JP3908883B2 - Digital camera and digital camera system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital camera and a digital camera system, and more particularly to a digital camera and a digital camera system having a communication function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recent digital cameras can be connected to a PC (personal computer) via an RS232C interface or an interface such as USB. By accessing the data storage area of the digital camera with the PC, the photograph data taken with the digital camera can be transferred to the PC, and the image data processed with the PC can be transferred to the digital camera.
[0003]
For example, as in JP-A-5-219422 and JP-A-5-219430, a PC and a digital camera are combined, parameters and instructions are set from the PC to the digital camera, and the digital camera is remotely controlled. Technology is known.
[0004]
In the camera system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-67265, the camera system includes a camera body and an auxiliary setting device (electronic notebook), and data based on the shooting mode of the camera body is stored on the camera body side. And a second memory in which command data and change data transmitted from the setting auxiliary device side are stored. This command data is for changing a part of the shooting mode of the camera body. Therefore, while shooting is usually performed based on data stored in the first memory of the camera body, an auxiliary setting device (electronic notebook) is electrically connected to the camera body for special shooting. Command data and change data are transmitted from the setting device (electronic notebook) side to the second memory of the camera body. Then, it is determined whether or not the command data is given from the auxiliary setting device side on the camera body side, and when it is judged that the command data is not given, shooting is performed based on the stored contents of the first memory of the camera body. On the other hand, when it is determined that the command data has been given, shooting is performed based on the stored contents of the second memory.
[0005]
Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-335102 proposes a camera setup system capable of setting up camera parameters efficiently and accurately using a graphical user interface.
[0006]
By the way, in recent years, speeding up of information transfer has been demanded, and in addition to the usage of saving the photographed image that was the conventional way of using the camera, there is a need for a usage method that wants to send the photographed image somewhere immediately. It has been.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the prior art, a technique for changing the shooting mode of the digital camera with an external device is disclosed, but the work of taking a photo and the work of transferring the photo are separately required, and data is transferred to the outside. In some cases, settings related to communication are required, so that a certain amount of knowledge is required for communication settings, and there is a problem that the operation is complicated and difficult. In particular, when a digital camera is used in a business report, the operator of the camera is often inexperienced in the operation, and it is difficult to use it.
[0008]
In addition, digital cameras have recently become highly functional with high pixel support, and since there are a variety of settings for routine work in business and individuals, each person who operates the digital camera has an appropriate setting. It is becoming difficult to make effective use of captured data.
[0009]
If you shoot by selecting a high-quality mode, you can shoot finely in detail, but the data capacity increases, so it is not always necessary to shoot with the highest image quality. For example, when printing an image in A4 size, 1600 * 1200 dots, and when using an image as part of an A4 report, 400 * 480 dots, etc., the image quality is ultimately determined by how the image data is handled. Therefore, the operator who operates the digital camera usually does not know the optimum setting value. Therefore, it is desirable that the operator of the digital camera can automatically set the image quality and the like for each purpose instead of directly setting the image quality.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a digital camera and a digital camera system capable of easily transferring a photographed image to the outside.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a first operation mode for photographing a subject and recording image data, and photographing the subject and recording the image data and transferring the image data to the outside. An image input unit that captures an image of a subject to acquire image data, a recording unit that records image data, a communication unit that performs data communication with an external device, and a second operation mode. First storage means storing first information for instructing selection of the first operation mode or the second operation mode, and according to the content of the first information, the first operation mode or the And a control means for controlling to execute the second operation mode.
[0012]
According to the above invention, the control unit has the first operation mode for photographing the subject and recording the image data, and the second operation mode for photographing the subject and recording the image data and transferring the image data to the outside. Executes the first operation mode or the second operation mode according to the first information instructing selection of the first operation mode or the second operation mode.
[0013]
The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of parameters for executing the second operation mode and second information for designating one or more of the plurality of parameters. Is stored, and when the second operation mode is selected, the control unit executes the second operation mode according to the parameter specified by the second information. It is to control as much as possible.
