the aperture 6, and an encoder 4 for confirming the position of the lens 5. Is provided. Further, a lens / diaphragm drive control circuit 8 for driving and controlling the lens / diaphragm drive control motor 7 and a storage circuit (not shown) in which the focal length and the open F number are recorded are provided.

  Inside the main body 3 is provided a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11 that controls a series of operations before, during and after shooting. The subject light enters the main body 3 through the lens 5 and is reflected by the quick return mirror 12. Although the image formed through the lens 5 is upside down, left and right, the subject light is reflected by the quick return mirror 12 so that the vertical direction is normal. The subject light reflected by the quick return mirror 12 is further reflected by the pentaprism 13 so that the right and left directions are also normal, and the user can view the subject image as a normal image via the finder 16. Part of the light that has passed through the pentaprism 13 is reflected by the half mirror 14 and detected by the photometry unit 15. The CPU 11 drives the lens / diaphragm drive motor 7 by the lens / diaphragm drive control circuit 8 based on the subject light quantity detected by the photometry unit 15 to adjust the aperture of the aperture 6. Thereby, the light quantity of the to-be-photographed image projected on the image pick-up element 18 which comprises an image pickup means with CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) is adjusted. The subject light that has passed through the quick return mirror 12 without being reflected is reflected by the sub mirror 12 a of the quick return mirror 12 and detected by the focus detection device 21. The CPU 11 detects the focus state of the subject light by the lens 5 based on the detection result of the focus detection device 21. Then, based on the detected focus state of the subject light and the lens information transmitted from the storage circuit of the interchangeable lens 2 and stored in the lens information circuit 20, the lens / aperture drive control circuit 8 causes the lens / aperture to be controlled. The drive motor 7 is driven, the lens 5 is moved, and the subject image projected on the image sensor 18 is focused and adjusted.

  When the user of the digital camera 1 presses the release button 9 while viewing the subject image through the finder 16, the CPU 11 detects this and opens the curtain of the shutter 17 constituting the opening means. The CPU 11 further captures an image obtained by the image sensor 18 by subject light that has passed through the lens 5 and the diaphragm 6 by the image sensor drive circuit 19. The subject image captured by the image sensor drive circuit 19 is output by the CPU 11 to the image processing circuit 28 as an imaging signal. The image processing circuit 28 performs predetermined analog signal processing on the input image pickup signal, converts it to a digital signal, and performs predetermined image processing such as white balance processing and gamma correction. The image data subjected to the image processing by the image processing circuit 28 is temporarily recorded in an image memory 29 constituted by a RAM (random access memory) under the control of the CPU 11 and compressed by the image compression unit 30. The compressed image data is displayed on the display unit 10 formed of a liquid crystal display device by the image display circuit 27 and stored in a memory card 26 formed of a nonvolatile memory constituting a storage medium under the control of the card interface 25. Is done. The card interface 25 is controlled based on the CPU 11 and controls writing and reading of image data with respect to the memory card 26. In addition, a microphone 24 is provided with a sound collection unit facing the front surface of the main body 3, and a sound processing circuit 23 controlled by the CPU 11 is connected to the microphone 24. The voice processing circuit 23, the microphone 24, and the CPU 11 constitute a voice recognition unit that recognizes external voice collected from the microphone 24. The voice processing circuit 23 and the CPU 11 constitute conversion means for converting the voice recognized by the voice recognition means into characters. A GPS (Global Positioning System) module 22 and a wireless module 31 are provided inside the main body 3. The GPS module 22 collects GPS information such as position information of the digital camera 1 from GPS satellites. The wireless module 31 obtains wireless information of a wireless LAN (local area network) standard from the outside and communicates with an external wireless device.

  The CPU 11, the shutter 17, the image sensor 18, the image sensor drive circuit 19, and the image processing circuit 28 take in subject light through the shutter 17 by the lens 5 and form an image on the image sensor 18 to form the subject image as a first image. A first image generating means to generate is configured. Further, the CPU 11 constitutes a second image generation determination unit that determines whether or not to generate a second image that can be identified from the first image. Further, the CPU 11, the shutter 17, the image sensor 18, and the image sensor drive circuit 19 are provided with second image generation means for generating the second image when the second image generation determination means determines that the second image is generated. Constitute. In the present embodiment, the second image generation unit generates a second image based on an imaging signal obtained from the imaging element 18 in a state where the shutter 17 is closed, and generates a black image as described later as the second image. The CPU 11 and the card interface 25 constitute storage means for storing the plurality of first images generated by the first image generation means in the memory card 26 by dividing the first images generated by the second image generation means. To do.

