JP4181352B2 - Digital camera - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital camera, and more particularly to a digital camera configured to be capable of mounting a plurality of recording media.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, the demand for digital cameras has increased rapidly with the increase in resolution of imaging devices such as CCD (Charge Coupled Device) and CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensors.
[0003]
Further, in such a digital camera, generally, image information obtained through imaging through an image sensor is obtained by using Smart Media (Smart Media (R)) or Compact Flash (R) (Compact Flash) mounted on the digital camera. ) And the like, and recently, a digital camera configured so that a plurality of different types of recording media can be mounted has been commercialized.
[0004]
Conventionally, this type of digital camera has a problem that the writing speed of image information to a recording medium becomes a bottleneck and the photographing interval becomes long.
[0005]
In order to solve this problem, in the technique described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-135589, an electronic camera configured to be able to mount a plurality of recording media is obtained by photographing. The image information is divided and transferred to the plurality of recording media and recorded in parallel.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the technique described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-135589 assumes that the same type of recording medium is used, and there are restrictions on the types of recording media that can be used, and it is divided into a plurality of recording media. Therefore, there is a problem that the image information recorded in this way must be finally synthesized, and the processing for this purpose is complicated.
[0007]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and provides a digital camera capable of shortening the shooting interval without any complicated processing, with almost no restrictions on the types of recording media that can be used. With the goal.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the digital camera according to claim 1 is capable of recording the image information obtained by imaging the subject and obtaining image information indicating the subject image, and the image information obtained by the imaging means, And mounting means for mounting a plurality of recording media having different access times, and whether or not image information is recorded on a recording medium having the shortest access time among the plurality of recording media mounted by the mounting means. When the recording state determining unit determines that the image information is recorded on the recording medium having the shortest access time, another recording is performed based on the recording amount of the image information. Determining whether or not the medium has a free capacity capable of recording at least a part of the image information, and determining that the free capacity is present by the free capacity determining means; If, an image retraction means for retracting the image information can be recorded on the free space to another recording medium having the free space from the access time is the shortest recording medium,When an input means for inputting medium information indicating a recording medium for recording the image information at the time of shooting and a high-speed continuous shooting mode are setThe image information obtained by the imaging unit is recorded on the recording medium having the shortest access time.When the normal continuous shooting mode is set, the image information obtained by the imaging unit is recorded on the recording medium indicated by the medium information input by the input unit.Recording means.
[0009]
According to the digital camera of the first aspect, the subject is imaged by the imaging unit, and image information indicating the subject image is obtained. In addition, a plurality of recording media that can record the image information obtained by the imaging unit and have different access times are mounted by the mounting unit. Note that the imaging means includes a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD or a CMOS image sensor. The recording media include smart media, compact flash, ATA (AT Attachment) card, floppy disk, CD-R (Compact Disc-Recordable), CD-RW (Compact Disc-ReWritable), magneto-optical disc, micro Any portable recording medium such as a drive is included.
[0010]
  Here, in the first aspect of the invention, the recording state determination unit determines whether or not image information is recorded on the recording medium having the shortest access time among the plurality of recording media mounted by the mounting unit. When it is determined by the recording state determination means that the image information is recorded on the recording medium having the shortest access time, at least one of the image information is recorded on another recording medium based on the recording amount of the image information. Whether or not there is a recordable free space is determined by a free space determination unit, and when it is determined by the free space determination unit that the free space is present, the free space is obtained from the recording medium having the shortest access time. The image information that can be recorded in the free space on the other recording medium is saved by the image saving means,Medium information indicating a recording medium for recording the image information at the time of shooting is input by the input means,By recording meansWhen the high-speed continuous shooting mode is setThe image information obtained by the imaging means is recorded on a recording medium having the shortest access time.When the normal continuous shooting mode is set, the image information obtained by the imaging unit is recorded on a recording medium indicated by the medium information input by the input unit.
[0011]
That is, in the present invention, the recording medium having the shortest access time among the plurality of mounted recording media is forcibly applied as a recording medium for recording image information at the time of shooting, thereby shortening the shooting interval. I can do it. In this case, there is no limitation on the plurality of recording media except that the access times are different, and image information is not divided and recorded on the plurality of recording media. There is no need to synthesize image information and no complicated processing is involved.
