JP2015109550A - Imaging device, control method of imaging device, program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device capable of recording log data in an appropriate area without allowing a user to feel conscious even when a plurality of recording areas exist, a control method of the imaging device, and a program.SOLUTION: The imaging device includes: imaging means; connection means for connecting to a plurality of recording media; setting means for setting at least one of the plurality of recording media as a recording destination of image data generated by the imaging means; holding means for holding log data; and output means for outputting the log data to any of the plurality of recording media. In response to accepting an instruction for resetting of the recording destination of the image data, the output means outputs location information to the recording medium which has been set as the recording destination at the time of the acceptance of the instruction for resetting.

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that holds position information.

  In recent years, using a digital camera equipped with GPS (Global Positioning System), position information is regularly recorded (logged), and log data indicating a movement locus of the digital camera is generated. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses recording a movement locus using a GPS mounted on a digital camera. However, turning on the function of the entire digital camera for recording log data is not efficient in terms of power consumption. In order to solve this problem, for example, a sub CPU for operating the GPS and a sub recording unit for recording position information may be prepared separately from the main CPU that controls the entire camera and the main recording unit that accompanies the main CPU. It is done. In a situation where it is not necessary to operate the entire camera, the position information is accumulated not in the main recording unit but in the sub recording unit, and energization to the main CPU and the main recording unit is stopped. Thereby, unnecessary power consumption can be reduced while recording log data is continued.

JP 2009-063451 A

  However, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to the case where a plurality of recording areas exist. In general, log data is highly related to captured image data. For example, a usage scene in which a moving locus based on log data is displayed on a map and where the image data was captured is also displayed on the map is considered. In such a case, it may be more convenient to manage log data and image data on the same recording medium than on separate recording media.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable a user to record log data in an appropriate area without being aware of this even when there are a plurality of recording areas.

  In order to solve the above problems, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and generates image data, a connection unit that connects to a plurality of recording media, and an instruction from a user. Setting means for setting at least one of the plurality of recording media connected by the connecting means as a recording destination of the image data generated by the imaging means, and a plurality of position information indicating the position of the imaging device; A plurality of date and time information indicating the date and time when each of the plurality of position information is acquired in a predetermined recording area different from the plurality of recording media, and the position information held by the holding unit Output to at least one of the plurality of recording media, and the output means receives the instruction to reset the recording destination in response to receiving an instruction to reset the recording destination. And executes a process of outputting the position information in the recording medium that is set as a recording destination of the image data when the constant of the instruction is accepted.

  An object of the present invention is to enable log data to be recorded in an appropriate area without the user being aware of this even when there are a plurality of recording areas.

1 is a block diagram of an imaging apparatus according to a first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen for selecting an image recording destination according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an imaging apparatus that executes an imaging process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the structure of data recorded in the serial flash memory according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing processing for recording log data in the serial flash memory according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining processing for outputting log data from the serial flash memory to the recording medium according to the first embodiment. The conceptual diagram of the log file recorded on the recording medium which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first controller when outputting log data from the serial flash memory to the recording medium according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of a second control unit when outputting log data from the serial flash memory according to the first embodiment to a recording medium. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the imaging apparatus when log data is output from the serial flash memory to a recording medium at a timing of changing an image recording destination according to the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of the imaging apparatus when outputting log data from a serial flash memory to a recording medium at a timing of changing an image recording destination according to the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of the imaging apparatus when outputting log data from a serial flash memory to a recording medium at a timing of changing an image recording destination according to the second embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an imaging apparatus when log data is output from a serial flash memory to a recording medium at an imaging timing according to the third embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an imaging apparatus when log data is output from a serial flash memory to a recording medium at an imaging timing according to the third embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on an imaging device based on other embodiment.

  EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated in detail using attached drawing.

  The embodiment described below is an example as means for realizing the present invention, and may be appropriately modified or changed depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. Each embodiment can also be combined as appropriate.

[First Embodiment]
<Internal configuration of digital camera 100>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital camera 100 that is an example of an imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. Although a digital camera is described here as an example of an imaging apparatus, the imaging apparatus is not limited to this. For example, the imaging device may be an information processing device such as a mobile phone, a tablet device, or a personal computer, or may be a communication device such as a camera-equipped mobile phone.

  In the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment, the first control unit 101 and the second control unit 108 cooperate to control each unit. The first control unit 101 mainly controls processing for capturing an image and generating an image. The second control unit 108 mainly controls processing for generating log data indicating the movement trajectory of the digital camera 100. When the function controlled by the first control unit 101 is not necessary, the power supply to the first control unit 101 can be stopped by a user operation. On the other hand, the second control unit 108 is continuously energized. In other words, both reduction of power consumption and continuation of logging are compatible.

  The first control unit 101 controls each unit of the digital camera 100 in cooperation with a later-described second control unit 108 according to an input signal and a later-described program. In the present embodiment, the first control unit 101 mainly controls processing for capturing an image and generating an image. Note that a plurality of pieces of hardware may share the function of the first control unit 101. The digital camera 100 of the present embodiment has an imaging mode for generating image data and a playback mode for displaying image data, and the first control unit 101 controls each unit appropriately according to these modes. To do.

  The imaging unit 102 converts subject light imaged by a lens included in the imaging unit 102 into an electrical signal, performs noise reduction processing, and outputs digital data as image data. The captured image data is stored in a buffer memory used as a work memory 104 (to be described later), and then a predetermined calculation is performed by the first control unit 101 and recorded on the recording medium 106.

  The non-volatile memory 103 is an electrically erasable / recordable non-volatile memory, and stores a program to be described later executed by the first control unit 101.

