JP4073994B2 - Digital electronic still camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention provides an electronic still camera.LaIn particular, the present invention relates to an electronic still camera having a function of compressing and recording a captured image.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Conventionally, as this type of digital electronic still camera, for example, there is a camera as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-32912 (first prior art).
[0003]
  When the digital electronic still camera of the first prior art sets the number of continuous shots exceeding the number that can be actually recorded on the recording medium, the digital electronic still camera is stored in a temporary storage medium such as a memory provided in the previous stage of recording on the recording medium. An electronic still camera with a continuous shooting function that can set the number of continuous shots in advance so that the number of continuous shots that can be actually taken can be increased by temporarily recording within the allowable range of the capacity. When setting the number of continuous shots that exceeds the actual recordable number of media, as long as the memory capacity allows, the continuous shot function is provided to temporarily hold the recorded amount exceeding the actual recordable number in the memory. It is an electronic still camera.
[0004]
  With such a configuration, it is disclosed that the second half of continuous shooting exceeding the actual recordable number can be secured in a temporary storage medium (memory) provided in the preceding stage of the recording medium.
[0005]
  The first conventional digital electronic still camera can continuously record a predetermined number of continuous shots from the remaining free track group when recording on a partially recorded floppy disk. A recordable track group is selected, and the smallest track group is selected from the recordable track group, and continuous shooting recording is performed on the track group. With this configuration, when the operator wants to take a continuous shot, set the number of continuous shots, and press the release button once to start continuous shooting. It is disclosed that an image can be recorded on a continuous track.
  The digital electronic still camera of the first prior art also has a continuous shooting number setting mode capable of storing a plurality of arbitrary images by only one shooting operation, and a continuous shooting time interval of an arbitrary length. And a continuous shooting interval setting mode to be set. With such a configuration, it is disclosed that when an operator tries to shoot continuously, the number of continuous shots can be set, and the continuous shooting can be executed for the set number of times by simply pressing the release button once at the start of continuous shooting. Yes.
[0006]
  In addition, the first conventional digital electronic still camera has a continuous shooting number setting mode in which a plurality of images can be stored in a single shooting operation and a continuous shooting in which the continuous shooting interval can be arbitrarily changed. And an interval setting mode. The image data is stored in the storage means in the camera, and at the same time, a display means for displaying the fact and a display means for displaying the number of continuous shots are provided. With this configuration, when the operator wants to take continuous shots, set the number of continuous shots, and press the release button once at the start of continuous shooting. It is disclosed that it can be displayed by the display means each time it is stored one by one.
[0007]
  The digital electronic still camera of the first prior art proposes an electronic still camera with a continuous shooting function equipped with a mode for displaying only the number of frames shot in one continuous shooting operation by a multi-screen output mechanism. With such a configuration, it is disclosed that recording tracks used for one continuous shooting can be grouped and the information can be recorded on a cue track.
[0008]
  However, it is difficult for the digital electronic still camera of the first prior art to change the compression rate with the compressed image data after the image data compression. For this reason, when the memory is full, the user must give up even if he wants to take another shot, or search for data that has been taken so far and search for something that can be erased, and then erase it before taking it. There was a problem.
[0009]
  An example of a digital electronic still camera for solving the problems of the digital electronic still camera of the first prior art is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-27912 (second conventional art). Technology).
[0010]
  A digital electronic still camera according to a second prior art is an encoding device that encodes input data into a compressed data stream, and includes a reversible wavelet filter, a reversible wavelet filter that convert input data into a plurality of coefficients by pyramid division, and Combined with an ordering and modeling mechanism that orders the multiple coefficients and orders the binary values within each coefficient of the multiple coefficients and generates an embedded code stream in response to the multiple coefficients, and an ordering and modeling mechanism; There was a binary binary encoder that generated a compressed data stream by binary entropy encoding the embedded code stream.
[0011]
  The encoding device is combined with a reversible wavelet filter that converts input data into a plurality of coefficients by pyramid division and a reversible wavelet filter, generates an embedded code stream according to the plurality of coefficients, and orders the plurality of coefficients. And a binary and binary encoding that combines the ordering and modeling mechanism to order the binary values within each coefficient of the multiple coefficients, and the binary entropy encoding of the embedded code stream to generate a compressed data stream It is set as the structure which comprises a vessel.