  In addition, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the CPU 11 constituting the second image generation determination unit generates the generation date of the first image generated last time by the first image generation unit and the first image generated this time. The second image is generated when the generation date is different, or when the interchangeable lens 2 used at the previous generation by the first image generation means is different from the interchangeable lens 2 used at the current generation. Judgment to do.

  Further, the second image generation means is different from the generation date of the first image generated last time by the first image generation means and the generation date of the first image generated this time, and the second image generation determination means determines the second image. Is generated, a second image including generation date information is generated, and the interchangeable lens 2 used when it was generated last time by the first image generating means and the interchangeable lens 2 used when it was generated this time. If the second image generation determination means determines that the second image is to be generated, the second image including the photographing equipment information is generated. In the present embodiment, the second image generation means is different from the generation date of the first image generated last time by the first image generation means and the generation date of the first image generated this time, and the first image generation means. Generation date information when the second image generation determination means determines that the interchangeable lens 2 used when it was generated last time is different from the interchangeable lens 2 used when it was generated this time is generated by the second image generation determination means. And a second image including the photographic equipment information. At this time, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 5, the second image generating means expresses the generation date information displayed on the second image and the photographing equipment information in different colors.

  Further, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 6, the CPU 11 stores the first image in which the order of the file names is changed by dividing the second image after the second image is stored in the memory card 26 by the storage unit, and this An assigning unit that assigns a new continuous file name to the second image that divides the first image is configured.

  Further, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the CPU 11 that constitutes the second image generation determination unit performs continuous shooting by the first image generation unit and generates a plurality of continuous first images. Then, it is determined to generate the second image. At this time, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 9, the assigning unit described above stores the second image copied before and after the plurality of consecutive first images by the storage unit, and then changes the order of the file names. The filed second image gives a file name before and after the plurality of consecutive first images.

  Further, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the CPU 11 constituting the second image generation determination unit associates the voice recognized by the voice recognition unit with the first image generated by the first image generation unit. If so, a determination is made to generate the second image. At this time, the second image generation means generates a second image including the characters converted from the voice by the voice processing circuit 23.

  2, 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing an outline of processing performed by the CPU 11 when photographing a subject image.

  First, the CPU 11 resets the date flag to 0, which is an initial value (see S1 in FIG. 2). This date flag is used to identify whether or not a date image described later has been generated, and is set to 1 when the date image is generated. Next, when the release button 9 is turned on, the CPU 11 acquires lens information such as the focal length and the open F number of the lens 5 from the lens information circuit 20 (S2). Next, the CPU 11 instructs the photometry unit 15 to perform photometry processing for determining exposure (S3), and instructs the focus detection device 21 to perform focus detection processing for autofocus (S4). Subsequently, the CPU 11 instructs the lens / diaphragm drive control circuit 8 to drive the lens based on the focus detected by the focus detection device 21 (S5), and drives the lens / diaphragm drive motor 7 to complete the operation. The lens 5 is moved so as to be in focus. Further, the CPU 11 instructs the lens / diaphragm drive control circuit 8 to drive the diaphragm based on the amount of light of the subject detected by the photometry unit 15 (S6), and drives the lens / diaphragm drive motor 7 to drive the diaphragm 6. Adjust the opening amount.

  Next, the CPU 11 outputs a drive instruction to raise the mirror to the quick return mirror 12 (S7), and causes the subject light to directly enter the image sensor 18 side without passing through the quick return mirror 12. Next, the CPU 11 outputs a shutter drive instruction to the shutter 17 (S8), opens the front curtain of the shutter 17, and closes the rear curtain after a predetermined delay. As a result, subject light is taken into the image sensor 18 through the shutter 17. Subsequently, the CPU 11 outputs a CCD drive instruction to the image sensor drive circuit 19 (S9), and creates image data of a subject image projected on the image sensor 18. Thereafter, the CPU 11 outputs a drive instruction for mirror-down to the quick return mirror 12 (S10), moves the quick return mirror 12 to the front surface of the image sensor 18, and reflects the subject light to the viewfinder side again. Next, the CPU 11 outputs an image file recording instruction to the card interface 25 (S11), and records the subject image photographed by the image sensor 18 through the lens 5 on the memory card 26 as a first image. The image file recorded on the memory card is created in the Exif file format in conformity with the Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format) standard, and the first image data captured is stored in the image data portion in the lens acquired in the process of S2. Information, shooting date information, etc. are recorded in the header part.

