JP4227458B2 - Imaging apparatus, imaging system, and control method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an imaging device such as a digital camera, and more particularly to a technique for communicating an image obtained by imaging with an imaging device to an external device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, due to advances in semiconductor technology, digital cameras that convert an optical image incident through an optical lens into electrical information and record it on a memory card are remarkably widespread, and the resolution of images obtained by imaging has been increasing year by year. The image data size has been increasing with the increase of the image resolution and has been moderated to some extent by the improvement of the recording density of the memory card, but the number of images that can be recorded on the memory card that can be attached to the digital camera is increased. This is expected to increase in the future.
[0003]
On the other hand, among digital cameras that continue to be multifunctional and sophisticated, there are digital cameras that have a data communication function, can perform data communication with other devices, and can transfer captured image data files. Furthermore, a digital camera having a wireless communication function and capable of transferring an image data file by wireless communication has been proposed.
[0004]
In many cases, the photographing, playback, and communication functions of the digital camera can be used by switching the operation mode of the digital camera to each operation mode. For example, the shooting function is configured to switch the operation mode to the shooting mode, switch to the playback mode when playing back the shot image, and switch to the communication mode to use the shot image when sending it to another device. Yes. Dividing the operation mode according to the purpose of the user, that is, “Shooting”, “Viewing”, and “Sending” provides a user-friendly device operating environment and improves the usability of multifunctional devices. effective.
[0005]
Also, when the remaining memory capacity of the memory card built into the digital camera decreases, the image data is transmitted to other devices using the communication function, and the image data is erased after transmission to secure the memory card storage capacity. Thus, a method has been proposed for solving the problem that photographing cannot be continued due to a lack of storage capacity of the memory card (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-304231
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if the camera is operating in an operation mode with a different purpose such as a shooting mode or a playback mode, it is conceivable that the image data to be sent to another device also differs depending on the operation mode. In general, considering the operation that the user has priority for each operation mode, in the shooting mode, the image is first sent to another device and erased so as not to interfere with shooting rather than selecting which image to send. However, priority may be given to securing the remaining capacity of the memory card. On the other hand, in the playback mode, even if the memory capacity of the memory card is low, the captured image data is not added as in the shooting mode, so there is not much trouble with the remaining capacity of the memory card. It is considered imminent. Therefore, in the playback mode, it is sufficient to select and delete unnecessary images, or to instruct the selection after confirming the display of the images to be transmitted, and to delete them after transmitting them to other devices to ensure the remaining capacity of the memory card. Therefore, it is considered that priority is given to displaying and reproducing the recorded image first. Similarly, in the communication mode, since communication with other devices is intended, priority is given to increasing the remaining storage capacity of the memory card at once by moving and transmitting images to some other device at once.
[0008]
However, in the above-described conventional digital camera, the condition for selecting an image to be transmitted to another device cannot be changed according to the operation mode of the digital camera. You cannot set the conditions. Therefore, after changing the operation mode, the user must perform an operation to change the transmission image selection condition or perform an operation to select a transmission image every time the operation mode is changed and transmission is performed, which makes the operation complicated. It was very inconvenient.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and enables transmission image selection and transmission suitable for an operation mode to be performed with a simple operation when transmitting an image to an external device. With the goal.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above objective, Includes shooting and playback modes The imaging device of the present invention having a plurality of operation modes is In the setting means for receiving an operation for setting any of the plurality of operation modes, and in the shooting mode, Imaging means for imaging a subject and storing the obtained image data in a storage medium; In the playback mode, Reproduction means for reproducing the image data stored in the storage medium, and transmission means for transmitting the image data to an external device; , Deletion means to delete image data and And the setting means is operated. Shooting When a mode is set and an instruction to transmit the image data is received, the transmission means Image data that has never been reproduced by the reproducing means is not transmitted, Send image data that has been played back by the playback means In addition, when the deletion unit deletes the image data transmitted by the transmission unit, the reproduction mode is set, and an instruction to transmit the image data is received, the transmission unit The image data being reproduced is transmitted, and the transmitted image data is not deleted by the deleting means. It is characterized by that.
[0011]
Also, Includes shooting and playback modes The imaging apparatus of the present invention in an imaging system having a plurality of operation modes and including an imaging apparatus and a communication apparatus configured to be detachable from the imaging apparatus, In the setting means for receiving an operation for setting any of the plurality of operation modes, and in the shooting mode, Imaging means for imaging a subject and storing the obtained image data in a storage medium; In the playback mode, Reproducing means for reproducing the image data stored in the storage medium; Deletion means to delete image data And the communication device includes transmission means for transmitting the image data to an external device, and the setting means is operated. Shooting When a mode is set and an instruction to transmit the image data is received, the transmission means Image data that has never been reproduced by the reproducing means is not transmitted, Send image data that has been played back by the playback means In addition, when the deletion unit deletes the image data transmitted by the transmission unit, the reproduction mode is set, and an instruction to transmit the image data is received, the transmission unit The image data being reproduced is transmitted, and the transmitted image data is not deleted by the deleting means. It is characterized by that.
[0012]
Also, Includes shooting and playback modes The control method of the present invention for an imaging apparatus having a plurality of operation modes is as follows: In the setting step of accepting an operation for setting any one of the plurality of operation modes, and the shooting mode, An imaging step of imaging a subject and storing the obtained image data in a storage medium; In the playback mode, A reproduction step of reproducing the image data stored in the storage medium, and the setting step Shooting When the mode is set and an instruction to transmit the image data is received, the image data that has been reproduced in the reproduction process is transmitted. When the reproduction mode is set and an instruction to transmit the image data is received, the image data being reproduced in the reproduction process is transmitted. Transmission step and the setting step Shooting A control step for controlling not to transmit image data that has not been reproduced in the reproduction step even when a mode is set and an instruction to transmit the image data is received; The image capturing mode includes a deletion step of deleting the image data transmitted in the transmission step, and the image data transmitted in the transmission step is not deleted in the reproduction mode. .
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components exemplified in the present embodiment should be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied and various conditions. However, it is not limited to those examples.
[0014]
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a digital camera 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the digital camera 100 as viewed from the front, a shooting button 101 for instructing shooting on the upper surface of the digital camera 100, and a shooting mode such as automatic shooting and manual shooting of the digital camera 100 next to the shooting button 101. A mode selection dial 102 for selecting and instructing various operation modes such as a reproduction mode for reproducing and displaying a selected image, a communication mode for exclusively communicating with an external device, and a small size for displaying the operation state of the digital camera 100 in characters and pictograms. A liquid crystal display device 103 and an antenna 104 used for wireless communication are provided.
[0015]
On the front surface of the digital camera 100, there are provided a flash lamp 105, a daylighting portion 106 of an optical viewfinder that allows a user to look into the subject at the time of photographing and confirm a subject image, and a lens 107 that takes in imaging light.