[0012]
  An encoding device is combined with a reversible wavelet filter that converts input data into a plurality of coefficients and a reversible wavelet filter, and performs an embedded encoding on the plurality of coefficients to generate a bitstream. And an entropy encoder coupled to the embedded encoder to generate encoded data by performing entropy encoding on the bitstream, and a channel manager for controlling storage of the compressed data in a fixed size memory And the channel manager classifies the compressed data into significance levels and transmits all data if sufficient bandwidth is available, otherwise discards less significant data and discards highly significant data. It is disclosed that it is set as the structure which transmits only.
[0013]
  An encoding device is combined with a reversible wavelet filter that converts input data into a plurality of coefficients and a reversible wavelet filter, and performs an embedded encoding on the plurality of coefficients to generate a bitstream. And an entropy encoder that generates encoded data by entropy encoding the bitstream, and an entropy encoder, and divides the encoded data into fixed-size segments. And each fixed size segment is configured to include an indication of the highest significance data in the segment.
[0014]
  Further, the encoding device uses a reversible wavelet filter that converts input data into a plurality of coefficients by variable number level pyramid division, and a reversible wavelet filter that is used for storing information during calculation of the plurality of coefficients. A fixed size memory coupled to the reversible wavelet filter, a control mechanism coupled to the reversible wavelet filter and the fixed size memory to select the number of levels based on the fixed size of the memory, the reversible wavelet filter and the fixed size An ordering and modeling mechanism for ordering multiple coefficients and ordering binary values within each coefficient of the multiple coefficients, and ordering and modeling Combined with the mechanism, the embedded code stream is binary entropy It is configured to and a Goka and binary entropy coder for generating compressed data stream is disclosed.
[0015]
  As a result, in the digital electronic still camera of the second prior art, the compression rate can be manipulated with the compressed image data, and a technique for taking in new data by creating a space in the memory once full without erasing the image data has come out. It was. This technology compresses image data so that it can be divided into components with high importance and low components at the time of compression, and reduces the compressed image data by truncating the data at a certain stage after compression. (That is, increase the compression rate).
[0016]
  For example, in the second conventional digital electronic still camera, as shown in FIG. 7A, it is assumed that one piece of compressed image data is ranked as ranks A, B, C, and D (the importance is A is higher (the rectangle in FIG. 7A represents the memory space). Suppose that you want to make a part of this memory space empty (a state in which nothing is stored) for some purpose. Since the compressed image data is divided into four ranks A, B, C, and D, the rank D and rank C, which are less important, are cut (stored), as shown in FIG. 7B. , That part is empty. Of course, the image data is not lost because ranks A and B with higher ranks remain (although the data amount of the image data is reduced). New image data can be written here.
[0017]
  8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams of a plurality of compressed image data. For ease of explanation, four image data and four ranks A, B, C, and D are provided. A rectangle in FIG. 8 represents a memory space.
[0018]
  For example, the memory of the second prior art digital electronic still camera is full (image compression data 1A to 1D, image compression data 2A to 2D, image compression data 3A) as in the memory space of FIG. -3D, and the compressed image data 4A-4D are in a state where the storage capacity of the memory space is completely occupied (that is, a state where there is no free memory).
[0019]
  At this time, since the memory is full, usually the compressed image data cannot be captured anymore. As a method for further capturing compressed image data from such a state, for example, all of the compressed image data is erased to generate an empty state, and new image compressed data is captured at this empty position (memory address). Can be considered.
[0020]
  However, if the digital electronic still camera technology of the second prior art is used, if the image compression data portion is desired to remain, for example, the image quality of the image compression data 1 (1A to 1D) to 4 (4A to 4D) is improved. In order to reduce the data amount of the compressed image data slightly, as shown in FIG. 8B, the compressed image data of rank D among the compressed image data 1 (1A to 1D) to 4 (4A to 4D) It is possible to execute the erasing process and take in new compressed image data at the address of the compressed image data that has become empty.
[0021]
  If this technology is used, the above-described problems in the digital electronic still camera of the first prior art can be solved.
[0022]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, in the digital electronic still camera according to the second prior art, when the compressed image data for which the compression rate is not desired and the compressed image data for which the compression rate may be changed are mixed in the memory, the compression is performed. There is a problem in that the compression rate is erroneously changed for compressed image data for which the rate is not desired to be changed.