  Next, the CPU 11 refers to the shooting date information recorded in the header part of the image file, and the shooting date of the last frame of the first image that was previously shot and recorded in the memory card 26 and the first shot that was taken this time. It is determined whether or not the image shooting date is the same (see FIG. 3, S21). If each shooting date is different and the determination in S21 is “NO”, the CPU 11 outputs a CCD drive instruction to the image sensor drive circuit 19 (S22), and automatically switches the shooting mode to the manual mode. Then, the second image is generated by the image pickup signal obtained from the image pickup device 18 with the shutter 17 closed. When the shutter 17 is closed, the subject light incident on the image sensor 18 is blocked, so that the second image is generated as a black image. At this time, the CPU 11 sets the compression rate of the image compression unit 30 to the compression rate of the minimum image quality in order not to use a large storage area of the memory card 26, maximizes the aperture by the aperture 6, and sets the shutter speed. Minimize.

  Thereafter, the CPU 11 superimposes the date image on the second image generated in S22 (S23). The date image is an image representing the generation date of the first image generated by the current shooting by the process of S9. When the date image is superimposed on the black second image, for example, a white background on a black background as shown in FIG. A second image in which the generation date information (01/23/08) represented by the extracted characters is superimposed is generated. Next, the CPU 11 issues an image file recording instruction (S24), records the second image on which the date image is superimposed on the memory card 26, and divides the plurality of first images by the second image by date. Next, the CPU 11 performs a file name assigning process on the first image and the second image recorded on the memory card 26 (S25).

  That is, the CPU 11 assigns a new continuous file name to the first image whose file name order has been changed by being divided by the second image, and the second image that divides the first image. For example, as shown in FIG. 6A, the user takes two subject images on the first day, and the first image generation means generates the first images with the file names 0001.jpg and 0002.jpg. After that, on the second day, when one subject image is photographed and the first image with the file name 0003.jpg is generated by the first image generating means, each memory card 26 has each image as shown in FIG. Image files are lined up. In this state, in the process of S22, when the second image on which the date image is superimposed is generated by the second image generating means, the second image with the file name 0004.jpg is converted into the second image shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of first images are recorded at positions that are separated by date. Here, when the file name assigning process of S25 is performed, as shown in FIG. 6C, the file name of the first image having the file name 0003.jpg is 0004.jpg by the assigning means for assigning the file name. The file name of the second image on which the date image is superimposed is changed from 0004.jpg to 0003.jpg. Next, since the CPU 11 has generated the second image on which the date image is superimposed, the date flag is set to 1 (see S26 in FIG. 3).

  When the shooting dates are the same and the determination in S21 is “YES”, or when the processing of S26 is completed, the CPU 11 refers to the lens information recorded in the header portion of the image file and performs the previous shooting to store the memory. It is determined whether or not the interchangeable lens 2 used for photographing the last frame of the first image recorded on the card 26 is the same as the interchangeable lens 2 used for photographing the currently photographed image (FIG. 4, S31). When each interchangeable lens 2 is different and the determination in S31 is “NO”, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the date flag is 0 (S32). If the date flag is 1 and the determination in S32 is “NO”, since the second image has already been generated, the second image (date-separated image) on which the date image is superimposed is read from the memory card 26 (S33). . If the date flag is 0 and the determination in S32 is “YES”, the CPU 11 outputs a drive instruction to the image sensor drive circuit 19 (S34), and the image obtained from the image sensor 18 with the shutter 17 closed. A black second image is generated by the signal.