[0016]
FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the digital camera 100 viewed from the side on which the user operates, that is, from the rear side. When a menu item for setting operation conditions is displayed, a cross cursor button 109 for instructing selection of the menu item or change of an operation state, a subject image shot in the shooting mode, and an image recorded in the digital camera 100 in the playback mode A color liquid crystal display device 110 for displaying menu items, messages, etc., a menu button 111 for calling menu items for setting various operating conditions of the digital camera 100, a decision button for instructing an item selected from the menu items, and the digital camera 100 Other buttons to indicate the operating status of the other Transmission instruction button 112 for instructing the start of transmission of the image data is provided in the vessel.
[0017]
Further, a memory card slot cover 113 is provided on the side surface of the digital camera 100. By sliding the cover open lever 114 on the rear surface of the main body downward, the memory card slot cover 113 is opened and the memory card is attached to and detached from the main body. Be able to.
[0018]
Further, a series of mechanisms such as a battery cover (not shown) for loading a battery and a battery loading port open switch are provided on the lower surface of the digital camera 100.
[0019]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital camera 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The digital camera 100 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a nonvolatile memory 304, a wireless communication circuit unit 305, an antenna 104, an RTC (Real Time Clock) 306, an imaging unit 307, an operation unit 308, a display unit 309, and a memory card interface circuit unit. 310 are connected to each other by an internal bus 311 as shown. The digital camera 100 also includes a power supply circuit unit 312 and supplies power to each block through a power supply line 313.
[0020]
The CPU 301 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 302 and controls various operations of the digital camera. A ROM 302 is a non-volatile memory in which control procedures for the digital camera are stored in advance. The RAM 303 temporarily buffers digital image data output from the imaging unit 307, temporarily stores data to be written to the memory card 314 mounted through the memory card interface circuit unit 310, and data read from the memory card 314, It is used as a work area used for the calculation of the CPU 301 and an area for temporarily storing various settings. The nonvolatile memory 304 stores various setting values set by the user, and the CPU 301 refers to them. The wireless communication circuit unit 305 includes a high-frequency circuit unit necessary for wireless communication, an encoding / decoding circuit unit, a FIFO memory for wireless communication, and the like, to which an antenna 104 is connected. The RTC 306 manages date / time information, outputs date / time information when referred to by the CPU 301, and is used when recording captured image data in the memory card 314 or when recording date / time information by other operations. Is done. The imaging unit 307 is a lens that forms an image of incident light, a photoelectric converter (such as a CCD or CMOS sensor) that converts the imaged light into an electric signal, and an analog electric signal output from the photoelectric converter is converted into a digital electric signal. And an AD converter (analog-digital converter).
[0021]
The operation unit 308 calls a shooting button 101 for instructing shooting, a mode selection dial 102 for selecting an operation mode of the digital camera 100, a transmission instruction button 112 for instructing transmission of image data to other devices by wireless communication, and a menu item. The button includes a menu button 111 and buttons such as a cross cursor button 109 for selecting / instructing a menu item, a dial, a switch, and the like, and outputs the states and state changes of these buttons, the dial, and the switch as electric signals. The display unit 309 includes a small liquid crystal display device 103 and a color liquid crystal display device 110. The memory card interface circuit unit 310 is physically and electrically connected to the memory card 314, writes captured digital image data and the like to the memory card 314, and reads stored image data. The internal bus 311 connects the above-described blocks to each other and exchanges digital data. The power supply circuit unit 312 includes a battery, a DC / DC converter, and the like, and supplies power to each block described above through the power supply line 313.
[0022]
The operation for each operation mode selected by the mode selection dial 102 in the digital camera 100 having the above configuration will be described below.
[0023]
When the mode selection dial 102 is set to the shooting mode position, the CPU 301 monitoring the output from the operation unit 308 detects and determines the mode, and operates the digital camera 100 in the shooting mode. Light from the subject incident from the lens 107 is converted into electronic digital data by the imaging unit 307 and written into the RAM 303. Data written in the RAM 303 is read and converted into display data, output to the display unit 309, and displayed as an image on the color liquid crystal display device 110. Since the CPU 301 repeatedly executes these operations at regular intervals while controlling each block, the user adjusts the camera angle while observing the image displayed on the color liquid crystal display device 110 and determines the shooting timing. can do. When the user depresses the shooting button 101, the operation unit 308 detects a change in the state of the shooting button 101 and outputs it as an electrical signal. The CPU 301 monitors the operation unit 308. When the CPU 301 detects that the photographing button 101 is pressed from the output of the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 writes the image data output from the imaging unit 307 to the RAM 303 and displays the image on the display unit 309. In parallel, the image data is compressed and then converted into an electronic file format and recorded on the memory card 314.
[0024]
When the operation mode changes from another operation mode to the shooting mode, or after the captured image is recorded on the memory card 314 according to the shooting instruction, the free recording capacity of the memory card 314 is compared with the maximum image size at the next shooting, and the next time If there is not enough free space for recording the captured image, a “memory full” message is sent to the display unit 309 and the message is displayed on the color liquid crystal display device 110 and the small liquid crystal display device 103. When detecting that the transmission instruction button 112 is pressed, the CPU 301 reads the transmission destination address and transmission image selection conditions set in the nonvolatile memory 304, selects the transmission image according to the transmission image selection conditions, and selects the transmission destination. A wireless communication circuit unit 305 performs wireless data communication by designating a destination address. After the communication is completed, the transmitted image is deleted from the memory card.
[0025]
When the mode selection dial 102 is set to the playback mode position, the CPU 301 monitoring the output from the operation unit 308 detects and determines the mode, and operates the digital camera 100 in the playback mode. The image data file stored in the memory card 314 is read into the RAM 303, the compressed image is expanded, the image data is sent to the display unit 309, and the image is reproduced and displayed on the color liquid crystal display device 110. Further, according to the operation of the cross cursor button 109 by the user, an image newer or older than the currently displayed image is selected, read out from the memory card 314, and the image is reproduced on the color liquid crystal display device 110 as described above. indicate. When the user operates the menu button 111, the menu item is displayed on the color liquid crystal display device 110, and an operation corresponding to the subsequent operation is performed. For example, operations such as deletion of image data stored in the memory card 314, setting of a confirmation mark on an image confirmed by reproduction display, setting of a print instruction mark on image data to be printed, and the like. When detecting that the transmission instruction button 112 has been pressed, the CPU 301 selects the image being displayed and reproduced as a transmission image, and wirelessly transmits from the wireless communication circuit unit 305 to the transmission destination address set in the nonvolatile memory 304. Perform data communication.
[0026]
When the selection dial 102 is set to the communication mode position, the CPU 301 monitoring the output from the operation unit 308 detects and determines the mode, and operates the digital camera 100 in the communication mode. In the communication mode, it operates specifically for the communication operation, and operates to transmit a plurality of image data in a batch by a single transmission instruction.