  The work memory 104 is used as a buffer memory that temporarily stores image data picked up by the image pickup unit 102, an image display memory of the display unit 105, a work area of the first control unit 101, and the like.

  The display unit 105 performs display of a viewfinder image at the time of imaging, display of captured image data, display of characters for interactive operation, and the like. Note that the display unit 105 is not necessarily provided in the digital camera 100. The digital camera 100 can be connected to the display unit 105 and has at least a display control function for controlling the display of the display unit 105.

  The recording medium 106 and the recording medium 116 can record an image output from the imaging unit 102, log data provided from the second control unit 108 described later, and the like. In this embodiment, an image is handled in the Exif-jpeg format. The recording medium 106 and the recording medium 116 may be configured to be detachable from the digital camera 100 or may be built in the digital camera 100. In other words, the digital camera 100 only needs to have means for accessing at least the recording medium 106 and the recording medium 116. In the present embodiment, an apparatus capable of mounting two recording media, that is, the recording medium 106 and the recording medium 116 will be described as an example, but the number is not limited to this. For example, the apparatus may be capable of mounting three or more recording media.

  The communication unit 107 is an interface for communicating with an external device. The digital camera 100 of the present embodiment can exchange data with an external device via the communication unit 107. As a protocol for communicating data, for example, PTP / IP (Picture Transfer Protocol over Internet Protocol) through a wireless LAN can be used. Note that communication with the digital camera 100 is not limited to this. For example, the communication unit 107 can include an infrared communication module, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication module, and a wireless communication module such as WirelessUSB. Furthermore, a wired connection such as a USB cable, HDMI (registered trademark), or IEEE1394 may be employed.

  The second control unit 108 controls each unit of the digital camera 100 in cooperation with the first control unit 101 described above according to an input signal and a program described later. In the present embodiment, the second control unit 108 mainly controls processing for generating log data. A plurality of hardware may share the function of the second control unit 108. In the present embodiment, the second control unit 108 can be energized even when power is not supplied to the first control unit 101. That is, even when the operation of the first control unit 101 is stopped (so-called power saving state), the function controlled by the second control unit 108 can be kept effective.

  The non-volatile memory 109 is an electrically erasable / recordable non-volatile memory, and stores a program to be described later executed by the second control unit 108.

  The work memory 110 is used as a buffer memory that temporarily holds data output from the position acquisition unit 112 described later, a work area of the second control unit 108, and the like.

  The operation unit 111 is used for the user to accept an instruction for the digital camera 100 from the user. The operation unit 111 includes, for example, operation members such as a power button for instructing the user to turn on / off the power of the digital camera 100, a release switch for instructing imaging, and a reproduction button for instructing reproduction of image data. including. The release switch has SW1 and SW2. When the release switch is in a so-called half-pressed state, SW1 is turned on. Accordingly, an instruction for performing imaging preparation such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing is accepted. Further, when the release switch is in a fully-pressed state, SW2 is turned on. Thereby, an instruction for performing imaging is received. The operation member is controlled by the second control unit 108 in order to receive an instruction to return from the power saving state. The user can return the digital camera 100 from the power saving state to the normal state by operating the operation member of the operation unit 111.

  The position acquisition unit 112 performs a positioning process. The positioning process in this embodiment is a process of receiving a signal from a GPS satellite and calculating position information indicating the position of the digital camera 100 and date / time information indicating the date and time when the signal is received from the received signal. The position information and date / time information calculated by the position acquisition unit 112 are provided to the first control unit 101 via the second control unit 108 or the second control unit 108 as necessary. For example, in the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment, when the image data output from the imaging unit 102 is recorded on the recording medium 106 or the recording medium 116, the position information calculated by the position acquisition unit 112 is supported as the imaging position. Can be recorded. In this case, the second control unit 108 acquires position information from the position acquisition unit 112 in response to a request from the first control unit 101. Further, in order to record log data in a serial flash memory 113 described later, the second control unit 108 acquires position information from the position acquisition unit 112 as appropriate. This process will be described in detail later.

  In this embodiment, an example in which GPS is used as the position acquisition unit 112 will be described, but the position acquisition unit 112 is not limited to GPS. For example, signals from other satellites such as GLONASS, Galileo, and Michibiki may be used instead of GPS or in combination with GPS. Further, for example, a device that acquires position information and date / time information from an external device such as a mobile phone base station may be used.

  The serial flash memory 113 is a recording medium for recording the position information and date / time information obtained by the position acquisition unit 112 as log data. In this embodiment, the recording area of the serial flash memory 113 is handled in the form of a ring buffer. The second control unit 108 records the position information provided from the position acquisition unit 112 and the date / time information in the serial flash memory 113 in association with each other.

<Imaging process>
The imaging process of this embodiment will be described. First, prior to describing the imaging process itself, a menu for selecting a recording medium for recording an image generated as a result of the imaging process will be described.

  The user can set in advance via the menu operation which of the recording media the image generated by the imaging unit 102 is recorded in the imaging mode. The imaging mode referred to here is a mode for imaging a subject using the imaging unit 102 and generating image data.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a screen for selecting which of these recording media records an image generated by the imaging unit 102 in the imaging mode.

  In this screen 200, the user can select an option displayed in the display area 201 by operating the cursor 202 via the operation unit 111. The user can set one or both of the slot 1 and the slot 2 to set the recording medium attached to the corresponding recording medium insertion port as the image recording destination. Information regarding the recording destination set here is held in the nonvolatile memory 103 and is read out as necessary.