  Next, CPU11 superimposes a lens information image on a 2nd image after the process of S33 or S34 (S35). The lens information image is an image representing the lens information obtained by the processing of S2, and when superimposed on the black second image, when the date flag is 0, for example, as shown in FIG. A second image in which the equipment information is superimposed as “open aperture value F2.8, focal length 35 to 70 mm” expressed in yellow letters is generated. Note that lens model number information or the like may be used as photographing equipment information. When the date flag is 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 5C, the generation date information (January 23, 2008) represented by white letters on a black background and yellow letters are used. A second image on which the obtained photographic equipment information (open aperture value F2.8, focal length 35 to 70 mm) is superimposed is generated. The generation date information and the photographic equipment information may be expressed in the same color. Further, the background of the second image may be a specific color, or the border of the second image may be a specific color.

  Next, the CPU 11 issues an image file recording instruction (S36). In this process, when the date flag is 0, the second image generated as shown in FIG. 5B is recorded on the memory card 26, and the plurality of first images are classified into the types of the interchangeable lens 2 by the second image. Separate each. When the date flag is 1, the generated second image is recorded on the memory card 26 as shown in FIG. 5C, and the plurality of first images are separated by date by the second image. Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the date flag is 0 (S37). When this determination is “YES”, the CPU 11 performs a file name assigning process similar to the process of S25 on the first image and the second image recorded on the memory card 26 (S38). On the other hand, when the determination in S37 is “NO”, or when the process of S38 is completed, the CPU 11 ends this process.

  FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are flowcharts showing an outline of processing performed by the CPU 11 when the subject image is continuously shot. In FIG. 7, the same or corresponding steps as those in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same step numbers and description thereof is omitted.

  First, prior to continuous shooting, the user operates the setting menu displayed on the display unit 10 to set the shooting mode of the digital camera 1 to the continuous shooting mode and enables the continuous shooting function. Next, the CPU 11 resets the continuous shooting counter to 0, which is an initial value (see S41 in FIG. 7). The continuous shooting counter is a counter that counts the number of first images acquired by continuous shooting. Next, when the release button 2 is fully pressed by the user, continuous shooting is started. When the continuous shooting is started, the CPU 11 performs the processing shown in S2 to S11 in the same manner as the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, and records the shot subject image on the memory card 26 as the first image.

  Thereafter, the CPU 11 increments the continuous shooting counter by 1 as the first image is acquired (see S51 in FIG. 8). Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the release button 9 is fully pressed and the continuous shooting is finished (S52). When this determination is “NO”, the process returns to S2, and the processes of S2 to S11, S51, and S52 are repeated, and the second and subsequent continuous shootings are performed. When the release button 9 is fully pressed and the determination in S52 is “YES”, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the continuous shooting counter indicating the number of first images taken in the continuous shooting is 2 or more. (S53). If the number of captured first images is two or more and this determination is “YES”, the CPU 11 next outputs a CCD drive instruction to the image sensor drive circuit 19 (S54), and the shutter. A black second image is generated by an imaging signal obtained from the imaging element 18 in a state in which 17 is closed. Subsequently, the CPU 11 duplicates the second image to generate two sheets of the same second image as a delimiter image (S55), issues an image file recording instruction (S56), and a plurality of continuous images obtained by continuous shooting. The first image is recorded on the memory card 26 by being divided by the second image.

  Next, the CPU 11 performs a file name assigning process (S57). In the present embodiment, the CPU 11 assigns file names in which the order of the file names is such that the duplicated second image is before and after the plurality of continuous first images. For example, the user copies three consecutive subject images in continuous shooting, and the first image generation means, as shown in FIG. When one image is generated, three first images are arranged on the memory card 26 as shown in FIG. In this state, when the second image, which is a delimiter image, is generated by the second image generation unit by the process of S54, the second image is duplicated into two sheets by the process of S55 as shown in FIG. 9B. The Then, by the process of S56, as shown in FIG. 9C, the second images copied before and after the three consecutive first images are recorded. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9 (d), the file name assigning means in S57 assigns file names 0001.jpg and 0005.jpg to the two second images. The file names 0001.jpg to 0003.jpg of the three first images are changed to 0002.jpg to 0004.jpg. Thereafter, in FIG. 8, the CPU 11 ends the present process when the determination in S53 is “NO” or when the process of S57 is completed.

  FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are flowcharts showing an outline of the processing performed by the CPU 11 when recording the voice in association with the first image captured by the moving image. In FIG. 10, the same or corresponding processes as those in FIG.

