JP2012010123A - Electronic apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To write data of high bit rate without trouble while effectively utilizing free regions in a storage device.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus (1) includes: a processing means (6) capable of sequentially executing various kinds of processing; a first detection means (6) for detecting a load status of the processing means; a second detection means (6) for detecting a magnitude of a data amount per unit time of data which may be generated with the processing; a region dividing means (6) for dividing free regions of a storage device (14) into a plurality of regions in accordance with a write speed; a selection means (6) for selecting any one of the plurality of regions divided by the region dividing means (6) based on the load status detected by the first detection means (6) and the magnitude of the data amount per unit time detected by the second detection means (6); and a storage control means (6) for writing data which may be generated with the processing, into the region selected by the selection means (6).

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic device and a program, and more particularly to an electronic device and a program that can record data generated in a time-series manner at a high bit rate, such as a high-quality moving image file, without any trouble.

  In recent years, digital imaging devices (hereinafter simply referred to as “imaging devices”) such as digital still cameras and digital video cameras have become widespread. In this type of imaging apparatus, an image of a subject generated using an imaging device such as a CCD can be converted into a still image file or a moving image file and recorded and stored in a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory.

  Here, “file” refers to a data management unit in a general-purpose operating system (OS), and the file management mechanism is referred to as a FAT (file allocation table) method.

  In the FAT system, the entire storage area of the storage device is subdivided into small partitions (called clusters), and data is divided into small units and stored. A cluster in which data is written is called “used cluster”, and a cluster in which no data is written is called “unused cluster”.

  In the FAT system, these “used clusters” and “unused clusters” are managed by a data table called “file allocation table”. When storing a file, the necessary number of “unused clusters” are specified from the table, the file data is stored in the cluster, and those clusters are changed to “used clusters”. When deleting a file, the cluster assigned to the file is changed to “unused cluster”.

  The disadvantage of the FAT method is that cluster fragmentation (fragmentation) progresses as file deletion and writing are repeated. Fragmentation means that “used clusters” enter between “unused clusters”, and the degree of fragmentation is called the fragmentation rate. When the fragmentation rate increases, it takes time to write the file, especially when writing data generated in time series at a high bit rate, such as a high-quality video file, the writing cannot catch up. There is a risk of inconvenience.

  There are two causes of inconvenience associated with fragmentation. The first is a cause peculiar to a storage device having a magnetic head, such as a hard disk. This is because it takes time to move the head when clusters used in one file become discontinuous. The second is a cause specific to a storage device having a fixed upper limit number of rewrites such as a flash memory, and a data movement operation for leveling the number of rewrites of each memory cell, that is, a specific area. This is because an operation of moving data to another area is performed so that writing is not concentrated on the other area.

  FAT type storage devices cannot avoid fragmentation. For this reason, the writing / reading speed of the storage device has been further improved, but on the other hand, the bit rate of data on the generation side is also increasing, such as the generation of high-definition video data. As a result, the workaround for the inconvenience associated with fragmentation (the writing cannot be caught up) is not yet complete.

  In order to store data generated in a time series such as moving image data without missing, it is a common practice to place a buffer memory called a “buffer” in the front stage of the storage device. This buffer is composed of a high-speed memory such as a DRAM and can write (temporarily store) data much faster than a storage device such as a hard disk or a flash memory. The difference from the writing speed of the device can be filled (buffered), and in particular, the disadvantage associated with fragmentation can be surely avoided.

  However, since there is an upper limit on the capacity of the buffer, if the data generation time becomes long, data will overflow from the buffer at some point, and in this case, the overflow data cannot be written to the storage device. Increasing the capacity of the buffer can eliminate this drawback, but it is not preferable because it increases the cost.

  Therefore, while providing a necessary and sufficient amount of buffer, on the other hand, a technique for suppressing the influence due to fragmentation of the storage device has been sought, and as an example of such a technique, the following Patent Document 1, 2 reference, the free area of the storage device is divided into an area with a low fragmentation rate and an area with a high fragmentation rate, and the former is an area where data can be written at high speed (hereinafter referred to as a high speed area), while the latter is Use a “high-speed area” when recording high-bit-rate data such as video data, and record other low-speed data (still image data, etc.). In this case, a technique (hereinafter referred to as a conventional technique) that uses the “low speed region” is described.

JP 2000-267904 A JP 2007-039639 A

  However, the prior art is still insufficient in terms of effectively using the free space of the storage device, and there is room for improvement.

This will be described in detail.
First, the main points of the prior art are:
(1) The free area of the storage device is divided into a low fragmentation area (high speed area) and a high fragmentation area (low speed area),
(2) High bit rate data such as moving image data is stored in the “high speed area”, and other low speed data (still image data, etc.) is stored in the “low speed area”.
In short, as shown in the above (2), the “high-speed area” having a low fragmentation rate is used as the “dedicated recording area” for high-bit-rate data.

  As described at the beginning, the disadvantage of the FAT system is that the fragmentation of the cluster progresses as the file is repeatedly deleted and written, so that “high speed” is a dedicated recording area for high bit rate data. The “region” gradually decreases in size as the fragmentation rate increases. When the remaining “high-speed area” is exhausted, data at a high bit rate cannot be stored any more.

  However, since the actual free space still remains as a “low speed area” even at that time (when the remaining high-speed area ceases), that is, there is enough physical free space left. It can be said that this prior art does not effectively use the free space of the storage device.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device and a program capable of writing data at a high bit rate without hindrance while effectively using a free area of a storage device.