  Note that the character string “slot” in FIG. 2 represents the insertion slot of the recording medium, but this is a recording medium connected to which slot rather than identifying the recording medium as the digital camera 100. This is because the output destination of data is distinguished by the medium. In addition, the part using the expression of selecting a recording medium in the above description is equivalent to the recognition that the corresponding slot is selected as the operation of the digital camera 100. However, in order to prevent the explanation from becoming complicated, the expression “select a recording medium” is also used in the following explanation to select a slot.

  Next, imaging processing will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera that executes the imaging process of the present embodiment. Each process of this flowchart is realized by the first control unit 101 developing and executing a program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 103 in the work memory 104. Also, the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 3 is started together with the display of through images sequentially captured for live view in response to receiving an instruction to start the imaging mode by a user's menu operation or the like.

  First, in step S301, the first control unit 101 determines whether an instruction to transition to another mode has been received. If it is determined that an instruction to transition to another mode has been received, the process of this flowchart is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that an instruction to transition to another mode has not been received, the process proceeds to step S302.

  Next, in step S302, the first control unit 101 determines whether or not the release switch SW1 is turned on. If it is determined that it is not ON, the process returns to step S301. On the other hand, if it is determined to be ON, the process proceeds to step S303.

  In step S303, the first control unit 101 performs an imaging preparation operation.

  Subsequently, in step S304, the first control unit 101 determines whether SW2 is ON. If it is determined that SW2 is not ON, the process returns to step S301. On the other hand, if it is determined that SW2 is ON, the process proceeds to step S305.

  In step S305, the first control unit 101 performs an imaging operation and generates an image.

  In subsequent step S306, the first control unit 101 records the image generated in step S304 on a recording medium. Here, the date and time information is recorded in association with the image as the imaging date and time and the position information as the imaging position. In addition, when a plurality of recording media are loaded, an image is recorded on a recording medium set in advance as a recording destination by an operation on the screen as described in FIG. Thereafter, the process returns to step S301.

  The above is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera 100 in the imaging mode in the present embodiment.

<Recording log data to serial flash memory>
Next, a process for recording log data in the serial flash memory 113 in the digital camera 100 will be described. In the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment, as described above, the second control unit 108 controls processing for recording log data. The second control unit 108 requests position information and date / time information from the position acquisition unit 112 at predetermined intervals. Then, the position information received as a response to the request and the date / time information are associated with each other and recorded in the serial flash memory 113 as log data. Hereinafter, repeating this recording of log data is called logging. Further, data in a state where position information and date / time information are associated with each other and recorded in the serial flash memory 113 is referred to as log data.

  FIG. 4 shows a conceptual diagram of a part of the recording area of the serial flash memory 113 in which a plurality of log data is recorded as a result of the logging. In FIG. 4, a recording area 400 is a part of the recording area of the serial flash memory 113. In this area 400, log data is recorded in the recording area 402. A log data 420 shows a conceptual diagram showing a data structure of one log data among a plurality of log data recorded in the recording area 402. Each piece of log data has date / time information 221 indicating the date / time when the position information was acquired recorded at the top. This date / time information indicates the date / time measured on the time axis of UTC (Universal Time Coordinate). Further, information 422 to 426 indicating latitude and longitude is recorded as the position information. Further, as information indicating the accuracy of the position information, the number of signals used for the calculation, that is, the number of used satellites 427, the DOP information 428, and the like are also recorded. The recording area 402 is configured in the form of a ring buffer. Therefore, the log data is recorded in order from the beginning to the end of the recording area, and when log data exceeding the free capacity of the recording area 402 is recorded, the oldest log data is overwritten by the insufficient capacity. Note that the data length of these log data is adjusted to be constant. For example, adjustment is made by adding empty data to the end of the data.

  In the recording area 401, a log management record, which is information for managing log data, is recorded. The area 401 in which this log management record is recorded is also configured in a ring buffer format.

  In the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment, when data is output from the state recorded in the serial flash memory 113 to the recording medium 106 or the recording medium 116, the log data managed by the log management record is output as a single unit. . A log management record 410 shows a conceptual diagram of one log management record among a plurality of log management records recorded in the recording area 401. In the log management record, a start date and time 411 indicating the date and time when logging is started is recorded. As the start date and time 411, date and time information of the top log data corresponding to the log management record is used. Further, the UTC time difference 412 is also recorded in the log management record. The UTC time difference is time difference information indicating the time difference between UTC and local time (local standard time). The UTC time difference information is set in advance as a setting value of the digital camera 100 when the user selects a time zone corresponding to the current position through a menu operation or the like. Alternatively, the time zone may be determined based on the position information acquired from the position acquisition unit 112, and the UTC time difference may be calculated. Further, each log management record includes a recording start address 413 and a data size 414 of the corresponding log data, and a corresponding log data group is determined based on these information. Specifically, as described above, since the data length of the log data is constant and the log data is sequentially recorded in the recording area, if the data amount is counted by the value indicated by the data size from the start address, A log data group corresponding to the log management record can be determined. Thus, a plurality of log data sequentially recorded in the recording area 400 is managed in a specific unit. For the latest log management record being logged, the corresponding log data increases as needed. That is, the data size of the log data finally managed by the log management record is not determined. For this reason, the data size of the latest log management record being logged is not recorded. The log management record data size is recorded when the time is changed or the date is changed by a user operation, or when the time zone setting, that is, the UTC time difference is changed by a user operation or camera movement. It is. That is, the log management record is recorded so as to be different for each date and every UTC time difference.