[0014]
According to the above invention, the control unit includes a plurality of parameters for executing the second operation mode, and the control unit specifies one or more of the plurality of parameters when the second operation mode is selected. The second operation mode is executed in accordance with the parameter specified by the second information for the purpose.
[0015]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the content of the first information can be set from the external device. According to the above invention, the content of the first information can be set from an external device.
[0016]
The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claim 2, wherein the content of the second information can be set from the external device. According to the above invention, the content of the second information can be set from an external device.
[0017]
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a parameter for executing the second operation mode can be set from the external device. According to the above invention, the parameter for executing the second operation mode can be set from the external device.
[0018]
Further, the invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the parameter for executing the second operation mode includes information and / or communication relating to image quality at the time of shooting. Time setting information is included. According to the above invention, the parameters for executing the second operation mode include information relating to image quality during shooting and / or setting information during communication.
[0019]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera system comprising a digital camera and an external device connectable to the digital camera, the digital camera captures a subject and records image data. A second operation mode in which a subject is photographed and image data is recorded and transferred to the outside, an image input means for capturing the subject and acquiring image data, and for recording the image data Recording means, first communication means for data communication with an external device, and first storage means for storing first information for instructing selection of the first operation mode or the second operation mode And control means for controlling to execute the first operation mode or the second operation mode according to the content of the first information, and the external device is configured to Second communication means for data communication with the tall camera, and setting means for setting the content of the first information and parameters for executing the second operation mode via the second communication means; Is included.
[0020]
According to the above invention, in the digital camera, the first operation mode for photographing the subject and recording the image data, and the second operation for photographing the subject and recording the image data and transferring the image data to the outside. And the control means executes the first operation mode or the second operation mode according to the content of the first information instructing the selection of the first operation mode or the second operation mode, and the external device Then, the setting means sets the content of the first information and the parameters for executing the second operation mode.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a digital camera and a digital camera system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0022]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital camera system according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, the digital camera system includes a digital camera 1 and a personal computer 2 as an external device, which are connected via a connection cable 3 to perform data communication. Here, the digital camera 1 and the personal computer 2 are communicated via a connection cable. However, the digital camera 1 and the personal computer 2 may be connected wirelessly (for example, IrDA). Here, the digital camera 1 and the personal computer 2 are directly connected, but they may be connected via a network such as the Internet. Although an example using a personal computer as an external device connected to the digital camera 1 is shown here, the present invention is not limited to this, and the external device connected to the digital camera 1 may be an electronic notebook or the like. A portable terminal device (for example, a PDA) may be connected.
[0023]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera 1 of FIG. As shown in the figure, the digital camera 1 includes a lens 101, a mechanical mechanism 102 including an autofocus mechanism, a CCD 103, a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) circuit 104, an A / D converter 105, digital signal processing. Unit 106, image compression / decompression processing unit 107, card interface 108, card adapter (PC card I / F) 109, CPU 110, motor driver 111, SG (control signal generation unit) 112, mode display unit 113, operation unit 114 , Memory 115, RAM 116, data communication unit 117, strobe circuit 118, LCD 119, DC-DC converter 121, battery 122, recording medium 123, and the like.
[0024]
The mechanical mechanism 102 includes a mechanical shutter, an autofocus mechanism, an aperture mechanism, and a filter. The CCD 103 converts the subject image input via the lens 101 and the mechanical mechanism 102 into an electric signal (analog image data). The CDS circuit 104 is a circuit for reducing noise with respect to the CCD type imaging device. The A / D converter 105 converts analog image data from the CCD 103 input via the CDS circuit 104 into digital image data.