[0012]
At this time, if the recording medium with the shortest access time has a small free space, the number of images to be shot when shooting continuously such as continuous shooting or moving image shooting becomes severe. The image information recorded on the recording medium is saved in advance in another recording medium.
[0013]
  Thus, according to the digital camera of claim 1, the image information recorded on the recording medium having the shortest access time among the plurality of mounted recording media is saved in another recording medium,When the high-speed continuous shooting mode is setSince the image information obtained by the imaging means is recorded on the recording medium having the shortest access time, there are almost no restrictions on the types of recording media that can be used, and the shooting interval can be shortened without complicated processing. it can.
[0014]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the digital camera according to the first aspect of the present invention further comprises an image restoration means for returning the image information saved by the image saving means to the recording medium having the shortest access time after photographing. Is.
[0015]
According to the digital camera of the second aspect, the image information saved by the image saving means of the present invention is returned to the recording medium having the shortest access time after photographing by the image restoration means.
[0016]
Thus, according to the digital camera of the second aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained, and the saved image information can be returned to the recording medium having the shortest access time after shooting. Therefore, the recording medium for recording the image information can be returned to the original recording medium, and the movement of the image information to the recording medium unintended for the user and the loss of the image information can be prevented.
[0017]
  Furthermore, the digital camera according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2,When the high-speed continuous shooting mode is setAn image moving hand that moves the image information recorded by the recording means to a recording medium indicated by the medium information input by the input means.StepIn addition.
[0018]
  According to the digital camera of claim 3,When the high-speed continuous shooting mode is set,The image information recorded by the recording means is moved by the image moving means to the recording medium indicated by the medium information input by the input means.
[0019]
  As described above, according to the digital camera of the third aspect, the medium information indicating the recording medium that can achieve the same effect as the invention of the first or second aspect and records the image information at the time of shooting. EnterWhen the high-speed continuous shooting mode is set,Since the image information recorded by the recording means is moved to the recording medium indicated by the input medium information, it is possible to specify a recording medium for recording the image information obtained by photographing, which is convenient for the user. Can be improved.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, an external configuration of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0021]
As shown in the figure, the front of the digital camera 10 is provided with a lens 12 for forming a subject image and a viewfinder 70 used for determining the composition of the subject to be photographed. Further, on the upper surface of the digital camera 10, a release button (so-called shutter) 60 that is pressed by a photographer when performing photographing and a power switch 66 are provided.
[0022]
Note that the release button 60 according to the present embodiment is in a state where the release button 60 is pressed down to an intermediate position (hereinafter referred to as “half-pressed state”) and a state where the release button 60 is pressed down to a final pressed position beyond the intermediate position (hereinafter, referred to as “lower pressed state”). It is configured to be able to detect a two-stage pressing operation of “fully pressed state”.
[0023]
In addition, the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to shoot still images by continuous shooting in addition to normal still image shooting. After the release button 60 is pressed halfway, the AE (Automatic Exposure) function works to set the exposure state (shutter speed, aperture state), and then AF (Auto Focus) ) Function is activated and the focus is controlled, and then exposure (photographing) is performed when the button is fully pressed.
[0024]
On the other hand, when shooting by continuous shooting, the normal still image is shot continuously at predetermined time intervals while the release button 60 is fully pressed. As described above, the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment performs continuous shooting while the release button 60 is fully pressed. However, when the continuous shooting is started, the release button 60 is used. Is fully depressed, and the release button 60 is again fully depressed when the photographing is stopped.
[0025]
On the other hand, on the back surface of the digital camera 10, a liquid crystal display (hereinafter referred to as "the eyepiece part of the finder 70" and a subject image, various menu screens, messages, etc. indicated by the digital image data obtained by photographing) is displayed. 30), a shooting mode that is a mode for performing shooting, and a playback mode that is a mode for displaying (reproducing) a subject image indicated by digital image data obtained by shooting on the LCD 30. A total of 5 mode changeover switches 62 operated for setting, four arrow keys indicating the four directions of movement in the upper, lower, left, and right directions in the display area of the LCD 30, and a determination key positioned at the center of the four arrow keys And a cross cursor button 64 configured to include one key.