  Processing of the digital camera 100 for realizing the above-described data recording will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera 100 when position information and date / time information are recorded in the serial flash memory 113 in association with each other as log data. Each process shown in this flowchart is realized by the second control unit 108 of the digital camera 100 executing a program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 109 and controlling each unit of the digital camera 100 according to the program. The same applies to subsequent flowcharts executed by the second control unit 108. The processing shown in this flowchart is started in response to receiving an instruction to start logging using GPS, for example, via a menu operation or the like.

  First, in step S <b> 501, the second control unit 108 receives position information and date / time information from the position acquisition unit 112. These pieces of information are information returned as a response requested by the second control unit 108 to the position acquisition unit 112.

  Next, in step S502, the second control unit 108 records the position information and date / time information received in step S501 in the serial flash memory 113 as log data.

  In subsequent step S503, the second control unit 108 determines whether or not a log management record to which log data is to be added and associated is recorded among the log management records. Specifically, the second control unit 108 determines whether there is a log management record recorded in the serial flash memory 113 in which no data size is recorded. As described above, during logging, the log management record does not record the data size of the corresponding log data. That is, it can be determined that a log management record in which the data size of the log data to be managed is not recorded will be added in the future.

  First, a case where the second control unit 108 determines in step S503 that there is a log management record in which no data size is recorded will be described. In this case, the process proceeds to step S504.

  In step S504, the second control unit 108 determines whether there is a date change based on the date / time information of the log data recorded in the serial flash memory 113 in step S502. Specifically, the date / time information of the log data recorded before step S502 and the date / time information of the log data recorded at step S502 are compared to determine whether the dates are different. If the dates are different, it is determined that the date has been changed. For example, when log data is acquired after the next day due to the passage of time, a different date is indicated.

  First, the case where the second control unit 108 determines in step S504 that the date has been changed will be described. In this case, the process proceeds to step S506.

  In step S506, the second control unit 108 records the total size of the log data managed by the log management record in the data size item of the corresponding log management record. The size recorded here is recorded so as not to include the position information recorded in step S502. As a result, the range of log data managed by the log management record is determined. For example, when the address of the log data 7 is recorded at the recording start address 413 of the log management record 4 in FIG. 4, the size of three log data is added to the data size 414 of the log management record 4 by the processing of this step. Suppose that it was recorded. In this case, the range of log data managed by the log management record 4 is determined as log data 7 to log data 9.

  In subsequent step S507, the second control unit 108 newly generates a log management record, and records the address of the position information recorded in step S502 in the item of recording start address. Thereby, the start position of the recording range of the new log management record is determined.

  Thereafter, in step S508, the second control unit 108 determines whether or not a logging end instruction has been received. If it is determined that an instruction has not been received, the process returns to step S501 and the process of this flowchart is repeated. As a result, position information is periodically recorded. The series of position information indicates the movement locus of the digital camera 100. On the other hand, if it is determined that a logging end instruction has been received, the process ends.

  The above is the description when the second control unit 108 determines that the date has been changed in step S504.

  Next, the case where the second control unit 108 determines in step S504 that the date has not been changed will be described. In this case, the process proceeds to step S505.

  In step S505, the second control unit 108 determines whether or not the UTC time difference has been changed. Specifically, the current UTC time difference setting of the digital camera 100 is compared with the UTC time difference of the latest log management record recorded in the serial flash memory 113. If the UTC time difference does not match as a result of the comparison, it is determined that the UTC time difference has been changed. If it is determined that the UTC time difference has not been changed, the process proceeds to step S508. On the other hand, if it is determined that the UTC time difference has been changed, the process proceeds to step S506.

  Next, a case where the second control unit 108 determines in step S503 that there is no log management record in which no data size is recorded will be described. In this case, since the range of log data managed by the log management record has already been determined, the newly recorded log data is managed by the new log management record. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S507, and the second control unit 108 generates a new log management record. Subsequent processing is as described above.

  The above is the description of the operation of the digital camera 100 when recording log data in the serial flash memory 113.

<Output log data to recording medium>
Next, processing for outputting log data recorded in the serial flash memory 113 to the recording medium 106 or the recording medium 116 as a log file will be described. In the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment, log data recorded in the serial flash memory 113 can be output to the recording medium 106 or the recording medium 116 as one log file for each unit delimited by the management record.

  FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation of the digital camera 100 when the log data recorded in the serial flash memory 113 is output to the recording medium 106 or the recording medium 116 as a log file. In the operation shown in this sequence diagram, the first control unit 101 and the second control unit 108 develop the programs recorded in the nonvolatile memory 103 and the nonvolatile memory 109 in the work memory 104 and the work memory 110, respectively. It is realized by executing. The operation of the sequence diagram is started in response to the second control unit 108 receiving an instruction to output log data to the recording medium 106, for example. This instruction is input when a predetermined operation by the user via the operation unit 111 is received, for example.

  The second control unit 108 that has received the predetermined operation first transmits information of all log management records recorded in the serial flash memory 113 to the first control unit 101 in step S601. The information of each log management record includes the data size, start date and time, and UTC time difference.

  In step S602, the first control unit 101 that has received the log management record information calculates the total size of the log data from the data size included in the log management record information. Then, of the recording medium 106 or the recording medium 116, the free space of the recording medium that is set in advance as the recording destination of the captured image and the total size of the log data by the operation on the screen as described in FIG. And compare. Thereby, it is determined whether there is sufficient free space for recording log data on the recording medium 106. As a result of the comparison, when the first control unit 101 determines that the free capacity of one of the recording media is insufficient, the first control unit 101 notifies the user that the free capacity is insufficient, and this sequence. Terminate the process. On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, when the first control unit 101 determines that the free space is sufficient, the first control unit 101 corresponds to one log management record among the log management records to which information is transmitted in S601. A request for log data is transmitted to the second control unit 108. For the sake of explanation, FIG. 6 shows an example when it is determined that there is sufficient free space. That is, in step S <b> 603, the first control unit 101 transmits a request for log data to the second control unit 108.