  An electronic apparatus according to the present invention includes a processing unit capable of sequentially executing various types of processing, a first detection unit that detects a load status of the processing unit, and a data amount per unit time of data generated by the processing. Second detection means for detecting the size, area dividing means for dividing the free area of the storage device into a plurality of areas according to the writing speed, the load status detected by the first detection means, and the second detection means Based on the size of the data amount per unit time detected by the selection means for selecting any of the plurality of areas divided by the area dividing means, and the area selected by the selection means, Storage control means for writing data generated in association with the processing is provided.

  According to the present invention, high-bit-rate data can be written without any trouble while effectively using the free space of the storage device.

It is a block diagram of a mobile phone. 3 is a diagram showing storage area divisions of a memory 14. FIG. It is a figure which shows the load table of the central control part. It is a figure (1/3) which shows the processing flow at the time of a continuous shooting and video recording. It is a figure (2/3) which shows the processing flow at the time of continuous shooting or video recording. It is a figure (3/3) which shows the processing flow at the time of continuous shooting or video recording. It is a figure (1/2) which shows the processing flow at the time of the broadcast reception or the data download from the internet. It is a figure (2/2) which shows the processing flow at the time of broadcast reception or the data download from the internet.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a mobile phone as an example. This mobile phone is equipped with a camera function that can shoot still images, continuous shots, and moving images, and also has a function that can be used as a network terminal such as the Internet. It is a multi-function type equipped with a television broadcast receiving function such as.

First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a mobile phone. The cellular phone 1 converts an object image into a two-dimensional image signal and outputs it, an image pickup unit 2 composed of an image pickup device such as a CCD or CMOS, and image processing for signal processing the image signal output from the image pickup unit 2 The image capturing system 5 includes a unit 3 and a frame memory 4 that temporarily stores an image signal output from the image processing unit 3. A preview image for confirmation is generated and output to the central control unit 6, or a still image of the image quality designated by the user (here, for the sake of convenience, low image quality, medium image quality, and high image quality) Data of continuous shots or moving images is generated and output to the central control unit 6. The imaging unit 2 includes a photographic lens, an autofocus mechanism, a diaphragm mechanism, and the like, which are omitted in order to avoid congestion of the drawing.

  The cellular phone 1 further includes a wireless communication unit 7, an audio processing unit 8, a broadcast receiving unit 9, an operation unit 10, a display unit 12 with a touch panel 11, a memory I / F (interface) 13, a memory 14, and an external I / F 15. And a power supply unit 16.

  The wireless communication unit 7 transmits / receives digital data wirelessly to / from the nearest base station (not shown) via the antenna 7a. The digital data includes information on incoming and outgoing calls. And information on voice calls, content information when using content on the Internet, and e-mail transmission / reception information. The wireless communication unit 7 performs the above-described various information transmission and reception operations under the control of the central control unit 6, but is normally in a standby state for incoming calls.

  The audio processing unit 8 converts the audio signal from the microphone 8 a into digital data and outputs the digital data to the central control unit 6 under the control of the central control unit 6, or the digital audio signal output from the central control unit 6. It can be converted into an analog signal and output from the speaker 8b. The microphone 8a and the speaker 8b are used as a telephone handset. Alternatively, it is also used for sound recording when shooting a moving image, or for sound output when playing back a sound-added image.

  The broadcast receiving unit 9 is capable of receiving a terrestrial television signal such as one-segment broadcasting via the antenna 9a and outputting the received signal to the central control unit 6. The broadcast receiving unit 9 Under the control of the control unit 6, it is possible to turn on / off television broadcasting, select a receiving channel, and the like.

  The operation unit 10 is an interface including various operation buttons (power switch, numeric keypad, function key, and the like) for performing a required user input to the central control unit 6, and the display unit 12 is displayed on the display surface. A flat display device such as a liquid crystal display provided with a touch panel 11.

  The memory I / F 13 is a general-purpose interface corresponding to, for example, the standard of the memory 14 (SD card, USB memory, etc.), and is located between the central control unit 6 and the memory 14 and mediates mutual data exchange. .

  The memory 14 corresponds to the storage device (managed by the FAT system) described at the beginning, and is a flash memory here, but is not limited thereto. Any device managed by the FAT method may be used. For example, a hard disk may be used. In this case, the memory 14 may be read as a hard disk, and the memory I / F 13 may be read as a disk I / F.

  The external I / F 15 is, for example, an interface with an external device such as a personal computer. The external I / F 15 is connected to the external device as necessary, and the image file recorded in the memory 14 is transferred via the central control unit 6. The image file is output to the external device, or the image file taken in from the external device is stored in the memory 14 via the central control unit 6.

  The central control unit 6 is a control element of a program control system including a CPU 6a, a ROM 6b and a RAM 6c, and peripheral circuits (not shown). Various processes are sequentially executed to control the overall operation of the mobile phone 1.

  The control program stored in the ROM 6b includes a general-purpose operating system (OS) and various application programs (also referred to as application programs or simply applications) that operate on the general-purpose operating system. A FAT file management system that manages files in the memory 14 based on the allocation table is included.

  Here, the problem of the embodiment is to write data at a high bit rate without any trouble while effectively using the free area of the storage device (memory 14 in this embodiment).

  Since the memory 14 managed by the FAT system cannot deny the problem of a decrease in writing speed due to fragmentation, a certain amount of countermeasures are taken by providing a buffer memory 13a having a predetermined capacity that functions as a buffer. For example, if the buffer memory 13a becomes full when a moving image is taken for a long time, the moving image file cannot be stored any more. In this embodiment, the buffer memory 13a is mounted on the memory I / F 13, but this is only an example. For example, it may be mounted on the central control unit 6 or may be mounted between the central control unit 6 and the memory I / F 13.

