JP2015211245A - Image processing apparatus, and imaging device including the same, image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus capable of generating compressed image data from the original image data, while ensuring the recording capacity of a recording medium.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus has generation means (110, 141) for generating first compressed image data of smaller size than the original image data from the original image data recorded on a recording medium (152), determination means (161) for determining whether or not second compressed image data, generated from the original image data, is recorded on the recording medium, data erasing means (161) for erasing at least any one of the original image data, first and second compressed image data, recorded on the recording medium, and control means (161) for erasing the second compressed image data if it has been recorded on the recording medium, when the first compressed image data is generated by the generation means, and recording the first compressed image data on the recording medium.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that records RAW data and generated JPEG data on a recording medium.

  In recent years, imaging apparatuses that can store not only JPEG, which is a general still image compression method, but also RAW, which is an original image (original image), have appeared. RAW data has the advantage of being able to edit the tone of a user's preference after shooting, but the file size becomes extremely large, so it is a problem to constrain the capacity of the recording medium for storing it. With respect to this problem, in Patent Document 1, when the recording capacity for storing the generated RAW data cannot be secured at the time of shooting, a technique for securing a recording area by selectively erasing only the RAW data from the stored plural types of data. Has been introduced.

JP 2009-303122 A

  By the way, since JPEG development is lossy compression, it is impossible to regenerate RAW data from JPEG data when the RAW data of the JPEG data generation source is deleted. At present, the RAW data storage function is installed only in some imaging apparatuses, but advanced users who prefer this class generally are not satisfied with JPEG data generated at the time of shooting. Therefore, the source RAW data is often diverted at a later date and new JPEG data is re-developed using different development effects. However, even if a new desire for redevelopment occurs at a later date, if there is no RAW data of the generation source, JPEG development is irreversible compression as described above, and therefore redevelopment is impossible. Therefore, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, when securing the recording capacity of the recording medium, there is a case where new JPEG data (compressed image data) cannot be generated from RAW data (original image data).

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of generating compressed image data from original image data while ensuring the recording capacity of the recording medium.

  An image processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes: generation means for generating first compressed image data having a size smaller than the original image data from original image data recorded on a recording medium; and the original on the recording medium. Determination means for determining whether or not second compressed image data having a size smaller than that of the original image data generated from the image data is recorded; the original image data recorded on the recording medium; and the first Erasing means for erasing at least one of the compressed image data and the second compressed image data, and when the first compressed image data is generated by the generating means, the second compressed image data is recorded on the recording medium. If compressed image data has been recorded, the second compressed image data is erased by the erasing means, and the first compressed image data is recorded on the recording medium. And having a means.

  Other objects and features of the present invention are illustrated in the following examples.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus capable of generating compressed image data from original image data while ensuring the recording capacity of the recording medium.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a format example of a generated image data group storage format in the recording medium according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 10 is a format example of a generated image data group storage format in the recording medium of Embodiment 4. FIG. 3 is a flowchart relating to a follow-up development process according to the first exemplary embodiment. 10 is a flowchart according to redevelopment processing using saved development parameters according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart according to a method for securing an effective recording area of a recording medium according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart according to a method for securing an effective recording area of a recording medium according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart according to a method for securing an effective recording area of a recording medium according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. 12 is a flowchart according to an image data transfer method from an imaging apparatus according to a fifth embodiment to an external recording unit. FIG. 3 is a display example of a chasing development source candidate display unit according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 12 is a display example of a chasing development source candidate display unit according to the second exemplary embodiment.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an imaging apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a lens-integrated imaging device is described as an example. However, the imaging device of the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a lens interchangeable imaging device (imaging system). The imaging apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1 not only records image information obtained by imaging a subject on a recording medium, but also reproduces the image information from the recording medium, develops and displays the information, and image information. Has a function to transmit / receive data to / from an external device. Therefore, the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention can be expressed as an image processing apparatus, a recording apparatus, a reproducing apparatus, a recording / reproducing apparatus, a communication apparatus, and the like.

  In FIG. 1, the control unit 161 includes a CPU and a memory that stores a control program executed by the CPU, and controls the overall processing of the imaging apparatus 100. The operation unit 162 includes input devices such as keys, buttons, and a touch panel used by the user to give an instruction to the imaging apparatus 100. An operation signal from the operation unit 162 is detected by the control unit 161, and is controlled by the control unit 161 so that an operation corresponding to the operation is executed. The display unit 123 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like for displaying an image taken or reproduced in the imaging apparatus 100, a menu screen, various information, and the like.

  When the operation unit 162 is instructed to start a shooting operation, an optical image of a subject to be imaged is input via the imaging optical system 101 and formed on the image sensor 102. The image sensor 102 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the imaging optical system 101. The image sensor 102 is a photoelectric conversion element such as a CMOS sensor or a CCD sensor. The electrical signal photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 102 is subjected to pixel restoration processing by the signal processing unit 103. The repair process includes a process of interpolating a pixel to be repaired using a peripheral pixel value or subtracting a predetermined offset value from a missing pixel value or a low-reliability pixel value in the image sensor 102. . In the present embodiment, the image information output from the signal processing unit 103 is referred to as RAW data (or original image data) meaning a raw (undeveloped) image. As described above, the imaging apparatus of the present invention includes the imaging element 102 (and the signal processing unit 103) that can generate RAW data (original image data).