  The second control unit 108 that has received the log data request reads out the requested log data from the log data recorded in the serial flash memory 113 and transmits it to the first control unit 101 in step S604.

  In step S605, the first control unit 101 that has received the log data converts the received log data into a log file format to be recorded on the recording medium. In the present embodiment, the recording medium 106 handles data in the FAT (File Allocation Tables: file system format for data management) format.

  In the subsequent step S606, the first control unit 101 sets the log file obtained by the conversion as a recording medium that is set in advance as a recording destination of the captured image by the operation on the screen described with reference to FIG. To record. If both slots are selected as image data recording destinations, the same log file is recorded on both recording media. Thereafter, the process ends.

  The above is the outline of the operation of the digital camera 100 when the log data is output to the recording medium 106 or the recording medium 116.

  Note that the data size of a log file is determined only after conversion from log data. In other words, the size calculated from the information of the log management record in step S602 is an approximate predicted size. Nevertheless, it is considered desirable to notify the user at an earlier stage when it is impossible to write the log file to determine whether recording is possible using the size that can only be predicted. Because. This is because it takes a certain time to convert log data into a log file. For this reason, when notification is made after waiting for conversion to a log file, the user needs to wait for the time for conversion, which is inconvenient in terms of operability. Accordingly, priority is given to operability, and the provisional prediction size is adopted as the data size.

  As a result of outputting the log data, a log file 700 as shown in FIG. 7 is recorded on the recording medium 106 or the recording medium 116. The log file 700 in this embodiment is text data in which data according to the NMEA format is recorded. In the NMEA format, among the recorded information, a line starting from $ GPGGA and a line starting from $ GPRMC are paired. In this pair of information, position information 713 and date 712 and time 711 when the position information is acquired are recorded. In the header area 701 of the log file, recording conditions when the log file is recorded are recorded. Specifically, a recording date and time 702 indicating the date and time when the position information recorded as the log file is acquired is recorded. As the recording date and time 702, the value of the start date and time 411 of the log management record that manages the position information is used. Furthermore, the time zone information set in the digital camera 100 when the log file is generated, that is, the UTC time difference 703 is also recorded as a recording condition. These recording conditions are recorded in the header when the log management record information transmitted in step S601 in FIG. 6 is used and recorded in the recording medium in step S606. The file name of the log file is determined based on the value of the start date and time 411 of the log management record.

<Operation of First Control Unit 101>
Subsequently, an operation of the first control unit 101 for realizing the above-described operation will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first control unit 101 for realizing the above operation. Each process of this flowchart is realized by the first control unit 101 developing and executing a program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 103 in the work memory 104. Moreover, the process of this flowchart is started, for example when the 1st control part 101 is supplied with electricity.

  First, in step S801, log management record information (start date / time, UTC time difference, and data size) is received from the second control unit. The information of the log management record is received in a state where it can be distinguished that the information corresponds to each log management record.

  Subsequently, in step S802, the first control unit 101 compares the free space of the recording medium set as the image data recording destination via the screen as shown in FIG. 2 with the total size of the log data, Determine whether there is enough free space to record log data.

  As a result of the comparison, if the first control unit 101 determines that there is not enough free space on the recording medium set as the image data recording destination, the process proceeds to step S803. In step S803, the first control unit 101 notifies the second control unit 108 that the free space is insufficient. At the same time, in step S804, the first control unit 101 notifies the user that the free space is insufficient and ends the processing of this sequence.

  On the other hand, as a result of the comparison, if the first control unit 101 determines that the free space is sufficient, the process proceeds to step S805. In step S805, the first control unit 101 transmits a request for log data managed by the log management record to the second control unit. Here, the log data managed by one log management record is collectively requested based on the information of the log management record received in step S801. Upon receiving this request, the second control unit 108 reads the corresponding log data from the serial flash memory 113 and transmits it to the first control unit 101.

  When the log data is received from the second control unit 108 in step S806, the first control unit 101 records the log data on the recording medium set as the recording destination of the image data in step S807. Convert to For example, it is converted into a FAT (File Allocation Tables: file system format for data management) format.

  In this embodiment, before recording the log file obtained in step S807, it is determined whether to record all the log files already recorded on the recording medium 106 or to record them as another file. Specifically, in step S808, the first control unit 101 reads the log file recording conditions from the header area of the log file already recorded on the recording medium 106, and uses the log management record information received in step S801. Compare with the information contained. As a result of the comparison, when the recording condition and the information included in the information of the log management record satisfy a predetermined relationship, the log data is added to the already recorded log file. Here, the recording condition read from the header area of the log file is the recording date and time 702 and the UTC time difference 703 described in the explanation of FIG. The first control unit 101 compares the recording date and time 702 read from the log file with the start date and time 411 included in the log management record corresponding to the position information to be recorded. Similarly, the UTC time difference 703 read from the log file is compared with the UTC time difference 412 included in the log management record corresponding to the position information to be recorded. If it is determined that the date indicated by the recording date / time 702 and the date indicated by the start date / time 411 do not match, the log file obtained in step S807 is already recorded on the recording medium set as the image data recording destination. It is determined that the recording condition is different from that of the log file. Alternatively, if the UTC time difference 703 and the UTC time difference 412 do not match, the log file recording condition obtained in step S807 is the log file recording already recorded on the recording medium set as the image data recording destination. Judged to be different from the conditions. If it is determined that both the date comparison and the UTC time difference comparison match, the log file recording conditions obtained in step S807 are already stored in the recording medium set as the image data recording destination. Judge that it matches the recording condition of the recorded log file.

