JP4194461B2 - Digital camera, control method thereof and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is a digital camera, related to a control method and program, a technique particularly reducing the image data in the storage means.

  In recent years, digital cameras have become widespread. By replacing the image memory (flash memory) attached to the digital camera, the number of shots can be increased, but the number of images that can be taken in the image memory attached to the digital camera is not sufficient. .

JP-A-10-304231

  Although the number of images that can be shot in the image memory mounted on the digital camera is limited, there is a demand for shooting beyond the limited number. In this case, the user selects unnecessary image data and deletes it from the image memory, thereby generating a free space in the image memory. By generating the free space, a new image can be taken. However, there are disadvantages in that the user's operation is troublesome and a relatively long operation time is required.

An object of the present invention removes the above drawbacks, a digital camera capable of generating a free space in the storage means operability is good and in a short time, is to provide a control method and program.

The digital camera according to the present invention is a digital camera, and when there is an instruction to set the size of image data to be deleted from the storage means of the digital camera and an instruction to delete the image data in the storage means, When communicating with an external device and inquiring whether the same image data as the image data in the storage means exists in the external device, and when the same image data as the image data in the storage means exists in the external device, The deletion unit that deletes the same image data as the image data existing in the external device from the storage unit, and the setting unit after the deletion unit deletes the same image data as the image data existing in the external device. Determining means for determining whether image data of a set size has been deleted, and the determining means When it is determined that the image data of the set size is not deleted, the communication unit transmits the image data in the storage unit to the external device, and the deletion unit transmits the image data by the communication unit. The recorded image data is deleted from the storage means.

A digital camera control method according to the present invention is a digital camera control method, wherein a setting step of setting a size of image data to be deleted from the storage means of the digital camera, and deletion of the image data in the storage means If there is an instruction, a first communication step of communicating with the external device and inquiring whether the same image data as the image data in the storage means exists in the external device; and the same image data as the image data in the storage means Is present in the external device, the first deletion step of deleting the same image data as the image data existing in the external device from the storage means, and the image existing in the external device in the first deletion step Whether the image data of the size set in the setting step has been deleted after the same image data as the data was deleted A determination step for determining whether the image data for the size set in the setting step is not deleted in the determination step, the image data in the storage means is stored in the external device. A second communication step of transmitting, and a second deletion step of deleting the image data transmitted in the second communication step from the storage means.

The program according to the present invention communicates with an external device when there is an instruction to set the size of image data to be deleted from the storage means of the digital camera and to delete the image data in the storage means, and the storage A first communication step for inquiring whether the same image data as the image data in the means exists in the external device; and if the same image data as the image data in the storage means exists in the external device, In the first deletion step of deleting the same image data as the image data to be stored from the storage means, and in the first deletion step, after the same image data as the image data existing in the external device is deleted, the setting step And causing the computer to execute a determination step for determining whether or not image data of the size set in step 1 has been deleted A program for transmitting the image data in the storage means to the external device when it is determined in the determination step that the image data for the size set in the setting step has not been deleted. 2 is a program for causing a computer to execute a second communication step and a second deletion step of deleting the image data transmitted in the second communication step from the storage unit.

By when the same image data as the image data in the storage means in the communication destination is present to remove the corresponding image data in the storage means, it is possible to produce a free space in the storage unit, then the new An image can be taken. Even if the image data in the storage means is deleted, the same image data exists at the communication destination, so that the same image data can be received and acquired from the communication destination when needed later.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a digital camera system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The digital camera system has a digital camera 1 and an image server (personal computer server) 2. As shown in the configuration diagram, the digital camera 1 and the personal computer server 2 are connected by a mobile phone line (wireless line) 37. The digital camera 1 has a processing unit 34. The processing unit 34 includes a microprocessor (CPU) as a central processing unit, a ROM that stores computer programs and data, and a flash ROM that retains contents even when the power is turned off.