[0025]
The digital signal processing unit 106 divides the digital image data input from the A / D converter 105 into various processes, corrections, and data processing for image compression / decompression according to color difference (Cb, Cr) and luminance (Y). Do. The image compression / decompression processing unit 107 performs, for example, JPEG-compliant compression (encoding) and decompression (decoding) processing. The card interface 108 performs an interface operation with a PC card conforming to the PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) standard. The recording medium 123 is composed of, for example, a compact flash or smart media, and records compressed image data and the like.
[0026]
The motor driver 111 drives and controls the driving motor for the lens 101 and the diaphragm motor for the mechanical mechanism 102 in accordance with a control signal input from the CPU 110. The SG (control signal generator) 112 generates a signal for controlling the operation timing of the CCD 103, the CDS circuit 104, and the A / D converter 105.
[0027]
The mode display unit 113 displays the selected mode and the like. The operation unit 114 includes various switches for performing operations such as function selection, setting of various modes, and shooting instructions.
[0028]
The CPU 110 controls the entire apparatus of the digital camera 1 using the RAM 116 as a work area according to various control programs stored in the memory 115 according to an instruction from the operation unit 114 or an external operation instruction such as a remote controller (not shown). . The digital camera 1 of the present embodiment has a first operation mode in which a subject is photographed and image data is recorded, and a second operation mode in which the subject is photographed and image data is recorded and transferred to the outside. Yes.
[0029]
The memory 115 stores various control programs and data. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a part of the data structure of the memory 115. As shown in the figure, the memory 115 includes an automatic execution flag storage unit 151, an automatic execution parameter_area number storage unit 152, an automatic execution parameter storage unit (0 to N) 153, a PC connection program storage unit 154, and a shooting program. A storage unit 155, an address book 156, and the like are provided.
[0030]
The automatic execution flag storage unit 151 stores an automatic execution flag (first information) for designating whether to execute automatic execution. For example, when the automatic execution flag is “ON”, the automatic operation is set to ON and the second operation mode is executed. When the automatic execution flag is “OFF”, the automatic operation is set to OFF and the first operation mode is set. Is executed.
[0031]
The automatic execution parameter_area number storage unit 152 stores an area number (second information) for selecting one or more of the automatic execution parameter storage units (0 to N) 153. For example, when the area number “1” is set, the automatic execution parameter storage unit 1 is selected.
[0032]
The automatic execution parameter storage unit (0-N) 153 stores parameters (setting values) used in automatic execution (second operation mode), and stores a plurality of automatic execution parameters 0-N. Has been. When performing automatic execution (second operation mode) among the plurality of automatic execution parameters 0 to N, the automatic execution parameter selected by the area number of the automatic execution parameter_area number storage unit 152 is used. Different set values can be set for each of the automatic execution parameters 0 to N.
[0033]
The automatic execution parameters include a shooting image quality parameter 161 such as a vertical and horizontal size and the number of colors of the photograph, an image quality parameter 162 when transferring the image data recorded via the data communication unit 117, and a transfer destination mail address. 163, transfer destination password 164, telephone number 165, communication function ON / OFF flag 166, and the like are stored.
[0034]
The data of the automatic execution flag storage unit 151, the automatic execution parameter_area number storage unit 152, and the automatic execution parameter storage unit (0 to N) 153 are stored in the PC connection program storage unit 155 when connected to the personal computer 2. Can be set from the digital camera setting program on the personal computer 2 by starting the program. This setting can be executed by a method similar to that of the camera system disclosed in JP-A-6-67265. The detailed description of the setting method is omitted here.
[0035]
The data communication unit 117 is for data communication with an external device in a wired or wireless manner. The strobe circuit 118 emits strobe light under the control of the CPU 110.
[0036]
The LCD 119 displays image data, an operation menu, and the like by display control of the digital signal processing unit 106. The battery 122 is used as a camera power source, and includes, for example, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lithium ion battery, a nickel cadmium (NiCd) battery, an alkaline battery, and the like, and is installed inside the digital camera 1 via the DC-DC converter 121. Supplied. The DC-DC converter 121 has a built-in switch circuit for turning on / off various power sources to be output to the inside of the digital camera under the control of the CPU 110.