  If it is determined in step S808 that the recording conditions match, the process proceeds to step S809.

  In step S809, the first control unit 101 merges the log file converted in step S807 with the log file already recorded on the recording medium set as the image data recording destination. As a result, log data of the same date and the same UTC time difference are recorded together in one log file. This facilitates log file management. Further, by outputting log data to a recording medium set as a recording destination of image data, the image data and log data can be managed together. Then, the process of this flowchart is complete | finished.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S808 that the recording conditions do not match, the process proceeds to step S810.

  In step S810, the first control unit 101 records the log file converted in step S807 on a recording medium set as a recording destination of image data as a file different from the already recorded log file. As a result, log data with different dates or UTC time differences are recorded as separate files. Then, the process of this flowchart is complete | finished.

  The above is the description of the operation of the first control unit 101.

<Operation of Second Control Unit 108>
Next, the operation of the second control unit 108 corresponding to the operation of the first control unit 101 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second control unit 101 for realizing the operation of FIG. Each process of this flowchart is realized by the second control unit 101 developing and executing a program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 109 in the work memory 110. This flowchart is started in response to the second control unit 108 receiving an output instruction for log data via the operation unit 111, for example.

  First, in step S901, the second control unit 108 controls the position acquisition unit 112 to temporarily stop the logging process.

  Next, in step S <b> 902, the second control unit 108 records the data size of the log management record whose data size is not recorded up to the currently recorded log data. As a result, the log management records currently recorded in the serial flash memory 113 are all recorded with the data size, and the management range is determined.

  Subsequently, in step S <b> 903, the second control unit 108 transmits information regarding all log management records recorded in the serial flash memory 113 to the first control unit 101. Specifically, the data size, start date and time, and UTC time difference included in each log management record are transmitted.

  Next, in step S904, the second control unit 108 determines whether the response from the first control unit 101 is information indicating that there is not enough free space or a request for log data. If the information indicates that there is not enough free space, the processing of this flowchart ends. On the other hand, if it is a request for log data, the process proceeds to step S905.

  In step S <b> 905, the second control unit 108 reads the requested log data from the log data recorded in the serial flash memory 113 and transmits it to the first control unit 101.

  In step S906, the second control unit 108 determines whether all log data has been transmitted. If it is determined that there is log data that has not yet been transmitted, the process returns to step S904 and waits for a request from the first control unit 101. On the other hand, if it is determined that all log data has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S907.

  In step S907, the second control unit 108 controls the position acquisition unit 112 to delete the log data transmitted to the first control unit 101 and the log management record that has managed the log data, and resume logging. .

  The above is the description of the operation of the digital camera 100 when the log data is output to the recording medium 106.

<Automatic output of log data>
In the above description, the case where log data is output using a user instruction as a trigger has been described. However, it is conceivable that the user forgets to output the log data to the recording medium. In particular, inconvenience occurs when the user switches to another recording medium by resetting a recording medium as an image recording destination without outputting log data. That is, there is a possibility that the image data recorded on the recording medium before switching and the log data acquired before switching are recorded on different recording media. Therefore, in the digital camera 100 of this embodiment, the log data is automatically output to the medium before switching at the timing when the user switches the medium set as the image data recording destination. Thus, the log data can be automatically output to an appropriate recording medium by a natural operation without the user being aware of the output of the log data.

  Hereinafter, operations of the first control unit 101 and the second control unit 108 for realizing the above-described operation will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera 100. Each process of this flowchart is realized by the cooperation of the first control unit 101 and the second control unit 108. Note that the processing of this flowchart is started in response to, for example, the power supply of the digital camera 100 being turned on.

  First, in step S <b> 1001, the first control unit 101 determines whether an instruction to change the setting of the image recording destination has been received by the operation unit 111. Specifically, the second control unit 108 detects an operation received by the operation unit 111 and notifies the first control unit 101 of the operation. Based on the received operation, the first control unit 101 detects whether or not an instruction to change the recording medium that is the recording destination of the image is received through the screen described with reference to FIG.

  In this step, when the first control unit 101 determines that an instruction to change the setting of the image recording destination has not been received by the operation unit 111, the process of this step is repeated and monitoring of the user operation is continued. . On the other hand, if the first control unit 101 determines that the operation unit 111 has received an instruction to change the setting of the image recording destination, the process proceeds to step S1002.

  In step S <b> 1002, the first control unit 101 determines whether log data is recorded in the serial flash memory 113. Specifically, the first control unit 101 causes the second control unit 108 to determine whether log data is recorded in the serial flash memory 113. Then, with the determination result notified from the second control unit 108, it is determined whether or not the log data is recorded in the serial flash memory 113.

  If the first control unit 101 determines that the log data is not recorded in the serial flash memory 113, the process returns to step S1001.

  On the other hand, when the first control unit 101 determines that the log data is recorded in the serial flash memory 113, the process proceeds to step S1003.

  In step S1003, the first control unit 101 and the second control unit 108 execute the processing described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, and the current serial flash memory is stored in the recording medium currently set as the recording destination of the image data. The log data recorded in 113 is output. When the log data output is completed, the process proceeds to step S1004.

  In step S1004, the first control unit 101 changes the recording medium of the image data recording destination in accordance with the instruction determined to have been received in step S1001.

  The above is the description of the process of automatically outputting log data when the image data recording destination is changed in the present embodiment.

  As described above, in the digital camera of the present embodiment, when changing the recording destination of the image data, the log data is output to the recording medium before the change, and then the recording destination of the image data is changed. This makes it easy to manage log files related to image files on the same recording medium.