[0026]
In the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, as described above, as the above-described shooting modes, there are a normal shooting mode that is a mode for shooting a normal still image and a mode for shooting a still image by continuous shooting. There are two types of modes, a certain continuous shooting mode, and these modes can be switched by the mode switch 62.
[0027]
On the other hand, on the side of the digital camera 10, a slot in which a recording medium capable of recording digital image data obtained by photographing (here, a recording medium on which the digital image data is recorded as an image file) can be mounted. SL1 and slot SL2 are provided, and the bottom surface of the digital camera 10 is a receptacle used for electrical connection with an external device by a predetermined interface standard (USB (Universal Serial Bus in this embodiment)). 72 is provided.
[0028]
Next, the configuration of the electrical system of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0029]
As shown in the figure, the digital camera 10 includes an optical unit 13 including the lens 12 described above, a CCD 14 disposed behind the optical axis of the lens 12, and a correlated double sampling circuit (hereinafter “ CDS ”) 16 and an analog / digital converter (hereinafter referred to as“ ADC ”) 18 for converting the input analog signal into digital data, and the output terminal of the CCD 14 is the CDS 16. The output terminal of the CDS 16 is connected to the input terminal of the ADC 18.
[0030]
Here, the correlated double sampling processing by the CDS 16 is a feed included in the output signal for each pixel of the solid-state image sensor for the purpose of reducing noise (particularly thermal noise) included in the output signal of the solid-state image sensor. This is processing for obtaining accurate pixel data by taking the difference between the through component level and the pixel signal component level.
[0031]
On the other hand, the digital camera 10 has a line buffer having a predetermined capacity and an image input controller 20 that performs control for directly storing the input digital image data in a predetermined area of the second memory 40 described later, and the digital image data. The image signal processing circuit 22 that performs various image processing and the digital image data are compressed in a predetermined compression format, while the compressed digital image data is decompressed in a format corresponding to the compression format. The compression / decompression processing circuit 24 to be applied and a video signal indicating the image to be displayed on the LCD 30 while generating a signal for displaying on the LCD 30 an image or menu screen indicated by the digital image data (this embodiment) In this embodiment, an NTSC signal is generated and output to the video output terminal OUT. It is configured to include an encoder 28, a. Note that the input end of the image input controller 20 is connected to the output end of the ADC 18.
[0032]
In addition, the digital camera 10 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 32 that controls the operation of the entire digital camera 10 and physical quantities required to operate the AF function (in this embodiment, an image obtained by imaging with the CCD 14). The brightness of the image obtained by imaging by the CCD 14 in this embodiment, and an AF detection circuit 34 that detects the contrast value.) And an AE function and an AWB (Automatic White Balance) function. An AE / AWB detection circuit 36 for detecting the amount of data), a first memory 38 composed of an SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) used as a work area when the CPU 32 executes various processes, The first is composed of a VRAM (Video RAM) that stores digital image data obtained by photographing. It is configured to include the memory 40, the.
[0033]
Further, the digital camera 10 is connected to the media controller 42 for enabling the digital camera 10 to access the recording medium 42A mounted in the slot SL1 and the recording medium 42B mounted in the slot SL2, and the receptacle 72 described above. And a USB interface 46 for controlling communication with the outside in accordance with the USB standard.
[0034]
Image input controller 20, image signal processing circuit 22, compression / decompression processing circuit 24, video / LCD encoder 28, CPU 32, AF detection circuit 34, AE / AWB detection circuit 36, first memory 38, second memory 40, The media controller 42 and the USB interface 46 are connected to each other via the system bus BUS.
[0035]
Therefore, the CPU 32 controls the operations of the image input controller 20, the image signal processing circuit 22, the compression / decompression processing circuit 24, and the video / LCD encoder 28, and detects them by the AF detection circuit 34 and the AE / AWB detection circuit 36. Acquisition of the obtained physical quantity, access to the first memory 38, the second memory 40, the recording medium 42A and the recording medium 42B, and mutual communication with an external device connected to the receptacle 72 can be respectively performed. .