[0023]
  An object of the present invention is to solve such conventional problems, and in particular, compressed image data that does not want to change the compression rate and compressed image data that may change the compression rate are mixed in the memory. Even in the case where the compression rate is not desired, it is possible to avoid a case where the compression rate is erroneously changed with respect to the compressed image data for which the compression rate is not desired to be changed. On the other hand, an object of the present invention is to realize a digital electronic still camera with high operability that can reliably operate the compression rate.
[0024]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above problems, the invention of claim 1 is provided.,reflected lightTakeA lens optical system that forms an image on the imaging surface of the image element;TheProvided with an image sensor that converts the subject light image formed by the lens optical system into an analog image signalRuImaging means;Obtained from the imaging meansAnalog / digital conversion means for converting an analog image signal into a digital image signal;Obtained from the analog-digital conversion meansDigital image signalDivided into multiple hierarchical datacompressionTo generate compressed image dataDigital pressureClapsStep andA memory for storing compressed image data obtained by the digital compression means, and a symbol for prohibiting changing the compression rate to compressed image data that the compression rate is not to be changed among the compressed image data stored in the memory Image management means for embedding a protection marker, and further embedding a priority marker that is a symbol indicating the order of changing the compression ratio in compressed image data without the protection marker, and the image management means The compression rate of the compressed image data is changed by deleting a part of the hierarchical data of the compressed image data having the priority marker in the order indicated by the rank marker.It is a digital electronic still camera.
[0025]
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to change the compression rate of the compressed image data without decompressing the compressed image data.
[0026]
  The invention according to claim 22. The image management unit according to claim 1, wherein the image management unit implements a process of embedding the protect marker or the priority order marker in the compressed image data at a head address of the compressed image data.It is a digital electronic still camera.
[0027]
  Claim2According to the invention described inProtect markerSince compression protection processing for changing the non-compression rate can be applied to the compressed image data for which the compression rate is not desired to be changed, the compression rate is not changed by mistake.
[0028]
  Further, the invention according to claim 3 is the claim.1 or 2In the digital electronic still camera described inThe image management means automatically fills an area of the memory that is freed by changing a compression rate of the compressed image data;FeaturesDeDigital electronic still camera.
[0029]
  According to the invention described in claim 3, the claim1 or 2In addition to the effects described inSince the compressed image data is automatically packed in the memory space, the access time can be shortened especially for a mechanical memory such as a disk memory. As a result, when the user wants to leave as much memory as possible when the image memory is not yet full, it is possible to reduce the image quality, and when writing a new image, the memory free space is gathered together. Since the access time is shortened when it is free, the writing time and reading time can be shortened.
[0041]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  The digital electronic still camera 10 of the present embodiment includes a lens optical system, an imaging unit, an analog signal processing unit, an analog / digital conversion unit, a digital compression / decompression unit, and an image management unit.
[0042]
  The lens optical system has a function of forming the reflected light from the subject as an object light image on the image pickup surface of the image pickup device, and has a hardware configuration centered on the lens 101.
[0043]
  The imaging means includes an imaging element 102 (described later) that converts a subject light image formed by the lens optical system into an analog image signal.
[0044]
  The analog signal processing means has a function of processing an analog image signal, and has a hardware configuration centered on an analog unit 103 described later.
[0045]
  The analog / digital conversion means has a function of converting an analog image signal into a digital image signal, and has a hardware configuration centering on an A / D converter 104 described later.
[0046]
  The digital compression / decompression means has a function of compressing or decompressing a digital image signal, and has a hardware configuration centering on a compression / decompression unit 105 described later.
[0047]
  The image management means has a function of changing the compression rate Rc with the compressed image data stored in the memory, and is realized by the compression / decompression unit 105 described later.
[0048]
  As shown in FIG. 6, a specific digital electronic still camera 10 passes a lens 101 (lens optical system), and an image signal obtained by an image sensor 102 (imaging means) is output by an analog unit 103 (analog signal processing means). Analog signal processing is performed, and the digital image signal 104a is converted by the A / D converter 104 (analog / digital conversion means), and data compression is performed in the subsequent compression / decompression unit 105 (digital compression / decompression means), thereby compressing the image data. 105 a is generated, and the compressed image data 105 a is stored in the memory 107. The monitor 106 is configured to display an image obtained from the input unit 11 such as a liquid crystal display, and to capture an image stored in the memory 107 by a release button 108..