[0027]
When detecting that the transmission instruction button 112 has been pressed, the CPU 301 reads the transmission destination address and the transmission image selection condition set in the nonvolatile memory 304, selects the transmission image according to the transmission image selection condition, and selects the transmission destination. Wireless communication is performed from the wireless communication circuit unit 305 by designating an address. After the communication is completed, the transmitted image is deleted from the memory card.
[0028]
The operation of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0029]
FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are flowcharts excerpted from the operation procedure of the digital camera according to the present embodiment regarding the communication operation.
[0030]
When the setting of the mode selection dial 102 of the digital camera 100 is changed, the processing operation of FIG. 3 is started, and then repeatedly executed at regular intervals.
[0031]
First, in step S401, it is determined by detecting the output from the operation unit 308 whether the mode selected by the mode selection dial 102 is the shooting mode. If it is the shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S402, and if it is not the shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S412.
[0032]
In step S402, the free recording capacity of the memory card 314 is compared with the free storage capacity threshold set in the nonvolatile memory 304. If the free recording capacity is equal to or greater than the threshold, the process proceeds to step S410. If the free storage capacity is smaller than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S403. If no threshold is set, the maximum image size at the next shooting is used as the threshold.
[0033]
In step S403, a storage capacity shortage warning is sent to the display unit 309, and an operation for displaying a message on one or both of the color liquid crystal display device 110 and the small liquid crystal display device 103 is performed.
[0034]
In step S404, the operation unit 308 is monitored to detect whether or not the transmission instruction button 112 has been pressed. If the transmission instruction button 112 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S405, and if not, this process ends.
[0035]
In step S405, it is determined whether there is image data in the memory card 314. If there is image data, the process proceeds to step S407, and if there is no image data, the process proceeds to step S406.
[0036]
In step S406, an image data absence warning is sent to the display unit 309, an operation for displaying a message on one or both of the color liquid crystal display device 110 and the small liquid crystal display device 103 is performed, and this processing ends.
[0037]
In step S407, transmission image selection processing 1 is executed. Details of the transmission image selection processing 1 are shown in FIG.
[0038]
Details of the processing of FIG. 5 will be described below.
[0039]
In step S601, it is determined whether or not to select a transmission image from the confirmed images that the user has confirmed display after shooting. Specifically, the setting value set in the nonvolatile memory 304 is read, and it is determined whether or not it is set to select the transmission image from the confirmed images. If it is set to select a transmission image from the confirmed images, the process proceeds to step S602; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S604.
[0040]
In step S602, it is determined whether there is a confirmed image in the image data file recorded in the memory card 314. As shown in FIG. 14, the image data recorded in the memory card 314 has attributes of “file name”, “recording date / time”, “size”, and “image confirmation”, respectively. When an image taken with the digital camera 100 is recorded on the memory card 314, the file name is determined to be a value obtained by adding 1 to the previously recorded file name number, and the date / time information at the time of shooting acquired from the RTC 306 is added. And recorded as an image data file. “Size” in FIG. 14 is the file size of the image data file. Note that when the image is recorded immediately after shooting, the “image confirmation” attribute is recorded as “not yet”. When the user reads out the image data recorded in the memory card 314 in the playback mode, displays it on the color liquid crystal display device 110, and performs a button operation to set the display to confirmed, the image confirmation attribute entry is changed to “done”. And re-recorded.
[0041]
In step S602, the “image confirmation” attribute shown in FIG. 14 is checked to determine whether there is an image data file having the “image confirmation” attribute “completed”. If there is confirmed image data, the process proceeds to step S603; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S604. When the image data file shown in FIG. 14 is recorded on the memory card 314, in this step S602, the “image confirmation” attribute is recorded as “already”. JPG, IMG_0004. JPG, IMG_0011. Since there are three JPG image data files, the process advances to step S603.
[0042]
In step S603, the “image confirmation” attribute is checked, an image data file having the “image confirmation” attribute “completed” is extracted as a transmission image selection target, and the process proceeds to step S605. In the example shown in FIG. JPG, IMG_0004. JPG, IMG_0011. Three image data files of JPG are extracted.
[0043]
On the other hand, in step S604, all the image data recorded on the memory card 314 are selected for transmission image selection, so that image data files of all images are extracted, and the process proceeds to step S605.
[0044]
In step S605, the recording date / time attribute is searched from the image data extracted as the transmission image selection target in step S603 or S604, and the oldest image data file is selected. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the image data file IMG — 0002.extracted in step S604. JPG, IMG_0004. JPG, IMG_0011. IMG_0002. Having the oldest recording date / time attribute among JPGs. A JPG file is selected. After step S605 ends, the main image selection processing 1 subroutine ends, and the flow returns to FIG. 3 to proceed to step S408.
[0045]
In step S408, the image selected by the transmission image selection processing 1 in step S407 is read from the memory card 314 to the RAM 303, and wireless data communication is performed from the wireless communication circuit unit 305 to the transmission destination address read from the nonvolatile memory 304. . In the example shown in FIG. 14, the selection file IMG_0002.n returned from the image selection processing 1 subroutine. JPG is read from the memory card and transmission processing is performed.
[0046]
In step S409, the image data transmitted in step S408 is erased from the memory card 314. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the image file IMG — 0002. The JPG is deleted from the memory card 314. After step S409 ends, the process returns to step S401.
[0047]
On the other hand, if the free recording capacity of the memory card 314 is greater than or equal to the threshold value in step S402, it is determined whether or not the shooting button 101 has been pressed in step S410. If the shooting button 101 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S411, and if not, the process proceeds to step S404.
[0048]
In step S411, shooting processing is performed. The electronic data picked up from the image pickup unit 307 is written into the RAM 303, and after executing the compression process, the file name is determined, the date / time information at the time of shooting is acquired from the RTC 306, added to the image data, and recorded in the memory card 314. After the photographing process is finished, this process is finished.
[0049]
If it is determined in step S401 that the mode selection dial 102 is not set to the shooting mode, it is determined in step S412 whether or not the playback mode is set by detecting the output from the operation unit 308. If it is the reproduction mode, the process proceeds to step S413, and if it is not the reproduction mode, the process proceeds to the process shown in FIG.
[0050]
In step S413, it is determined whether there is image data in the memory card 314. If there is image data, the process proceeds to step S414, and if there is no image data, the process proceeds to step S415.
[0051]
In step S415, an image data absence warning is sent to the display unit 309, an operation for displaying a message on one or both of the color liquid crystal display device 110 and the small liquid crystal display device 103 is performed, and this processing ends.
[0052]
In step S 414, the designated image data is read from the memory card 314 to the RAM 303 and subjected to image expansion processing, converted into a display image, transferred to the display unit 309, and reproduced and displayed on the color liquid crystal display device 110. If the image data to be displayed is not designated, the image file recorded most recently among the images recorded on the memory card 314 is selected and displayed.
[0053]
In step S416, it is detected whether or not the transmission instruction button 112 has been pressed. If the send button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S417, and if not, the process ends.
[0054]
In step S417, an image being displayed on the color liquid crystal display device 110 is designated as transmission image data.