  As a countermeasure against overflow of the buffer memory 13a, as in the prior art explained at the beginning, the free area of the memory 14 is divided into a low fragmentation area (high speed area) and a high fragmentation area (low speed area). Although it is effective to use the “high-speed area” when recording high-bit-rate data, and to use the “low-speed area” when storing other low-speed data (still image data, etc.), these Only measures (buffer and selective use of “high speed area” and “low speed area”) are insufficient in that the free area of the memory 14 is effectively used.

  The reason is that the “high-speed area”, which is a dedicated recording area for high bit rate data, gradually decreases as the fragmentation rate increases, and when the remaining “high-speed area” disappears, it is more than that. However, since the high bit rate data cannot be stored, the actual free space remains as a “low speed area” at that time, and the free area (low speed area) is not effectively used. is there.

  Therefore, the technical idea of the present embodiment is not to write to the “high-speed area” unconditionally just because it is high bit rate data, but to “high bit rate data” as long as data writing is not hindered. This is because the data is written in an area other than the “high-speed area” (“low-speed area” in the above example), thereby effectively utilizing the free area.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a storage area section (writeable speed section) of the memory 14 in the embodiment. In this figure, it is divided into three storage areas (low speed area, medium speed area, and high speed area), but this is only an example. What is necessary is just to divide each area | region according to the fragmentation rate of the vacant area of the memory 14, and it may be 2 divisions (low speed area and high speed area) like a prior art, or 4 divisions or many more It may be a section.

  Here, the “low speed region” in the present embodiment is a region with a high fragmentation rate (a region with a slow write time), and the “medium speed region” is a region with a medium fragmentation rate (a region with a slow write time). The “high-speed area” is an area with a low fragmentation rate (an area with a fast writing time).

  These three storage areas (low speed area, medium speed area, and high speed area) are selectively used according to the data amount (bit rate or data rate) per unit time of data to be written in the memory 14. The default usage (predefined default usage) is to write low bit rate data to the low speed area, write medium bit rate data to the medium speed area, and write high bit rate data to the high speed area. It is. The low / medium / high bit rate classification is, for example, a low bit rate up to 2 Mbps (bits / second), a medium bit rate greater than 2 Mbps and 4 Mbps or less, and a high bit rate greater than 4 Mbps and 8 Mbps or less. But this is just an example.

  The above default usage is the same as the prior art described at the beginning. That is, the high bit rate data corresponds to the “high bit rate data” of the prior art, and this high bit rate data is stored in the “high speed region”, while the data other than the high bit rate is stored in another region. Since it is stored in (medium speed region and low speed region), the above-mentioned default usage and the prior art at the beginning are not changed in principle.

  The feature of this embodiment is not to write to the “high-speed area” unconditionally just because it is high-bit-rate data. As long as “data writing is not hindered”, even if it is high-bit-rate data, This is because the writing is made in the area (low speed area or medium speed area), thereby making effective use of the empty area.

The determination of “whether there is no problem in data writing” can be made based on the load status of the central control unit 6 (more precisely, the load status of the CPU 6a). The central control unit 6 controls the overall operation of the mobile phone 1 by executing a control program stored in the ROM 6b by the CPU 6a. The CPU 6a sequentially performs the processes described in the control program. The processing includes any application processing (for example, incoming / outgoing phone call processing, call processing, etc.), and access to a storage device (memory 14) that is executed as necessary. This is because processing (file read / write processing, etc.) is also included.
Incidentally, the default usage described above (such as writing high bit rate data in a high load area) assumes a case where the load on the CPU 6a is "heavy". This is because a write error is likely to occur in a high load situation, and if data can be safely written in the load situation, the data can be used in other situations (medium load situation and low load situation). This is because it can be written.

As described above, in this embodiment, it is an object to perform data writing at a high bit rate without hindrance while effectively using the free space of the storage device (in this embodiment, the memory 14), in order to achieve the problem. In addition,
(A) The free space in the memory 14 is divided into a region with a high fragmentation rate, a region with a medium fragmentation rate, and a region with a low fragmentation rate,
(B) Each of them is designated as “low speed area”, “medium speed area”, “high speed area”,
(C) When writing high bit rate data, the load status of the central control unit 6 is detected,
(D) When the load is heavy, the high bit rate data is written to the high speed area as in the default usage. On the other hand, when the load is medium, the high bit rate data is written to the medium speed area. Or, when the load is light, the area classification to be written is changed according to the load situation, such as writing the data of the high bit rate in the low speed area.
It implements the mechanism.

  In this example, the free area of the memory 14 is divided into three sections (low speed area, medium speed area, and high speed area), but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be divided into two sections (low speed area and high speed area) as in the prior art at the beginning, or may be divided into three or more multiple sections. In short, it is only necessary to divide the free area of the memory 14 into a plurality of areas in accordance with the fragmentation rate, and when the load on the central control unit 6 is heavy when writing high bit rate data, the default usage As described above, the high bit rate data is written in the high speed area, but if the load is not heavy, the high bit rate data may be written in an area other than the high speed area.

  In this way, even high-bit-rate data can be written in areas other than the high-speed area depending on the load status of the central control unit 6, so that high-bit-rate data can be written without any problem. In addition, it is possible to effectively use the free area of the storage device (memory 14).