  The RAW data is developed by the developing unit 110. The development unit 110 includes a plurality of different development processing units, and includes a simple development unit 111 as a first development unit and a high-quality development unit 112 as a second development unit, and selects an output thereof. A switch unit 121 is included. Both the simple development unit 111 and the high-quality development unit 112 perform debayer processing (demosaic processing) on the RAW data, convert it to a signal composed of luminance and color difference, remove noise contained in each signal, and optically A so-called development process such as correcting distortion and optimizing an image is performed.

  In particular, the high image quality development unit 112 performs each process with higher accuracy than the simple development unit 111. On the other hand, the simple development unit 111 has a lower image quality than the high image quality development unit 112, but is configured to have a smaller processing amount than the high image quality development so that the development process can be performed at high speed during shooting. Yes. Since the processing load of the simple developing unit 111 is small, the simple developing unit 111 is used for real-time development in parallel with the photographing operation. The switch unit 121 is switched by the control unit 161 in accordance with control according to the operation content instructed by the user from the operation unit 162 and the operation mode being executed. In the present embodiment, the simple developing unit 111 and the high image quality developing unit 112 exist independently in the developing unit 110. However, one developing unit switches the operation mode so that the simple developing unit and the high developing unit 112 can The image quality development process may be exclusively performed.

  The development parameter setting unit 170 sets development parameters representing correction strengths such as noise removal, optical distortion correction, and image optimization. In the photographing operation, the RAW data output from the signal processing unit 103 is supplied to the development parameter setting unit 170, and the development parameter corresponding to the input picture is automatically determined, and this is set in the development unit 110. Note that the control unit 161 can further correct the correction strength of each development parameter set by the development parameter setting unit 170 in accordance with the operation content instructed by the user through the operation unit 162.

  The image information developed by the developing unit 110 is displayed on the display unit 123 after a predetermined display process is performed by the display processing unit 122.

  On the other hand, the image information developed by the developing unit 110 is also supplied to the JPEG compression unit 141. The JPEG compression unit 141 performs high-efficiency encoding on target image information, generates image information in which the amount of information is compressed, and converts it into JPEG data (compressed image data having a smaller size than the original image data). The developing unit 110 and the JPEG compression unit 141 constitute a generation unit that generates compressed image data from original image data.

  Further, the RAW compression unit 113 performs high-efficiency encoding on the RAW data output from the signal processing unit 103 using a technique such as wavelet conversion or differential encoding, and converts the RAW data into compressed RAW data. The RAW data, the above-described JPEG data, and development parameters are recorded on the recording medium 152 by the recording / playback unit 151. When recording, the RAW data and the JPEG data are recorded on the recording medium 152 in association with each data generated by generating reduced thumbnail data for search display for each RAW data and each JPEG data. The recording medium 152 is a built-in large-capacity memory, a hard disk, or a removable memory card. Furthermore, the recording / playback unit 151 can write and read various files to an external storage or server via the communication unit 153.

  The recording / playback unit 151 can also read JPEG data and RAW data from the recording medium 152. When the reproduction operation is started, the recording / reproducing unit 151 acquires and reproduces desired data from the recording medium 152. If the reproduction target data is RAW data, the recording / reproducing unit 151 supplies the acquired RAW data to the RAW decompression unit 114. On the other hand, if the playback target data is JPEG data, the recording / playback unit 151 supplies the acquired JPEG data to the JPEG decompression unit 143. The RAW expansion unit 114 decodes and expands the compressed RAW data. The RAW data expanded by the RAW expansion unit 114 is supplied to the simple development unit 111 and the high image quality development unit 112 in the development unit 110.

  In other words, after the photographing operation is finished, it is possible to generate a high-quality display image and high-quality JPEG data by using the compressed RAW data recorded on the recording medium as a source and again performing development processing with high image quality. This operation is used in the following description under the name of “chase development” related to the present embodiment. On the other hand, the JPEG decompression unit 143 decodes and decompresses the input still image data, and supplies it to the display processing unit 122 as a playback image of the still image.

  In the follow-up development, RAW data output from the RAW expansion unit 114 is supplied to the development parameter setting unit 170, and development parameters corresponding to the pattern of the RAW data to be reproduced are set in the development unit 110. Note that the control unit 161 can further correct the correction strength of each development parameter set by the development parameter setting unit 170 in accordance with the operation content instructed by the user through the operation unit 162.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart related to a process in which a user instructs to select a follow-up development candidate from a plurality of RAW thumbnail images, and the imaging apparatus that has received the instruction generates JPEG data from the selected RAW data, that is, performs follow-up development. Show. The flowchart in FIG. 4 illustrates a processing procedure executed by controlling each processing block by the control unit 161. A program stored in a memory (ROM) of the control unit 161 is stored in the memory (RAM). This is realized by expanding and executing by the CPU.

  A display screen example 700 in FIG. 11 is an example of a display screen output to the display unit 123 in order to prompt the user to select a follow-up development candidate from a plurality of RAW thumbnail images. Reference numerals 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, and 706 indicate thumbnail images of RAW data. Reference numeral 707 denotes a CG switch for enlarging and displaying the RAW data selected by the user. Reference numeral 708 denotes a CG switch for the user to switch the displayed RAW data thumbnail to data other than the currently displayed RAW data.