  In addition, the digital camera 1 instructs a writable random access memory (RAM) 35, a lens and imaging unit 32 for photographing a subject, an image processing unit 33 that performs image processing, and a digital camera or a mobile phone unit 36. Operation button unit 31, a non-volatile and removable flash memory (compact flash (R)) 39 for recording image data and audio data, and a mobile phone including a modem used for transmitting and receiving image data and audio data A telephone unit 36 and an antenna unit 38 for transmitting and receiving radio waves are provided. Details thereof will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, FIG. 2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the operation button unit 31 of FIG. The operation button unit 31 includes a “power switch (hereinafter referred to as SW)” 41 for turning on / off the power of the camera body and the mobile phone unit 36, a “shooting SW” 42 used by the operator to instruct photographing, A “shooting mode button” 43 for switching the shooting mode (standard image quality / high image quality), a “reduction number registration button” 44 for setting the number of continuous shots that can be taken, and a “reduction mode button” for setting the mode to reduce. "45", a "reduction execution button" 46 for instructing the start of execution of reduction, and an operation button 48.

  The operation buttons 48 are numeric buttons “0” to “9” for inputting a reduction mode number, a telephone number, etc., a “registration button” for instructing registration, and a “clear button” for correcting input. , "UP button" to hook up the phone, "HOLD button" to hook off the phone, "F button" to set various functions, "→ button" to advance the cursor, return the cursor “← button” for the purpose, and “conversion button” for instructing kana-kanji conversion.

  For example, Kana can be input by pressing “1” while pressing “F”. In this mode, “1” is input for “A” and “2” is input for “K”. Is possible. Registration of kanji such as names can be done by pressing the “conversion button” after entering the kana to convert it into kanji and confirming it.

  The operation button unit 31 includes a liquid crystal display unit 47 in addition to the SW and the button. The display unit 47 displays the contents of the setting operation so that the operator can confirm the contents. In this example, when the “reduction execution button” 46 is pressed, the registered number of reduction sheets is “02”, the reduction mode is “automatic”, and the shooting mode is “standard”.

  Next, FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the digital camera system according to the present embodiment. The digital camera system includes a digital camera 1 and a personal computer server 2 including a bubble jet (R) (BJ) printer 24, and the digital camera 1 and the personal computer server 2 are connected by a mobile phone line 3. Yes.

  Hereinafter, block diagrams of the digital camera 1 and the personal computer server 2 will be individually described. The digital camera 1 includes a digital camera body 4, a data communication unit 5, a system controller 6 that controls them, a data analysis and identification instruction data generation unit 12, and a key input unit 13. The system controller 6 is composed of a microprocessor (CPU) and a ROM in which a program is stored, and a flash ROM that retains data even when the power is turned off. The system controller 6 executes various programs stored in the ROM. Perform instruction control.

  The digital camera body 4 includes an imaging unit 7, an image processing unit 8, a RAM 9 (random access memory), a CF 10 (compact flash (R) memory), and a display 11.

  The imaging unit 7 is composed of three aspherical lenses and a 1.37-inch CCD of 1.13 million image class, and shoots a subject. The image processing unit 8 performs A / D conversion after performing image processing such as gamma conversion, color correction, compression, thumbnail generation, and the like, and information such as a file name and a shooting date / time at the corresponding position of the CF 10 via the RAM 9. And remember.

  The thumbnail image created by the image processing unit 8 is output to the display 11. An operation input instruction to the digital camera body 4 is performed by the key input unit 13. Similarly, an input instruction to the mobile phone unit 14 is also given by the key input unit 13.

  The key information input by the key input unit 13 is analyzed by the data analysis & identification instruction data generation unit 12, and identification instruction data necessary for the digital camera is notified to the system controller 6. When the input operation is information to the mobile phone unit 14, an appropriate instruction is notified from the data analysis & identification instruction data generation unit 12 to the mobile phone unit 14.

  The data communication unit 5 includes a mobile phone unit 14. The mobile phone unit 14 is composed of a modem 15 and a mobile phone 16, and transmits file information and image data to the home PC server 2 using the mobile phone line 3, and is also necessary from the home PC server 2. Information reception processing is performed.