[Second Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, a case where a condition for outputting log data is further added to the first embodiment will be described. Specifically, the log data is output not only when the recording destination of the image data is switched but also when imaging is performed so as to record the image data on the recording medium before switching. In this way, for example, when the recording destination is switched once, but the recording destination of the image data is returned to the original recording medium again without imaging, the possibility that log data is output wastefully is reduced. can do.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the digital camera 100 in the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, description of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and description will be made focusing on parts unique to the present embodiment.

<Imaging process>
First, the imaging process in the present embodiment will be described prior to the description of the process of outputting log data.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera when executing the imaging process in the present embodiment. The process of the flowchart of FIG. 11 is started together with the display of through images sequentially captured for live view in response to receiving an instruction to start the imaging mode by a user's menu operation or the like.

  In steps S1101 to S1106, processing similar to that in steps S301 to S306 in FIG. 3 is executed.

  In step S <b> 1107, the first control unit 101 sets “shooting presence / absence information” stored in the nonvolatile memory 103 to “present”. “Shooting presence / absence information” is information indicating whether or not the imaging unit 102 has taken an image before the recording destination of the image data is changed, and “0” and “1” flags are used to manage “present” and “absent”. . Note that this information set to “present” in this step is set to “not present” as the recording destination of the image data is changed. This will be described later.

  The above is the description of the operation of the digital camera 100 when executing the imaging process in the present embodiment.

<Automatic output of log data>
Next, automatic output of log data in this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera 100. Each process of this flowchart is realized by the cooperation of the first control unit 101 and the second control unit 108. Note that the processing of this flowchart is started in response to, for example, the power supply of the digital camera 100 being turned on.

  In step S1201, processing similar to that in step S1001 in FIG. 10 is executed.

  In subsequent step S1202, the first control unit 101 refers to the shooting presence / absence information stored in the non-volatile memory 103, and whether or not the image data is recorded on the recording medium set as the recording destination of the current image data. Determine whether. For example, when the shooting presence / absence information is set to “present”, the first control unit 101 determines that the image data is recorded by performing imaging after setting on the recording medium set as the recording destination of the current image data. . On the other hand, when the shooting presence / absence information is set to “none”, the first control unit 101 sets the image data on the recording medium set as the recording destination of the current image data, and does not capture the image data. Is not recorded.

  When the first control unit 101 determines that no image data is recorded on the recording medium set as the current image data recording destination, it is not necessary to output log data. Therefore, in this case, the process returns to step S1201 to monitor whether an instruction to change the recording destination of the image data is accepted again.

  On the other hand, if the first control unit 101 determines that the image data has been recorded on the recording medium set as the current image data recording destination, the process advances to step S1203.

  In steps S1203 to S1205, the processes in steps S1002 to S1004 in FIG. 10 are executed.

  The above is the description of the process of automatically outputting log data when the image data recording destination is changed in the present embodiment.

  As described above, in the digital camera of this embodiment, when changing the recording destination of image data, if the image data is recorded on the recording medium before the change, the log data is output to the recording medium before the change. To change the image data recording destination. This makes it easy to manage log files related to image files on the same recording medium, and can reduce the possibility of outputting useless log data.

[Third Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, a case where a condition for outputting log data is further added to the second embodiment will be described. Specifically, in addition to whether or not image data is recorded on the recording medium before switching, log data is output when imaging is performed after switching and image data is recorded on the recording medium after switching. In this way, for example, when the recording destination is once switched, but the recording destination of the image data is returned to the original recording medium again without taking an image, the possibility that log data is output wastefully is increased. Can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the digital camera 100 in the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, description of parts common to the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be omitted, and description will be made centering on parts unique to the present embodiment.

<Image data recording destination change processing>
First, prior to description of processing for outputting log data, processing for changing a recording destination of image data in accordance with an instruction from a user will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera in this embodiment.

  First, in step S1301, processing similar to that in step S1001 in FIG. 10 is executed.

  Next, in step S1302, the first control unit 101 determines whether or not the shooting presence / absence information stored in the nonvolatile memory 103 is set to be present or not.

  If the first control unit 101 determines in step S1302 that the shooting presence / absence information is set to “present”, the process proceeds to step S1303. In step S <b> 1303, the first control unit 101 sets “shooting presence / absence information before changing the image recording destination” to “present”, and then sets the shooting presence / absence information to “none”. “Shooting presence / absence information before changing image recording destination” is information indicating whether or not shooting has been performed with the setting before changing the image recording destination.

  On the other hand, if the first control unit 101 determines in step S1302 that the shooting presence / absence information is set to “none”, the process proceeds to step S1304. In step S1304, the first control unit 101 sets “shooting presence / absence information before changing the image recording destination” to “none”, and the shooting presence / absence information remains “none”.

  In subsequent step S1305, log data up to the timing when the image data recording destination is changed and log data acquired thereafter are managed so as to be distinguishable. For example, the date and time information indicating the timing of changing the recording destination of the image data is held in the area of the nonvolatile memory 103, and the date and time information before the held date and time information is compared with the date and time information of the log data. It is determined whether it is log data. Or you may provide the area | region which records the information which shows the timing which changed the recording destination of image data in the data structure itself of log data.

  Thereafter, in step S1306, the first control unit 101 changes the recording medium of the image data recording destination in accordance with the instruction determined to have been accepted in step S1001.

  Then, this flowchart is complete | finished.

<Automatic output of log data>
Next, automatic output of log data in this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the digital camera when executing the imaging process in the present embodiment. The processing of the flowchart in FIG. 14 is started together with the display of through images sequentially captured for live view in response to receiving an instruction to start the imaging mode by a user's menu operation or the like.

