JP4262234B2 - IMAGING DEVICE, ITS CONTROL METHOD, AND STORAGE MEDIUM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an input device such as a digital camera system that captures moving images and still images, a control method therefor, and a storage medium.

Conventionally, image data and audio data captured by a digital camera have been recorded on a recording device such as a memory mounted inside the digital camera, or recorded on a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the digital camera. Also, information such as image data recorded on a recording device inside the digital camera or a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the digital camera by connecting a digital camera and an information processing device such as a computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) with a cable or the like. Has been devised and commercialized (see Patent Document 1).
JP-A-8-191410

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, a system in which a digital camera is connected to a PC for shooting, for example, image data used for business is continuously shot, and the shot data is directly processed and managed by the PC. Even in the system, the captured image data is once recorded in the recording device inside the digital camera or a recording device that can be attached to and detached from the digital camera, and then the data is transferred to a PC via a cable for processing and storage. The method of doing was taken. Therefore, the recording device inside the digital camera and the removable recording medium accumulate image data, etc., and when the recording device or the recording medium is full, it becomes impossible to record, and after deleting these image data, Or there was a problem that it was not possible to shoot without replacing the recording medium with another one.

  Also, a system for transferring and processing and managing the above-mentioned captured image data to a PC using a digital camera having no recording device inside the digital camera and having only a recording medium detachable from the digital camera. Since the captured image data and the like are processed and managed by a PC, the removable recording medium is a digital camera even when it is not necessary to store it in the removable recording medium. There was a problem that it was not possible to shoot if it was not installed.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an information input system capable of flexibly selecting a storage destination of information input from an input device, a control method thereof, and a storage medium. Is to provide.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes:
An imaging device that detects an object connected to the imaging device, an imaging unit that images a subject and generates image data, an internal memory that stores image data generated by the imaging unit, and an external device A connection detecting unit that controls the saving of the image data stored in the internal memory, and the connection detecting unit does not detect that the external device is connected to the imaging device. The control means saves the image data saved in the internal memory in the storage medium of the imaging device, but does not transfer the image data to the external device, and the connection detection means When it is detected that a device is connected to the imaging device, the control means transfers the image data stored in the internal memory to the external device and The image data stored in the memory is not stored in the storage medium, or the image data stored in the internal memory is stored in the storage medium and the image data stored in the internal memory is stored in the external device. Whether to transfer is determined based on a storage destination set by the external device , and the connection detection unit detects that the external device is connected to the imaging device, and the storage destination Is the storage medium and the external device, the image data stored in the internal memory is transferred to the external device in parallel with the image data stored in the internal memory being stored in the storage medium. It is characterized by doing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for an image pickup apparatus, wherein an image pickup unit that picks up a subject and generates image data, an internal memory that stores image data generated by the image pickup unit, and an external device A method for controlling an image pickup apparatus, comprising: a connection detection unit that detects connection; and a control unit that controls storage of image data stored in the internal memory, wherein the connection detection unit includes: When it is not detected that an external device is connected to the imaging device, the control means stores the image data stored in the internal memory in a storage medium of the imaging device, but the image data is stored in the storage device. When the connection detection unit detects that the external device is connected to the imaging device, the control unit stores the transfer in the internal memory. The existing image data is transferred to the external device and the image data stored in the internal memory is not stored in the storage medium, or the image data stored in the internal memory is stored in the storage medium. And determining whether to transfer the image data stored in the internal memory to the external device based on the storage destination set by the external device , and the connection detecting means connects the external device to the imaging device. And when the storage destination is the storage medium and the external device, the image data stored in the internal memory is stored in the storage medium in parallel with the storage medium. The image data stored in an internal memory is transferred to the external device .