  Next, the personal computer server 2 will be described. The personal computer server 2 is the same as an ordinary personal computer, and as a peripheral device, a compact flash (R) memory interface (IF) and compact flash (R) memory 23 for inputting camera images, and a BJ printer connected by a USB interface 24. A keyboard & mouse 25 for inputting operations and an image storage file 22 (hard disk) which is a large-capacity storage medium are provided.

  The system controller 17 is composed of a microprocessor (CPU) and a ROM in which a program is stored, a flash ROM that retains data even when the power is turned off, executes various programs stored in the ROM, and each processing unit The instruction control is performed.

  Other than the peripheral devices, like the digital camera 1, the data communication unit 18, a random access memory RAM 21, a display device 26 such as a liquid crystal panel, and a system controller 17 that controls them are configured. The system controller 17 is composed of a microprocessor (CPU) and a ROM in which a program is stored, and a flash ROM that retains data even when the power is turned off. It executes and performs instruction control of each processing unit.

  Next, FIG. 4 to FIG. 7 will be described. 4 to 7 show details of information stored in the ROM, flash ROM, and RAM in the digital camera 1.

  FIG. 4 is an image file management table (ROM), which is fixed information of the digital camera 1, and is set as shown in the figure at the time of factory shipment. There are four types of contents: the number of captured image pixels (pixels) in the standard shooting mode, the standard file size of the JPEG file in the standard mode, the number of captured image pixels in the high image quality mode, and the standard of the JPEG file in the high image quality mode. Is stored.

  For example, the values “standard image pixel number” = 640 × 480 pixels, “standard image size” = 75 KB, “high image quality pixel number” = 1280 × 960 pixels, and “high image quality image size” = 185 KB are stored. Yes.

  FIG. 5 is an image file management table (CF & RAM) in which six types of information are stored. Once set, the information is stored in the compact flash (R) memory (CF) via a RAM table. Normal operations are performed on the RAM table, but the RAM table disappears when the power is turned off. Therefore, the RAM table is stored in the CF table when the power is turned off, and is called on the RAM table by the CF when the power is turned on. . However, the “reduced registration number” is always initialized to 0 when the power is turned on. This is done in order to prevent malfunction even if the “reduction execution button” is pressed due to an erroneous operation.

  The above six types of information are about the type of shooting mode, the number of currently shot images, the remaining number of CFs that can be shot, the remaining size of CF, the reduction mode, and the number of registered reductions. As the remaining number, a value obtained by dividing the remaining size of the CF by the standard image size in the current shooting mode is stored.

  FIG. 5 shows an example in which a CF of 8 MB (megabytes) is mounted, “shooting mode” = 0 (standard shooting mode), “number of shot images” = 15 (in the standard shooting mode), “remaining shooting mode” It is shown that the values of “number of shootable images” = 94, “remaining CF size” = 7067 KB, “reduction mode” = 3 (automatic mode), and “reduction registration number” = 3 are stored.

  When the reduction mode is “0”, the digital camera 1 deletes only the image data existing in the personal computer server 2 from the CF. When the deletion mode is “1”, if it does not exist in the personal computer server 2, the digital camera 1 transmits the image data to the personal computer server 2, and then deletes the image data in the CF. When the deletion mode is “2”, if the image data cannot be transferred, the digital camera 1 compresses the image data in the CF that has been printed by the personal computer server 2. When the deletion mode is “3”, if the necessary free space in the CF cannot be generated even if the printed image data is compressed, the old image data in the CF is sequentially compressed.

  FIG. 6 shows a captured image file management table (CF & RAM), in which six types of information are stored. Similar to the image file management table, this table is also configured such that once set information is stored in the compact flash (R) memory via the RAM table.

  Regarding the three information of the file name, shooting date and time, and image size, writing to the CF is performed when the shooting operation is completed. Three pieces of information, that is, a server side presence flag, a printed flag, and a compressed flag are set in a process in which a deletion process is executed by pressing a “delete execution button”. The server side presence flag and the printed flag are set based on the information obtained from the server 2 side. The compressed flag is set when compression processing is performed on the digital camera side when the same image does not exist on the server 2 side.