  First, prior to moving image shooting, the user operates the setting menu displayed on the display unit 10 to set the shooting mode of the digital camera 1 to the moving image shooting mode and enables the moving image shooting function. Next, the CPU 11 performs the processing shown in S2 to S11 in the same manner as the flowchart shown in FIG. However, in this process, a moving image is acquired as the first image by the image pickup device 18 and the image pickup device drive circuit 19 in accordance with the CCD drive processing instruction in S9, and the acquired moving image is recorded in the memory card 26.

  Thereafter, the CPU 11 displays the last frame of the captured moving image on the display unit 10 as a freeze image (see S61 in FIG. 11). Next, the CPU 11 displays on the display unit 10 whether or not to record sound in association with the captured moving image, and asks the user whether or not to record sound (S62). If this determination is “YES”, the CPU 11 records the sound acquired via the microphone 24 (S63) and generates an audio file (S64). Next, the CPU 11 assigns a file name to the created audio file (S65) and stores it in the memory card 26 (S66). The file name of the audio file is given by making the file name of the first image the same as the file name other than the extension. For example, if the file name of the first image already taken is 0001.jpg, the file name of the audio file is, for example, 0001.wav. Next, the CPU 11 outputs a CCD drive instruction to the image sensor drive circuit 19 (S67), and generates a second black image based on an image signal obtained from the image sensor 18 with the shutter 17 closed (S67). In the present embodiment, the CPU 11 converts the recorded voice into characters and superimposes them on the second image. Next, the CPU 11 issues an image file recording instruction (S68), and records the second image on the memory card 26 so as to be after the first image on which the sound is recorded (S68). When the determination in S62 is “NO”, or when the process of S68 is completed, the CPU 11 ends this process.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram in which the first image and the second image generated as described above are displayed as thumbnail images on the external monitor.

  The thumbnail list image including the first image and the second image is displayed on, for example, the display unit 10 of the digital camera 1 and the television 31 connected to the digital camera 1 via a cable as shown in FIG. Is done. Further, by inserting the memory card 26 storing the first image and the second image into the main body 32a of the personal computer 32 shown in FIG. 5B and using the viewer software installed in the personal computer 32, the first image and the second image are stored. A thumbnail list image including two images is displayed on the monitor 32b. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the black image is the second image, and is a partition of the first image displayed in plural.

  According to the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment as described above, the plurality of first images generated by the first image generation unit are stored in the second image by the storage unit in the processes of FIGS. 3, S24, and FIGS. The image is divided into black second images generated by the generation unit and stored in the memory card 26. Therefore, the plurality of photographed first images are automatically classified by the digital camera 1 based on the second image, and are grouped and arranged. Therefore, in order to classify and organize the plurality of first images taken, the user creates an image that becomes a delimiter of the plurality of first images taken by performing emptying as before, There is no need to classify a plurality of first images. This eliminates the need to classify a plurality of images that have already been shot, and improves convenience in sorting and organizing the shot image data. In addition, the user can recognize the plurality of captured first images for each group separated by the second image by confirming the second image from the plurality of captured first images. Thus, it is possible to easily grasp all of a plurality of images, and it is possible to easily and quickly search and find a desired specific image. Further, unlike the conventional camera disclosed in Patent Document 1, a system for realizing a complex algorithm for classifying a plurality of images is not necessary, and the digital camera 1 can be configured at low cost.

  Further, according to the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment, the generation date of the first image generated last time by the first image generation means and the generation date of the first image generated this time in the determination processing of FIG. Are different from each other, the plurality of first images generated by the first image generating means are separated by the second image generated by the second image generating means by the storage means in the processing of FIGS. It is stored in the memory card 26 and automatically classified in time series. For this reason, the user does not need to classify a plurality of first images taken in time series by emptying the time series in a conventional manner.

  4 and S31, if the interchangeable lens 2 used when the previous image was generated by the first image generation means and the interchangeable lens 2 used when generated this time are different, the first image is displayed. The plurality of first images generated by the generation unit are stored in the memory card 26 by the storage unit in the process of FIGS. 4 and 4, separated by the second image generated by the second image generation unit, and stored in the interchangeable lens. It is automatically classified every two. For this reason, as in the prior art, when the user replaces the interchangeable lens 2 by itself, the user does not need to classify the plurality of photographed first images for each interchangeable lens 2.