  First, the control unit 161 displays the chase development source candidate image on the display unit 123 as shown in a display example 700 of FIG. Then, it waits for a follow-up development source candidate image selection and enlargement display instruction from the user, which is performed through the operation unit 162 (S303). If there is a development source candidate image selection / enlargement display instruction, the recording / playback unit 151 acquires the RAW data selected by the user from the recording medium 152, supplies this data to the RAW decompression unit 114, and restores the RAW data ( S305). The simplified development source candidate RAW data is developed by the simple development unit 111 in the development unit 110, subjected to a predetermined display process by the display processing unit 122, and the development source candidate RAW data and the CG are displayed on the display unit 123. A follow-up development instruction button is displayed (S306).

  Then, the control unit 161 monitors the operation unit 162 and waits for a response to the user to follow the “follow-up development instruction” button. If the follow-up development instruction does not exist for a predetermined time, the process returns to step S303. (S308).

  Next, the control unit 161 uses the recording / reproducing unit 151 to determine whether or not the previously generated JPEG data (second compressed image data) having the same RAW data as the development source image exists in the recording medium. 152 is searched and inspected (S309). Thus, the control unit 161 functions as a determination unit that determines whether or not the second compressed image data generated from the same RAW data is recorded on the recording medium 152. At the same time, the control unit 161 also determines whether or not the development parameters when the second compressed image data is generated on the recording medium 152 (the development parameters will be described later) are recorded. The control unit 161 proceeds to step S321 if the previously generated JPEG data exists in the recording medium, and proceeds to step S341 if the previously generated JPEG data does not exist in the recording medium.

  If the previously generated JPEG data is not present in the recording medium in step S309, the control unit 161 supplies the RAW data output from the RAW expansion unit 114 to the development parameter setting unit 170 (S341). Then, according to the operation content instructed by the user through the operation unit 162, the control unit 161 sets arbitrary development parameters to the development parameter setting unit 170 (S342). On the other hand, the RAW data is developed with high image quality according to a user-specified development parameter in the high image quality developing unit 112, supplied to the JPEG compression unit 141, and output with high efficiency encoding processing (JPEG compression) (S343). Then, the control unit 161 records the JPEG data on the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 (S344).

  Further, the control unit 161 records the development parameters set in step S342 on the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 (S345). In addition, the control unit 161 records the data name of the development source RAW data selected in step S303 onto the recording medium 152 via the recording / playback unit 151 (S346). In the recording operations in steps S345 and S346, the recording is performed in association with the generation source RAW data in accordance with the generation data recording format described later.

  On the other hand, if the JPEG data (second compressed image data) that has been generated in advance in step S309 is present in the recording medium, the control unit 161 uses the recording / playback unit 151 to perform the generation of the preceding generated data in the recording medium 152. The JPEG data is deleted (S321). Specifically, when the control unit 161 determines in step S309 that the second compressed image data is recorded on the recording medium 152 and the development parameter of the second compressed image data is recorded, The second compressed image data is erased from the recording medium. Here, if it is determined that the development parameter of the second compressed image data is not recorded, the second compressed image data is not erased from the recording medium. In this manner, the control unit 161 has a function as an erasing unit that erases the second compressed image data when the second compressed image data is recorded on the recording medium 152.

  It should be noted that it is better to use the control unit 161, the operation unit 162, and the display unit 123 to reconfirm the user's intention to delete rather than automatically deleting. Then, the control unit 161 supplies the RAW data output from the RAW expansion unit 114 to the development parameter setting unit 170 (S322). Then, according to the operation content instructed by the user through the operation unit 162, the control unit 161 sets arbitrary development parameters to the development parameter setting unit 170 (S323). On the other hand, the RAW data is developed with high image quality in accordance with a user-specified development parameter in the high image quality developing unit 112, supplied to the JPEG compression unit 141, and output with high efficiency encoding processing (JPEG compression) (S324). In other words, the development unit 110 and the JPEG compression unit 141 develop JPEG data (first compressed image data) by developing the RAW data (original image data) with user-specified development parameters. Then, the control unit 161 records the JPEG data on the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 (S325).

  As described above, when the second compressed image data is recorded on the recording medium 152, the control unit 161 deletes the second compressed image data and records the generated first compressed image data on the recording medium 152. It has a function as a control means. Further, the control unit 161 records the development parameters set in step S323 on the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 (S326). In the recording operations in steps S325 and S326, recording is performed in association with the generation source RAW data in accordance with the generation data recording format described below. As described above, the control unit 161 records the development parameters when the first compressed image data and the first compressed image data are generated in the recording medium 152 in association with the generation source RAW data (original image data).

  Here, the generated data recording format will be described. FIG. 2 is a format example of a generated image data group organized for each generation source RAW data stored in the recording medium 152. The generated image data in the recording medium 152 is recorded in a format in which RAW data, a generation source RAW data name, a development parameter, and JPEG data are classified and arranged for each generation source RAW data. In other words, the control unit 161 according to the present invention generates original image data, compressed image data, and development parameters when the compressed image data is generated when generating and recording compressed image data from the original image data. Is recorded in association. More specifically, 201 is a generated image data group whose raw data is RAW data α, 202 is a generated image data group whose raw data is RAW data δ, and 203 is a generated image data group whose raw data is RAW data θ. is there. Further, the data group 201 will be described in detail. The output data obtained by developing the raw data RAW data with the generation source RAW data name α with the development parameter αγ as the generation source is the JPEG data αγ. Further, there is no output data that is developed with the development parameter αβ with respect to the RAW data α of the generation source RAW data name α from which the RAW data α is generated.