  Although the original file name is added to the captured image in advance by the digital camera 1 and saved, it can be changed to a name unique to the user by operating the operation button unit 31 later. This table information in the RAM is lost when the power is turned off, but is restored by being automatically read from the CF when the power is turned on. However, for the server side presence flag, there is a possibility that an image may be deleted by the server 2, so that the flag on the CF is automatically reset the day after the reduction execution process is performed. Furthermore, with regard to the printed flag, it is considered in design that the digital camera 1 receives the printed information from the server 2 when the server 2 prints, and sets the flag in the CF.

  FIG. 7 is a telephone number registration table (flash ROM) in which four types of information are stored. This table is stored in the flash ROM by registering a telephone number with the operation button unit 31. The four types of information are the number of registered telephone numbers 51, each telephone number 52, telephone number connection destination name 53, and identification flag 54.

  The “identification flag” 54 stores whether the connection destination is a telephone or a personal computer server. “T” is stored for a telephone, and “P” is stored for a personal computer server. When used as a mobile phone, the telephone number of the identification flag “T” is targeted, and when the photographed image is deleted, the telephone number of the identification flag “P” is targeted.

  8 to 13 are flowcharts for explaining the control method of the digital camera system according to the present embodiment.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the main program of the deletion execution process of the digital camera 1. This process is started when the “delete execution” button of the operation button unit 31 is pressed.

  First, in step S01, a “delete image existing on the server side” function is called. Details of the calling process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S02, a return value from the function is determined, and it is determined whether or not deletion of image data of a size equivalent to the preset “reduction registration number” has been executed. The comparable size is calculated by “reduced registration number × standard image size in shooting mode”. If it is determined that the required size has been deleted, control is passed to step S13, the result is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 47, and the process returns to the caller. If the requested size cannot be deleted, control is transferred to step S03.

  In step S03, “delete mode” already registered by the operator is determined. In the case of “delete mode” = 0, the specification is such that only what is on the server is deleted. In this case, control is transferred to step S13, the result is displayed, and the process returns to the caller. If “delete mode” = 0, step S04 is executed.

  In step S04, a “delete after sending old image to server” function is called. Details of this calling process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S05, a return value from the function is determined, and it is determined whether or not deletion of image data of a size comparable to a preset “reduction registration number” has been executed. If it is determined that the required size has been deleted, control is passed to step S13, the result is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 47, and the process returns to the caller. If the requested size cannot be deleted, the control is transferred to step S06.

  In step S06, the “deletion mode” already registered by the operator is determined. In the case of “delete mode” = 1, the specification is such that image data is transferred and deleted when there is no image data in the server. In this case, control is transferred to step S13, and the result is displayed to the caller. Return. If “delete mode” = 1, step S07 is executed.

  In step S07, the “compress printed image” function is called. Details of this calling process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S08, the return value from the function is determined, and it is determined whether image compression corresponding to a size equivalent to the preset “reduction registration number” has been executed. If it is determined that the required size has been compressed, control is passed to step S13, the result is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 47, and the process returns to the caller. If the requested size cannot be compressed, control is passed to step S09.

  In step S09, “delete mode” already registered by the operator is determined. In the case of “delete mode” = 2, the specification is such that the printed image is compressed when the image cannot be transferred. In this case, control is transferred to step S13, the result is displayed, and the process returns to the caller. If “delete mode” = 2, step S10 is executed.

  In step S10, a “sequential compression of old images” function is called. Details of this calling process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S11, the return value from the function is determined, and it is determined whether image compression corresponding to the size equivalent to the preset “reduction registration number” has been executed. If it is determined that the required size has been compressed, control is passed to step S13, the result is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 47, and the process returns to the caller. If the requested size cannot be compressed, control is passed to step S12.