[0055]
In step S418, the image specified in step S417 is read from the memory card 314 to the RAM 303, and wireless data communication is performed from the wireless communication circuit unit 305 to the transmission destination address read from the nonvolatile memory 304. After communication is completed, this process is terminated.
[0056]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S412 that the playback mode is not selected, the process proceeds to step S501 in FIG.
[0057]
In step S501, it is determined by detecting the output from the operation unit 308 whether the mode selected by the mode selection dial 102 is the communication mode. If the communication mode is selected, the process returns to step S502. If the communication mode is not selected, the process returns to the process shown in FIG.
[0058]
In step S502, it is determined whether there is image data in the memory card 314. If there is image data, the process proceeds to step S503, and if there is no image data, the process proceeds to step S504.
[0059]
In step S504, a warning about no image data is sent to the display unit 309, and a message is displayed on one or both of the color liquid crystal display device 110 and the small liquid crystal display device 103. After step S504 is completed, the process returns to the process shown in FIG.
[0060]
In step S503, it is determined whether or not the transmission instruction button 112 has been pressed. If the transmission instruction button 112 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S505. If not, the process ends.
[0061]
In step S505, transmission image selection processing 2 is executed. Details of the transmission image selection processing 2 are shown in FIG.
[0062]
The processing from step S701 to S705 is the same as the processing performed from step S601 to S605 shown in FIG.
[0063]
In step S706, the number of images continuously transmitted in the communication mode set in the nonvolatile memory 304 is referred to and it is determined whether or not the number of images selected in the image selection processing 2 subroutine is less than the number of images continuously transmitted. If the continuous image transmission number is not set in the nonvolatile memory 304, the continuous image transmission number is set to “1”. If the number of selected images selected in the process up to this point in the image selection process 2 subroutine is less than the number of continuous image transmissions, the process proceeds to step S707. If the number of selected images is equal to or greater than the image continuous transmission number, this subroutine is terminated. Hereinafter, when the image continuous transmission number is set to “4” and the transmission image is selected from the confirmed images (that is, selected from the images extracted in step S703), the image shown in FIG. 14 is stored in the memory card 314. An explanation will be given taking as an example the case where data is recorded.
[0064]
In step S707, the image selected in step S705 from the extracted image list extracted in step S703, that is, the oldest image among the extracted images is excluded from the extracted image list, and the extracted image list is updated. In this case, when step S703 ends, the extracted image data file is IMG_0002. JPG, IMG_0004. JPG, IMG_0011. The oldest image data file selected in step S705 is IMG_0002.JPG. JPG. In step S707, IMG — 0002. JPG, IMG_0004. JPG, IMG_0011. From the list of the three image data files of JPG, IMG — 0002. Exclude JPG files. After step S707 is completed, the image data file list is IMG_0004. JPG, IMG_0011. It becomes two of JPG.
[0065]
In step S708, it is determined whether there is image data in the extracted image list updated in step S707. If there is image data in the extracted image list, the process returns to step S705 to continue the image selection process. If there is no image data in the extracted image list, this subroutine is terminated. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the extracted image list after the first processing in step S707 is IMG_0004. JPG, IMG_0011. Since there are two JPGs, the process returns to step S705.
[0066]
After returning to step S705, the above-described processing is repeatedly executed, and IMG_0004. JPG, IMG_0011. A JPG file is sequentially designated as a selected image. In this example, the number of continuous images to be transmitted is set to “4”. However, since there are only three confirmed image files in the example of FIG. JPG, IMG_0004. JPG, IMG_0011. The three image data file names of JPG are returned as the selected image list. When the main image selection process 2 subroutine is completed, the process returns to FIG. 4 and proceeds to step S506.
[0067]
In step S506, the image data selected by the transmission image selection processing 2 in step S505 is read from the memory card 314 to the RAM 303, and wireless data communication is performed from the wireless communication circuit unit 305 to the transmission destination address read from the nonvolatile memory 304. Do.
[0068]
In step S507, the image data transmitted in step S506 is deleted from the memory card 314.
[0069]
In step S508, it is determined whether or not all the selected images have been transmitted. If all the images have been transmitted, the process returns to FIG. If there is image data that has not been transmitted yet, the process returns to step S506 to continue the transmission process. If there are a plurality of image data selected in the transmission image selection process 2 in step S505, these processes are repeated until transmission of all the selected image data is completed. In the example shown in FIG. JPG, IMG_0004. JPG, IMG_0011. The operation of sequentially transmitting and deleting the three JPG image files is repeated.
[0070]
As described above, by performing the processing shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 6, when the digital camera presses the transmission button in the shooting mode, image confirmation is performed on the image data recorded on the memory card. After sending the oldest image from all the image data that has been performed or all the image data recorded on the memory card, the transmitted image data is erased, and when the digital camera presses the send button in the playback mode, the display device When the image data of the currently displayed image is transmitted and the digital camera presses the send button when the digital camera is in communication mode, the image data that has been confirmed among the image data recorded on the memory card or all the data that has been recorded on the memory card is displayed. After the image data for the number of continuous transmissions set in advance from the oldest is sent in sequence, the image data that has already been sent is deleted. It is possible. That is, since it is possible to operate by changing the transmission image selection condition for each operation mode of the digital camera, it is possible to simplify the operation of the user selecting the transmission image for each operation mode.
[0071]
In addition, by setting the transmission image to be selected from the confirmed images, the image data whose display of the photographing result has been confirmed is transmitted, so that it is possible to eliminate the waste of transmitting unnecessary images that have failed to be photographed. be able to.
[0072]
In the first embodiment described above, the image transmission is instructed by pressing the transmission instruction button. However, the present invention is not limited to this, while viewing the menu displayed on the display device of the digital camera. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be configured by taking a method of instructing by a combination of the operation of the menu button and the determination button.
[0073]
(Second Embodiment)
The first embodiment described above is a digital camera with a built-in wireless communication function in the main body. However, in the second embodiment, the digital camera function expansion device is equipped with a wireless communication function and is mounted on the digital camera body. Will be described.
[0074]
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view when the digital camera function expansion device 808 is mounted on the digital camera 800 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a perspective view seen from the front with the digital camera function expansion device 808 mounted on the digital camera 800, a shooting button 801 for instructing shooting on the upper surface of the digital camera 800, and a digital camera next to it. A mode selection dial 802 for selecting and instructing various operation modes such as a shooting mode of 800 automatic shooting and manual shooting, a playback mode for playing back and displaying a shot image, and the operation state of the digital camera 800 are displayed as characters and pictograms. A small liquid crystal display device 803 is provided.
[0075]
On the front surface of the digital camera 800, a flash lamp 805, an optical viewfinder daylighting unit 806 that allows a user to look into the subject at the time of shooting and check a subject image, and a lens 807 for taking in imaging light are provided.