[0036]
On the other hand, the digital camera 10 is provided with a timing generator 48 that mainly generates a timing signal for driving the CCD 14 and supplies the timing signal to the CCD 14. The input end of the timing generator 48 is connected to the CPU 32 and the output end is connected to the CCD 14. The driving of the CCD 14 is controlled by the CPU 32 via the timing generator 48.
[0037]
Further, the CPU 32 is connected to an input end of the motor drive unit 50, and an output end of the motor drive unit 50 is connected to a focus adjustment motor, a zoom motor, and an aperture drive motor provided in the optical unit 13.
[0038]
The lens 12 included in the optical unit 13 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of lenses, and is configured as a zoom lens that can change (magnify) the focal length, and includes a lens driving mechanism (not shown). Yes. The lens drive mechanism includes the focus adjustment motor, the zoom motor, and the aperture drive motor. The focus adjustment motor, the zoom motor, and the aperture drive motor are each supplied with a drive signal supplied from the motor drive unit 50 under the control of the CPU 32. Driven by.
[0039]
When changing the optical zoom magnification, the CPU 32 controls the zoom motor to change the focal length of the lens included in the optical unit 13.
[0040]
Further, the CPU 32 performs focusing control by driving and controlling the focus adjustment motor so that the contrast value of the image obtained by imaging by the CCD 14 is maximized. In other words, the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment employs a so-called TTL (Through The Lens) method in which the lens position is set so that the contrast of the read image is maximized as the focus control. .
[0041]
Further, the various buttons and switches (generally referred to as “operation unit 52” in FIG. 2) of the release button 60, the mode switch 62, the cross cursor button 64, and the power switch 66 are connected to the CPU 32. The CPU 32 can always grasp the operation state of these buttons and switches.
[0042]
The CCD 14 is the imaging means of the present invention, the slot SL1 and the slot SL2 are the mounting means of the present invention, the recording medium 42A and the recording medium 42B are the recording medium of the present invention, and the CPU 32 is the image saving means, recording means, and image of the present invention. The cross cursor button 64 corresponds to the return unit and the image moving unit, and corresponds to the input unit of the present invention.
[0043]
Next, the operation of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. First, a mode setting process executed in the digital camera 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the mode setting process executed by the CPU 32 of the digital camera 10 when execution of the mode setting process is designated by the user on a menu screen (not shown) displayed on the LCD 30. .
[0044]
In step 100 of FIG. 5, the video / LCD encoder 28 is controlled so that a predetermined mode setting screen is displayed on the LCD 30, and in step 102, input of predetermined information is waited.
[0045]
FIG. 4 shows a mode setting screen displayed on the LCD 30 by the process of step 100 described above. As shown in the figure, in the mode setting screen according to the present embodiment, a message “prompt to designate a slot for recording digital image data at the time of shooting” and a slot name “slot 1” corresponding to the slot SL1 can be designated. ”And“ slot 2 ”corresponding to the slot SL2. In addition, the mode setting screen displays two names, “High-speed continuous shooting mode” and “Normal continuous shooting mode”, as well as a message prompting the user to specify a mode for continuous shooting. The
[0046]
The high-speed continuous shooting mode is a mode for increasing the continuous shooting speed by forcibly recording the digital image data obtained during continuous shooting on a recording medium having a shorter access time. The normal continuous shooting mode is a mode in which digital image data obtained in continuous shooting is recorded on a recording medium mounted in a slot designated by the user. Therefore, when the slot in which the recording medium with the shorter access time is specified by the user is designated as the recording destination of the digital image data, the digital image data obtained by continuous shooting on the recording medium mounted in the slot is stored. If there is a free capacity that can be recorded, the continuous shooting speed will be the same as when the high-speed continuous shooting mode is specified, regardless of whether the high-speed continuous shooting mode or the normal continuous shooting mode is specified.