  In step S12, the “delete printed image” function is called to execute the final reduction process. Details of the calling process will be described later with reference to FIG. At the end of the main process, the reduction result is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 47 in step S13, and the process returns to the caller.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining processing for deleting an image existing on the server side. This process is started as the first CF reduction process from step S01 of the main program in FIG.

  First, the local variable i is initialized to a value 1 in step S21. Next, in step S22, the personal computer server 2 is inquired while communicating with the registration server whether the same image file as the captured image in the CF of the digital camera 1 exists. The personal computer server 2 receives the inquiry, searches for the image file, and transmits the search result to the digital camera 1. The digital camera 1 receives the inquiry result from the personal computer server 2, and if it exists, repeats the process of deleting the corresponding image file from the CF of the digital camera 1.

  First, in step S22, it is determined whether or not all the valid servers for which the local variable i is registered have been processed. If it is determined that all processing has been performed, in step S32, the “execute deletion of the image in the CF” function is called and deleted. Next, in step S33, the remaining deletion-required size is returned to the RET variable as a return value and returned to the caller. If the processing is not completed for all valid servers in step S22, control is transferred to step S23.

  In step S23, dialing is performed on the server corresponding to the value of the local variable i, and connection processing between the digital camera and the server is performed.

  Next, in step S24, the return value is determined. If the connection is not normally terminated, the variable i is incremented by 1 in step S34 in order to shift to the next server connection. Transfer control to repeat the process.

  If it is determined in step S24 that the connection has been completed normally, step S25 is executed. In step S25, the “send information in CF (file name, shooting date and time, image size)” function is called and transmitted. Here, the file name, shooting date and time, and image size (fill size) of the “photographed image file management table” in FIG. 6 are all transmitted to the connection server.

  Upon completion of the transmission process, the server side determines whether there is a file that matches all of the received information (file name, shooting date / time, file size), and returns the result to the digital camera side. At this time, the server side presence flag and the printed flag are set and returned. On the other hand, the digital camera waits for a response in step S26 during this period.

  If it is determined in step S26 that there is a response, the information is referred to in step S27, and update processing of the server side presence flag and the printed flag in the “photographed image file management table” in FIG. 6 is first performed.

  In step S28, the line with the server connected this time is disconnected. Next, in step S29, it is determined whether or not photographed images for the requested size exist on the server side and deletion for the requested size is possible.

  If it is determined that the requested size cannot be deleted, the local variable i is incremented by 1 in step S34, and the control is shifted to the next server to repeat the same processing as in step S22.

  If it is determined in step S29 that the requested size can be deleted, in step S30, the “execute deletion of the image in the CF” function is called, and the updated “photographed image file management table” is referred to. Deletion of a captured image that is a target in one CF is executed. In step S31, 0 is stored in the return value RET as information indicating that the deletion for the requested size has been completed, and the process returns to the caller.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing for deleting an old image after transmission to the server side. This process is started as the second CF reduction process from step S04 of the main program in FIG.

  First, the local variable i is initialized to a value 1 in step S41. Next, in step S42, the process of deleting the captured image in the CF from the CF after being transmitted to the connection server is repeatedly performed for the registration server.

  First, in step S42, it is determined whether or not all the valid servers for which the local variable i is registered have been processed. If it is determined that all processing has been performed, the remaining deletion required size is returned to the RET variable as a return value in step S55, and the process returns to the caller.

  If the processing is not completed for all valid servers in step S42, the control is transferred to step S43. In step S43, dialing is performed on the server corresponding to the value of the local variable i, and connection processing between the digital camera and the server is performed.

  Next, in step S44, the return value is determined, and if the connection is not completed normally, the variable i is incremented by 1 in step S54 in order to shift to the next server connection. Transfer control to repeat the process. If it is determined in step S44 that the connection has ended normally, step S45 is executed.

  In step S45, the "send old image data sequentially" function is called. Here, with reference to the “photographed image file management table” in FIG. 6, one file of the image with the oldest shooting date / time is transmitted to the server 2 to the connection server. The server 2 receives and stores the image file.