  Various methods for detecting the load status of the central control unit 6 can be considered. However, the load status of the central control unit 6 changes from time to time according to the processing contents of the control program being operated in the central processing unit 6. Therefore, the actual load status of the central control unit 6, that is, the magnitude of the load can be determined by sequentially grasping the processing contents being executed. The magnitude of the load means a load value represented by a numerical value. For example, in the case of the usage rate of the CPU 6a, the maximum load is 100%, and the minimum load is 0 or a value close to 0. Therefore, in the numerical range (100% to 0%), data writing is affected. The range to be given may be considered “large”, the range having little or no effect may be considered “small”, and the range between them may be called “medium”. The same applies to “heavy and light” load conditions.

  Among various processes executed by the central control unit 6, in particular, processes involving radio wave emission when wirelessly transmitting / receiving digital data to / from the nearest base station (not shown) via the antenna 7a (hereinafter referred to as “radio data transmission”). , Radio wave on processing), broadcast wave reception processing when receiving a terrestrial television signal such as one-segment broadcasting via the antenna 9a, or download processing for receiving and receiving a large amount of data from a network such as the Internet Etc., the load status of the central control unit 6 becomes heavy, and the access speed to the memory 14 decreases. In the present embodiment, such processing (radio wave on processing, broadcast wave reception processing, download processing) is representative of high load processing, but is not limited thereto. In short, any processing content that affects the access speed of the memory 14 may be used. For example, processing during moving image shooting may be used.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a load table of the central control unit 6, where (a) relates to the radio wave mode, and (b) relates to the download mode. As shown in these figures, when the radio wave is on, it can be classified as “high load situation”, and when the radio wave is off, it can be classified as “low load situation”. "Status" and when the download is not performed, it can be classified into "Low load status". In this figure, broadcast wave reception is omitted, but download classification can also be applied to broadcast wave reception. That is, a “high load situation” can be set during broadcast wave reception, and a “low load situation” can be set during non-reception.

Next, the operation will be described.
<First Embodiment>
4 to 6 are diagrams showing a processing flow at the time of continuous shooting or moving image shooting. When this operation flow is started, an initialization process (step S1) is first executed. In this initialization process, first, it is determined whether or not the power switch of the operation unit 10 is turned on (step S11). If the switch is on, then a predetermined power-on process (general initialization process) is performed. Execute (Step S12). Next, the recording area management information (file allocation table) is read (step S13), the current fragmentation status of the memory 14 is detected (step S14), and the speed of the writable area of the memory 14 is determined according to the fragmentation status. Processing for determination and area division is executed (step S15).

  Here, the “speed determination of the writable area of the memory 14 and the processing of the area division” in step S15 means that the free area of the memory 14 is divided into the three areas (low speed area, medium speed area, Specifically, a region with a high fragmentation rate is a “low-speed region”, a region with a medium fragmentation rate is a “medium-speed region”, and a region with a low fragmentation rate is “ It means to classify as "high speed area".

  When the initialization process (step S1) is completed, it is next determined whether or not the radio wave off mode is set (step S16). The radio wave off mode refers to a mode in which processing involving radio wave emission when performing digital data transmission / reception with the nearest base station (not shown) via the antenna 7a is not executed. The operation mode when no radio wave is emitted from the antenna 7a.

  If the determination result in step S16 is NO, that is, if it is determined that the radio wave off mode is not set, a telephone incoming call process (step S2) is executed. In this incoming call process (step S2), first, it is determined whether there is an incoming call (calling of the telephone) (step S17). If there is an incoming call, it is determined whether or not there is an off-hook operation (an operation of pressing the off-hook button of the operation unit 10). (Step S18). When the off-hook operation is determined, the necessary call processing is executed and the voice call is performed with the calling party until the call end operation (the on-hook button pressing operation of the operation unit 10) is performed (step S20, step S20). On the other hand, if the off-hook operation is not determined in step S18 or if the call end operation is determined in step S21, the incoming call process (step S2) is terminated.

  If the determination result in step S16 is YES, that is, if it is determined that the radio wave off mode is set or after the incoming call process (step S2) is completed, it is next determined that there is a user operation (step S22). When it is determined that there is an operation, it is determined whether or not the operation content is an operation for starting imaging such as continuous shooting or moving image (step S23).

  Here, continuous shooting and moving image shooting are imaging processes with high bit rate and time-series data generation, and image files obtained by such processing (several to several tens in the case of continuous shooting). When a single file or a large-capacity file in the case of a moving image is written to a FAT storage device (in the embodiment, the memory 14), there may be inconvenience associated with fragmentation (writing is not in time). For this reason, in general, a high-speed buffer memory (buffer memory 13a in the embodiment) is inserted in the preceding stage of the memory 14 to avoid the inconvenience. However, since the capacity of the buffer memory 13a has an upper limit, In the prior art described in the above, a measure is taken to use an area with less fragmentation (that is, a high-speed area) when writing such a still image or moving image file.

  However, a countermeasure that simply uses a specific area (high-speed area) causes a disadvantage that an empty area of the memory 14 cannot be effectively used. This is because the fragmentation of the memory 14 progresses as the writing of the file to the memory 14 and the deletion of the file from the memory 14 are repeated, and the free area other than the high speed area increases. This is because the area (free area other than the high-speed area) cannot be used at all. The point of the embodiment is that writing of data at a high bit rate can be performed without hindrance while effectively using a free area (a free area other than the high speed area) of the storage device. This point will be described in detail later. explain.