[0037]
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the personal computer 2 of FIG. In FIG. 2, the personal computer 2 operates an input unit 201 for inputting a character string, a data communication unit 202 for performing data communication, a display unit 203, a CPU 204 that controls the entire personal computer, and a CPU 204. The recording medium 205 stores various control programs to be executed, the recording medium drive device 206 for reading / writing data on the recording medium 205, the RAM 207 used as a work area of the CPU 204, and the like.
[0038]
The input unit 201 includes a keyboard having cursor keys, numeric input keys, various function keys, and the like, and outputs a key pressing signal pressed on the keyboard to the CPU 44. The data communication unit 202 performs data communication with the digital camera 1 and the like. The display unit 203 is configured by a CRT, an LCD, or the like, and performs display according to display data input from the CPU 204.
[0039]
The CPU 204 is a control unit that manages control of the entire personal computer according to various control programs stored in the recording medium 205. The CPU 204 is connected to an input unit 201, a data communication unit 202, a display unit 203, a recording medium drive device 206, and a RAM 207, and performs data communication, reading of a control program, reading / writing of various data, data / command input, and the like. To control.
[0040]
The recording medium 205 stores various control programs for operating the CPU 204, parameters used for the processing, and the like. Examples of the various control programs include a digital camera setting program for giving an operation instruction to the digital camera 1 and setting parameters and the like of the digital camera 1. This digital camera setting program is activated, and the automatic execution flag storage unit 151, automatic execution parameter_area number storage unit 152, and automatic execution parameter storage unit (0 to N) 153 of the digital camera 1 are set on the operation screen. It can be performed. As the recording medium 205, for example, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, or the like can be used.
[0041]
Next, the operation of the digital camera 1 of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital camera 1. In the figure, when the power of the digital camera 1 is turned on (step S1), the CPU 110 first initializes the digital camera such as initialization of each circuit and motor (step S2). Next, the CPU 110 checks ON / OFF of the automatic execution flag in the automatic execution flag storage unit 151 of the memory 115 (step S3). If the automatic execution flag is OFF, a conventional normal camera photographing program is stored. The normal shooting (first operation mode) is executed (step S12). Specifically, image data obtained by shooting under shooting conditions such as image quality set by the operator of the digital camera and converted into an electrical signal by the CCD 103 is subjected to signal processing by the digital signal processing unit 106, and then image compression / Compression processing is performed by the decompression processing unit 107 and recorded on the recording medium 123 via the card interface 108.
[0042]
On the other hand, if the flag of the automatic execution flag storage unit 151 is ON in step S3, the CPU 110 checks the area number of the automatic execution parameter_area number storage unit 152 to execute the second operation mode. (Step S4), which automatic execution parameter of the automatic execution parameter storage unit 153 is to be executed is acquired (Step S5). Subsequently, the CPU 110 acquires the corresponding automatic execution parameters, and acquires the acquired automatic execution parameters (the image quality parameters 161 such as the vertical and horizontal sizes and the number of colors of the photograph, and the image data recorded via the data communication unit 117). The image quality parameter 162, the transfer destination mail address 163, the transfer destination password 164, the telephone number 165, etc.) when transferring to the outside are set in the digital camera 1 (step S6).
[0043]
Subsequently, the CPU 110 prepares for shooting such as reading various switches, charging the flash 118, and displaying the subject on the LCD 119 (step S7), and waits for the release to be pressed. Until the release is pressed, the state of various switches is monitored. For example, when the power switch is turned off, a power off program is executed.