  Furthermore, the data group 202 will be disassembled and described. The output data obtained by developing the RAW data δ of the generation source RAW data name δ from which the RAW data δ is generated with the development parameter δτ is JPEG data δτ. Further, there is no output data that is developed with the development parameter δε for the RAW data δ of the generation source RAW data name δ from which the RAW data δ is generated. Further, there is no output data that is developed with the development parameter δω with respect to the RAW data δ of the generation source RAW data name δ from which the RAW data δ is generated. Further, the data group 203 will be described in detail. The output data obtained by performing development with the development parameter θμ on the RAW data θ of the generation source RAW data name θ from which the RAW data θ is the generation source is JPEG data θμ. As a method of associating the above-described generation source RAW data with the generation source RAW data name, development parameter, and JPEG data, even if the folder classification method as shown in FIG. 2 is used, some extension is added to the data. Or a method of assigning relevance to the file name.

  The feature of the generated data recording format shown in FIG. 2 is that the number of JPEG files existing in each source RAW data group is single. When the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 4 of the present embodiment is performed, only the maximum one JPEG data is allowed to be stored for one generation source RAW data by the operation in step S321.

  As described above, by configuring the present invention as in the present embodiment, it is possible to limit the number of JPEG data generated and saved from one source RAW data to only one, and infinite JPEG data Therefore, the recording medium can be effectively used.

  The present invention proposes a file management method capable of securing the capacity of a recording medium from another viewpoint while preventing generation raw data that cannot be reconstructed from being erased from the recording medium from the viewpoint of ensuring convenience. doing. In order to secure the recording medium capacity, the JPEG data is actively discarded, and the generated RAW data and the development parameters are protected from the erasing action, so that the discarded JPEG data can be regenerated. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image processing apparatus capable of generating compressed image data from original image data while ensuring the recording capacity of the recording medium.

  FIG. 5 shows a flowchart relating to the “re-development” process using the saved development parameters in the follow-up development mode of the present embodiment. First, the definition of the term “re-development” according to this embodiment will be described. When the first JPEG data is generated from the RAW data according to the first embodiment, the first development parameter is saved at the same time. When the second JPEG data is generated from the same RAW data, the second development parameter is simultaneously saved and the first JPEG data is deleted. That is, in this state, two development parameters and single JPEG data are stored for the generation source RAW data, and the first JPEG data lost is regenerated from here using the first development parameter. This is referred to as “re-development” according to the present embodiment.

  Note that the hardware configuration in this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Further, the flowchart of FIG. 5 illustrates a processing procedure executed by the control unit 161 by controlling each processing block. The flowchart of FIG. 5 is realized by developing a program stored in a memory (ROM) included in the control unit 161 in the memory (RAM) and executing it by the CPU.

  A display example 800 in FIG. 12 is an example of a display screen that is output to the display unit 123 in order to prompt the user to select a development parameter. Reference numeral 801 denotes a thumbnail image of RAW data that is a chase development source candidate. Reference numeral 802 denotes a RAW data file name indicated by 801. Reference numeral 811 denotes a development parameter abbreviation, and reference numeral 810 denotes a JPEG data file name of the development result by the development parameter 811. Reference numeral 813 denotes a development parameter abbreviation, and reference numeral 812 denotes a JPEG data file name of the development result according to the development parameter 813 (“-----” indicates “no corresponding file”). 815 is a development parameter abbreviation, and 814 is a JPEG data file name of the development result by the development parameter 815 (----- presents “no corresponding file” by a symbol). Reference numeral 817 denotes a development parameter abbreviation, and reference numeral 816 denotes a JPEG data file name of the development result by the development parameter 817. Reference numeral 820 denotes a CG switch for the user to follow the 801 development source candidate RAW data and instruct development. 821 is a CG switch for the user to switch the displayed RAW data thumbnail to data other than the currently displayed RAW data.

  First, the control unit 161 displays the chase development source candidate image on the display unit 123 as shown in a display example 800 of FIG. Then, it waits for a follow-up development source candidate image selection instruction from the user, which is performed through the operation unit 162 (S353). If there is a development source candidate image selection instruction, the recording / playback unit 151 acquires the RAW data selected by the user from the recording medium 152, supplies this data to the RAW decompression unit 114, and restores the RAW data (S355). The simplified development source candidate RAW data is developed by the simple development unit 111 in the development unit 110, subjected to a predetermined display process by the display processing unit 122, and the development source candidate RAW data and the CG are displayed on the display unit 123. A follow-up development instruction button is displayed (S356). Further, the control unit 161 performs CG composition display of the RAW data file name, JPEG data file name, and development parameter in the generated image data group (FIG. 2) having the RAW data as a generation source (S357).

  Then, the control unit 161 monitors the operation unit 162 and inspects the re-development instruction by the user, that is, the simultaneous instruction of “development parameter selection without JPEG file” and “follow-up development” (S360). If there is no re-development instruction for a predetermined time, the process returns to step S353, and if a re-development instruction is detected, the process proceeds to step S365.