  The digital electronic still camera 10 having such a hardware configuration can be subjected to a compression protection process for preventing the compression ratio Rc from being changed for the compressed image data for which the compression ratio Rc is not desired to be changed, and the compression protection process is performed. Compressing rate Rc with priority, which automatically changes the compression rate Rc except for the compressed image data, and the compression rate with priority, which allows the user to prioritize the compressed image data whose compression rate Rc can be changed It is characterized in that Rc changing processing and memory organizing processing for automatically filling a vacant memory area after changing the compression rate Rc are executed.
[0049]
  In the following description of this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, there are four images (image compression data 105a), each of which includes four image compression data 105a-1, image compression data 105a-2, image compression data 105a-3, It is named as compressed image data 105a-4. The compressed image data 105a-1 occupies 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D memory spaces, and the compressed image data 105a-2 occupies 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D memory spaces, and the compressed image data 105a-3. Occupy 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D memory space, and the compressed image data 105a-4 occupies 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D memory space. Here, each of 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D is a storage unit of the memory space of the memory 107, specifically Means a unit word. On the other hand, it is assumed that one image compressed data is ranked into four ranks.
[0050]
  FIG. 1 is a memory map for explaining compression protection processing.
[0051]
  The image management means is configured to execute a compression protection process for prohibiting the change of the compression rate Rc on the compressed image data that the compression rate Rc is not desired to be changed in response to a user request. Have.
[0052]
  In addition, the compression protection process executed by the digital electronic still camera 10 of the present embodiment means that the change of the compression rate Rc is prohibited at the head of the image compression data for which the change of the compression rate Rc is prohibited. This method is characterized in that it includes a process of writing a protect marker 12 (net part) which is a symbol to be used.
[0053]
  In FIG. 1, a large rectangle (outer frame) represents a memory space for storing the compressed image data 105a, a thick line represents a partition of each of the four compressed image data 105a, and a thin line represents each compressed image data. A rank delimiter in 105a is shown.
[0054]
  For ease of explanation, FIG. 1 shows four (1 to 4) compressed image data 105a, and ranks indicating importance are classified into four stages of ranks A, B, C, and D. Accordingly, the four image compression data 105a are sequentially referred to as image compression data 105a-1, image compression data 105a-2, image compression data 105a-3, and image compression data 105a-4.
[0055]
  For example, the user selects one or two images (image compressed data 105a-1 and image compressed data 105a-1) among the four image compressed data 105a-1, image compressed data 105a-2, image compressed data 105a-3, and image compressed data 105a-4. It is assumed that the image quality of the image compression data 105a-2) is absolutely not desired to be reduced (ie, the compression rate Rc of the image compression data 105a first written in the memory 107 is not desired to be changed).
[0056]
  At this time, for example, the user can execute the compression protection process on the first and second images (the compressed image data 105a-1 and the compressed image data 105a-2).
[0057]
  Here, the compression protection process is achieved by attaching a protection marker 12 (net part) to the very first (first address) of the compressed image data 105a. The compressed image data 105a (specifically, the compressed image data 105a-1 and the compressed image data 105a-2) to which the protect marker 12 (net part) is attached in this way is not effective in changing the compression ratio Rc. Therefore, the image quality of the important image (specifically, the compressed image data 105a-1 and the compressed image data 105a-2) is not deteriorated or deleted.
[0058]
  As a result, a compression protection process is performed so that the compression rate Rc cannot be changed for compressed image data for which the compression rate Rc is not desired to be changed, so that the compression rate Rc is not erroneously changed. Specifically, the image is compressed with respect to an image (specifically, the image compression data 105a-1 or the image compression data 105a-2) that the user never wants to reduce (does not reduce) the image quality of the image. It becomes possible to apply protection processing. At this time, in the compression protection process, a protection marker 12 (net part) is attached to the very first (first address) of the compressed image data. Since the compression ratio Rc change is invalidated for the compressed image data to which the protect marker 12 (net part) is attached in this way, an important image (specifically, the compressed image data 105a-1 or the The image quality of the compressed data 105a-2) is not deteriorated or deleted. In other words, the compressed image data with the protect marker 12 (net part) cannot be changed in the compression ratio Rc, and the image quality of important images is not accidentally reduced or deleted.
[0059]
  FIG. 2 is a memory map for explaining the processing for changing the compression rate Rc with priority order that automatically changes the compression rate Rc for the compressed image data 105a other than the compression protection processing data.
