JP4461991B2 - Image transfer apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image transfer apparatus and program used for a digital camera having a slot for mounting a medium such as a memory card.

  With the recent spread of digital cameras, digital photo printing means have been diversified. For example, the so-called “network print” in which an image is sent to a specific server via the Internet and the image is requested to be printed is one of them.

On the other hand, digital cameras often have only one card mounting slot or do not have a built-in communication function as devices become smaller. In such a digital camera, when an image recorded on a memory card is transferred to the outside, the transfer image is temporarily copied from the memory card to a work RAM (DRAM) used as a buffer memory, and then the communication card. In general, a method of transferring an image from a work RAM to the outside via a communication card when the camera is mounted in a slot is used (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-209129 A

  However, in the method using the work RAM as described above, when a large number of images are to be transferred to the outside, it is necessary to repeat the card attaching / detaching operation many times if the memory capacity of the work RAM is small. In this case, if the memory capacity of the work RAM is increased, the card insertion / removal operation can be reduced, but the cost increases accordingly.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and can efficiently transfer a large number of images without increasing the capacity of the buffer memory and without repeatedly inserting and removing the card. An object of the present invention is to provide an image transfer apparatus and a program that can be used.

An image transfer apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention provides:
Built-in memory for image recording built in the main body of the device,
First transfer instruction means for instructing transfer of an image;
When transfer of an image is instructed by the first transfer instruction means, an image recorded in a first medium mounted in the slot and used for image recording separately from the built-in memory is stored in the built-in image. First transfer processing means for transferring to the memory;
Transfer image search means for searching for an image transferred by the first transfer processing means by distinguishing it from other images in the built-in memory;
Second transfer processing means for transferring the image searched by the transfer image search means to a second medium mounted in the slot instead of the first medium ;
When the free space in the internal memory does not satisfy a predetermined capacity, at least one image not to be transferred is selected from the internal memory, and the selected image is saved in the first medium and recorded in the internal memory. An area creation means for creating a possible area;
After the image searched by the transfer image search means is transferred to the second medium, it is determined again whether or not the first medium is mounted in the slot instead of the second medium. Judgment means,
After the image searched by the transfer image search means is transferred to the second medium by the attachment determination means, the first medium is again attached to the slot instead of the second medium. If it is determined, a restoration processing means for restoring the image saved in the first medium by the area creating means to an image recording built-in memory built in the apparatus main body;
It is characterized by comprising.

The program according to the second aspect of the present invention is:
A program executed by a computer that controls an apparatus including an apparatus main body having one slot and an image recording built-in memory built in the apparatus main body,
In the computer,
A transfer instruction function for instructing image transfer;
When an image transfer is instructed by the transfer instruction function, an image recorded in a first medium mounted in the slot and used for image recording separately from the built-in memory is transferred to the built-in memory. A first transfer processing function,
A transfer image search function for searching for images transferred by the first transfer processing function separately from other images in the built-in memory;
A second transfer processing function for transferring an image searched by the transfer image search function to a second medium mounted in the slot instead of the first medium ;
When the free space in the internal memory does not satisfy a predetermined capacity, at least one image not to be transferred is selected from the internal memory, and the selected image is saved in the first medium and recorded in the internal memory. An area creation function to create a possible area;
After the image searched by the transfer image search function is transferred to the second medium, it is determined whether or not the first medium is inserted into the slot again instead of the second medium. Judgment function,
After the image searched by the transfer image search function is transferred to the second medium by the mounting determination function, the first medium is mounted in the slot again instead of the second medium. A determination processing function for returning the image saved in the first medium by the area creation function to the built-in memory for image recording built in the apparatus body,
It is characterized by realizing.

  According to the present invention, since the image transfer is performed by effectively using the built-in memory having a relatively large capacity, the capacity of the buffer memory is not increased, and the card is not repeatedly inserted and removed repeatedly. A large number of images can be transferred efficiently.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external configuration when a digital camera is taken as an example of an image transfer apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 (a) is mainly a front configuration, and FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a back surface.

  This digital camera 1 has a photographing lens 3, a self-timer lamp 4, an optical finder window 5, a strobe light emitting unit 6, a microphone unit 7 and the like on the front surface of a substantially rectangular thin plate-like device body 2, and a (user) For example, a power key 8 and a shutter key 9 are provided on the right end side.

  The power key 8 is a key operated every time the power is turned on / off, and the shutter key 9 is a key for instructing a photographing timing at the time of photographing.

  Also, on the back of the apparatus main body 2, a shooting mode (R) key 10, a playback mode (P) key 11, an optical viewfinder 12, a speaker unit 13, a menu (MENU) key 14, a ring key 15, a set (SET) A key 16, a display unit 17, and the like are provided.

