JP3839856B2 - Data processing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to a data processing apparatus that performs data processing using a recording medium that requires a data erasing operation before recording, and more particularly to data erasing processing of the recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, electronic still cameras capable of recording still images using a memory card having a solid-state memory element as a recording medium are already on the market, and electronic notebooks and portable computers that can use the memory card are also commercially available. .
[0003]
Many flash memories that can be read, erased, and written are used for such memory cards.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The flash memory can be read and written randomly, but a data erasing operation is required before recording. Specifically, when the flash memory is overwritten and the data is written, the data becomes unreproducible. Therefore, the previous data recorded in the area where new data is recorded is erased before the data is written. New data must be recorded.
[0005]
Note that the recording medium that requires an erasing operation before recording is not limited to the flash memory, but includes, for example, an EEPROM, a magneto-optical disk, and the like.
[0006]
Therefore, when an apparatus using a recording medium that requires an erasing operation before recording, such as an electronic still camera, is assumed, first the data in the recordable area is erased, and then the captured image data is recorded. Processing action is required.
[0007]
Accordingly, there arises a problem that it takes a long time between photographing and misses the photographing timing. Such a recording timing problem occurs in any recording apparatus using a recording medium that requires an erasing operation before recording.
[0008]
In this background, the present invention provides a data processing apparatus that performs processing so as not to hinder the recording operation of information data in an apparatus that uses a recording medium that requires an erasing operation before recording. With the goal. Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following specification and drawings.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As one of the inventions for this purpose, there is an input means for inputting information data, and management that can record information data in an area where no data physically exists and indicates the recording status of the information data. A recording medium having a management data area in which data is recorded, a recording means for recording the information data input by the input means once stored in a memory, an erasing means for erasing the information data from the recording medium, and The recording medium is detachable from the apparatus, and when the recording medium is attached to the apparatus, the logical medium on the recording medium is determined based on the management data in the management data area on the recording medium with respect to the erasing means. Control means for physically erasing the data-erased area, and the control means has a storage capacity of the memory on the storage medium. It is intended to present data processing apparatus, wherein the data unrecorded area is physically data erased area being logically erasing data so as to ensure.
[0010]
[Action]
According to the above-described invention, it is possible to save time for erasing at the time of recording as in the prior art, and it is possible to record information data at a desired timing.
[0011]
【Example】
Hereinafter, an electronic still camera will be described as an example according to the present invention.
[0012]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic still camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013]
In FIG. 1, 1 is a lens, 2 is a shutter, 3 is an image sensor, 4 is a signal processing circuit that performs various corrections, clamps, etc. on an image signal output from the image sensor 3, and 5 is an output from the signal processing circuit 4. A / D conversion circuit that performs analog-digital conversion of the image signal to be generated, 6 is a memory unit for temporarily storing at least one image data, and 7 is a semiconductor for recording or reading image data A removable recording medium such as a memory, 8 is a memory control circuit for controlling transmission of image data and the memory unit 6, and 9 is a digital I for transmitting image data to an external computer or the like (not shown). / F section, 10 is a timing generation circuit that outputs various timing signals to the image sensor 3, A / D conversion circuit 5, and memory control circuit 7, and 11 is a system control circuit that controls the entire apparatus. 12 is a RAM for storing various data provided to the system control circuit 11.
[0014]
The operation of the electronic still camera configured as described above will be described below.
[0015]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining processing operations from photographing to recording by the electronic still camera configured as shown in FIG.
[0016]
When a recording command is input to the system control circuit by an operation switch (not shown) or the like, the flow starts.
[0017]
In step S10, the shutter 2 is driven to perform exposure. Next, in step S <b> 11, an image signal is read from the image sensor 3. In step S12, the signal processing circuit 4 performs color correction and predetermined processing on the read image signal. In step S 13, the image signal processed by the signal processing circuit 4 is A / D converted by the A / D conversion circuit 5.
[0018]
In step S14, the image signal digitally converted in step S13 is stored in the memory unit 6 via the memory control circuit 8.
[0019]
In step S 15, the image data stored in the memory unit 6 is recorded on the recording medium 7 via the memory control circuit 8.
[0020]
Hereinafter, a method of recording image data on the recording medium 7 will be described.
[0021]
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the data area of the recording medium.