[0076]
A function expansion device 808 is mounted on the side surface of the digital camera where the shooting button 801 is not disposed. On the upper surface of the function expansion device 808, an antenna 804 used for wireless communication is provided.
[0077]
FIG. 7B is a perspective view seen from the side operated by the user with the function expansion device 808 mounted on the digital camera 800, that is, from the rear, and an optical for the user to look into and confirm the subject image at the time of shooting. When a menu item for setting various operation conditions of the viewfinder 809 and the digital camera 800 is displayed, a cross cursor button 810 for instructing selection of a menu item or change of an operation state, a subject image captured in a shooting mode, and a playback mode A color liquid crystal display device 811 that displays images, menu items, messages, and the like that are sometimes recorded in the digital camera 800, a menu button 812 for calling menu items for setting various operating conditions of the digital camera 800, and the like from the menu items. The OK button that indicates the selected item and the operating state of the digital camera 800 Shimesuru there are other buttons.
[0078]
Further, a memory card slot cover 813 is provided on the side surface of the digital camera 800. By sliding a cover open lever 814 on the rear surface of the main body downward, the memory card slot cover 813 is opened and the memory card is attached to and detached from the main body. Be able to.
[0079]
Further, on the lower surface of the digital camera 800, a series of mechanisms such as a battery cover (not shown) for loading a battery and a battery loading port open switch are provided.
[0080]
A function expansion device 808 is mounted on the left side as viewed from the rear side of the digital camera 800. On the back of the function expansion device 808, there are an LED lamp 815 for displaying the operation state of the function expansion device 808, and a transmission instruction button 816 for giving an instruction to read an image data file from the digital camera 800 and transmit it to another device by wireless communication. Is arranged.
[0081]
8A and 8B show a connection portion between the digital camera 800 and the function expansion device 808. FIG. 8A is a view seen from the front side of the digital camera 800, and FIG. 8B is a back side of the digital camera 800. It is the figure seen from. FIG. 8 shows a function expansion device connection connector 817 and a digital camera connection connector 818 included in the function expansion device 808 arranged on the right side when viewed from the front of the digital camera 800.
[0082]
The digital camera 800 and the function expansion device 808 are electrically connected by a function expansion device connection connector 817 of the digital camera 800 and a digital camera connection connector 818 of the function expansion device 808, and are mechanically mounted and fixed by a mechanical fixing mechanism (not shown). It is configured to be.
[0083]
Next, an internal configuration of the digital camera 800 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0084]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a digital camera 800 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The digital camera 800 includes a CPU 1201, a ROM 1202, a RAM 1203, an interface circuit unit 1204, a function expansion device connector 817, an RTC (Real Time Clock) 1205, an imaging unit 1206, an operation unit 1207, a display unit 1208, and a memory card interface circuit unit 1209. As shown, they are connected to each other by an internal bus 1210. The digital camera 800 includes a power supply circuit unit 1211 and supplies power to each block through a power supply line 1212.
[0085]
The CPU 1201 operates according to a program stored in the ROM 1202 and controls various operations of the digital camera. A ROM 1202 is a non-volatile memory that stores in advance the control procedure and the like of the digital camera. The RAM 1203 temporarily buffers digital image data output from the imaging unit 1206, temporarily stores data to be written to the memory card 1213 mounted through the memory card interface circuit unit 1209, and data read from the memory card 1213, It is used as a work area used for the calculation of the CPU 1201 and an area for temporarily storing various settings. The interface circuit unit 1204 has a function of detecting that the function expansion device 808 is connected via the function expansion device connector 817 and performing serial data communication when the function expansion device 808 is connected. In accordance with control from the CPU 1201, command transmission and command reception, data transmission and data reception to the function expansion device 808 are performed. The function expansion device connection connector 817 is used for electrical and mechanical connection with the function expansion device 808. The RTC 1205 manages date / time information, outputs date / time information when referred to by the CPU 1201, and is used when recording captured image data in the memory card 1213 or when recording date / time information by other operations. Is done. The imaging unit 1206 is a lens that forms incident light, a photoelectric converter (such as a CCD or CMOS sensor) that converts the formed light into an electrical signal, and an analog electrical signal output from the photoelectric converter is converted into a digital electrical signal. And an AD converter (analog-digital converter).
[0086]
The operation unit 1207 includes buttons such as a shooting button 801 for instructing shooting, a mode selection dial 802 for selecting an operation mode of the digital camera 800, a menu button 812 for calling a menu item, a cross cursor button 810 for selecting and instructing a menu item, It consists of dials, switches, etc., and outputs the state and state changes of these buttons, dials, switches, etc. as electrical signals. The display portion 1208 includes a small liquid crystal display device 803 and a color liquid crystal display device 811. A memory card interface circuit unit 1209 is physically and electrically connected to the memory card 1213, writes photographed digital image data and the like to the memory card 1213, and reads stored image data. An internal bus 1210 connects the above-described blocks to each other and exchanges digital data. The power supply circuit unit 1211 includes a battery, a DC / DC converter, and the like, and supplies power to each block described above through the power supply line 1212. Further, the power supply line 1212 is also connected to the function expansion device connection connector 817 as shown in FIG. 9, and when the function expansion device 808 is connected to the function expansion device connection connector 817, the power supply for operating the function expansion device 808 is supplied. Supply.
[0087]
When the digital camera 800 receives a command from the function expansion device 808, it has a function of interpreting and executing the command. For example, whether or not the memory card 1213 is installed, the current operation mode information of the digital camera, the presence or absence of an image data file recorded in the memory card 1213, a file name or other attribute information notification, or the image data file itself Transmission, etc.
[0088]
Next, the configuration of the function expansion device 808 will be described.
[0089]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a function expansion device 808 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The function expansion device 808 includes a digital camera connection connector 818, a CPU 1301, a ROM 1302, a RAM 1303, a wireless communication circuit unit 1304, an antenna 804, an interface circuit unit 1305, an operation unit 1306, a display unit 1307, and a nonvolatile memory 1308. As shown in the figure, they are connected to each other by an internal bus 1309. The function expansion device 808 also receives power supply from the digital camera 800 via the digital camera connector 818 and supplies power to each block from the power supply circuit unit 1310 through the power supply line 1311.
[0090]
The digital camera connection connector 818 connects the function expansion device 808 and the digital camera 800. By fitting the digital camera connection connector 818 and the function expansion device connection connector 817 of the digital camera 800, the function expansion device 808 and the digital camera 800 are electrically and mechanically connected.