  If the determination result in step S23 is NO, that is, if it is determined that the user operation detected in step S22 is not an imaging start operation such as continuous shooting or video, then the user operation is a power-off operation. It is determined whether or not there is (step S24). When the power-off operation is determined, a predetermined power-off process is executed (step S25), and then the flow is terminated. On the other hand, when the power-off operation is not determined, other than the power-off operation is performed. After executing the process corresponding to the application operation (step S26), the process returns to step S22 again.

  If the determination result in step S23 is YES, that is, if it is determined that the user operation detected in step S22 is an imaging start operation for continuous shooting or moving images, then continuous shooting or moving image capturing is performed. The file generated by the process is temporarily written in the buffer memory 13a (step S27), and then a write area selection process (step S3) is executed.

  In the write area selection process (step S3), which of the three types of free areas (low speed area, medium speed area, and high speed area) of the memory 14 set in step S15 is used as the file write destination. Pre-select. There are three options. The first choice is the default selection shown in FIG. 2 (low speed region for low bit rate data, medium speed region for medium bit rate data, and high speed region for high bit rate data. ), And the second option is to select a region (slow region → medium region, medium region → high region) faster than the default selection, and the third option is A region that is slower than the predetermined selection (high speed region → medium speed region, medium speed region → low speed region) is selected. Which of these three options is selected depends solely on the amount of free space in the buffer memory 13a.

  That is, if the free space of the buffer memory 13a is sufficient, it is possible to select an area (high speed area → medium speed area, medium speed area → low speed area) slower than the default selection (buffer memory 13a). In this case, the third option is selected. If the free space of the buffer memory 13a is small, it is predicted that the buffer memory 13a will overflow soon. High speed area (low speed area → medium speed area, medium speed area → high speed area). Therefore, in this case, the second option is selected, or when the free space of the buffer memory 13a is moderate (enough) If there is not enough room to overflow, the middle first option is selected.

  In the write area selection process (step S3), three types of free areas (low speed area, medium speed area, and high speed area) of the memory 14 are selected according to such a concept. As a selection method, for example, two threshold values ( First threshold and second threshold) can be used.

  The first threshold value and the second threshold value have a relationship in which the former is smaller than the latter (first threshold value <second threshold value), and the size of the free area of the buffer memory 13a is classified into three states using these two threshold values. To do. That is, when the free area of the buffer memory 13a is smaller than the first threshold value (YES in step S28), it represents a “no available state” in which the buffer memory 13a is predicted to overflow immediately. The second option is adopted (selecting a region faster than the default / step S29). In addition, when the free area of the buffer memory 13a is larger than the second threshold (NO in step S28 and YES in step S30), this means that the free capacity of the buffer memory 13a is sufficient, indicating that there is an empty state. In the case of the state, the third option is adopted (select a region slower than the default / step S32). Further, when the free area of the buffer memory 13a is not less than the first threshold value and not more than the second threshold value, the free capacity of the buffer memory 13a is in an appropriate state (not enough, but there is a space that does not overflow quickly) In this state, the first option is adopted (selecting a predetermined area corresponding to the bit rate / step S31).

  When the pre-selection of the writing area is executed, it is next determined whether or not the area exists in the memory 14 (step S33). If the corresponding area does not exist in the memory 14, a higher speed area is selected as an alternative area (step S34), and it is determined whether or not the alternative area exists in the memory 14 (step S35). .

  If the presence of the alternative area is not determined in step S35, it is determined that data cannot be written to the memory 14, and a required recording error notification (for example, a message such as “data cannot be written” on the display unit 12). Etc.) (step S36), and after completing the imaging end process (step S37), the process returns to step S22 again.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S33 that there is a corresponding area, or if it is determined in step S35 that there is a substitute area, then the data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 13a is written to the corresponding area in the memory 14 (step S38). Then, it is determined whether there is an end of imaging (or pause such as a pause; hereinafter, representative of the end of imaging) (step S39). If there is no event, the process returns to step S27, but if it is determined that there is an event. Then, it is determined whether or not there is unwritten data in the buffer memory 13a (step S40).

  If there is no unwritten data in the buffer memory 13a, the imaging end process (step S37) is executed, and then the process returns to step S22. On the other hand, if there is unwritten data in the buffer memory 13a, the write area A change process (step S4) is executed.

  In short, this write area change process (step S4) is to change the write destination of unwritten data in the buffer memory 13a as appropriate in accordance with the load status of the central control unit 6, thereby freeing up the memory 14. It is intended to make effective use of the area.

  Specifically, first, it is determined whether or not the radio wave off mode is set (step S41). In the case of the radio wave off mode, the load state of the central control unit 6 is light. On the other hand, if the radio control mode 6 is not in the radio wave off mode (in the case of the radio wave on mode), the load state of the central control unit 6 is heavy. In the case of the on mode: high load situation), “select a region that is faster than when the radio wave is off” according to the default usage described above (see FIG. 2) (step S44), whereas in the former case (the radio wave off mode) In the case of (low load condition), “select a region that is slower than when the radio wave is on” (step S42). In any case, after the unwritten data in the buffer memory 13a is written in those areas (step S43), the process returns to step S40 again.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the write destination of the unwritten data in the buffer memory 13a is appropriately changed according to the load state of the central control unit 6, particularly when the load state of the central control unit 6 is light (radio wave Off mode) “selects a slower area than when the radio wave is on”, so even if it is high bit rate data such as still images or moving images, the data is free space other than the high speed area (medium Therefore, it is possible to obtain a special effect that it is possible to effectively use empty areas (medium speed area and low speed area) other than the high speed area.