[0022]
In FIG. 3, each of the first to n regions represents one image data region. Here, when a series of image data is actually scattered, a difference in the amount of data depending on the compression rate of the image data, or a mixture with data other than the image data can be considered. It is assumed that only the same image data having a predetermined data size is recorded for the purpose of conversion. Note that the present invention is not limited thereby.
[0023]
An area a represents a management data area, and management data area in which management data indicating the recording status (recorded / unrecorded), data size, recording date / time of each data, recording position of each data, etc. is recorded It is.
[0024]
Hereinafter, recording and erasing operations of the recording medium 7 will be described.
[0025]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining recording and erasing operations of the recording medium 7.
[0026]
In FIG. 4, the flow starts when the recording medium 7 is newly attached to the main body or when the recording medium is attached after the power is turned on. The attachment operation is detected by the camera body side communicating with the recording medium 7.
[0027]
In step S20, the management data area of the mounted recording medium is searched, and the recording status of the image data area, that is, the recorded area, the erased unrecorded area, and the recording permission area are stored in the RAM 12 in the system control circuit 11. .
[0028]
The erased unrecorded area is an area where image data in a predetermined recording area of the recording medium 7 is physically erased. Further, the recording permission area is an area where image data is logically erased, and this area is an area where the previous data remains because physical erasure is not performed.
[0029]
In step S21, it is determined by searching the management data area whether or not the entire area unrecorded, that is, unused recording medium 7 is loaded.
[0030]
When the unused recording medium 7 is loaded, the process proceeds to step S24, and when it is not an unused recording medium, the process proceeds to step S22.
[0031]
In step S24, the entire image data area of the recording medium 7 is erased, and the process proceeds to step S26.
[0032]
In step S22, it is determined whether the mounted recording medium 7 has a capacity capable of recording at least one still image.
[0033]
If a recording medium capable of recording at least one still image is loaded, the process proceeds to step S23. If a recording medium capable of recording no single still image is loaded, the process proceeds to step S25.
[0034]
In step S25, a warning that the photographer cannot record and that the recording medium is to be replaced is given for a predetermined time, and the flow ends.
[0035]
In step S23, physical erasure of the recording permission area (logically erased area) is performed. As a unit to be erased at this time, the recording permission area is erased so that a predetermined recording capacity can be secured by combining the unrecorded area and the area where the current recording permission area is physically erased, and the process proceeds to step S26.
[0036]
The predetermined recording capacity is, for example, the storage capacity of the memory unit 6, the maximum storage capacity that can be stored in the memory unit 6, the preset storage capacity, or the preset number of volumes. Further, all the recording permission areas may be erased. If there is not enough capacity to be recorded on the recording medium to ensure a predetermined recording capacity, erasure is performed for the capacity that can be secured. The timing of executing this erasure is automatically executed after a predetermined time has elapsed after the recording medium is mounted on the electronic camera or after the power is turned on. Of course, when there is no need to erase (such as when there is no recording permission area), the erasing operation is not performed.
[0037]
In step S26, the management data area of the RAM 12 and the recording medium 7 is updated with the deletion of the recording permission area.
[0038]
When a recording command is made by an input of a switch or the like (not shown), the process proceeds to step S27, where a photographing operation is performed. (Erased) Records in an unrecorded area.
[0039]
In step S28, when shooting and recording are completed, the data in the management data area of the RAM 12 and the recording medium 7 is updated along with the shooting and recording.
[0040]
In step S29, the recording status of the image data area stored in the RAM 12 is searched to determine whether or not at least one still image can be recorded on the recording medium 7.
[0041]
If at least one still image can be recorded, the process proceeds to step S30, and if no still image can be recorded, the process proceeds to step S25 described above.
[0042]
In step S30, physical erasure of the recording permission area (logically erased area) is performed. As a unit to be erased at this time, the recordable area is erased so as to secure a predetermined recording capacity by combining the unrecorded area and the area to be erased of the current recordable area, and the process proceeds to step S31.
[0043]
The predetermined recording capacity is, for example, the storage capacity of the memory unit 6, the maximum storage capacity that can be stored in the memory unit 6, the preset storage capacity, or the preset number of volumes. Further, all the recording permission areas may be erased. If there is not enough capacity to be recorded on the recording medium to ensure a predetermined recording capacity, erasure is performed for the capacity that can be secured. Of course, it is not necessary to perform an erasing operation when the predetermined recording capacity can be secured without erasing the recording permission area. Further, the timing for executing this erasure is automatically executed when the photographing operation is completed and various operation commands are not input for a predetermined time.