[0091]
The CPU 1301 operates according to a program stored in the ROM 1302, and controls the interface circuit unit 1305, controls and manages communication with the digital camera 800 connected via the digital camera connection connector 818, and controls the wireless communication circuit unit 1304. The switch state output from the operation unit 1306 is detected and the display unit 1307 is controlled. The ROM 1302 is a non-volatile memory in which various control procedures for the function expansion device 808 are stored in advance. The RAM 1303 temporarily stores image data read from the digital camera 800 via the interface circuit unit 1305 and the digital camera connection connector 818, temporarily writes data to the wireless communication circuit unit 1304, and temporarily stores data read from the wireless communication circuit unit 1304. It is used as an area for temporarily storing various memory settings, work areas used for CPU 1301 calculations, and other settings. The wireless communication circuit unit 1304 includes a high-frequency circuit unit necessary for wireless communication, an encoding / decoding circuit unit, a FIFO memory during wireless communication, and the like, and an antenna 804 is connected thereto. The interface circuit unit 1305 has a function of detecting whether the digital camera 800 connected via the digital camera connection connector 818 is connected and performing serial data communication with the digital camera 800. Under the control of the CPU 1301, data is transmitted to the digital camera 800 and data is received from the digital camera 800.
[0092]
The operation unit 1306 includes a switch that is operated by a transmission instruction button 816 for instructing wireless data transmission to another electronic device, and has a function of outputting a pressing operation of the transmission instruction button 816 as a change in an electrical signal. . The display unit 1307 includes an LED lamp 815 and the like, and has a function of displaying an operation state of the function expansion device 808 and the like. In the second embodiment, the wireless communication circuit unit 1304 has a function of blinking the LED lamp 815 to notify that data communication is in progress during wireless data communication. In addition, after a wireless data communication is instructed by the communication instruction button 816, if any inconvenience occurs, for example, communication is terminated due to an error during wireless data communication with another electronic device, it flashes to the user. A function for notifying a warning is provided. A non-volatile memory 1308 is used to set a destination address for transmitting an image, whether to select a transmission image from confirmed images when the digital camera 800 is in a shooting mode or a communication mode, a setting for the number of images to be transmitted continuously in a communication mode, etc. Is written from the digital camera 800 and recorded.
[0093]
The power supply circuit unit 1310 has a function of receiving power supply from the connected digital camera 800 via the digital camera connection connector 818 and supplying power to each block of the function expansion device 808. In addition, the power supply circuit unit 1310 includes a reset signal generation circuit, and the function expansion device 808 is connected to the digital camera 800 via the digital camera connection connector 818, and the function expansion device 808 is activated by receiving power from the digital camera 800. When an instruction to do so is issued from the digital camera, the function expansion device 808 is initialized by a reset signal generation circuit.
[0094]
In the digital camera 800 having the above configuration, the operation when the shooting mode is selected by the mode selection dial 802 will be described below with reference to FIG.
[0095]
In step S1401, the interface circuit unit 1204 detects and determines whether or not the function expansion device 808 is attached to the digital camera 800. If the function expansion device 808 is attached, the process proceeds to step S1402, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1403.
[0096]
In step S1402, the free recording capacity of the memory card 1213 and the free storage capacity threshold set in the non-volatile memory 1308 of the function expansion device 808 are acquired. Exit. If the free storage capacity is smaller than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S1404. If the threshold is not set, the maximum image size at the next shooting is used as the threshold.
[0097]
In step S1404, a message urging transmission of image data using the function expansion device 808 is sent to the display unit 1208, and an operation for displaying the message on one or both of the color liquid crystal display device 811 and the small liquid crystal display device 803 is performed. The process ends.
[0098]
In step S1403, the available recording capacity of the memory card 1213 is compared with the maximum image size at the time of the next shooting to determine whether or not the next shooting is possible. If the free recording capacity is larger, it is possible to shoot and the process is terminated. If there is not enough free space for recording the next shot image, the process advances to step S1405.
[0099]
In step S1405, a storage capacity shortage warning is sent to the display unit 1208, and a message is displayed on one or both of the color liquid crystal display device 811 and the small liquid crystal display device 803.
[0100]
Next, processing operations in the function expansion device 808 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
[0101]
When the initialization operation is finished after being connected to the digital camera 800 and supplied with power, the function expansion device 808 repeatedly executes the processing shown in FIG.
[0102]
That is, in step S1501, the CPU 1301 monitors the output signal from the operation unit 1306 to monitor whether or not the communication instruction button 816 has been pressed. If it is detected that the communication button has been pressed, step S1502 and subsequent steps in FIG. If the button has not been pressed, this process ends.
[0103]
In step S1502, the CPU 1301 communicates with the digital camera 800 through the interface circuit unit 1305 to acquire the current operation mode of the digital camera 800.
[0104]
In step S1503, it is determined whether the current operation mode of the digital camera 800 acquired in step S1502 is a shooting mode. If it is the shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S1505, and if it is not the shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S1504.
[0105]
In step S <b> 1505, the CPU 1301 communicates with the digital camera 800 and acquires presence / absence information on image data in the memory card 1213 attached to the digital camera 800. If there is image data, the process advances to step S1506. When there is no image data in the memory card 1213 or when the memory card 1213 is not attached to the digital camera 800, the process proceeds to step S1507, an image data no warning display signal is sent to the display unit 1307, the LED lamp 815 is blinked, This process ends.
[0106]
Step S1506 is transmission image selection processing 1, which is the same as the processing in FIG. 5 described in the first embodiment. The processing of FIG. 5 will be described below by applying it to the configuration of the second embodiment.
[0107]
In step S601, it is determined whether or not to select a transmission image from the confirmed images that the user has confirmed display after shooting. Specifically, the setting value set in the nonvolatile memory 1308 is read, and it is determined whether or not it is set to select the transmission image from the confirmed images. If it is a setting to select from confirmed images, the process proceeds to step S602, and if not, the process proceeds to step S604.
[0108]
In step S602, it is determined whether there is a confirmed image in the image data file recorded in the memory card 1213. The CPU 1301 requests the digital camera 800 to transmit a list of image data recorded in the memory card 1213, and acquires the image data list. In the example shown in FIG. 14 which is the same as the example used in the first embodiment, the attribute of “image confirmation” is checked to determine whether there is an image data file whose attribute is “completed”. If there is confirmed image data, the process proceeds to step S603; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S604.
[0109]
In step S603, an image data file whose attribute of “image confirmation” is “completed” is extracted as a transmission image selection target, and the process proceeds to step S605.
[0110]
On the other hand, in step S604, since all image data recorded on the memory card 1213 are selected for transmission image selection, image data files of all images are extracted, and the process proceeds to step S605.
In step S605, the oldest image data file is selected from the image data extracted as the transmission image selection target in step S603 or S604. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the attribute of “recording date” is searched and selected. After step S605 ends, the main image selection processing 1 subroutine ends, and the flow returns to FIG. 12 to proceed to step S1508.
[0111]
In step S1508, the digital camera 800 is requested to transfer the image selected by the transmission image selection processing 1 in step S1506. Upon receiving the transfer request, the digital camera 800 reads the image file from the memory card 1213, reads it into the RAM 1203, and transmits it to the function expansion device 808 through the interface circuit unit 1204. The function expansion device 808 receives the image data file from the digital camera 800 through the interface circuit unit 1305 and writes it into the RAM 1303. While the CPU 1301 performs processing for receiving the image data file from the digital camera 800, the CPU 1301 reads the already received image data from the RAM 1303, refers to the transmission destination address set in the nonvolatile memory 1308, and wirelessly transmits from the wireless communication circuit unit 1304. Perform data communication. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the selection file IMG_0002.n returned from the image selection processing 1 subroutine. JPG is received from the digital camera 800 and transmission processing is performed. During wireless data communication, the LED lamp 815 blinks to notify that image data is being transmitted.