  Next, in step S46, it is determined whether the transmission has been normally completed. In the case of normal termination, the file transmitted in step S47 is deleted from the CF of the digital camera 1, and the deleted amount is subtracted from the deletion request size. If not completed normally, the process skips without executing step S47.

  In step S48, it is determined whether the calculated deletion request size is 0 or less. If it is less than 0, the transmission to the server side and the deletion process are no longer necessary, so the line disconnection process in step S52 and the deletion request size in step S53 are set to 0, and the process is returned to the RET information. If the deletion request size is larger than 0 in step S48, the following processing is continued.

  First, in step S49, an update process to the image data to be transmitted next is performed. If it is determined in step S50 that the next data does not exist, the local variable i is incremented by 1 in step S54 after the line with the current connection server is disconnected, and the process is repeated from step S42 after switching to the next server. Transfer control. If there is next data, control is passed to step S45 in order to execute processing for transmitting update data.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing for compressing a printed image. This process is started as the third CF reduction process from step S07 of the main program in FIG.

  First, in step S61, the “display compression confirmation message and wait for key input” function is called to display and wait for key input. If the operator does not give an instruction to perform compression, the remaining deletion request size itself obtained by the input argument is returned as the return value RET in step S69 and the process returns.

  If there is an approval in step S61, the following printed image compression process is performed. The confirmation message is displayed in order to warn that the image quality is deteriorated by applying compression. If reversibility is guaranteed by decompression, this confirmation message need not be processed. The compression method may be a unique technique or a general technique.

  The compression process is specifically performed as follows. In step S63, the local variable i is initialized to the value 1, and then the process of compressing the captured image in the CF of the digital camera 1 is repeated for the file printed by the printer 24 of the server 2 from step S64. Go. The printed file is identified based on the printed flag (FIG. 6).

  First, in step S64, it is determined whether or not all the valid servers for which the local variable i is registered have been processed. If it is determined that all processing has been performed, the remaining deletion-required size is returned to the RET variable as a return value in step S69, and the process returns to the caller. If the variable i is equal to or smaller than the number of printed files in step S64 (if processing has not been completed for all printed files), control is transferred to step S65.

  In step S65, compression processing is performed on the printed file corresponding to the value of the local variable i. Next, in step S66, the return value from the function is determined, and it is determined whether compression for the requested size has been executed. If it is determined that the requested size can be compressed, control is passed to step S67, the remaining deletion-required size is set to 0 in the return value RET, and the process returns to the caller. If the requested size cannot be compressed, the local variable i is incremented by 1 in step S68, and control is transferred to step S64 so as to repeat the compression process for the next printed image.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining processing for sequentially compressing old images. This process is started as the fourth CF reduction process from step S10 of the main program in FIG.

  Processing of this function is basically the same as the processing of FIG. The only difference is that FIG. 11 applies compression to a printed image, but this function also applies compression to an image that has not been printed. Details are described below.

  First, in step S71, a "display compression confirmation message and wait for key input" function is called to display and wait for key input. Next, in step S72, the return value from the function is determined. Here, if the operator has not instructed to perform compression, the remaining deletion request size itself obtained by the input argument is returned to the return value RET in step S79 and the process returns.

  If there is an approval in step S72, compression processing is performed on the following non-printed image. The confirmation message is displayed in order to warn that the image quality is deteriorated by applying compression. If reversibility is guaranteed by decompression, this confirmation message need not be processed. The compression method may be a unique technique or a general technique.

  The compression process is specifically performed as follows. In step S73, the local variable i is initialized to the value 1, and subsequently, in step S74, the process of compressing the uncompressed captured image in the CF of the digital camera 1 is repeatedly performed.

  First, in step S74, it is determined whether or not the local variable i has been processed for all non-printed uncompressed images in the CF. If it is determined that all processing has been performed, the remaining deletion-required size is returned to the RET variable as a return value in step S79, and the process returns to the caller.

  If it is determined in step S74 that processing has not been completed for all non-printed files, control is passed to step S75. In step S75, compression processing is performed on the uncompressed file corresponding to the value of the local variable i.