  Then, the control unit 161 deletes the previously generated JPEG data in the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 (S365). It should be noted that it is better to use the control unit 161, the operation unit 162, and the display unit 123 to reconfirm the user's intention to delete rather than automatically deleting. Then, the control unit 161 supplies the user-specified development parameters in the recording medium 152 to the development parameter setting unit 170 via the recording / playback unit 151 (S366). As described above, the development parameter setting unit 170 functions as an acquisition unit that acquires the development parameter specified by the user from the recording medium 152. On the other hand, the RAW data is developed with high image quality in accordance with the development parameters specified by the user in the high image quality developing unit 112, supplied to the JPEG compression unit 141, and output with high efficiency encoding processing (JPEG compression) (S368). As described above, the developing unit 110 and the JPEG compression unit 141 regenerate the second compressed image data (erased) from the RAW data (original image data) according to the user-specified development parameter. Then, the control unit 161 records the JPEG data on the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 (S369).

  As described above, by configuring the present invention as in the present embodiment, JPEG data can be regenerated again from the remaining source RAW data and development parameters even if the JPEG data has been deleted. Become.

  A method for securing an effective recording area of a recording medium in the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the hardware configuration in this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Further, the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate processing procedures executed by the control unit 161 controlling each processing block. The flowcharts of FIGS. 6 and 7 are realized by developing a program stored in a memory (ROM) of the control unit 161 in the memory (RAM) and executing it by the CPU.

  First, in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 and determines the presence of a predetermined free space (S403). Thus, the control unit 161 has a function as a determination unit that determines the free capacity of the recording medium 152. If there is a predetermined free space, the process ends (end), and if not, the process proceeds to step S404. Then, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151, and the control unit 161 automatically selects one data from the data to be erased in the recording medium in the order of the file names (S404). If the selected data is not JPEG data, the process proceeds to step S403. If the selected data is JPEG data, the process proceeds to step S406 (S405).

  Next, the control unit 161 inspects the existence of both of the selected JPEG data generation source RAW data and development history (the generation source RAW data file name and development parameters are the same) data in the recording medium. S406). Here, if either or both of the generation source RAW data and the development history data does not exist, the process proceeds to step S403. If both the generation source RAW data and the development history data exist, the process proceeds to step S407, and the JPEG data selected in step S404 is erased from the recording medium. In other words, when there is JPEG data associated with both the generation source RAW data and the development parameter when the free space is equal to or less than the predetermined amount, the control unit 161 performs the first step of deleting the JPEG data. It should be noted that it is better to use the control unit 161, the operation unit 162, and the display unit 123 to reconfirm the user's intention to delete rather than automatically deleting.

  Next, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 and determines the presence / absence of other erasure candidate data in the recording medium (S408). That is, in step S408, if JPEG data in which both the generation source RAW data and the development history data coexist remains, the first level erasing process is incomplete, and the process proceeds to step S403. On the other hand, if there is no JPEG data in which both the source RAW data and the development history data coexist in step S408, the first level erasing process is completed, and the process proceeds to step S409.

  At the end of the first level erasing process, the control unit 161 confirms the user's intention of “whether the JPEG file that cannot be regenerated is erased” by the display unit 123 and the operation unit 162 (S409). The “non-regenerate JPEG file” means a JPEG file in which either the generation source RAW data, the development history, or both do not coexist. If it is determined in step S409 that the JPEG file that cannot be regenerated by the user is not deleted, the process proceeds to step S403. If it is determined that the JPEG file that cannot be regenerated is also deleted, the second of step S423 is performed. Move to the level erasure process.

  In the second level erasing process, first, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 and determines the presence of a predetermined free space (S423). If there is a predetermined free space, the process ends (end), and if not, the process proceeds to step S424. Then, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151, and the control unit 161 automatically selects one data from the data to be erased in the recording medium in the order of the file names (S424). If the selected data is not JPEG data, the process proceeds to step S423, and if the selected data is JPEG data, the process proceeds to step S427 (S425). In step S427, the JPEG data selected in step S424 is erased from the recording medium. That is, if there is JPEG data that is not associated with at least one of the generation source RAW data and the development parameter when the free space is equal to or less than the predetermined amount after the first step, the control unit 161 stores the JPEG data. A second step of deletion is performed. It should be noted that it is better to use the control unit 161, the operation unit 162, and the display unit 123 to reconfirm the user's intention to delete rather than automatically deleting. Next, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 and determines the presence / absence of other erasure candidate data in the recording medium (S428). That is, if JPEG data remains in step S428, the second level erasing process is incomplete, and the process proceeds to step S423. On the other hand, if no JPEG data remains in step S428, the second-level erase process is completed, and the process proceeds to step S429.

  At the end of the second-level erasing process, the control unit 161 confirms the user's intention “whether to erase development history data” by using the display unit 123 and the operation unit 162 (S429). If development history data does not exist, JPEG data cannot be regenerated. If it is determined in step S429 that the user does not delete the development history data, the process proceeds to step S403. If it is determined that the development history data is also deleted, the process proceeds to the third level erasure process in step S450 of FIG. And migrate. Hereinafter, the process after step S450 is demonstrated using the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in the third level erasing step, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 and determines the presence of a predetermined free space (S443). If there is a predetermined free space, the process ends (end), and if not, the process proceeds to step S444. Then, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151, and the control unit 161 automatically selects one piece of data from the data to be erased in the recording medium in the order of file names (S444). If the selected data is not development history data, the process proceeds to step S443, and if the selected data is development history data, the process proceeds to step S447 (S445). In step S447, the development history data selected in step S444 is erased from the recording medium. That is, the control unit 161 performs a third step of deleting development history data recorded on the recording medium 152 when the free space is equal to or less than a predetermined amount after the second step. It should be noted that it is better to use the control unit 161, the operation unit 162, and the display unit 123 to reconfirm the user's intention to delete rather than automatically deleting.