<Second Embodiment>
7 and 8 are diagrams showing a processing flow at the time of broadcast reception or data download from the Internet or the like. When this operation flow is started, an initialization process (step S5) is first executed. In this initialization process, first, it is determined whether or not the power switch of the operation unit 10 is turned on (step S51). If it is on, a predetermined power-on process (general initialization process) is performed next. Execute (Step S52). Next, the reception function is turned on (step S53). Turning on the reception function means starting the wireless communication unit 7 when receiving a television broadcast, or starting the wireless communication unit 7 when downloading data from the Internet or the like.

  When the reception function is turned on, next, the recording area management information (file allocation table) is read (step S54), the current fragmentation status of the memory 14 is detected (step S55), and the fragmentation status is determined according to the fragmentation status. The speed determination of the writable area of the memory 14 and the process of area division are executed (step S56).

  Here, the “speed determination of the writable area of the memory 14 and the process of area division” in step S56 means that the free area of the memory 14 is divided into the three areas (low speed area, medium speed area, Specifically, a region with a high fragmentation rate is a “low-speed region”, a region with a medium fragmentation rate is a “medium-speed region”, and a region with a low fragmentation rate is “ It means to classify as "high speed area".

  When the initialization process (step S5) is completed, it is next determined whether or not there is a user operation (step S57), and if it is determined that there is a user operation, is the operation content broadcast reception or download operation? It is determined whether or not (step S58). If it is not a broadcast reception or download operation, it is determined whether or not the user operation is a power-off operation (step S59). If a power-off operation is determined, a predetermined power-off process is executed (step S59). S60), the flow is terminated. On the other hand, if the power-off operation is not determined, processing corresponding to other application operations other than the power-off operation is executed (step S61), and the process returns to step S57 again. To do.

  If the determination result in step S58 is YES, that is, if it is determined that the user operation detected in step S57 is a broadcast reception or download operation, then the data obtained by the broadcast reception or download is then used. The buffer memory 13a is temporarily written (step S62), and then a write area selection process (step S6) is executed.

  In this write area selection process (step S6), which of the three types of free areas (low speed area, medium speed area, and high speed area) of the memory 14 set in step S56 is used as the file write destination. Pre-select. There are three options. That is, the first option is the default selection shown in FIG. 2 (low speed for low bit rate data, middle speed for medium bit rate data, and high bit rate data. The second option is to select a region that is faster than the default selection (low speed region → medium speed region, medium speed region → high speed region), and the third option The option is to select an area (high speed area → medium speed area, medium speed area → low speed area) slower than the default selection. Which of these three options is selected depends solely on the amount of free space in the buffer memory 13a.

  That is, if the free space of the buffer memory 13a is sufficient, it is possible to select an area (high speed area → medium speed area, medium speed area → low speed area) slower than the default selection (buffer memory 13a). In this case, the third option is selected. If the free space of the buffer memory 13a is small, it is predicted that the buffer memory 13a will overflow soon. High speed area (low speed area → medium speed area, medium speed area → high speed area). Therefore, in this case, the second option is selected, or when the free space of the buffer memory 13a is moderate (enough) If there is not enough room to overflow, the middle first option is selected.

  In the write area selection process (step S6), three types of free areas (low speed area, medium speed area, and high speed area) of the memory 14 are selected according to such a concept. As a selection method, for example, two threshold values ( First threshold and second threshold) can be used.

  The first threshold value and the second threshold value have a relationship in which the former is smaller than the latter (first threshold value <second threshold value), and the size of the free area of the buffer memory 13a is classified into three states using these two threshold values. To do. That is, when the free area of the buffer memory 13a is smaller than the first threshold value (YES in step S63), this indicates a “no available state” in which the buffer memory 13a is expected to overflow immediately. The second option is adopted (select a region faster than the default / step S64). In addition, when the free area of the buffer memory 13a is larger than the second threshold (NO in step S63 and YES in step S65), this means that the free space of the buffer memory 13a is sufficient, indicating that there is an empty state. In the case of the state, the third option is adopted (select a region slower than the default / step S67). Further, when the free area of the buffer memory 13a is not less than the first threshold value and not more than the second threshold value, the free capacity of the buffer memory 13a is in an appropriate state (not enough, but there is a space that does not overflow quickly) In this state, the first option is adopted (selecting a predetermined area corresponding to the bit rate / step S66).

  If the pre-selection of the writing area is executed, it is next determined whether or not the area exists in the memory 14 (step S68). If the corresponding area does not exist in the memory 14, a higher speed area is selected as an alternative area (step S69), and it is determined whether or not the alternative area exists in the memory 14 (step S70). .

  If the presence of the alternative area is not determined in step S70, it is determined that data cannot be written to the memory 14, and a required recording error notification (for example, a message such as “data cannot be written” on the display unit 12). Etc.) (step S71), broadcast reception end processing and download end processing (step S72) are executed, and then the process returns to step S57 again.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S68 that there is a corresponding area, or if it is determined in step S70 that there is an alternative area, then the data temporarily stored in the buffer memory 13a is written to the corresponding area in the memory 14 (step S73). , Broadcast reception end or download end (or pause such as pause; hereinafter represented by end) is determined whether there is an event (step S74). If there is no event, the process returns to step S62 again, but it is determined that there is an event. If it has been detected, a write area change process (step S7) is executed.