  In steps S1401 to S1407, processing similar to that in steps S1101 to S306 in FIG. 11 is executed.

  In subsequent step S1408, the first control unit 101 determines whether the “shooting presence / absence information before changing image recording destination” stored in the nonvolatile memory 103 is set to “present” or “not present”. to decide.

  First, a case will be described where the first control unit 101 determines in step S1408 that “shooting presence / absence information before changing image recording destination” is set to “present”. In this case, the process proceeds to step S1409.

  In step S1409, the first control unit 101 and the second control unit 108 execute the processing described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, and output log data to the recording medium currently set as the recording destination of the image data. To do. Here, among the log data currently recorded in the serial flash memory 113, the log data managed as the log data up to the timing when the recording destination of the image data is changed in step S1305 in FIG. 13 is output. To do. At this time, the first control unit 101 refers to information in accordance with the method managed in step S1305 in FIG. 13, which of the log data currently recorded in the serial flash memory 113 determines the recording destination of the image data. It is determined whether the log data is up to the changed timing. When the output of log data is completed, the process proceeds to step S1410.

  In step S <b> 1410, the first control unit 101 sets “none” as the “shooting presence / absence information before changing the image recording destination” stored in the nonvolatile memory 103. Thereafter, the process returns to step S1401.

  The above is the description when the first control unit 101 determines in step S1408 that “shooting presence / absence information before image recording destination change” is set to “present”.

  On the other hand, if the first control unit 101 determines in step S1408 that “shooting presence / absence information before changing image recording destination” is set to “none”, the process does not pass through steps S1409 and S1410. Return to step S1401.

  The above is the description of the process of automatically outputting log data at the time of imaging in the present embodiment.

  As described above, in the digital camera according to the present embodiment, when image data is captured, if image data is recorded on a recording medium set as a recording destination before changing to the current image data recording destination, Log data is output to the record destination. This makes it easy to manage log files related to image files on the same recording medium, and can reduce the possibility of outputting useless log data.

[Other Embodiments]
In addition to the above-described embodiment, whether the recording medium as the recording destination is determined based on the image capturing date and time or whether the recording medium is always recorded on the same recording medium as the image recording destination in the image capturing mode is determined by a user menu operation , It may be switched in advance. In this case, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the display unit 105 in response to receiving a predetermined operation on the operation unit 111 by the user. In this screen, the user can select an option displayed in the display area 1501 by operating the cursor 1502 via the operation unit 111. The user can set the corresponding recording mode by selecting one of these options. When “Option 1. Record to recording destination according to recorded image” is selected, the setting described in FIG. 6 is executed when log data is output. On the other hand, when “Option 2. Follow the setting of the image recording destination” is selected, the setting of the image recording destination set in FIG. 2 is also used as the log data recording destination. Note that, in the above description, the case of setting in advance is taken as an example, but the menu in FIG. 15 may be displayed in response to receiving an instruction to output log data. In this case, the recording mode in which the log data is output can be selected every time the log data is output.

  The present invention is also realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads and executes the program code. It is processing to do. In this case, the program and the storage medium storing the program constitute the present invention.

Claims (8)

An imaging device,
Imaging means for imaging a subject and generating image data;
Connection means for connecting to a plurality of recording media;
A setting unit that sets at least one of a plurality of recording media connected by the connection unit as a recording destination of the image data generated by the imaging unit in response to an instruction from the user;
Holding means for holding a plurality of position information indicating the position of the imaging device and a plurality of date and time information indicating the date and time when each of the plurality of position information is acquired in a predetermined recording area different from the plurality of recording media When,
Output means for outputting the position information held by the holding means to at least one of the plurality of recording media,
In response to receiving an instruction to reset the recording destination, the output means outputs the position information to a recording medium set as a recording destination of image data when the resetting instruction is received. An image pickup apparatus that executes an output process.   As the recording destination, after the recording medium set as the recording destination before the recording destination resetting instruction is accepted is set as the recording destination, the recording destination is reset. When no image data is recorded on the set recording medium, the output unit does not execute the process of outputting the position information in response to receiving an instruction to reset the recording destination. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1. It further has an acquisition means for periodically acquiring position information indicating the position of the imaging device,
The holding unit is different from the plurality of recording media in a plurality of pieces of position information acquired by the acquisition unit and a plurality of pieces of date and time information indicating dates and times when the plurality of pieces of position information are acquired by the acquisition unit. The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imaging apparatus is held in a predetermined recording area.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the position information by calculating position information based on a signal received from outside.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the position information by calculating position information based on a signal received from a satellite. A receiving unit that receives an instruction according to a user operation;
In response to the reception unit receiving an instruction to output log data in response to the user operation, the output unit outputs the position information held in the holding unit to at least one of the plurality of recording media. The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup apparatus outputs the output to a single point. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus,
An imaging step of imaging a subject to generate image data;
A connection step of connecting to a plurality of recording media;
A setting step of setting at least one of the plurality of connected recording media as a recording destination of the image data generated in the imaging step in response to an instruction from a user;
A holding step of holding a plurality of position information indicating the position of the imaging device and a plurality of date and time information indicating the date and time when each of the plurality of position information is acquired in a predetermined recording area different from the plurality of recording media When,
An output step for outputting the position information held in the holding step;
In the output step, in response to receiving an instruction to reset the recording destination, the position information is stored in a recording medium set as a recording destination of image data when the resetting instruction is received. An image pickup apparatus control method, comprising: outputting an image;   The computer-readable program for functioning a computer as each means of the imaging device of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 6.

Images