  Next, in step S76, a return value from the function is determined, and it is determined whether compression for the requested size has been executed. If it is determined that the requested size can be compressed, control is passed to step S77, the remaining size required for deletion is set to 0 in the return value RET, and the process returns to the caller. If compression cannot be performed for the required size, the local variable i is incremented by 1 in step S78, and control is transferred to step S74 so as to repeat compression processing for the next unprinted image.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining processing for deleting a printed image. This process is started as the fifth (last) CF reduction process from step S12 of the main program in FIG.

  First, in step S81, a "deletion confirmation message is displayed and key input waiting" function is called to display and wait for key input. Next, the return value from the function is determined in step S82. If the operator does not give an instruction to delete the printed image, the remaining deletion request size itself obtained by input is returned to the return value RET in step S89 and the process returns.

  If there is an approval in step S82, the following printed image deletion process is performed. The confirmation message is displayed in order to issue a warning because the captured image does not exist in all the media owned by the operator.

  The deletion process is specifically performed as follows. In step S83, the local variable i is initialized to the value 1, and subsequently, in step S84, the process of deleting the printed captured image in the CF of the digital camera 1 is repeated.

  First, in step S84, it is determined whether the local variable i has been processed for all the printed images in the CF. If it is determined that all processing has been performed, the remaining deletion-required size is returned to the RET variable as a return value in step S89, and the process returns to the caller. If the processing has not been completed for all the printed files in step S84, the control is transferred to step S85.

  In step S85, a process of deleting printed image files corresponding to the value of the local variable i in order from the oldest is performed. Next, in step S86, a return value from the function is determined, and it is determined whether deletion for the requested size has been executed. If it is determined that the required size has been deleted, control is transferred to step S87, the remaining deletion-required size is set to 0 in the return value RET, and the process returns to the caller. If the requested size cannot be deleted, the local variable i is incremented by 1 in step S88, and control is transferred to step S84 so as to repeat the deletion process for the next printed image.

  For example, there is a drawback in that if you try to create free space in the Compact Flash (R) memory by transferring and deleting captured images from the digital camera to the lab shop's printing facility, you will be charged for it. When the processed image is required, it is necessary to receive data from the lab store. According to this embodiment, since the digital camera can communicate with the personally-owned personal computer server, there is no charge, and even if the image data is deleted from the digital camera, it can be easily removed from the personally-owned personal computer server. The image data can be received.

  Compared with a digital camera with a built-in printer, the digital camera according to the present embodiment is excellent in portability, can delete a captured image itself from the CF, and can easily generate free space in the CF. .

  In the above description, the case of a mobile phone line has been described as an example. However, another wireless phone line such as PHS may be used, or a wired communication line may be used, but from the viewpoint of portability of a digital camera. A wireless communication line is preferred.

  Software program codes for realizing the functions of the above embodiments are supplied, and the various devices can be operated according to programs stored in a digital camera and / or computer (CPU or MPU) of a personal computer server.

  In this case, the program code of the software itself realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to the computer, for example, a recording medium storing the program code Constitutes the present invention. As a recording medium for storing the program code, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

  The above-described embodiments are merely examples of implementation in carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereto. In other words, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

