JP3147798B2 - Image input device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image input device, and more particularly, to an image input device that applies predetermined processing to input image data and saves the image data in a recording medium such as a memory card.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional image input device of this type applies a predetermined process such as conversion of a data format to image data input by photographing or the like, and saves the image data on a recording medium such as a memory card. It is used to make the stored image data available to other image processing devices.

As a conventional image input device of this type,
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-257575 discloses that an image input is stored in an image memory until an operator operates and instructs the image. Those that can record images are shown.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-48890 discloses that
In the figure, a photographing signal photographed by a photographing device is A / D converted, an original image is stored in a file device, and then the original image is subjected to image correction processing and stored in the file device.

[0005]

Many of these types of image input devices are driven by a battery, and the battery often runs out.

In the prior art disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-257575, image data is stored only in an image memory, but is not stored in a recording medium. When the power is turned off or when the power switch is turned off by mistake, the image data is lost.

This is because if the image memory is not a nonvolatile memory, the stored contents are cleared when the power is turned off.

In the prior art disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-48890, when the power of the apparatus is turned off due to battery exhaustion or the like in a state where the original image is not corrected, or the power switch is erroneously turned on. Is turned off, the original image remains uncorrected.

This is because, when the battery is replaced with a new one and the power switch is turned on, there is no means for searching for data remaining as the original image and converting it. .

An object of the present invention is to turn off the power of the apparatus due to battery exhaustion or the like after the image is input and before the image is stored in the recording medium in a predetermined state, or to turn off the power switch by mistake. Even if the image data has been lost, the image data will not be lost, and the battery will be replaced with a new one. An object of the present invention is to provide an image input device that is not left unattended.

[0011]

An image input device according to the present invention captures a video and outputs digital original image data.
Image capturing unit (1 in FIG. 1) and digital data
Non-volatile backup memory for recording (2 in Fig. 1)
And the recording medium (4 in FIG. 1) and the image by the operation of the operator.
Operation unit (10 in FIG. 1) for outputting a page input instruction, and
And a central processing unit (5 in FIG. 1) for controlling them. The central processing unit (5 in FIG. 1) is operated by an operation unit (10 in FIG. 1).
Image photographing unit according to the image input instruction (1 in FIG. 1)
The original image data read from the memory is stored in the power failure backup memory (2 in FIG. 1) and the recording medium (4 in FIG. 1) , and thereafter, the original image data is stored in the power failure backup memory (2 in FIG. 1) or the recording medium (FIG. 1 ) . Read from 4)
Convert to image storage format and record media (4 in Fig. 1)
An image input device that saves at least
Image capturing unit (1 in FIG. 1), operation unit (10 in FIG. 1) and middle
The battery (5 in FIG. 1) that supplies power to the central processing unit (5 in FIG. 1)
8) and a power supply for detecting an increase or decrease in the output of the battery (8 in FIG. 1).
Control unit (9 in FIG. 1) and after the power output is reduced
Upon recovery, the central processing unit (5 in FIG. 1)
Up memory (2 in FIG. 1) or recording medium (4 in FIG. 1)
Search for the original image data in the
When reading the original image data,
Convert to storage format and save to recording medium (4 in FIG. 1)
You.

[0012] In addition, a video is taken and a digital original image
An image photographing unit (1 in FIG. 1) for outputting data;
Non-volatile power failure backup memory for recording data
(2 in FIG. 1) and the recording medium (4 in FIG. 1),
An operation unit that outputs an image input instruction according to the operation (1 in FIG. 1)
0) and a central processing unit (5 in FIG. 1) for controlling these.
The central processing unit (5 in FIG. 1) has an operation unit (5 in FIG. 1).
Image shooting unit according to the image input instruction from 10)
Power failure backup of original image data read from (1 in Fig. 1)
Up memory (2 in Fig. 1) and recording medium (4 in Fig. 1)
Save and then backup the original image data
(2 in FIG. 1) or read from the recording medium (4 in FIG. 1)
And convert it to the prescribed image storage format,
(4 in FIG. 1) is an image input device,
At least, the image photographing unit (1 in FIG. 1) and the operation unit (1 in FIG. 1)
10) and supply power to the central processing unit (5 in FIG. 1)
Battery (8 in FIG. 1), power switch, power switch
A power supply control unit that turns on and off the power supply according to the operation (FIG. 1
9) and when the power switch is turned off,
The central processing unit (5 in FIG. 1) stores the original image data in the backup memory (2 in FIG. 1) or the recording medium (4 in FIG. 1).
Searching whether there is, when there is the original image data is read out the original image <br/> data row converted into a predetermined image saving format
There, after storage in a recording medium (4 in FIG. 1), the power control
The unit turns off the power .

[0013]

With the above-described configuration, according to the present invention, the power supply of the apparatus is turned off due to exhaustion of the battery between the time when the image is input and the time when the image is stored in the recording medium in a predetermined state.
Even if the FF is turned on or the power switch is turned off accidentally, the image data will not be lost, and if the battery is replaced with a new one and the power switch is turned on, the predetermined state will be obtained. Will be converted,
An object of the present invention is to provide an image input device in which image data as an original image is not left.