[0060]
  In the present embodiment, the image management means executes a process for changing the compression ratio Rc with priority order, which automatically changes the compression ratio Rc for the compressed image data excluding the compressed image data under the execution of the compression protection process. To do.
[0061]
  In this embodiment, the order in which the compression rate Rc is changed can be selected by the user from two priority setting modes: “newer data has lower priority” and “older data has lower priority”.
[0062]
  For example, the image compression data 105a-1 is the oldest data in the order of four image compression data 105a-1, image compression data 105a-2, image compression data 105a-3, and image compression data 105a-4. Is selected as a priority order setting mode in which “the newer data has a lower priority order” (however, the compressed image data 105a-2 is data subjected to compression protection processing).
[0063]
  In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the data is erased in the order of memory space 4D → memory space 3D → memory space 1D → memory space 4C (actually, the data may be erased simultaneously). New data is written in the memory space thus obtained.
[0064]
  As a result, the order of changing the compression rate Rc can be selected by the user from a predetermined number of priority order setting modes, so that the compressed image data can be erased according to the selected priority order. As a result, the compression rate Rc can be automatically changed except for the compressed image data subjected to the compression protection process, so that the user does not have to search for the image every time. In addition, new data can be written in the memory space thus obtained.
[0065]
  FIG. 3 is a memory map for explaining another embodiment of processing for changing the compression ratio Rc with priority.
[0066]
  The image management unit according to the present embodiment executes a priority setting mode for setting a priority for compressed image data whose compression rate Rc can be changed according to a request from the user, and follows the set priority. It is characterized in that it is configured to execute the process of changing the compression ratio Rc with priority.
[0067]
  In this example, a memory 1071 corresponding to one image (in the compressed image data 105a) is provided in addition to the memory 107 that stores the normal compressed image data 105a.
[0068]
  This memory 1071 is an auxiliary storage means prepared for use when the normal image compression memory 107 is full and it is desired to take another picture, and is not normally used.
[0069]
  Data taken by the user in order to take another picture is temporarily stored in the memory 1071. Thereafter (or at the same time), the data size of the stored compressed image data 105a is measured, and a memory space corresponding to the required size is automatically emptied on the normal compressed image data 105a memory.
[0070]
  FIG. 3A is an example in which four empty portions are required for the data size of the image compression data 105a to be added, and FIG. 3B is an empty portion for three data sizes of the image compression data 105a to be added. Is a necessary example.
[0071]
  FIG. 4 is a memory map for explaining the process of changing the compression ratio Rc with priority order that allows the user to freely give priority to each image compression data 105a.
[0072]
  In FIG. 4, the priority order marker 13 includesCircled numbers (1), (2), (3), (4)Priorities are assigned in the order of priority markers.(1)Is the priority marker(4)Higher priority than.
[0073]
  The priority order is achieved by attaching the priority order marker 13 to the very first (first address) of the compressed image data 105a.
[0074]
  The compressed image data 105a to which the priority order marker 13 is attached in this way is a low priority memory space, specifically, memory space 2D → memory space 4D → memory space 3D → memory space 1D → memory space 2C → memory. The compression rate is changed in the order of the space 4C →.
[0075]
  Thus, the user can freely give priority by attaching the priority marker 13 to the very first (first address) of the compressed image data. As a result, since priority is given to compressed image data whose compression rate Rc can be changed, the compression rate Rc can be changed in the order desired by the user.
[0076]
  FIGS. 5A and 5B are memory maps for explaining a memory organization process for automatically filling a vacant memory area after changing the compression ratio Rc.
[0077]
  The image management means is characterized in that it is configured to execute a memory organizing process that automatically fills a memory area that is free after the compression rate Rc is changed.
[0078]
  For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, when the user wants to leave as much memory 107 as possible because the image quality may be lowered when the image memory 107 is not yet full. Operation to reduce the image quality becomes possible. Therefore, when a new image is written, the access time is shortened when the free space in the memory 107 is vacant, so that the writing time and the reading time are shortened.
[0079]
  For this reason, the compressed image data 105a is automatically packed in the memory space. This is particularly effective for a mechanical memory 107 such as a disk memory.