  Next, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 and determines the presence / absence of other erasure candidate data in the recording medium (S448). That is, if development history data remains in step S448, the third level erasing process is incomplete, and the process proceeds to step S443. On the other hand, if development history data does not remain in step S448, the third level erasing process is completed, and the process proceeds to step S449.

  At the end of the third level erasing process, the control unit 161 confirms the user intention “whether or not to delete the RAW data” by the display unit 123 and the operation unit 162 (S449). If RAW data does not exist, JPEG data cannot be regenerated even if the original development parameters are generated. If it is determined in step S449 that the user does not delete the RAW data, the process proceeds to step S403 in FIG. 6, and if it is determined that the RAW data is also deleted, the process proceeds to the fourth level erasure process in step S463. To do. Note that the tip of the circle A in FIG. 7 is connected to the circle A in FIG.

  First, in the fourth level erasing process, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 and determines the presence of a predetermined free space (S463). If there is a predetermined free space, the process ends (end), and if not, the process proceeds to step S464. Then, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / playback unit 151, and the control unit 161 automatically selects one piece of data from the data to be erased in the recording medium in the order of file names (S464). If the selected data is not RAW data, the process proceeds to step S463. If the selected data is RAW data, the process proceeds to step S467 (S465). In step S467, the RAW data selected in step S464 is erased from the recording medium. That is, the control unit 161 performs the fourth step of deleting the RAW data recorded on the recording medium 152 when the free space is equal to or less than the predetermined amount after the third step.

  It should be noted that it is better to use the control unit 161, the operation unit 162, and the display unit 123 to reconfirm the user's intention to delete rather than automatically deleting. Next, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 and determines the presence / absence of other erasure candidate data in the recording medium (S468). That is, if RAW data remains in step S468, the fourth level erasing process is incomplete, and the process proceeds to step S463. On the other hand, if no RAW data remains in step S468, the fourth level erase process is completed, and the process ends (END).

  As described above, JPEG data can be regenerated if there is generation RAW data and development history. Therefore, by managing the deletion data type priority as in this embodiment, JPEG from the generation RAW data is managed. Data regeneration feasibility can be protected.

  In the fourth embodiment, when JPEG data is generated, an erase priority flag is set for each generated JPEG data, and when an effective recording area of a recording medium is secured, a method for securing an effective recording area based on this erase priority index. explain. FIG. 8 illustrates a method for securing an effective recording area of a recording medium in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. Note that the hardware configuration in this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Here, in this embodiment, the operation unit 162 and the control unit 161 in FIG. 1 have a function as a setting unit that sets a priority for erasing JPEG data recorded on the recording medium 152. Further, the flowchart of FIG. 8 illustrates a processing procedure executed by the control unit 161 controlling each processing block. The flowchart of FIG. 8 is realized by developing a program stored in a memory (ROM) included in the control unit 161 in the memory (RAM) and executing it by the CPU.

  FIG. 3 shows a format example of the generated image data group organized for each source RAW data stored in the recording medium 152. The generated image data in the recording medium 152 is recorded in a format in which RAW data, a generation source RAW data name, a development parameter, and JPEG data are classified and arranged for each generation source RAW data. More specifically, reference numeral 251 denotes a generated image data group whose source is RAW data α, 252 is a generated image data group whose source is RAW data δ, and 253 is a generated image data group whose source is RAW data θ. is there. Further, the data group 251 is disassembled and described. The output data obtained by developing the raw data RAW data with the generation source RAW data name α with the development parameter αγ as the generation source is the JPEG data αγ.

  Further, there is no output data that is developed with the development parameter αβ with respect to the RAW data α of the generation source RAW data name α from which the RAW data α is generated. The user sets the deletion priority for each development parameter, the deletion priority of the JPEG data αβ generated with the development parameter αβ is “3”, and the deletion priority of the JPEG data αγ generated with the development parameter αβ is “1”. Indicates a state where is set. In this embodiment, the deletion priority is set in the order of “3”, “2”, and “1” from the highest. Further, the data group 252 will be described in detail. The output data obtained by developing the RAW data δ of the generation source RAW data name δ from which the RAW data δ is generated with the development parameter δτ is JPEG data δτ. Further, there is no output data that is developed with the development parameter δε for the RAW data δ of the generation source RAW data name δ from which the RAW data δ is generated.

  Further, there is no output data that is developed with the development parameter δω with respect to the RAW data δ of the generation source RAW data name δ from which the RAW data δ is generated. The user sets the deletion priority for each development parameter, the deletion priority of the JPEG data δε generated by the development parameter δε is “1”, and the deletion priority of the JPEG data δω generated by the development parameter δω is “2”. Indicates a state where is set. Further, the erasure priority of the JPEG data δτ generated with the development parameter δτ is set to “3”. Further, the data group 253 will be described in detail. The output data obtained by performing development with the development parameter θμ on the RAW data θ of the generation source RAW data name θ from which the RAW data θ is the generation source is JPEG data θμ. In this example, the user sets the deletion priority for each development parameter, and the deletion priority of the JPEG data θμ generated with the development parameter θμ is set to “2”.

  When the RAW data and the JPEG data are recorded on the recording medium 152, the RAW data and the JPEG data are stored in advance in the form shown in FIG. 3, and in the operation for securing the effective recording area of the recording medium, according to the flowchart of FIG. Based on data management.