[0044]
When the release is pressed (step S8), the CPU 110 performs a shooting operation in the same manner as a normal camera operation under the shooting conditions set by the automatic execution parameters, and the image data converted into an electrical signal by the CCD 103 is obtained. After the signal processing by the digital signal processing unit 106, compression processing is performed by the image compression / decompression processing unit 107, and recording is performed on the recording medium 123 via the card interface 108 (step S9). Further, the CPU 110 checks the communication function ON / OFF flag 166 of the automatic execution parameter (step S10). If the communication function ON / OFF flag 166 is OFF, the CPU 110 returns to the next shooting preparation (step S7) and performs communication. When the function ON / OFF flag 166 is ON, the captured image is subjected to conditions set by automatic execution parameters via the data communication unit 117 (image quality 162 at the time of data transfer, transfer destination mail address 163, transfer destination). According to the password 164 and telephone number 165), the data is transferred to the designated transfer destination (step S11), and the process returns to the next shooting preparation (step S7).
[0045]
As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the first operation mode (normal photographing mode) for recording a photographed image and the second for recording and transferring the photographed image to the outside. An automatic execution flag for instructing selection of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, and determining the contents of the automatic execution flag to determine the first operation mode or the second operation mode. Since the second operation mode is executed, the captured image can be easily transferred to the outside. Further, the operator can simply press the shutter in any operation mode, and an operation mistake can be prevented.
[0046]
In the present embodiment, a plurality of automatic execution parameters for executing the second operation mode and an automatic execution parameter_area number storage for specifying one or more of the plurality of automatic execution parameters are stored. When the second operation mode is selected, a setting condition for the automatic execution parameter specified by the area number of the automatic execution parameter_area number storage unit 152 is set and the second operation mode is set. Since the mode is executed, when the second operation mode is executed, it is possible to select and execute from various setting conditions.
[0047]
In this embodiment, since the ON / OFF of the automatic execution flag can be set from the external device, the operation mode can be set from the external device, and the usability for the operator is improved.
[0048]
In the present embodiment, since the area number of the automatic execution parameter_area number storage unit 152 can be set from the external device, it is possible to select the automatic execution parameter used in the second operation mode from the external device. This improves the usability for the operator.
[0049]
In the present embodiment, since the contents of a plurality of automatic execution parameters can be set from an external device, a plurality of automatic execution parameters can be set from the external device, which improves the usability for the operator. In addition, after setting with an easy-to-operate PC, it can be transferred to the camera, making the setting easy. In addition, it is easier to do this. For example, if the work contents are changed every day, the camera can be connected to the PC before going out, and the camera can be set to the optimum state for the work of the day. Will be better.
[0050]
In the present embodiment, the automatic execution parameters include shooting image quality (size, number of colors, etc.) 161 and / or setting information at the time of communication (image quality 162 at the time of data transfer, transfer destination mail address 163, transfer destination password). 164 and telephone number 165) are included, so that the operator of the external device can set the required image quality at the time of shooting and the conditions at the time of transfer, and the operator should use in an optimal state. Is possible.
[0051]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately modified and executed without changing the gist of the invention.
[0052]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the digital camera of the first aspect, the first operation mode in which the subject is photographed and image data is recorded, and the subject is photographed and image data is recorded and transferred to the outside. The control means executes the first operation mode or the second operation mode in accordance with the first information that instructs selection of the first operation mode or the second operation mode. As a result, the captured image can be easily transferred to the outside. Further, the operator can simply press the shutter in any operation mode, and an operation mistake can be prevented.
[0053]
According to the digital camera of claim 2, in the digital camera of claim 1, the digital camera includes a plurality of parameters for executing the second operation mode, and the control unit selects the second operation mode. In such a case, since the second operation mode is executed according to the parameter specified by the second information for specifying one or more of the plurality of parameters, the digital camera according to claim 1 In addition to the above effects, when executing the second operation mode, it is possible to select and execute from among various setting conditions.
[0054]
Further, according to the digital camera according to claim 3, in the digital camera according to claim 1, since the content of the first information can be set from an external device, in addition to the effect of the digital camera according to claim 1 The operation mode can be set from an external device, and the usability of the operator is improved.