[0047]
When the mode setting screen as shown in the figure is displayed on the LCD 30, the user designates a desired slot and continuous shooting mode by operating the cross cursor button 64, and then displays the “designation” displayed at the bottom of the screen. Specify the "Finish" button. Thereby, information indicating each of the slot and continuous shooting mode designated by the user (hereinafter referred to as “setting mode information”) is input to the CPU 32, and the above-described step 102 is affirmative and the process proceeds to step 104. .
[0048]
In step 104, the setting mode information input in step 102 is stored in a predetermined area of the first memory 38, and then the mode setting process is terminated.
[0049]
Next, a data saving process executed in the digital camera 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows data executed by the CPU 32 of the digital camera 10 when the high-speed continuous shooting mode is designated by the user on the above-described mode setting screen and a recording medium is loaded in both the slot SL1 and the slot SL2. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a save process.
[0050]
In step 200 in the figure, the access time of each recording medium mounted in the slot SL1 and the slot SL2 is detected and stored in a predetermined area of the first memory 38. As a method for detecting the access time of each recording medium, a method of actually writing predetermined information on each recording medium and measuring the writing time at this time, or an access time of the recording medium in advance in the header portion of each recording medium A method for reading out the information and recording the information can be exemplified.
[0051]
In the next step 202, it is determined whether an image file is recorded on the recording medium with the shorter access time detected in step 200 (hereinafter referred to as “high-speed access medium”). Ends the data saving process, and proceeds to step 204 if the determination is affirmative.
[0052]
In step 204, the storage capacity of all image files recorded on the high-speed access medium is read from the directory of the medium, and in the next step 206, the access time detected in step 200 based on the read storage capacity. It is determined whether or not at least one of the image files recorded on the high-speed access medium has enough free space on the recording medium with the longer (hereinafter referred to as “low-speed access medium”). In this case, the data saving process is terminated. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 208.
[0053]
In step 208, an image file that can be recorded in the free space of the low-speed access medium is read from the high-speed access medium, and in step 210, the read-out image file is recorded on the low-speed access medium. In the next step 214, specific information (for example, a file name) that can identify the image file recorded on the low-speed access medium is stored in a predetermined area of the first memory 38. Then, the data saving process is finished.
[0054]
By this data saving process, the image file recorded on the high-speed access medium is saved to the low-speed access medium as long as the low-speed access medium allows, and the free capacity of the high-speed access medium can be increased. This data saving process corresponds to the image saving means of the present invention.
[0055]
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a photographing process executed in the digital camera 10 will be described. Note that FIG. 6 shows the flow of shooting processing executed by the CPU 32 of the digital camera 10 when the continuous shooting mode is set by the mode switch 62 and the recording medium is loaded in both the slot SL1 and the slot SL2. It is a flowchart to show.
[0056]
In step 300 in the figure, the process waits until the release button 60 is fully pressed, and in the next step 302, the exposure state (shutter speed, aperture state) is set by the AE function, and the focus is achieved by the AF function. Take control.
[0057]
At this time, a signal indicating a subject image output from the CCD 14 by imaging through the optical unit 13 is sequentially input to the CDS 16 and subjected to correlated double sampling processing, and then input to the ADC 18. The ADC 18 is input from the CDS 16. The R (red), G (green), and B (blue) signals are converted into 12-bit R, G, and B signals (digital image data) and output to the image input controller 20.
[0058]
The image input controller 20 accumulates digital image data sequentially input from the ADC 18 in a built-in line buffer and temporarily stores it in a predetermined area of the second memory 40.
[0059]
Therefore, in the next step 304, white balance adjustment is performed by reading digital image data stored in a predetermined area of the second memory 40 and applying a digital gain corresponding to the physical quantity detected by the AE / AWB detection circuit 36 to the digital image data. In addition, gamma processing and sharpness processing are performed to generate 8-bit digital image data, and further YC signal processing is performed to generate a luminance signal Y and chroma signals Cr and Cb (hereinafter referred to as “YC signal”). Then, the image signal processing circuit 22 is controlled so that the YC signal is stored in an area different from the predetermined area of the second memory 40.