It is a general-view figure which shows an example of a digital camera system. FIG. 2 is a button configuration and layout of the operation panel unit in FIG. 1. It is a system block diagram of a digital camera and a personal computer server of the digital camera system. It is a block diagram of the management table in ROM. It is a block diagram of the management table in a compact flash (R) and RAM. It is a block diagram of the management table in a compact flash (R) and RAM. It is a block diagram of the management table in flash ROM. It is a flowchart which shows a deletion execution process. It is a flowchart which shows the process which deletes the image which exists in the server side. It is a flowchart which shows the process which deletes an old image after transmitting to the server side. It is a flowchart which shows the process which compresses a printed image. It is a flowchart which shows the process which compresses an old image sequentially. It is a flowchart which shows the process which deletes the printed image.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital camera 2 PC server 3 Mobile phone line 4 Digital camera main-body part 5 Data communication part in a digital camera 6 System controller in a digital camera 7 Imaging part 8 Image processing part 9 RAM
10 Digital Camera CF (Compact Flash (R) Memory)
11 Digital Camera Display 12 Data Analysis & Identification Instruction Data Generation Unit 13 Key Input Unit 14 Mobile Phone Unit 15 Digital Camera Modem 16 Digital Camera Mobile Phone 17 PC Server System Controller 18 PC Server Data Communication Unit 19 PC Server Modem 20 PC Server Mobile Phone 21 PC server RAM
22 PC server image storage file 23 PC server CF (compact flash (R) memory)
24 BJ printer 25 KB, mouse 26 Display 31 Operation button unit 32 Lens and imaging unit 33 Image processing unit 34 Processing unit 35 RAM
36 Mobile phone unit 37 Mobile phone line 38 Antenna unit 39 Compact flash (R) memory 41 Power switch 42 Shooting switch 43 Shooting mode button 44 Reduction number registration button 45 Reduction mode button 46 Reduction execution button 47 Liquid crystal display unit 48 Operation button

Claims (6)

A digital camera,
Setting means for setting the size of image data to be deleted from the storage means of the digital camera;
When there is an instruction to delete the image data in the storage unit, the communication unit communicates with an external device, and inquires whether the same image data as the image data in the storage unit exists in the external device;
When the same image data as the image data in the storage unit exists in the external device, a deletion unit that deletes the same image data as the image data existing in the external device from the storage unit;
And determining means for determining whether or not image data of the size set by the setting means has been deleted after the same image data as the image data existing in the external device has been deleted by the deleting means. ,
When it is determined by the determination means that the image data of the size set by the setting means has not been deleted, the communication means transmits the image data in the storage means to the external device, and the deletion means The digital camera, wherein the image data transmitted by the communication means is deleted from the storage means.   The determination unit determines whether or not the same image data as the image data in the storage unit exists in the external device based on whether or not the file name, the file size, and the shooting date / time all match. The digital camera described in 1.   When the determination unit determines that the same image data as the image data in the storage unit does not exist in the external device, the communication unit makes the inquiry to another device different from the external device. The digital camera according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by things.   When it is determined by the determining means that the image data of the size set by the setting means has not been deleted, the communication means gives priority to the image with the oldest shooting date and time among the image data in the storage means. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the digital camera transmits the image to the external device. A control method of a digital camera,
A setting step for setting the size of image data to be deleted from the storage means of the digital camera;
A first communication step of communicating with an external device when there is an instruction to delete the image data in the storage means, and inquiring whether the same image data as the image data in the storage means exists in the external device;
A first deletion step of deleting, from the storage unit, the same image data as the image data existing in the external device when the same image data as the image data in the storage unit exists in the external device;
A determination step for determining whether or not image data of the size set in the setting step has been deleted after the same image data as the image data existing in the external device is deleted in the first deletion step; Have
A second communication step of transmitting the image data in the storage means to the external device when it is determined in the determination step that the image data of the size set in the setting step has not been deleted;
A digital camera control method comprising: a second deletion step of deleting image data transmitted in the second communication step from the storage means. A setting step for setting the size of the image data to be deleted from the storage means of the digital camera;
A first communication step of communicating with an external device when there is an instruction to delete the image data in the storage means, and inquiring whether the same image data as the image data in the storage means exists in the external device;
A first deletion step of deleting, from the storage unit, the same image data as the image data existing in the external device when the same image data as the image data in the storage unit exists in the external device;
A determination step for determining whether or not image data of the size set in the setting step has been deleted after the same image data as the image data existing in the external device is deleted in the first deletion step; A program for causing a computer to execute
A second communication step of transmitting the image data in the storage means to the external device when it is determined in the determination step that the image data of the size set in the setting step has not been deleted;
The program for making a computer perform the 2nd deletion step which deletes the image data transmitted by the said 2nd communication step from the said memory | storage means.

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