  In this write area change process (step S7), it is determined whether there is unwritten data in the buffer memory 13a (step S75). If there is no unwritten data, broadcast reception end process or download end process ( After executing step S72), the process returns to step S57 again. However, if there is unwritten data, “select an area slower than a predetermined area” is selected, and the selected area is stored in the buffer memory 13a. The temporarily stored unwritten data is written (step S76), and then the broadcast reception end process and download end process (step S72) are executed, and then the process returns to step S57 again.

  That is, when an unwritten data that has been temporarily stored in the buffer memory 13a is written to the memory 14 and a broadcast reception or download end event has occurred (YES in step S74), the central control unit 6 is triggered by the event. It is determined that the load is shifting from a heavy load to a light load. In this case, a lower speed area than the default area is selected (high speed area → medium speed area, medium speed area → low speed area). Is.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the write destination of the unwritten data in the buffer memory 13a is appropriately changed in accordance with the load state of the central control unit 6, especially when the load state of the central control unit 6 becomes lighter. (When a broadcast reception or download end event occurs) “Select a region that is slower than the default region”, so even if it is high bit rate data, such as television broadcasting or large download data. However, since the data can be written in free areas other than the high speed area (medium speed area and low speed area), it is possible to effectively use free areas other than the high speed area (medium speed area and low speed area). A special effect can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, various aspects of the present invention will be collectively described as supplementary notes.

(Appendix 1)
Processing means capable of sequentially executing various processes;
First detection means for detecting a load status of the processing means;
Second detection means for detecting the size of the data amount per unit time of the data generated by the processing;
An area dividing means for dividing the free area of the storage device into a plurality of areas according to the writing speed;
One of a plurality of areas divided by the area dividing means based on the load status detected by the first detecting means and the size of the data amount per unit time detected by the second detecting means. A selection means for selecting
An electronic apparatus comprising: storage control means for writing data generated by the processing in an area selected by the selection means.
According to Supplementary Note 1, high bit rate data can be written without hindrance while effectively using the free space of the storage device.

(Appendix 2)
The selecting means is a predetermined section divided by the area dividing means corresponding to the amount of data per unit time detected by the second detecting means according to the load status detected by the first detecting means. 2. The electronic apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the electronic device is selected so as to be changed from a region of 1 to a writing speed region of another section.
According to Supplementary Note 2, since only the change from the writable speed classification corresponding to the speed corresponding to the data rate is required, the selection can be made immediately and the memory area for setting can be saved.

(Appendix 3)
The supplementary note 1 is characterized in that the first detection means detects a load status of the processing means depending on whether an operation mode of the communication means accompanied by emission of radio waves is a radio wave on mode or a radio wave off mode. The electronic device described.
According to Supplementary Note 3, the present invention can be suitably used not only for mobile phones but also for various electronic devices including communication means.

(Appendix 4)
The first detecting means detects that the load state of the processing means is lighter than that in the radio wave on mode when the operation mode of the communication means involving emission of radio waves is the radio wave off mode, and the selection The electronic device according to appendix 3, wherein the means selects an area having a writing speed slower than that in the radio wave on mode among the plurality of areas divided by the area dividing means.
According to Supplementary Note 4, when the communication unit is in the radio wave off mode, it is possible to select a writing destination of an appropriate writable speed category.

(Appendix 5)
The first detecting means detects that the load state of the processing means is heavier than that in the case of the radio wave off mode when the operation mode of the communication means accompanied by emission of radio waves is the radio wave on mode, and the selection The electronic device according to appendix 3, wherein the means selects an area having a higher writing speed than the case of the radio wave off mode among the plurality of areas divided by the area dividing means.
According to Supplementary Note 4, when the communication unit is in the radio wave on mode, it is possible to select a write destination of an appropriate writable speed category.

(Appendix 6)
In addition, it has an imaging means capable of continuous shooting and still image shooting of still images,
One of the processes that can be executed by the processing means is to store the continuous image and moving image data of still images generated by the control of the imaging means and the imaging means in the storage device. The electronic device according to Supplementary Note 1.
According to Supplementary Note 6, for example, it can be suitably used for a movie, a camera with a continuous shooting function, a mobile phone, or the like.

(Appendix 7)
Furthermore, holding means for temporarily holding the continuous shot images and moving image data of the still images generated by the imaging means before storing them in the storage device;
Imaging discriminating means for discriminating whether or not imaging is being performed by the imaging means,
The first detection unit detects that the load state of the processing unit is lighter than that during imaging when the imaging determination unit determines that the imaging is not being performed, and the selection unit includes the region division A region having a writing speed slower than that during imaging is selected from the plurality of regions divided by the means, and the selected region is used as a writing destination of data temporarily held in the holding unit. The electronic device according to attachment 6.
According to Supplementary Note 7, when imaging is not being performed (at the end of imaging or during pause), since real-time data recording is not so much required, writing can be performed in a writable speed category having a slower speed than during imaging, which is fast. The speed writable speed speed section can be preserved, and the situation where real-time property is required next can be prepared.

(Appendix 8)
Furthermore, a download means for downloading data via broadcast waves or a network is provided.
One of the processes that can be executed by the processing means is for controlling the download means and for storing data downloaded by the download means in the storage device. .
According to Supplementary Note 8, for example, it can be suitably used for a recording device or a mobile phone provided with a broadcast receiving means.