[0060]
Note that the LCD 30 is configured to display a moving image (through image) obtained by continuous imaging by the CCD 14 and can be used as a finder. However, when the LCD 30 is used as a finder in this way, The generated YC signal is sequentially output to the LCD 30 via the video / LCD encoder 28. As a result, a through image is displayed on the LCD 30.
[0061]
In the next step 306, the YC signal stored in the second memory 40 at this time is compressed in a predetermined compression format (in this embodiment, JPEG format) by the compression / expansion processing circuit 24, and the next step In 308, the compressed YC signal is designated on the mode setting screen as a high-speed access medium when the continuous shooting mode designated on the mode setting screen (see also FIG. 4) is the high-speed continuous shooting mode. When the continuous shooting mode is the normal continuous shooting mode, each is recorded on a recording medium mounted in a slot designated on the mode setting screen. Whether the designated continuous shooting mode is the high-speed continuous shooting mode or the normal continuous shooting mode is determined based on the setting mode information stored in the first memory 38 in step 104 of the mode setting process described above. be able to. Here, there may be a case where the recording medium that is the recording destination of the YC signal does not have a free space for recording the YC signal, and a process assuming this case is actually necessary. In order to avoid complications, this process is omitted.
[0062]
In the next step 310, it is determined whether or not the release button 60 has been returned to the non-pressed state. If the determination is negative, the process returns to step 302 and the processes of steps 302 to 308 are executed again. At this point, the main photographing process is terminated.
[0063]
With the actual photographing process, continuous shooting is performed while the release button 60 is fully pressed. At this time, when the high-speed continuous shooting mode is designated by the user, digital image data (YC signal in the present embodiment) obtained by photographing is forcibly recorded on the high-speed access medium. Continuous shooting is possible. At this time, it is highly possible that the high-speed access medium has an increased free space due to the above-described data saving process. In this case, the restriction on the number of shots due to continuous shooting is relaxed. The processing in step 308 of the main photographing processing corresponds to the recording unit of the present invention.
[0064]
Next, a data movement process executed in the digital camera 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 7 shows data movement executed by the CPU 32 of the digital camera 10 when the high-speed continuous shooting mode is designated by the user on the mode setting screen and the shooting process (see also FIG. 6) is completed. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process.
[0065]
In step 400 of the figure, the image file saved from the high-speed access medium to the low-speed access medium specified based on the access time stored in the predetermined area of the first memory 38 by the process of step 200 in the data saving process described above. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 412. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 402. Whether or not there is an image file saved from the high-speed access medium exists in the low-speed access medium is determined by determining whether or not the specific information is stored in a predetermined area of the first memory 38. Can do.
[0066]
In step 402, the storage capacity of all the image files saved in the low-speed access medium is read from the directory of the medium. In the next step 404, the high-speed access medium and the low-speed access medium are read based on the read storage capacity. It is determined whether or not at least one of the saved image files has enough free space for recording. If the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 412. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 406.
[0067]
In step 406, the saved image file that can be recorded in the free space of the high-speed access medium is read from the low-speed access medium, and in step 408, the read-out image file is recorded on the high-speed access medium. The image file recorded on the high-speed access medium is erased from the low-speed access medium, and then the process proceeds to step 412.
[0068]
With the above processing, the image file saved in the low-speed access medium can be returned to the high-speed access medium as long as the free space of the high-speed access medium permits.
[0069]
In step 412, whether or not the low-speed access medium is designated by the user as a recording medium for recording digital image data obtained by shooting is set in the setting mode information stored in step 104 in the mode setting process described above. If the determination is negative, the data movement process is terminated. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 414.
[0070]
In step 414, the storage capacity of all image files recorded on the high-speed access medium by shooting is read from the directory of the medium, and in the next step 416, the low-speed access medium is read by high speed by shooting based on the read storage capacity. It is determined whether or not at least one of the image files recorded on the access medium has enough free space for recording. If the determination is negative, the data movement process is terminated, and if the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 418. .
[0071]
In step 418, an image file recorded by shooting that can be recorded in the free space of the low-speed access medium is read from the high-speed access medium. In step 420, the read image file is recorded on the low-speed access medium. At 422, the image file recorded on the low-speed access medium is erased from the high-speed access medium, and then the data movement process is terminated.