[0112]
In step S1509, the digital camera 800 is requested to delete the image data transmitted in step S1508 from the memory card 1213. The digital camera 800 receives the deletion request and deletes the image data file. In the example illustrated in FIG. 14, the image IMG_0002. The JPG file is deleted from the memory card.
[0113]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1503 that the shooting mode is not selected, the process advances to step S1504 to determine whether the current operation mode of the digital camera acquired from the digital camera 800 is the playback mode. If it is the reproduction mode, the process proceeds to step S1510, and if it is not the reproduction mode, the process proceeds to the process shown in FIG.
[0114]
In step S1510, the digital camera 800 requests the digital camera 800 to obtain a status as to whether or not image data is being reproduced and displayed on the color liquid crystal display device 811. If the image data is being reproduced and displayed on the color liquid crystal display device 811, the process proceeds to step S 1511. If the image data is not being displayed, the process proceeds to step S 1512, and a display image data absence warning is displayed by blinking the LED lamp 815.
[0115]
In step S1511, an image data file name of an image being displayed on the color liquid crystal display device 811 is requested and acquired from the digital camera 800, and designated as transmission image data.
[0116]
In step S1513, a request is made to transfer the image data specified in step S1511 to the digital camera 800. Upon receiving the transfer request, the digital camera 800 reads the image file from the memory card 1213, reads it into the RAM 1203, and transmits it to the digital camera function expansion device 808 through the interface circuit unit 1204. The digital camera function expansion device 808 receives the image data file from the digital camera 800 through the interface circuit unit 1305 and writes it into the RAM 1303. While the CPU 1301 performs processing for receiving the image data file from the digital camera 800, the CPU 1301 reads the already received image data from the RAM 1303, refers to the transmission destination address set in the nonvolatile memory 1308, and wirelessly transmits from the wireless communication circuit unit 1304. Perform data communication. During wireless data communication, the LED lamp 815 blinks to indicate that image data is being transmitted. After step S1513 ends, this process ends.
[0117]
If it is determined in step S1504 that the current mode is not the playback mode, the process advances to step S1601 in FIG. 13 to determine whether the current operation mode of the digital camera 800 acquired in step S1502 in FIG. If it is the communication mode, the process proceeds to step S1602, and if it is not the communication mode, the process returns to FIG.
[0118]
In step S1602, the CPU 1301 communicates with the digital camera 800, and acquires presence / absence information of image data in the memory card 1213 attached to the digital camera 800. If there is image data, the process advances to step S1603. When there is no image data in the memory card 1213 or when the memory card 1213 is not attached to the digital camera 800, the process proceeds to step S1604, an image data no warning display signal is sent to the display unit 1307, and the LED lamp 815 blinks. Returning to 12, the present process is terminated.
In step S1603, transmission image selection processing 2 is executed. The transmission image selection process 2 is the same as the process of FIG. 6 described in the first embodiment. The processing of FIG. 6 will be described below by applying it to the configuration of the second embodiment.
[0119]
Steps S701 to S705 in FIG. 6 are the same as the processes performed in steps S601 to S605 shown in FIG.
[0120]
In step S706, the number of images continuously transmitted in the communication mode set in the nonvolatile memory 1308 is referred to and it is determined whether or not the number of images selected in the image selection processing 2 subroutine is less than the number of images continuously transmitted. When the image continuous transmission number is not set in the nonvolatile memory 1308, the image continuous transmission number is set to “1”. If the number of selected images selected in the process up to this point in the image selection process 2 subroutine is less than the number of continuous image transmissions, the process proceeds to step S707. If the number of selected images is equal to or greater than the image continuous transmission number, this subroutine is terminated.
[0121]
In step S707, the image selected in step S705 from the extracted image list extracted in step S703 or step S704, that is, the oldest image among the extracted images is excluded from the extracted image list, and the extracted image list is updated.
[0122]
In step S708, it is determined whether there is image data in the extracted image list updated in step S707. If there is image data in the extracted image list, the process returns to step S705 to continue the image selection process. If there is no image data in the extracted image list, this subroutine is terminated.
[0123]
After returning to step S705, the above-described processing is repeatedly executed, and the selected images are sequentially selected from the extracted image list in the oldest order. For example, although the continuous image transmission number is set to “4”, since there are only three confirmed image files in the example of FIG. JPG, IMG_0004. JPG, IMG_0011. The three image file names of JPG are returned as the selected image list. When the main image selection process 2 subroutine is completed, the process returns to FIG. 13 and proceeds to step S1605.
[0124]
In step S1605, the digital camera 800 is requested for the image selected by the transmission image selection processing 2 in step S1603. Upon receiving the request, the digital camera 800 reads the image file from the memory card 1213 to the RAM 1203 and transmits it to the function expansion device 808 through the interface circuit unit 1204. The function expansion device 808 receives the image data file from the digital camera 800 through the interface circuit unit 1305 and writes it into the RAM 1303. While the CPU 1301 performs processing for receiving the image data file from the digital camera 800, the CPU 1301 reads the already received image data from the RAM 1303, refers to the transmission destination address set in the nonvolatile memory 1308, and wirelessly transmits from the wireless communication circuit unit 1304. Perform data communication.
[0125]
Step S1606 is processing to request the digital camera 800 to delete the image data transmitted in step S1605 from the memory card 1213. In response to the request, the digital camera 800 deletes the image data file.
[0126]
In step S1607, it is determined whether or not all the selected images have been transmitted. If all the images have been transmitted, the process returns to FIG. If there is image data that has not been transmitted yet, the process returns to step S1605 to continue the transmission process. When there are a plurality of image data selected in the transmission image selection process 2 in step S1603, these processes are repeated until transmission of all the selected image data is completed.
[0127]
As described above, even if the wireless transmission function is removable from the digital camera as a function expansion device by performing the processing shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 5, and 6, The same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, since it is only necessary to connect a function expansion device to the digital camera when necessary, the power consumption of the digital camera can be saved when the function expansion device is not used.
[0128]
In the first and second embodiments described above, the transmission image selection process 1 shown in FIG. 5 and the transmission image selection process 2 shown in FIG. 6 are set to select a transmission image from confirmed images. When there is no confirmed image in the case where the image is confirmed, the processing is to extract all images in the memory card (steps S602 and S604, steps S702 and S704). This is an operation that prioritizes releasing the recording capacity of the memory card by sending an image and erasing the sent image, but when there is no confirmed image, a message indicating no selected image is displayed and the user It is also possible to perform processing that prompts the user to select an image.