(Appendix 9)
And holding means for temporarily holding the data downloaded by the download means before storing it in the storage device;
Download determining means for determining whether the download means is downloading or not,
The first detection means detects that the load status of the processing means is lighter than when the download is being performed when the download determination means determines that the download is not being performed, and the selection means includes the region classification A region having a writing speed slower than that during downloading is selected from the plurality of regions divided by the means, and the selected region is used as a writing destination of data temporarily held in the holding unit. The electronic device according to appendix 8.
According to Supplementary Note 9, when downloading is not in progress (when downloading is completed or paused), since real time property is not so much required for writing data, it can be written to a writable speed category that is slower than during downloading, It is possible to preserve a fast writeable speed section and prepare for a situation where real-time characteristics are required next.

(Appendix 10)
And further comprising third detection means for detecting a fragmentation status of the storage device,
The electronic apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the area dividing unit classifies the free area of the storage device for each writable speed based on the fragmentation status detected by the third detection unit.
According to Supplementary Note 10, it is possible to appropriately classify the writable speed classification of the empty area.

(Appendix 11)
The electronic computer,
Processing means capable of sequentially executing various processes;
First detection means for detecting a load status of the processing means;
A second detection means for detecting the magnitude of the data amount per unit time of the data generated by the processing;
Area dividing means for dividing the free area of the storage device into a plurality of areas according to the writing speed,
One of a plurality of areas divided by the area dividing means based on the load status detected by the first detecting means and the size of the data amount per unit time detected by the second detecting means. Selection means to select,
And a program for functioning as storage control means for writing data generated by the processing in an area selected by the selection means.
According to Supplementary Note 11, the function of Supplementary Note 1 can be provided in the form of software (program).

1 Mobile phone (electronic equipment)
5 Imaging system (imaging means)
6 Central control unit (processing means, first detection means, second detection means, area dividing means, selection means, storage control means, imaging discrimination means, download discrimination means, third detection means)
6a CPU (computer)
7 Wireless communication unit (communication means, download means)
9 Broadcast receiver (downloading means)
13a Buffer memory (holding means)
14 Memory (storage device)

Claims (11)

Processing means capable of sequentially executing various processes;
First detection means for detecting a load status of the processing means;
Second detection means for detecting the size of the data amount per unit time of the data generated by the processing;
An area dividing means for dividing the free area of the storage device into a plurality of areas according to the writing speed;
One of a plurality of areas divided by the area dividing means based on the load status detected by the first detecting means and the size of the data amount per unit time detected by the second detecting means. A selection means for selecting
An electronic apparatus comprising: storage control means for writing data generated by the processing in an area selected by the selection means.   The selecting means is a predetermined section divided by the area dividing means corresponding to the amount of data per unit time detected by the second detecting means according to the load status detected by the first detecting means. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic device is selected so as to be changed from the region to another writing speed region.   The first detection means detects a load status of the processing means according to whether an operation mode of a communication means accompanied by emission of radio waves is a radio wave on mode or a radio wave off mode. The electronic device as described in.   The first detecting means detects that the load state of the processing means is lighter than that in the radio wave on mode when the operation mode of the communication means involving emission of radio waves is the radio wave off mode, and the selection 4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the means selects an area having a writing speed slower than that in the radio wave on mode among the plurality of areas divided by the area dividing means.   The first detecting means detects that the load state of the processing means is heavier than that in the case of the radio wave off mode when the operation mode of the communication means accompanied by emission of radio waves is the radio wave on mode, and the selection 4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the means selects an area having a higher writing speed than the case of the radio wave off mode among the plurality of areas divided by the area dividing means. In addition, it has an imaging means capable of continuous shooting and still image shooting of still images,
One of the processes that can be executed by the processing means is to store the continuous image and moving image data of still images generated by the control of the imaging means and the imaging means in the storage device. The electronic device according to claim 1. Furthermore, holding means for temporarily holding the continuous shot images and moving image data of the still images generated by the imaging means before storing them in the storage device;
Imaging discriminating means for discriminating whether or not imaging is being performed by the imaging means,
The first detection unit detects that the load state of the processing unit is lighter than that during imaging when the imaging determination unit determines that the imaging is not being performed, and the selection unit includes the region division A region having a writing speed slower than that during imaging is selected from the plurality of regions divided by the means, and the selected region is used as a writing destination of data temporarily held in the holding unit. The electronic device according to claim 6. Furthermore, a download means for downloading data via broadcast waves or a network is provided.
2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of processes executable by the processing unit is for controlling the download unit and storing data downloaded by the download unit in the storage device. machine. And holding means for temporarily holding the data downloaded by the download means before storing it in the storage device;
Download determining means for determining whether the download means is downloading or not,
The first detection means detects that the load status of the processing means is lighter than when the download is being performed when the download determination means determines that the download is not being performed, and the selection means includes the region classification A region having a writing speed slower than that during downloading is selected from the plurality of regions divided by the means, and the selected region is used as a writing destination of data temporarily held in the holding unit. The electronic device according to claim 8. And further comprising third detection means for detecting a fragmentation status of the storage device,
The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the area dividing unit classifies a free area of the storage device for each writable speed based on a fragmentation state detected by the third detection unit. The electronic computer,
Processing means capable of sequentially executing various processes;
First detection means for detecting a load status of the processing means;
A second detection means for detecting the magnitude of the data amount per unit time of the data generated by the processing;
Area dividing means for dividing the free area of the storage device into a plurality of areas according to the writing speed,
One of a plurality of areas divided by the area dividing means based on the load status detected by the first detecting means and the size of the data amount per unit time detected by the second detecting means. Selection means to select,
And a program for functioning as storage control means for writing data generated by the processing in an area selected by the selection means.

Images