  Further, according to the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment, the generation date of the first image generated last time by the first image generation means and the generation date of the first image generated this time in the determination processing of FIG. If the images are different from each other, the plurality of photographed first images are the second images (FIG. 5) including the generation date information generated by the storage unit in the processing of FIGS. (See (a)) and stored in the memory card 26. For this reason, the plurality of photographed first images are automatically classified for each generation date as shown in FIG. 6, and the user can generate the images displayed on the second image from the plurality of photographed first images. By confirming the date, it is possible to easily grasp a plurality of first images taken at a glance for each generation date.

  4 and S31, if the interchangeable lens 2 used when it was generated last time by the first image generation means is different from the interchangeable lens 2 used when it was generated this time, a plurality of images taken. The first image of FIG. 4 is stored in the memory of the second image (see FIG. 5B) including the interchangeable lens information generated by the processing of FIGS. 4 and S35 by the storage means in the processing of FIGS. It is stored in the card 26. Therefore, the plurality of photographed first images are automatically classified for each interchangeable lens 2, and the user confirms the interchangeable lens information displayed on the second image from the plurality of photographed first images. Thus, it is possible to easily recognize a plurality of photographed first images at a glance for each interchangeable lens 2 used for photographing.

  Further, according to the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment, the generation date of the first image generated last time by the first image generation means and the generation date of the first image generated this time in the determination processing of FIG. And when the interchangeable lens 2 used at the time of the previous generation by the first image generation means is different from the interchangeable lens 2 used at the time of the current generation in the determination processing of FIG. In the processing of FIGS. 4 and S36, the storage means generates a second image (see FIG. 5C) including the generation date information and the photographic equipment information generated by the processing of FIGS. Each interchangeable lens 2 is divided and stored in the memory card 26. For this reason, the plurality of photographed first images are classified by the second image including the generation date information and the photographic equipment information, automatically divided for each generation date or each interchangeable lens 2, and the user can shoot By confirming the generation date information or the photographic equipment information displayed on the second image from among the plurality of first images, the plurality of captured first images can be easily obtained at a glance for each generation date or each interchangeable lens 2. Can be recognized.

  Further, according to the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment, the user can identify at a glance the generation date information of the second image expressed in white and the photographing equipment information expressed in yellow, which are expressed in different colors. It is possible to classify a plurality of captured first images for each generation date or each interchangeable lens 2 and easily grasp them.

  Further, according to the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment, in the processes of FIGS. 3, S25, and FIGS. 4 and S38, a new image continuous with the first image and the second image that divides the first image is provided by the adding unit. Since the file name is given, the file name of each image whose order has been changed by being separated by the second image is automatically rearranged (see FIG. 6). For this reason, even if the second image is inserted into the plurality of first images later, the user does not need to perform the operation of reassigning the file name, and the convenience is improved, and the order of the file names is improved. It becomes easy to search for a desired image.

  Further, according to the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment, the continuous image capturing is performed by the first image generation unit by the processes of FIGS. 7, 8, S <b> 51 and S <b> 52 to generate a plurality of continuous first images. . When the determination in FIG. 8 and S53 is “YES” and the second image generation determination unit determines to generate the second image, the second image generation unit in the process of FIG. An image is generated, and in the process of FIG. 8 and S56, the storage unit stores the second image copied before and after the plurality of continuous first images (see FIG. 9C). After that, in the processing of FIG. 8 and S57, the file name is assigned by the assigning unit so that the duplicated second image has a file name before and after the plurality of consecutive first images (FIG. 9). (See (d)). For this reason, the user confirms the second image from the plurality of captured first images, so that the images sandwiched between the second images are a plurality of continuous first images captured by continuous shooting. Therefore, it is possible to easily recognize at a glance the group of images taken continuously.

  In addition, according to the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment, the user can make a sound in the first image at the position where the second image is to be inserted among the plurality of first images photographed in the processes of FIGS. 11, S62, and S63. By associating the sound with the recognition means, the second image is inserted at a desired position by the processing of FIG. 11 and S68, so that the photographed first images can be classified and organized by the user. Further, the user can identify the contents of the group of the first images separated by the second image by listening to the sound associated with the first image.