[0072]
When the low-speed access medium is designated as a recording medium for recording digital image data obtained by photographing by the user through the processing in steps 412 to 422, the image file recorded on the high-speed access medium at the time of photographing is As long as the free space of the low-speed access medium permits, it can move to the low-speed access medium.
[0073]
The processing from step 400 to step 410 of the data movement processing corresponds to the image restoration means of the present invention, and the processing of step 412 to step 422 corresponds to the image movement means of the present invention.
[0074]
FIG. 8 schematically shows an overall operation sequence of the digital camera 10 when the user sets the high-speed continuous shooting mode and performs shooting by continuous shooting.
[0075]
As shown in the figure, first, the image data recorded on the high-speed access medium by the data saving process is saved on the low-speed access medium. This increases the free capacity of the high speed access media. At this time, specific information (file name in the present embodiment) that can identify the image file saved in the low-speed access medium is stored.
[0076]
After that, when the release button 60 is fully pressed and continuous shooting is started, the exposure state setting by the AE function, the focusing control by the AF function, and the digital image data captured via the CCD 14 are performed by the photographing process. Predetermined image processing by the image signal processing circuit 22 (in this embodiment, white balance adjustment, gamma processing, sharpness processing, and YC signal processing), image compression processing by the compression / decompression processing circuit 24, and high-speed access media The recording is sequentially repeated until the release button 60 is returned to the non-pressed state, so that continuous shooting is performed.
[0077]
Then, the data movement process is executed at the timing when shooting by continuous shooting is completed, and the image file saved in the low-speed access medium by the data saving process is returned to the high-speed access medium using the specific information, and the continuous shooting is performed. The image file obtained by shooting is moved to the recording medium designated for recording by the user.
[0078]
As a result, it is possible to shorten the shooting interval by continuous shooting while setting the final recording destination of the image file as a desired recording medium.
[0079]
As described above in detail, in the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, the image file recorded on the recording medium (high-speed access medium) having the shorter access time out of the two recording media loaded is stored. Since the image file obtained by the CCD 14 is recorded on the recording medium having the shorter access time when shooting, the image is obtained on another recording medium (low-speed access medium), and there are almost no restrictions on the types of recording media that can be used. The shooting interval can be shortened without complicated processing such as image file composition processing.
[0080]
Further, in the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, the image file saved in the low-speed access medium is returned to the high-speed access medium after shooting, so that the recording medium for recording the image file is returned to the original recording medium. It is possible to prevent the image file from being moved to a recording medium that is not intended by the user and the loss of the image file.
[0081]
Furthermore, in the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, medium information indicating a recording medium for recording an image file at the time of shooting (in this embodiment, information indicating a slot in which the recording medium is mounted) is input. In addition, since the image file recorded at the time of shooting is moved to the recording medium indicated by the input medium information, the recording medium for recording the image file obtained by shooting can be designated. Convenience can be improved.
[0082]
In this embodiment, the case where two types of recording media are applied as a plurality of recording media of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more types of recording media are applied. It can also be set as the form to do. In this case, the recording medium with the shortest access time is applied as the high-speed access medium, and the recording medium with the largest free space or the recording time with the next shortest access time is used as a save destination for the image file recorded on the high-speed access medium Any other recording media such as media may be applied. Here, there may be a case where there are a plurality of recording media having the shortest access time. In this case, any recording medium may be applied as a high-speed access medium, and a recording medium having the largest free space is applied. It is preferable to adopt a form or a form in which a recording medium having the smallest number of recorded image files is applied. In these cases, the same effects as in the present embodiment can be obtained.
[0083]
Further, in the present embodiment, the case has been described in which the high-speed continuous shooting mode is designated by the user on the mode setting screen and the data saving process is executed at the timing when the recording medium is loaded in both the slot SL1 and the slot SL2. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the data saving process may be executed at any timing as long as the recording medium is loaded in both the slot SL1 and the slot SL2. A recording medium is loaded in both SL1 and slot SL2 in advance, and the execution is performed when the power switch 66 is turned on, the timing immediately after the end of the data movement process, the timing when the power is turned off, and the like. Also in this case, the same effects as in the present embodiment can be obtained.