  First, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 and determines the presence of a predetermined free capacity (S503). If there is a predetermined free space, the process ends (end), and if not, the process proceeds to step S504. Then, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151, and selects one piece of data from JPEG data that is an erasure candidate in the recording medium (S504). Then, the control unit 161 checks the erasure priority of the selected data and determines whether or not the erasure priority is 3 (S505). If the selected data is not the deletion priority 3, the process proceeds to step S503. If the selected data is the deletion priority 3, the process proceeds to step S507 (S505). In step S507, the JPEG data selected in step S504 is erased from the recording medium. It should be noted that it is better to use the control unit 161, the operation unit 162, and the display unit 123 to reconfirm the user's intention to delete rather than automatically deleting.

  Next, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 and determines the presence / absence of other erasure candidate data in the recording medium (S508). In other words, if JPEG data having an erasure priority level of 3 remains in step S508, the first level erasure process is incomplete, and the process proceeds to step S503. On the other hand, if no JPEG data with the deletion priority level 3 remains in step S508, the first level deletion process is completed, and the process proceeds to step S509.

  At the end of the first-level erasing process, the control unit 161 confirms the user intention “whether or not to delete JPEG data of erasing priority 2” by the display unit 123 and the operation unit 162 (S509). If it is determined in step S509 that the user does not delete the deletion priority 2 JPEG data, the process proceeds to step S503. If the determination determines that the deletion priority 2 JPEG data is also deleted, the second step S513 is performed. Move to the level erasure process.

  First, in the second level erasing process, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 and determines the presence of a predetermined free space (S513). If there is a predetermined free space, the process ends (end), and if not, the process proceeds to step S514. Then, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151, and selects one piece of data from JPEG data that is an erasure candidate in the recording medium (S514). Then, the control unit 161 checks the deletion priority of the selected data and determines whether or not the deletion priority is 2 (S515). If the selected data is not the deletion priority 2, the process proceeds to step S513, and if the selected data is the deletion priority 2, the process proceeds to step S517 (S515). In step S517, the JPEG data selected in step S514 is erased from the recording medium. It should be noted that it is better to use the control unit 161, the operation unit 162, and the display unit 123 to reconfirm the user's intention to delete rather than automatically deleting.

  Next, the control unit 161 inspects the recording medium 152 via the recording / reproducing unit 151 and determines the presence / absence of other erasure candidate data in the recording medium (S518). In other words, if JPEG data having an erasure priority of 2 remains in step S518, the second level erasure process is not completed, and the process proceeds to step S513. On the other hand, if no JPEG data with the deletion priority 2 remains in step S518, the second-level deletion process is completed, and the process ends (END). As described above, the control unit 161 according to the present embodiment deletes the JPEG data according to the priority when the free capacity of the recording medium 152 is equal to or less than the predetermined amount.

  As described above, by configuring as in the present embodiment, if the deletion priority is set in advance when generating image data, the user can re-use the utility when deleting each piece of data. A confirmation step is not required, and the effective recording area of the recording medium can be efficiently achieved.

  In Example 5, a method for copying image data in a recording medium in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The hardware configuration in this embodiment is the configuration shown in FIG. In addition, the flowchart of FIG. 10 illustrates a processing procedure executed by the control unit 161 controlling each processing block. The flowchart in FIG. 10 is realized by developing a program stored in a memory (ROM) included in the control unit 161 in the memory (RAM) and executing the program by the CPU.

  The hardware configuration of FIG. 9 is configured by adding an external recording unit 180 to the block configuration of FIG. The same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 are given to the block configuration parts in FIG. 1 of the hardware configuration diagram in FIG. Therefore, the configuration of the external recording unit 180 in FIG. 9 will be mainly described below.

  In FIG. 9, the unit control unit 191 includes a CPU and a memory that stores a control program executed by the CPU, and controls processing of the external recording unit 180. The unit control unit 191 connects and communicates with the control unit 161 on the imaging device 100 side via the communication units 153 and 183, and controls processing of the external recording unit 180 as a slave device of the imaging device 100. The operation unit 192 includes input devices such as keys, buttons, and a touch panel used by the user to give instructions to the external recording unit 180. An operation signal from the operation unit 192 is detected by the unit control unit 191 and controlled by the unit control unit 191 so that an operation corresponding to the operation is executed. The communication unit 183 is connected to the communication unit 153 on the imaging apparatus 100 side, and transmits not only image data but also various files and control commands. The image data output from the imaging apparatus 100 side is recorded on the recording medium 182 by the recording / playback unit 181 via the communication unit 183. In addition, the data in the recording medium 182 can be read out by the recording / reproducing unit 181 and reproduced on the display unit 123 on the imaging apparatus 100 side.

  A method for transferring image data from the imaging apparatus 100 to the external recording unit 180 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The control unit 161 monitors the operation unit 162 and waits for a specific JPEG data display instruction in the recording medium 152 on the imaging apparatus 100 side by the user (S603). If the display instruction is detected, the specified specific JPEG data in the recording medium 152 on the imaging apparatus 100 side is read through the recording / playback unit 151, and the JPEG decompression unit 143 decodes and decompresses (S605). The decompressed JPEG data is subjected to a predetermined display process by the display processing unit 122 together with a CG transfer instruction button output from the control unit 161, and is displayed on the display unit 123 (S606).