  The plurality of first images taken are separated by the second image including the characters converted from the voice generated by the storage unit in the processing of FIGS. 11 and S67 by the storage unit in the processing of FIGS. Stored in the memory card 26. For this reason, since the user can visually recognize the content of the voice associated with the first image with the characters displayed in the second image without hearing it, the first divided by the second image. The contents of a group of images can be identified more easily.

  Further, according to the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment, the subject light incident on the image sensor 18 when the second image generating unit generates the second image in the processes of FIGS. 3, S22, 4, and S34. Is blocked by the shutter 12, the second image is generated as a black image. Therefore, the plurality of first images taken can be easily recognized at a glance by the black second image.

  In the present embodiment, the second image generation unit is configured to generate the second image based on the image pickup signal obtained from the image pickup device 18 with the shutter 17 closed. The CPU 11 may generate the second image based on the image data. According to this configuration, the user stores the image according to the user's preference as predetermined image data in the storage unit, so that the user can make the user's preference with respect to the plurality of captured first images. A corresponding image can be inserted as the second image. For this reason, the user can classify and organize the photographed first images in a manner according to the user's preference.

  In the present embodiment, the digital camera 1 reproduces before and after the plurality of continuous first images when the first image generation unit performs continuous shooting and generates a plurality of continuous first images. However, the second image may be stored before or after the plurality of continuous first images. According to this configuration, after the second image is stored before or after the plurality of consecutive first images by the storage unit, the order of the file names is determined by the assigning unit, and the second image is displayed by the second image. The file name before or after the image is given. For this reason, the user confirms the second image from among the plurality of first images that have been photographed, so that a plurality of consecutive images that have been photographed by continuous shooting of the second and subsequent images or before the second image. The first image can be easily recognized, and a group of continuously shot images can be easily grasped at a glance.

  Further, the second image generation means may be configured to generate a second image including wireless information obtained by the wireless module 31, for example, information obtained by a wireless LAN. According to this configuration, the storage unit divides the first image with the second image including the wireless information and records it on the memory card 26, so that the plurality of photographed first images are automatically classified based on the wireless information. , Grouped and organized.

  Further, the second image generating means may be configured to generate a second image including GPS information obtained by the GPS module 15. According to this configuration, since the storage means records the first image on the memory card 26 by dividing the first image with the second image including GPS information, the plurality of photographed first images are automatically classified based on the GPS information. , Grouped and organized.

  Further, the image processing apparatus may include a Web image acquisition unit that acquires a Web image from the Web, and the second image generation unit may generate a second image including the Web image acquired by the Web image acquisition unit. According to this configuration, the storage unit divides the first image by the second image including the Web image and records the first image on the memory card 26. Therefore, the plurality of captured first images are automatically classified based on the Web image. , Grouped and organized.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the second image generation determination unit is different from the generation date of the first image generated last time by the first image generation unit and the generation date of the first image generated this time, The second image generation determination unit may determine to generate the second image at a specific time set in advance.

  In the present embodiment, the photographing equipment is the interchangeable lens 2, but the photographing equipment is not limited to the interchangeable lens 2, and may be other equipment attached to the digital camera 1, for example.

  Although the case where the camera of the present invention is applied to a digital camera has been described in the above embodiment, the present invention can also be applied to other cameras such as a video camera and a camera built in a mobile phone. Even when the present invention is applied to such a camera, the same effects as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

It is a block diagram which shows the outline of a structure of the digital camera by the best embodiment of this invention. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the outline of the process performed when image | photographing a to-be-photographed object with the digital camera by this Embodiment. FIG. 3 is a second flowchart following the first flowchart shown in FIG. 2. FIG. FIG. 4 is a third flowchart following the second flowchart shown in FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the 2nd image produced | generated with the digital camera by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the process of the provision part which provides a file name with respect to the 1st image and 2nd image which were produced | generated with the digital camera by this Embodiment. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the outline of the process performed when a subject image is continuously shot with the digital camera according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a second flowchart following the first flowchart shown in FIG. 7. FIG. It is a figure which shows the process of the provision part which provides a file name with respect to the image produced | generated by the continuous shooting with the digital camera by this Embodiment. It is a 1st flowchart which shows the outline of the process performed when correlating an audio | voice with the 1st image image | photographed with the digital camera by this Embodiment. FIG. 11 is a second flowchart following the first flowchart shown in FIG. 10. It is the figure which displayed on the monitor the 1st image and 2nd image which were produced | generated with the digital camera by this Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Digital camera
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Interchangeable lens 3 ... Main body 4 ... Encoder 5 ... Lens 6 ... Diaphragm 7 ... Lens / diaphragm drive motor 8 ... Lens / diaphragm drive control circuit 9 ... Release button 10 ... Display unit 11 ... CPU
12 ... Quick return mirror 13 ... Penta prism 14 ... Half mirror 15 ... Photometry section
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 16 ... Finder 17 ... Shutter 18 ... Image pick-up element 19 ... Image pick-up element drive circuit 20 ... Lens information circuit 21 ... Focus detection apparatus 22 ... GPS module
23 ... Audio processing circuit 24 ... Microphone 25 ... Card interface 26 ... Memory card 27 ... Image display circuit 28 ... Image processing circuit
29 ... Image memory 30 ... Image compression unit 31 ... Wireless module