[0080]
  Thereby, since the compressed image data is automatically packed in the memory space, it is possible to expect a shortened access time especially for a mechanical memory such as a disk memory. As a result, when the user wants to leave as much memory as possible when the image memory is not yet full (memory full state), it is possible to reduce the image quality, and when writing a new image, there is no memory available. Since the access time is shortened when the space is gathered together, the writing time and the reading time can be shortened.
[0081]
  In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, for convenience, the number of images (compressed image data 105a) is set to four and the rank is set to four. However, in practice, both the image and the rank are increased. Needless to say. Further, for ease of explanation, the data stored in the memory 107 is deleted and a part of the memory 107 is emptied, and then the new compressed image data 105a is written. Needless to say, the data stored in the memory 107 may be overwritten.
[0082]
  In the description of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, it has been described that the protect marker 12 (net part) and the priority marker 13 are attached to the very first (first address) of the compressed image data 105a. It does not have to be (start address). In addition, the memory space is divided in advance for each image, and a protect marker 12 (net part) and a memory space for priority order are prepared at predetermined positions, and compression protection processing or priority order is applied or released later. It goes without saying that the compression protection processing or priority order may be applied to the image compression data 105a once changed in the compression ratio Rc, or canceled.
[0083]
  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the compression rate Rc of the image compression data 105a that cannot be realized by the conventional digital electronic still camera 10 can be easily changed with better operability.
[0084]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to change the compression rate of the compressed image data without decompressing the compressed image data.
[0085]
  Claim2According to the invention described inProtect markerSince compression protection processing for changing the non-compression rate can be applied to the compressed image data for which the compression rate is not desired to be changed, the compression rate is not changed by mistake.
[0086]
  Claim3According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect described in claim 2,Since the compressed image data is automatically packed in the memory space, the access time can be shortened especially for a mechanical memory such as a disk memory. As a result, when the user wants to leave as much memory as possible when the image memory is not yet full, it is possible to reduce the image quality, and when writing a new image, the memory free space is gathered together. Since the access time is shortened when it is free, the writing time and reading time can be shortened.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a memory map for explaining compression protection processing;
FIG. 2 is a memory map for explaining a priority-ordered compression rate changing process for automatically changing the compression rate for image compression data other than compression protection processing data.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are memory maps for explaining another embodiment of processing for changing the compression ratio Rc with priority. FIG.
FIG. 4 is a memory map for explaining processing for changing a compression ratio with priority, in which a user can freely give priority to each compressed image data.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are memory maps for explaining a memory organization process for automatically filling a vacant memory area after changing the compression ratio Rc. FIG.
FIG. 6 is a basic configuration diagram of an embodiment of a digital electronic still camera of the present invention.
FIG. 7A is a diagram showing that one image compressed data is ranked, and FIG. 7B is a diagram showing a state in which ranks with low importance are cut. .
FIGS. 8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams of a plurality of compressed image data.
[Explanation of symbols]
  10. Digital electronic still camera
  101 ... Lens (lens optical system)
  102: Imaging element (imaging means)
  103. Analog section (analog signal processing means
  104 ... A / D converter (analog / digital conversion means)
  105: Compression / decompression unit (image management means)
  106 ... Monitor
  107: Memory
  108 ... Release button
  11 ... Input section

Claims (3)

A lens optical system for focusing on the imaging surface of the reflected light an imaging element,
Imaging means for Ru an imaging device for converting an the object light image formed by the lens optical system into an analog image signal,
Analog / digital conversion means for converting an analog image signal obtained from the imaging means into a digital image signal;
And digital pressure Chijimite stage that generates compressed image data by compressing divided digital image signal obtained from the analog-digital conversion means into a plurality of hierarchical data,
A memory for storing compressed image data obtained by the digital compression means;
Of the compressed image data stored in the memory, image compression data that does not have a protection marker is embedded by embedding a protection marker that is a symbol prohibiting the change of the compression rate into compressed image data that does not want to change the compression rate. Image management means for embedding a priority order marker which is a symbol indicating the order of changing the compression ratio,
The image management means changes the compression rate of the compressed image data by erasing part of the hierarchical data of the compressed image data having the priority marker in the order indicated by the priority marker;
A digital electronic still camera. The image management means implements a process of embedding the protect marker or the priority marker in the compressed image data at the start address of the compressed image data,
The digital electronic still camera according to claim 1 . The image management means automatically fills an area of the memory that is freed by changing a compression rate of the compressed image data;
The digital electronic still camera according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

Images