The storage medium according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject and generates image data, an internal memory that stores image data generated by the imaging unit, and an external device connected to the imaging device. A storage medium storing a control program for controlling an image pickup apparatus, comprising: a connection detection means for detecting the presence of the image data; and a control means for controlling storage of image data stored in the internal memory. When the connection detection unit does not detect that the external device is connected to the imaging device, the control unit stores the image data stored in the internal memory in a storage medium of the imaging device. However, the step of preventing the image data from being transferred to the external device and the connection detecting means are configured such that the external device is connected to the imaging device. If detected, the control means transfers the image data stored in the internal memory to the external device and does not store the image data stored in the internal memory in the storage medium, or a step or be transferred to the external device the image data stored in the internal memory stores the image data stored in the storage medium, to determine based on the set destination by the external device, the When the connection detection unit detects that the external device is connected to the imaging device, and the storage destination is the storage medium and the external device, the image stored in the internal memory the data in parallel with that stored in the storage medium, a step of transferring the image data stored in the internal memory to the external device, the co Characterized in that to execute the computer.

  According to the present invention, in an input device connected to an information processing device and capable of transferring information to the connected information processing device, information to be recorded is indicated according to a connection state between the input device and the information processing device. It is possible to process flexibly and provide an information input system that meets various user needs.

  Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera system which is an embodiment of the information input system of the present invention.

  The digital camera system of this embodiment is roughly divided into a digital camera unit and an information processing unit. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a digital camera unit, and 101 denotes an information processing unit for processing and managing image data taken by the digital camera. The information processing unit 101 is typically a computer (PC), and includes an arithmetic processing unit (CPU), a primary storage device (RAM), a secondary storage device (hard disk), an operation device (not shown). A keyboard, a mouse), a display device (display), and the like are arranged.

  The digital camera unit 100 includes a digital camera unit 102 that houses components for capturing image data, such as a lens, a CCD, and a signal processing circuit, and a control unit 102 a that controls the entire digital camera 100. Here, in the conventional configuration, the digital camera has only the storage device 103 such as a non-detachable built-in memory and the removable storage medium 104 in addition to the digital camera unit 102. Information generated by the camera unit 102 is recorded and stored.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the digital camera 100 includes a connection detection device 106 and a recording status detection device 105 that detect a connection with a PC in addition to the storage device 103 and the storage medium 104.

  The connection detection device 106 is connected to a PC with a cable and can detect not only the so-called physical connection state but also communication with driver software on the PC, client application software, and the like. A complete state, so-called logical connection, is detected. Several detection methods are conceivable, such as a method of logical connection by a specific software protocol, a connection method by recognition of a specific signal pattern, and the like.

  The recording status detection device 105 is a device that detects an empty space in a storage device 103 such as a built-in memory that is not removable or a removable storage medium 104. Depending on the type of digital camera, only the removable storage medium 104 may be owned, or only the storage device 103 such as a built-in memory that is not removable may be owned.

  Next, a first example of the shooting data storage sequence of the digital camera system of this embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a first example of a shooting data storage sequence of the digital camera system of the present embodiment.

  First, when the digital camera 100 and the information processing apparatus 101 are connected, the fact is detected by the connection detection apparatus 106, and the internal flag gConnectionFlag is set. Thereafter, when the user presses the release switch of the digital camera to perform photographing (step S201), the image data is temporarily stored in a work area (DRAM) (not shown) in the digital camera unit 102 (step S202).

  Thereafter, the above gConnectionFlag is referred to (step S203). If the connection with the information processing apparatus 101 is not established, a normal digital camera storage operation (for example, the storage device 103 or the storage medium 104 has a free space). If it is stored, if not, a warning is issued) (step S205). If it is determined in step S203 that the information processing apparatus 101 is connected, the data stored in the temporary work area (DRAM) described above is directly used as the information processing apparatus 101 via the cable. Forward to.

  The above is a description of the sequence of capturing and storing image data. If the digital camera has a voice recording or other information generation function, the information can be stored by the same means and procedure. In this case, it is only necessary to replace the image photographing operation in step S201 with another information generating operation.