[0015]

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image input device according to the present invention.

The image photographing section 1 performs A / D conversion or the like on an output of an image sensor such as a CCD for photoelectrically converting an image formed on a device by a lens, and outputs digital image data.

The power failure backup memory 2 is a memory in which the power of the apparatus main body is a battery and stored data is not erased even when the battery is exhausted. For example, it is a memory or an EEPROM backed up by a battery different from the battery 8 which is a power supply of the apparatus main body. The power failure backup memory 2 temporarily stores the image data output from the image capturing unit 1 as it is.

The battery 8 is a battery used as a power source other than the power failure backup memory of the image input device.
Compact rechargeable batteries are commonly used.

The power control unit 9 turns on / off the power input from the battery 8 by operating the operation unit 10 described later, detects the remaining amount of the battery 8, and notifies the central processing unit 5.

The recording medium 4 is a recording medium such as a memory card, an optical disk, a hard disk, a floppy disk, and a magnetic tape. The image data converted to a specific image storage format via the image recording interface 3 corresponding to the recording medium. Is recorded.

The ROM 6 stores a series of processing programs of the image input device, including a process of performing a conversion process from the power failure backup memory 2 to a specific image format and storing it in the recording medium 4.

The RAM 7 is used for processing for reading image data from the power failure backup memory 2 and converting the image data into a specific image format.

The operation unit 10 includes various operation switches such as a power switch, an image input instruction button, an original image conversion instruction button, a continuous shooting mode setting button, and a display such as an LCD panel.

By operating various switches of the operation unit 10, various instructions are input to the central processing unit 5, which will be described later, and the status of the device is displayed on a display of the operation unit 10.

The central processing unit 5 controls these, and
A series of processing is performed according to the program stored in M6.

Next, the operation of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention in which, when the power switch is turned on, the original image data is converted into a predetermined format in accordance with an instruction from the operation unit 10 and recorded on the recording medium 4. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process in the processing device 5.

First, it is checked whether an original image data file exists in the power failure backup memory 2 or the recording medium 4 (step S1). If the original image data file exists, it is checked whether the remaining battery level of the battery 8 is sufficient to perform the image conversion processing described later (step S2). Battery 8
Is determined by a signal sent from the power control unit 9. If the remaining battery level is sufficient, the original image data file is read from the power failure backup memory 2 or the recording medium 4 and converted into a predetermined format (step S).
3). The conversion processing performed here includes color conversion based on conditions such as a light source at the time of image capturing, conversion to a designated size (for example, 3
20 dots X 240 dots or 640 dots X 4
80 dots, etc.), creation of a file header portion from information at the time of shooting, and data compression processing by the JPEG method or the like. The original image data and the data converted into a predetermined format are automatically given a file name and stored.
Whether the data is original image data is recognized from the extension of the data file name. For example, if the extension is ".R
“AW” is the original image, and “.JPG” is J
The data file has been converted to the PEG format. As a data format, a format such as JPEG, GIF, TIFF, BMP or the like is usually used, and it is possible to input from the operation unit 10 which format the captured image data is converted and stored.

If the remaining battery level is not sufficient in step S2, the warning means warns that the remaining battery level is insufficient (step S8). For example, L of the operation unit 10
The information is displayed on a CD panel, an LED is arranged on the operation unit 10, and the LED is turned on for display, or a buzzer is provided and a warning sound is sounded. However, after issuing the warning, it is checked whether a forced execution instruction is input from the operation unit 10 within a predetermined time (step S9), and if there is an input, the processing from step S3 can be performed. When the original image data is converted into a predetermined format in step S3, the converted data is recorded on a recording medium (step S3).
4). After the recording is completed, the original image data is deleted (step S5). Then, it is determined whether there is an image input instruction from the operation unit 10 (step S6). If there is no image input instruction, the process returns to step S1, and the processing from S1 to S5 is continuously performed. If the image input instruction matches, it is checked whether there is enough free space in the power failure backup memory 2 or the recording medium 4 to input a new captured image (step S7). If there is not enough free space, the process returns to step S1 and continues to step S1.
To S5.

According to the above operation, even if the power is turned off before the image data is photographed and converted into a predetermined format and stored in the recording medium, the power switch is turned on thereafter and an instruction is given from the operation unit 10. Thus, the image data is converted into a predetermined format, so that the image data is not left in the original image format.

The processing shown in FIG. 2 is performed after the power is turned on.
It may be performed automatically when no other processing is performed. This ensures that the original image data is converted.

The power control unit 9 detects an increase or decrease in the output of the battery 8 as a power source, and when a new battery 8 is connected after the battery 8 is exhausted, the power control unit 9 reduces and recovers the power output. Is detected and the processing shown in FIG. 2 is automatically performed. Even when the battery 8 is exhausted during the conversion processing, the conversion processing is immediately performed so that the original image data is not left as much as possible.