[0055]
According to the digital camera of claim 4, in the digital camera of claim 2, the content of the second information can be set from an external device, so in addition to the effect of the digital camera of claim 2 The automatic execution parameter used in the second operation mode can be selected from the external device, and the convenience of the operator is improved.
[0056]
Further, according to the digital camera according to claim 5, in the digital camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4, it is possible to set a parameter for executing the second operation mode from an external device. In addition to the effect of the digital camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4, an automatic execution parameter can be set from an external device, and the usability of the operator is improved.
[0057]
According to the digital camera of claim 6, in the digital camera of any one of claims 1 to 5, the parameter for executing the second operation mode includes information on image quality at the time of shooting and Since the setting information at the time of communication is included, in addition to the effects of the digital camera according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the image quality at the time of shooting and the transfer required by the operator of the external device Therefore, the operator can use it in an optimum state.
[0058]
According to the digital camera system of the seventh aspect, in the digital camera, the first operation mode in which the subject is photographed and image data is recorded, and the subject is photographed and image data is recorded and transferred to the outside. The control means executes the first operation mode or the second operation mode according to the content of the first information instructing selection of the first operation mode or the second operation mode. In the external device, since the setting means sets the content of the first information and the parameters for executing the second operation mode, the captured image can be easily transferred to the outside. . Further, the operator can simply press the shutter in any operation mode, and an operation mistake can be prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital camera system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the digital camera of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a part of the data configuration of the memory of FIG. 2;
4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the personal computer of FIG. 1. FIG.
5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the digital camera of FIG. 2;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Digital camera
2 Personal computer
3 Connection cable
101 lens
102 Mechanical mechanism
103 CCD
104 CDS circuit
105 A / D converter
106 Digital signal processor
107 Image compression / decompression processor
108 Card interface
109 Card adapter (PC card I / F)
110 CPU
111 Motor driver
112 SG (control signal generator)
113 Mode display
114 Operation unit
115 memory
116 RAM
117 Data communication department
118 Strobe circuit
119 LCD
121 DC-DC converter
122 battery
123 Recording medium
201 Input section
202 Data communication department
203 display
204 CPU
205 recording medium
206 Recording medium drive device
207 RAM

Claims (7)

A first operation mode for photographing a subject and recording image data; and a second operation mode for photographing the subject and recording image data and transferring the image data to the outside.
Image input means for capturing an image of a subject and acquiring image data;
A recording means for recording image data;
A communication means for data communication with an external device;
First storage means for storing first information for instructing selection of the first operation mode or the second operation mode;
Control means for controlling to execute the first operation mode or the second operation mode according to the content of the first information;
A digital camera characterized by comprising A second storage means for storing a plurality of parameters for executing the second operation mode and second information for designating one or more of the plurality of parameters;
2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein, when the second operation mode is selected, the control unit executes the second operation mode according to a parameter specified by the second information. Digital camera. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the content of the first information can be set from the external device. The digital camera according to claim 2, wherein the content of the second information can be set from the external device. The digital camera according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a parameter for executing the second operation mode can be set from the external device. 6. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the parameter of the second operation mode includes information on image quality at the time of shooting and / or setting information at the time of communication. In a digital camera system comprising a digital camera and an external device connectable with the digital camera,
The digital camera
A first operation mode for photographing a subject and recording image data; and a second operation mode for photographing the subject and recording image data and transferring the image data to the outside.
Image input means for capturing an image of a subject and acquiring image data;
A recording means for recording image data;
First communication means for data communication with an external device;
First storage means for storing first information for instructing selection of the first operation mode or the second operation mode;
Control means for controlling to execute the first operation mode or the second operation mode according to the content of the first information,
The external device is
Second communication means for data communication with the digital camera;
A digital camera system comprising: setting means for setting parameters for executing the contents of the first information and the second operation mode via the second communication means.

Images