[0084]
Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the data movement process is executed at the timing when the continuous shooting is finished has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, for example, executed at the timing when the power is turned off. It is also possible to adopt a form that is executed at a timing when an instruction input for instructing execution is performed by the user. Also in this case, the same effects as in the present embodiment can be obtained.
[0085]
In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to continuous shooting is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and normal shooting of each image or moving image is recorded. The present invention can also be applied to photographing. In these cases, the same effects as in the present embodiment can be obtained.
[0086]
Furthermore, the flow of the various processes described in the present embodiment (see FIGS. 3 and 5 to 7) is an example, and it goes without saying that it can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0087]
【The invention's effect】
  According to the digital camera of claim 1, the image information recorded in the recording medium having the shortest access time among the plurality of mounted recording media is saved in another recording medium,When the high-speed continuous shooting mode is setSince the image information obtained by the imaging means is recorded on the recording medium having the shortest access time, there are almost no restrictions on the types of recording media that can be used, and the shooting interval can be shortened without complicated processing. The effect of being able to be obtained is obtained.
[0088]
Further, according to the digital camera of the second aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect of the invention can be obtained, and the saved image information is returned to the recording medium having the shortest access time after photographing. Therefore, the recording medium for recording the image information can be returned to the original recording medium, and the movement of the image information to the recording medium unintended for the user and the loss of the image information can be prevented. Is obtained.
[0089]
  Furthermore, according to the digital camera of the third aspect, the same effect as that of the first or second aspect of the invention can be obtained, and medium information indicating a recording medium on which image information is recorded at the time of shooting is input. Aside,When the high-speed continuous shooting mode is set,Since the image information recorded by the recording means is moved to the recording medium indicated by the input medium information, it is possible to specify a recording medium for recording the image information obtained by photographing, which is convenient for the user. The effect that it can improve property is acquired.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view showing an external appearance of a digital camera 10 according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electric system of the digital camera 10 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of mode setting processing according to the embodiment.
4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a mode setting screen displayed on the LCD 30 during the execution of the mode setting process according to the embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of data saving processing according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of imaging processing according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of data movement processing according to the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an operation sequence of the digital camera 10 according to the embodiment when a high-speed continuous shooting mode is set by a user and shooting is performed by continuous shooting.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Digital camera
14 CCD (imaging means)
32 CPU (image saving means, recording means, image restoration means, image moving means)
42A Recording media (recording media)
42B Recording media (recording media)
64 Crosshair cursor button (input means)
SL1, SL2 slot (mounting means)

Claims (3)

Imaging means for imaging a subject to obtain image information indicating a subject image;
Mounting means for mounting a plurality of recording media capable of recording the image information obtained by the imaging means and having different access times;
Recording state determination means for determining whether or not image information is recorded on a recording medium having the shortest access time among the plurality of recording media mounted by the mounting means;
When it is determined by the recording state determination means that image information is recorded on the recording medium with the shortest access time, at least one of the image information is recorded on another recording medium based on the recording amount of the image information. Empty capacity determination means for determining whether there is a recordable empty capacity,
An image that saves image information that can be recorded in the free space from the recording medium having the shortest access time to another recording medium having the free space when the free space determining means determines that the free space is present A means of shelter,
Input means for inputting medium information indicating a recording medium for recording the image information at the time of shooting;
When the high-speed continuous shooting mode is set, the image information obtained by the imaging unit is recorded on the recording medium with the shortest access time . When the normal continuous shooting mode is set, the image information is input by the input unit. Recording means for recording the image information obtained by the imaging means on a recording medium indicated by the medium information ;
Digital camera equipped with. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising an image restoration unit that returns the image information saved by the image saving unit to a recording medium having the shortest access time after photographing. Claim when the high-speed continuous shooting mode is set, further comprising image moving means to move the recording medium indicated by the medium information inputted by the input means the image information recorded by said recording means The digital camera according to claim 1 or 2.

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