In addition, instead of turning on / off the power of the main body directly by the power switch, the power control unit 9 turns on / off the power of the main body in accordance with the operation of the power switch. When the power switch is turned off, The central processing unit may perform the processing shown in FIG. 2, and after the completion, the power supply control unit 9 may turn off the power. In this case, the conversion process may not be performed at all while the power switch is ON. Therefore, while the power is ON, as long as there is sufficient free space for inputting a new captured image in the power failure backup memory 2 or the recording medium 4, the conversion process is interrupted regardless of the image input instruction. Continuous shooting is possible at short time intervals without delay of image input.

Next, the operation of storing the original image data photographed by the image input instruction in the power failure backup memory 2 will be described.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing in the central processing unit 5 when the original image data photographed in accordance with the image input instruction is stored in the power failure backup memory 2.

First, it is determined whether or not an image input instruction has been given by the operation unit 10 (step S10). If the image input instruction has been given, the original image data is read from the image photographing unit 1 (step S11), and the power failure backup memory It is checked whether there is enough free space in 2 to store the original image data captured by the image capturing section 1 (step S12). If there is sufficient free space, the original image data is stored in the power failure backup memory 2 (step S13). If there is not enough free space in the power failure backup memory 2, it is checked whether there is enough free space in the recording medium 4 (step S14). If there is sufficient free space, the original image data is stored in the recording medium 4 (step S15). If the recording medium 4 does not have sufficient free space, a warning is issued that the free space is insufficient, the original image data is stored in the power failure backup memory 2 or the recording medium 4 (step S16), and the other processing is performed. Transition. Here, the determination that there is not enough free space in S13 and S15 means that the free space for storing the last original image data is secured in S16.

When the original image data is stored in the power failure backup memory 2 or the recording medium 4 in steps S13 and S15, it is checked whether or not the mode is the continuous shooting mode (step S17). If the continuous shooting mode has been set by the operation unit 10, the process returns to step S10, and the image input process is continuously performed without performing the conversion process illustrated in FIG.

According to the above-described operation, the original image data input as an image is temporarily stored in the power failure backup memory 2 or the recording medium 4 without performing processing such as conversion processing to a storage format. Image data is lost due to wear and the like, and there is little danger. Further, when an image input instruction is given during the processing shown in FIG. 2, the processing being executed is immediately interrupted and the processing shown in FIG. 3 is started. Therefore, even when the continuous shooting mode is not set, if there is a continuous image input instruction from the operation unit, the image input processing can be performed continuously without performing the conversion processing.

[0040]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the power of the apparatus is turned off due to battery exhaustion or the like between the time when an image is taken and the time when the image is stored in a recording medium in a predetermined state, the image data is stored. Is not lost, the battery is replaced with a new one, and the power switch is turned off.
It is possible to provide an image input device that does not convert to the predetermined state even when the image data becomes N and does not leave the original image data as it is, and can perform continuous shooting at short time intervals.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image input device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of converting original image data into a predetermined format and recording the original image data on a recording medium.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of saving original image data captured according to an image input instruction in a power failure backup memory or a recording medium.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image imaging part 2 Power failure backup memory 3 Image recording interface 4 Recording medium 5 Central processing unit 6 ROM 7 RAM 8 Battery 9 Power supply control part 10 Operation part

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 5/76-5/937 G06T 1/00 G06T 1/60

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] An image photographing section for photographing a video and outputting digital original image data, first and second non-volatile recording media for recording digital data, and outputting an image input instruction by an operation of an operator. And an control unit for controlling these, wherein the control unit performs the first or second recording of the original image data read from the image photographing unit in accordance with the image input instruction from the operation unit. Save it on the medium, then
The original image data is read from the first or second recording medium, converted into a predetermined image storage format, and
An image input device for storing in a recording medium, comprising: a power supply that supplies power to at least the image photographing unit, the operation unit, and the control unit; and a power supply control unit that detects an increase or decrease in the output of the power supply. When recovering after the reduction, the control unit searches for the original image data in the first or second recording medium, and when the original image data is present, reads out the original image data and reads the predetermined image. An image input device, wherein the image is converted into a storage format and stored in the second recording medium. 2. An image photographing section for photographing a video and outputting digital original image data, first and second nonvolatile recording media for recording digital data, and outputting an image input instruction by an operation of an operator. And an control unit for controlling these, wherein the control unit performs the first or second recording of the original image data read from the image photographing unit in accordance with the image input instruction from the operation unit. Save it on the medium, then
The original image data is read from the first or second recording medium, converted into a predetermined image storage format, and
An image input device for storing in a recording medium, a power supply for supplying power to at least the image photographing unit, the operation unit, and the control unit; a power switch; and a power control unit for turning on and off power according to operation of the power switch. When the power switch is turned off, the control unit searches for the original image data in the first or second recording medium, and reads out the original image data when the original image data exists. An image input device that converts the data into a predetermined image storage format, stores the converted data in the second recording medium, and then turns off the power by the power control unit.