  By doing so, when building a system in which a user connects an information processing device such as a PC and a digital camera with a cable, the user does not have to do anything troublesome and the image data captured by the camera. The information is transferred immediately to an information processing apparatus such as a PC, and image data is not recorded in the digital camera, so that unnecessary data is not stored in the digital camera, and storage means is temporarily stored in the digital camera. Functions such as shooting can be executed even if there is no.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a second example of the shooting data storage sequence of the digital camera system of the present embodiment.

  First, when the digital camera 100 and the information processing apparatus 101 are connected, the fact is detected by the connection detection apparatus 106, and the internal flag gConnectionFlag is set. Thereafter, when the user depresses the release switch of the digital camera to perform photographing (step S301), the image data is temporarily stored in a work area (DRAM) (not shown) in the digital camera unit 102 (step S302).

  Thereafter, referring to the above gConnectionFlag (step S303), if the connection with the information processing apparatus 101 has not been established, the normal digital camera storage operation (for example, the storage device 103 or the storage medium 104 has a free space). If it is stored, if not, a warning is issued) (step S305). If it is determined in step S303 that the information processing apparatus 101 is connected, the result of the recording status detection apparatus 105 is referred to and whether an area for recording image data exists in the camera. Judgment is made (step S304). If it is determined that there is a recordable area, the data stored in the temporary work area (DRAM) described above is stored in a storage device 103 such as a non-detachable built-in memory in the camera, or It stores in the removable storage medium 104 (step S306). Thereafter, the data is transferred to the information processing apparatus 101 via the cable (step S307). If it is determined in step S304 that there is no area for storing image data in the camera, the image data is immediately transferred to the information processing apparatus 101 via the cable (step S307).

  The above is a description of the sequence of capturing and storing image data. If the digital camera has a voice recording or other information generation function, the information can be stored by the same means and procedure. In this case, it is only necessary to replace the image photographing operation in step S301 with other information generating operations.

  By doing so, when building a system in which a user connects an information processing device such as a PC and a digital camera with a cable, the captured image or the like is stored in the information processing device while storing data in a recording device inside the camera Data can be transferred, processed and managed, and even when the storage capacity in the camera is insufficient, it is transferred to the information processing device, so a warning is displayed to the user. And you will be able to work without losing data.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a third example of the shooting data storage sequence of the digital camera system of this embodiment.

  First, when the digital camera 100 and the information processing apparatus 101 are connected, the fact is detected by the connection detection apparatus 106, and the internal flag gConnectionFlag is set. Thereafter, when the user presses the release switch of the digital camera to perform photographing (step S401), the image data is temporarily stored in a work area (DRAM) (not shown) in the digital camera unit 102 (step S402).

  Thereafter, the above gConnectionFlag is referred to (step S403). If the connection with the information processing apparatus 101 is not established, a normal digital camera storage operation (for example, the storage device 103 or the storage medium 104 has a free space). If it is stored, if not, a warning is issued) (step S405). If it is determined in step S403 that the information processing apparatus 101 is connected, the result of the recording status detection apparatus 105 is referred to and whether an area for recording image data exists in the camera. Judgment is made (step S404). If it is determined that there is a recordable area, the data stored in the temporary work area (DRAM) is stored in the camera as a normal storage operation (step S405). If it is determined in step S404 that there is no area for storing image data in the camera, the image data is immediately transferred to the information processing apparatus 101 via the cable (step S406). The determination that there is no storage area includes a case where the digital camera has only a detachable recording medium and a detachable recording medium is not attached to the digital camera.

  The above is a description of the sequence of capturing and storing image data. If the digital camera has a voice recording or other information generation function, the information can be stored by the same means and procedure. In this case, it is only necessary to replace the image shooting operation in step S401 with other information generation operations.

  By doing so, when a user constructs a system that uses an information processing device such as a PC and a digital camera connected by a cable, the digital camera such as a photographed image is basically generated inside the digital camera. In an information storage system, if there is insufficient or no information storage area inside the digital camera, the information processing device is automatically selected as the data storage location and the digital camera shooting operation etc. is continued. Is possible.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a fourth example of the shooting data storage sequence of the digital camera system of this embodiment.