Claims (13)

First image generating means for capturing subject light through an aperture means by an optical system and forming an image on the imaging means to generate a first image;
Second image generation determination means for determining whether or not to generate a second image that can be distinguished from the first image;
Second image generation means for generating the second image when it is determined by the second image generation determination means to generate the second image;
A storage unit that stores the plurality of first images generated by the first image generation unit in a storage medium by dividing the first images by the second image generated by the second image generation unit; . The camera of claim 1,
The second image generation determination unit is configured such that the generation date of the first image generated last time by the first image generation unit is different from the generation date of the first image generated this time, or the first image A camera that determines to generate the second image when the imaging equipment used when it was generated last time by the generation means is different from the imaging equipment used when it was generated this time. The camera according to claim 2,
The second image generation means differs from the generation date of the first image generated last time by the first image generation means and the generation date of the first image generated this time by the second image generation determination means. When it is determined that the second image is to be generated, the second image including the generation date information is generated and used when the first image generation unit generates the second image and the photographing equipment used at the time of the current generation. When the second image generation determining means determines that the second image is to be generated, which is different from the acquired imaging equipment, the second image including the imaging equipment information is generated. The camera according to claim 3.
The second image generation means is different from a generation date of the first image generated last time by the first image generation means and a generation date of the first image generated this time, and the first image generation means When the second image generation determination unit determines that the second image generation determination unit generates the second image differently from the imaging device used at the time of the previous generation and the generation device used at the time of the current generation, A camera characterized in that the second image including photographic equipment information is generated. The camera according to claim 4, wherein
The camera, wherein the second image generation means expresses generation date information and photographic equipment information displayed on the second image in different colors. The camera of claim 1,
After the second image is stored in the storage medium by the storage means, the first image in which the order of the file names is changed by being divided by the second image, and the second image that delimits the first image A camera characterized in that it is provided with an assigning means for assigning continuous new file names. The camera of claim 1,
The second image generation determination unit determines to generate the second image when the first image generation unit performs continuous shooting and generates a plurality of continuous first images. Features a camera. The camera according to claim 7, wherein
When the first image generation means performs continuous shooting and the plurality of continuous first images are generated and the second image generation determination means determines that the second image is generated, the storage means After the second image is stored before the plurality of consecutive first images, the file name is given a file name in which the second image precedes the plurality of consecutive first images. A camera characterized by comprising an attaching means. The camera according to claim 8, wherein
When the first image generation means performs continuous shooting and the plurality of continuous first images are generated and the second image generation determination means determines that the second image is generated, the storage means After the second images copied before and after the plurality of successive first images are stored, the order of the file names is determined so that the duplicated second images are the same as the plurality of successive first images. A camera characterized by comprising an attaching means for assigning the front and rear file names. The camera of claim 1,
Equipped with voice recognition means for recognizing voice,
The second image generation determination unit determines to generate the second image when the voice recognized by the voice recognition unit is associated with the first image generated by the first image generation unit. A camera characterized by that. The camera of claim 10, wherein
Conversion means for converting voice recognized by the voice recognition means into characters;
The camera, wherein the second image generation unit generates the second image including the character converted by the conversion unit. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The camera, wherein the second image generation unit generates the second image based on an imaging signal obtained from the imaging unit in a state where the opening unit is closed. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The second image generation means generates the second image based on predetermined image data.

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