[0044]
In step S31, the management data area of the RAM 12 and the recording medium 7 is updated when the recordable area is erased, and the process returns to step S27.
[0045]
Hereinafter, the processing operation when a recording command is issued by an input of a switch or the like (not shown) during erasing (for example, during processing in steps S23, S24, and S30 in FIG. 4) will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
[0046]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the processing operation when a shooting command is input during erasure.
[0047]
In FIG. 5, the flow starts when a recording command is input during erasing of the recording medium.
[0048]
In step S30, the erasing operation is temporarily interrupted to perform the photographing operation, and the image data is stored in the memory unit 6.
[0049]
Next, in step S31, it is determined whether or not there is an area (area that is physically erased) in which at least one image data can be recorded on the recording medium 7.
[0050]
When it does not exist, it progresses to step S32, and when it exists, it progresses to step S33.
[0051]
In step S32, the recording permission area of the recording medium 7 is erased.
[0052]
In step S33, the image data is read from the memory unit 6 and recorded in the erased area.
[0053]
In this embodiment, when the recording medium 7 is not erased, the recording medium 7 is erased and recorded independently. However, this may be performed alternately. That is, the area of the image data for one sheet may be further divided into predetermined areas, and this area may be erased and recorded alternately on the recording medium 7 as a unit.
[0054]
In the following cases, the erasing process of the recording medium 7 as described below is further convenient.
(1) When an erase command for predetermined image data is input by an input of a switch (not shown) When management data corresponding to an image data area is input when an erase command for a predetermined image data is input by an input of a switch (not shown) It is assumed that this image data is erased by writing predetermined data in the area (logical erasure). This area is set as a recording permission area.
[0055]
Here, since the image data is not actually erased, it can be restored again. That is, it can be restored by restoring the predetermined data written in the management data area.
[0056]
The system control circuit 11 measures the time from the erase operation and automatically erases the image data in the recording permission area after a predetermined time has passed (physical erasure).
[0057]
Of course, when logical erasure and physical erasure are performed, the management data of the RAN 12 and the recording medium 7 is updated.
[0058]
(2) When the apparatus is operated by a battery power source When the voltage of the battery is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage, the recording medium is erased (physical erasure) in order to secure an unrecorded area for the predetermined capacity. If the voltage is lower than the predetermined voltage, erase for a capacity smaller than the predetermined capacity is performed. That is, the capacity of the unrecorded area secured in the recording medium 7 is changed according to the battery voltage.
[0059]
(3) When compressing image data by switching the compression rate, the capacity of the unrecorded area secured on the recording medium is changed according to the compression rate.
[0060]
In each of the above embodiments, the electronic still camera has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the above-described embodiments are merely examples in all respects and should not be interpreted in a limited manner.
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, in an apparatus using a recording medium capable of recording data in an area where no data physically exists, a buffer is placed on the storage medium when the recording medium is mounted on the apparatus. The data erased area is physically erased so that the unrecorded area of the memory's storage capacity can be secured, so the time spent for erasing data can be saved as before. This makes it possible to record information data at a desired timing, and to perform an efficient erasing operation on the recording medium that is optimal for the device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic still camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining processing operations from photographing to recording of the electronic still camera configured as shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data area of a recording medium.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining recording and erasing operations of the recording medium 7;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation when a shooting command is input during erasure.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Lens 2 Shutter 3 Image pick-up element 6 Memory part 7 Recording medium 8 Memory control circuit 11 System control circuit 12 RAM

Claims (3)

An input means for inputting information data;
Information input by the input means to a recording medium capable of recording information data in an area where no data physically exists and having management data area in which management data indicating the recording status of the information data is recorded A recording means for recording the data once stored in the memory;
Erasing means for erasing information data from the recording medium;
The recording medium is detachable from the apparatus, and when the recording medium is attached to the apparatus, the erasing means is on the recording medium based on management data in a management data area on the recording medium. Control means for controlling to physically erase the area where data is logically erased,
The control means physically erases an area that has been logically erased so that a data unrecorded area corresponding to the storage capacity of the memory can be secured on the storage medium. .   2. The data processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data processing apparatus is mounted on an electronic still camera.   2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit logically erases data on the recording medium based on management data in a management data area on the recording medium when the apparatus is powered on. A data processing apparatus that controls to physically erase data in an area.

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