[0129]
Further, the digital camera having the configuration using the removable memory card as the image recording medium in the first and second embodiments has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the removable memory card is used. It goes without saying that the present invention can also be configured in a digital camera that records captured image data in a memory built in the digital camera body rather than a configuration in which the camera is mounted.
[0130]
Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, the case where the oldest image data is selected based on the date / time information at the time of photographing recorded attached to the image data has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in digital cameras that record the file name by changing alphabets or numbers in ascending order to the captured image data, for example, based on the file name of the image data. Needless to say, the present invention can be configured by selecting image data.
[0131]
In the second embodiment described above, the function expansion device of the digital camera detects that the transmission instruction button 816 has been pressed by the polling process. However, when the transmission instruction button 816 is pressed, the operation unit 1306 is operated. May output an interrupt signal to the CPU 1301 to perform the processing operation of the function expansion device of the digital camera described above in the interrupt processing.
[0132]
In addition, the wireless data communication used in the first and second embodiments described above is not limited to the type of communication method. For example, a method according to a so-called wireless LAN standard such as Bluetooth standard or IEEE 802.11 standard is considered. It is done.
[0133]
[Other Embodiments]
An object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included. Examples of the storage medium for storing the program code include a flexible disk, hard disk, ROM, RAM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, and the like. Can be considered.
[0134]
Furthermore, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function is determined based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the expansion card or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0135]
When the present invention is applied to the above storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 or FIGS.
[0136]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when an image is transmitted to an external device, selection and transmission of a transmission image suitable for the operation mode can be performed with a simple operation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a digital camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart excerpted from the part related to the communication operation of the digital camera in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart excerpted from the part related to the communication operation of the digital camera in the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a transmission image selection processing 1 subroutine of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a transmission image selection processing 2 subroutine of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an external perspective view of the digital camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention when a digital camera function expansion device is mounted.
FIG. 8 is an external perspective view of a connection portion between a digital camera and a function expansion device for a digital camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a digital camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a function expansion device for a digital camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a digital camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a function expansion device for a digital camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing operation of a function expansion device for a digital camera according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a list of image data stored in the storage unit of the digital camera according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
100, 800 digital camera
101, 801 Shooting button
102, 802 Mode selection dial
103, 803 Small liquid crystal display device
104, 804 antenna
105, 805 Flash lamp
106,806 Daylighting part of optical viewfinder
107, 807 lens
108,809 Optical viewfinder
109,810 Cross cursor button
110, 811 color liquid crystal display device
111, 812 Menu button
112, 816 Send instruction button
113, 813 Memory card slot cover
114, 814 Cover open lever
301, 1201 CPU
302, 1202 ROM
303, 1203 RAM
304 Nonvolatile memory
305 Wireless communication circuit
306, 1205 RTC
307, 1206 Imaging unit
308, 1207 operation unit
309, 1208 display unit
310, 1209 Memory card interface circuit section
311 and 1210 Internal bus
312 and 1211 Power supply circuit section
313, 1212 Power line
314, 1213 memory card
808 Digital camera function expansion device
815 LED lamp
816 Send instruction button
817 Function expansion device connector
818 Digital camera connector
1204 Interface circuit section
1301 CPU
1302 ROM
1303 RAM
1304 Wireless communication circuit unit
1305 Interface circuit section
1306 Operation unit
1307 Display
1308 Nonvolatile memory
1309 Internal bus
1310 Power supply circuit
1311 Power line

Claims (8)

An imaging apparatus having a plurality of operation modes including a shooting mode and a playback mode ,
Setting means for accepting an operation for setting any one of the plurality of operation modes;
In the shooting mode, an imaging unit that images a subject and stores the obtained image data in a storage medium;
Playback means for playing back the image data stored in the storage medium in the playback mode ;
Transmitting means for transmitting the image data to an external device ;
Deleting means for deleting image data ,
When the setting unit is operated to set the shooting mode and an instruction to transmit the image data is received, the transmission unit does not transmit image data that has not been reproduced by the reproduction unit, and While transmitting the image data that has been reproduced by the reproduction means , the deletion means deletes the image data transmitted by the transmission means,
When the reproduction mode is set and an instruction to transmit the image data is received, the transmission unit transmits the image data being reproduced by the reproduction unit, and the image data transmitted by the deletion unit is transmitted. An imaging apparatus characterized by not performing deletion . The plurality of operation modes include a communication mode,
When the communication mode is set and an instruction to transmit the image data is received, the transmission unit transmits a plurality of image data among the image data that has been reproduced by the reproduction unit. The imaging device according to claim 1 . When the communication mode is set, and receives an instruction for transmitting the image data, the transmission unit, according to claim 2, characterized in that to transmit the image data corresponding to the number following predetermined image The imaging device described in 1. It further has holding means for holding information indicating the image data stored in the storage medium and information indicating whether the image data stored in the storage medium has been reproduced by the reproduction means in association with each other. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the imaging apparatus is characterized. An imaging system having a plurality of operation modes including a shooting mode and a playback mode, and including an imaging device and a communication device configured to be detachable from the imaging device, wherein the imaging device is
Setting means for accepting an operation for setting any one of the plurality of operation modes;
In the shooting mode, an imaging unit that images a subject and stores the obtained image data in a storage medium;
Playback means for playing back the image data stored in the storage medium in the playback mode ;
Deleting means for deleting image data ,
The communication device comprises a transmission means for transmitting the image data to an external device,
When the setting unit is operated to set the shooting mode and an instruction to transmit the image data is received, the transmission unit does not transmit image data that has not been reproduced by the reproduction unit, and While transmitting the image data that has been reproduced by the reproduction means , the deletion means deletes the image data transmitted by the transmission means,
When the reproduction mode is set and an instruction to transmit the image data is received, the transmission unit transmits the image data being reproduced by the reproduction unit, and the image data transmitted by the deletion unit is transmitted. An imaging system characterized by not performing deletion . A method for controlling an imaging apparatus having a plurality of operation modes including a shooting mode and a playback mode ,
A setting step for accepting an operation for setting any one of the plurality of operation modes;
In the shooting mode, an imaging step of imaging a subject and storing the obtained image data in a storage medium;
A reproduction step of reproducing the image data stored in the storage medium in the reproduction mode ;
When the shooting mode is set in the setting step and an instruction to transmit the image data is received, the image data that has been reproduced in the reproduction step is transmitted , the reproduction mode is set, and the image When receiving an instruction to transmit data, a transmission step of transmitting the image data being reproduced in the reproduction step ;
A control step for controlling not to transmit image data that has not been reproduced in the reproduction step even when the shooting mode is set in the setting step and an instruction to transmit the image data is received; ,
In the shooting mode, comprising a deletion step of deleting the image data transmitted in the transmission step,
In the reproduction mode, the image data transmitted in the transmission step is not deleted . The program for making a computer perform each process of the control method of Claim 6 . A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 7 .

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