  Then, the control unit 161 monitors the operation unit 162, waits for a response to the “transfer instruction” button operation by the user, returns to step S603 if the transfer instruction is not for a fixed time, and moves to step S621 if the transfer instruction is detected. (S610).

  In step S621, the control unit 161 reads the designated JPEG data in the recording medium 152 on the imaging apparatus 100 side via the recording / reproducing unit 151, and performs communication unit 153, communication unit 183 on the external recording unit 180 side, recording / reproducing. The data is stored in the recording medium 182 via the unit 181.

  Next, the control unit 161 reads the generation source RAW data of the designated JPEG data in the recording medium 152 on the imaging apparatus 100 side via the recording / reproducing unit 151. Then, the data is stored in the recording medium 182 via the communication unit 153, the external recording unit 180 side communication unit 183, and the recording / reproducing unit 181 (S622).

  Next, the control unit 161 reads the generation raw data name of the designated JPEG data in the recording medium 152 on the imaging apparatus 100 side via the recording / reproducing unit 151, and similarly to the recording medium 182 on the external recording unit 180 side. Save (S623).

  Next, the control unit 161 reads out all the development parameters associated with the generation source RAW data of the designated JPEG data in the recording medium 152 on the imaging apparatus 100 side via the recording / reproducing unit 151, and similarly, an external recording unit The data is stored in the recording medium 182 on the 180 side (S624). As described above, when the control unit 161 and the communication unit 153 transmit the JPEG data recorded on the recording medium 152 to another recording medium 182 different from the recording medium, the original image data and development related to the JPEG data are transmitted. It functions as a communication means for transmitting parameters.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, when transferring single JPEG data between recording media, not only the JPEG data itself but also the source RAW data and all the development history data derived from the RAW data are transferred. It was configured to be. Here, the development history data refers to a generation raw data file name and development parameter data when JPEG data is generated. With this configuration, JPEG data can be regenerated and backed up from RAW data and development history data even when the transfer destination recording unit is independent from the imaging apparatus main body. In other words, when securing an effective recording area of the recording medium on the imaging device side, it is possible to erase the JPEG data on the imaging device side with peace of mind.

  The present invention can be suitably used for an image processing apparatus mounted on an imaging apparatus such as a compact digital camera, a single-lens reflex camera, and a video camera.

110 Development Unit 141 JPEG Compression Unit 152 Recording Medium 161 Control Unit

Claims (12)

Generating means for generating first compressed image data having a size smaller than the original image data from the original image data recorded on the recording medium;
Determining means for determining whether or not second compressed image data having a size smaller than the original image data generated from the original image data is recorded on the recording medium;
Erasing means for erasing at least one of the original image data, the first compressed image data, and the second compressed image data recorded on the recording medium;
When the first compressed image data is generated by the generating unit, if the second compressed image data is recorded on the recording medium, the second compressed image data is deleted by the erasing unit, An image processing apparatus comprising: control means for recording the first compressed image data on the recording medium. The determination unit determines whether or not a development parameter when the second compressed image data is generated is recorded on the recording medium;
The erasing unit erases the second compressed image data from the recording medium when the second compressed image data is recorded on the recording medium and the development parameter is recorded. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the development parameter is not recorded, the second compressed image data is not erased from the recording medium.   2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit records development parameters when the first compressed image data and the first compressed image data are generated in association with the original image data on the recording medium. 2. The image processing apparatus according to 2. The recording medium records development parameters when the second compressed image data is generated,
An acquisition unit for acquiring the development parameter from the recording medium;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the generation unit regenerates the second compressed image data in accordance with the acquired development parameter. The control means records the original image data, the compressed image data, and the development parameter at the time of generating the compressed image data in association with each other when generating and recording the compressed image data from the original image data. And
The determination means determines a free capacity of the recording medium;
The erasing unit erases the compressed image data when there is compressed image data associated with the original image data and the development parameters recorded on the recording medium when the free space is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first step.   The erasing means is a compressed image data not associated with at least one of the original image data and the development parameter recorded on the recording medium when the free space is equal to or less than a predetermined amount after the first step. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a second step of deleting the compressed image data if there is any.   7. The erasing unit includes a third step of deleting the development parameter recorded on the recording medium when the free space is equal to or less than a predetermined amount after the second step. The image processing apparatus described.   8. The erasing unit includes a fourth step of deleting the original image data recorded on the recording medium when the free space is equal to or less than a predetermined amount after the third step. An image processing apparatus according to 1. Setting means for setting a priority for erasing the compressed image data recorded on the recording medium,
The determination means determines a free capacity of the recording medium;
9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the erasing unit erases the compressed image data in accordance with the priority when the free space is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. .   And further comprising communication means for transmitting original image data and development parameters related to the compressed image data when transmitting the compressed image data recorded on the recording medium to another recording medium different from the recording medium. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: An image sensor for generating original image data;
An image processing apparatus comprising: the image processing apparatus according to claim 1. Generating the first compressed image data having a size smaller than the original image data from the original image data recorded on the recording medium;
A determination step of determining whether or not second compressed image data having a size smaller than the original image data generated from the original image data is recorded on the recording medium;
An erasing step of erasing at least one of the original image data, the first compressed image data, and the second compressed image data recorded on the recording medium;
When the first compressed image data is generated by the generating step, if the second compressed image data is recorded on the recording medium, the second compressed image data is deleted by the erasing step, And a control step of recording the first compressed image data on the recording medium.