  First, when the digital camera 100 and the information processing apparatus 101 are connected, the fact is detected by the connection detection apparatus 106, and the internal flag gConnectionFlag is set. In the case of this example, the gConnectionFlag includes a storage method setting field as shown in FIG. 6, and stores a storage method specified at the time of connection from the information processing apparatus 101. Thereafter, when the user presses the release switch of the digital camera to perform photographing (step S501), the image data is temporarily stored in a work area (DRAM) (not shown) in the digital camera unit 102 (step S502).

  Thereafter, the above gConnectionFlag is referred to (step S503), and if the connection with the information processing apparatus 101 is not established, a normal digital camera storage operation (for example, the storage device 103 or the storage medium 104 has a free space). If it is stored, if not, a warning is issued) (step S505). If it is determined in step S503 that the information processing apparatus 101 is connected, the save method setting field in the gConnectionFlag is referred to and it is determined that only Save PC is set (step S504). ) Immediately transfers the data stored in the temporary work area (DRAM) to the information processing apparatus 101 via the cable (step S506).

  If it is determined in step S504 that Save Camera is set, the data stored in the temporary work area (DRAM) is stored in the camera and cannot be removed. The data is stored in the storage device 103 such as a memory or the removable storage medium 104 (step S507). Further, referring to the save method setting field in gConnectionFlag, if it is determined that Save PC is set (step S508), the data stored in the temporary work area (DRAM) is In parallel with the storage in the storage device 103 or the storage medium 104, the information is transferred to the information processing device 101 via a cable (step S506).

  The above is a description of the sequence of capturing and storing image data. If the digital camera has a voice recording or other information generation function, the information can be stored by the same means and procedure. In this case, it is only necessary to replace the image photographing operation in step S501 with other information generating operations.

  In the above description, the timing for setting the storage method setting field in the gConnectionFlag is set when the information processing apparatus 101 is connected. However, the storage method setting field in the gConnectionFlag is set by the information processing apparatus 101 other than at the time of connection. May be. In this case, it is necessary to provide a storage method setting means that can be understood between the information processing apparatus 101 and the digital camera 100, but all other aspects can be realized in the same manner as in the fourth example.

  By constructing a system in which a user connects an information processing device such as a PC and a digital camera by using a cable by using the fourth example, a method for storing information generated by the digital camera is provided. Therefore, it is possible to designate the digital camera from the information processing apparatus, and it is possible to construct a flexible digital camera system that can accurately meet various requests of users.

  In the above-described fourth example, the storage method setting means for specifying the storage location of the data generated by the digital camera has been described as the means for setting from the information processing apparatus 101. However, the storage method setting means is the digital camera side. You may set it up. In this case, there is a storage location selection operation member as shown in FIG. 7, and the storage location can be selected by the user operating this. FIG. 7 shows an example of a model in which two recording media that can be attached to and detached from the digital camera can be mounted. When the information processing apparatus 101 is connected to the digital camera 100, “PC” is added in the display of this menu, and the user can select it with the above-described storage location selection operation member. In this way, when building a system that uses a digital camera and an information processing device such as a PC connected by the user, the digital camera itself can also select a method for saving the information generated by the digital camera. And operability is improved.

  Further, in the first to fourth examples described above, when the digital camera 100 has a display device such as a liquid crystal that displays a storage location of data generated by the digital camera, the method of the first to fourth examples described above is used. The determined storage location may be displayed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the selected storage location among “PC”, “Slot1”, and “Slot2” is lit. By doing so, the storage location can be clearly shown to the user operating the camera, and the user can be prevented from making a mistake in selecting the storage location.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital camera system has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to a system using other information input devices and information processing devices.

(Other embodiments)
Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for implementing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the.

  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.

  As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating 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.

  Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board 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.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera system which is an embodiment of the information input system of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st example of the imaging | photography data preservation | save sequence of the digital camera system of one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd example of the imaging | photography data preservation | save sequence of the digital camera system of one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 3rd example of the imaging | photography data preservation | save sequence of the digital camera system of one Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 4th example of the imaging | photography data preservation | save sequence of the digital camera system of one Embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram of a connection state flag having a storage method designation field used in the fourth example. It is a figure which shows the example of a menu display in the case of selecting a preservation | save place with a camera main body as expansion of a 4th example. It is a figure which shows the example of a storage location display.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Digital camera 101 Information processing apparatus 102 Digital camera unit 103 Recording apparatus 104 Recording medium 105 Recording area condition detection apparatus 106 Connection detection apparatus

Claims (5)

An imaging device,
Imaging means for photographing a subject and generating image data;
An internal memory for storing image data generated by the imaging means;
Connection detecting means for detecting that an external device is connected to the imaging device;
Control means for controlling the storage of the image data stored in the internal memory,
When the connection detection unit does not detect that the external device is connected to the imaging device, the control unit stores the image data stored in the internal memory in a storage medium of the imaging device. Does not transfer the image data to the external device,
When the connection detecting unit detects that the external device is connected to the imaging device, the control unit transfers the image data stored in the internal memory to the external device and stores the image data in the internal memory. The stored image data is not stored in the storage medium, or the image data stored in the internal memory is stored in the storage medium and the image data stored in the internal memory is transferred to the external device. Is determined based on the storage destination set by the external device ,
When the connection detection unit detects that the external device is connected to the imaging device, and the storage destination is the storage medium and the external device, the connection detection unit is stored in the internal memory. In parallel with storing the image data in the storage medium, the image data stored in the internal memory is transferred to the external device.   When the connection detection unit detects that the external device is connected to the imaging device and the storage destination of the image data is only the external device, the control unit is stored in the internal memory. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is transferred to the external apparatus without being stored in the storage medium.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the imaging apparatus is capable of storing the image data in a plurality of storage media. An imaging unit that captures a subject and generates image data; an internal memory that stores image data generated by the imaging unit; a connection detection unit that detects that an external device is connected to the imaging device; A control means for controlling storage of image data stored in the internal memory, and a method for controlling an imaging apparatus comprising:
When the connection detection unit does not detect that the external device is connected to the imaging device, the control unit stores the image data stored in the internal memory in a storage medium of the imaging device. Does not transfer the image data to the external device,
When the connection detecting unit detects that the external device is connected to the imaging device, the control unit transfers the image data stored in the internal memory to the external device and stores the image data in the internal memory. The stored image data is not stored in the storage medium, or the image data stored in the internal memory is stored in the storage medium and the image data stored in the internal memory is transferred to the external device. Is determined based on the storage destination set by the external device ,
When the connection detection unit detects that the external device is connected to the imaging device, and the storage destination is the storage medium and the external device, the connection detection unit is stored in the internal memory. A method for controlling an imaging apparatus, wherein the image data stored in the internal memory is transferred to the external apparatus in parallel with storing the image data in the storage medium . An imaging unit that captures a subject and generates image data; an internal memory that stores image data generated by the imaging unit; a connection detection unit that detects that an external device is connected to the imaging device; A storage medium storing a control program for controlling the imaging apparatus, the control means for controlling the storage of the image data stored in the internal memory,
The control program is
When the connection detection unit does not detect that the external device is connected to the imaging device, the control unit stores the image data stored in the internal memory in a storage medium of the imaging device. Not to transfer the image data to the external device;
When the connection detecting unit detects that the external device is connected to the imaging device, the control unit transfers the image data stored in the internal memory to the external device and stores the image data in the internal memory. The stored image data is not stored in the storage medium, or the image data stored in the internal memory is stored in the storage medium and the image data stored in the internal memory is transferred to the external device. Determining whether or not based on the storage destination set by the external device;
When the connection detection unit detects that the external device is connected to the imaging device, and the storage destination is the storage medium and the external device, the connection detection unit is stored in the internal memory. Transferring the image data stored in the internal memory to the external device in parallel with storing the image data in the storage medium;
A computer-readable storage medium.

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