  The shooting mode key 10 is operated automatically from the power-off state to automatically turn on the power and shift to the still image shooting mode. On the other hand, by repeatedly operating from the power-on state, the still image mode and the moving image mode are switched. Set cyclically. The still image mode is a mode for photographing a still image. The moving image mode is a mode for shooting a moving image.

  The shutter key 9 is commonly used for these photographing modes. That is, in the still image mode, a still image is taken at the timing when the shutter key 9 is pressed. In the moving image mode, shooting of a moving image is started at a timing when the shutter key 9 is pressed, and shooting of the moving image is ended when the shutter key 9 is pressed again.

  When the playback mode key 11 is operated from the power-off state, the playback mode key 11 is automatically turned on to enter the playback mode.

  The menu key 14 is a key for instructing display of various menus. The ring key 15 is formed by integrally forming keys for selecting items in the up / down / left / right directions, and the set key 16 located at the center of the ring key 15 sets the item selected at that time. To operate.

  The display unit 17 is composed of a color liquid crystal panel with a backlight, and displays a through image on the monitor as an electronic viewfinder in the photographing mode, while reproducing and displaying the selected image and the like in the reproduction mode.

  In addition, a single card mounting slot 18 is provided on the side surface of the apparatus main body 2 of the digital camera 1, and a memory card 19 or a communication card 20 is mounted therein. The memory card 19 is a card-shaped recording medium having a memory function, and is used for image recording separately from a built-in memory 38 described later. The communication card 20 is a card-shaped communication medium having a wireless communication function, and is used when images are transferred to the outside.

  Although not shown, the digital camera 1 is provided with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector or the like as a serial interface connector for connecting to an external personal computer or the like on the bottom surface.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electronic circuit configuration of the digital camera 1.

  In the digital camera 1, a lens optical system 22 including a focus lens and a zoom lens (not shown) constituting the photographing lens 3 is provided so as to be movable within a predetermined range in the optical axis direction by driving a motor 21. A CCD 23, which is an image sensor, is disposed behind the optical axis. The CCD 23 receives light from each part of the subject input through the photographing lens 3 and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the light.

  In the recording mode, which is the basic mode, the CCD 23 is scanned and driven by a timing generator (TG) 24 and a driver 25, and outputs a photoelectric conversion output corresponding to a light image formed at regular intervals for one screen. The photoelectric conversion output of the CCD 23 is appropriately gain-adjusted for each primary color component of RGB in the state of an analog value signal, sampled and held by the sample hold circuit 26, and converted into digital data by the A / D converter 27. The

  Then, in the color process circuit 28, image processing including pixel interpolation processing and γ correction processing is performed to generate a digital luminance signal Y and color difference signals U and V (Cb, Cr), and DMA (Direct Memory Access). ) Output to the controller 29.

  The DMA controller 29 once uses the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals U and V output from the color process circuit 28 by using the composite synchronization signal, the memory write enable signal, and the clock signal from the color process circuit 28 once. And the DMA transfer to the DRAM 31 used as the buffer memory via the DRAM interface (I / F) 30.

  The control unit 32 controls the entire digital camera 1 and is constituted by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM storing an operation program executed by the CPU, a RAM used as a work memory, and the like. . After the DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signals to the DRAM 31, the control unit 32 reads the luminance and color difference signals from the DRAM 31 via the DRAM interface 30 and writes them to the VRAM 34 via the VRAM controller 33.

  The digital video encoder 35 periodically reads out the luminance and color difference signals from the VRAM 34 via the VRAM controller 33, generates a video signal based on these data, and outputs the video signal to the display unit 17.

  The display unit 17 functions as a monitor display unit (electronic finder) at the time of shooting as described above. By performing display based on the video signal from the digital video encoder 35, the display unit 17 captures from the VRAM controller 33 at that time. An image based on the image information is displayed in real time.

  As described above, when the shutter key 9 is pressed at a timing when it is desired to take a still image while the image at that time is displayed in real time on the display unit 17 as a monitor image, a trigger signal is generated.

  In response to the trigger signal, the control unit 32 immediately stops the path from the CCD 23 to the DRAM 31 immediately after the DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signals for one screen captured from the CCD 23 to the DRAM 31 is completed. , Transition to the record storage state.

  In this recording and storage state, the control unit 32 outputs the luminance and color difference signals for one frame written in the DRAM 31 to 8 pixels × 8 pixels for each of Y, Cb, and Cr components via the DRAM interface 30. The data is read out in units called basic blocks and written in a JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) circuit 37. The JPEG circuit 37 uses an ADCT (Adaptive Discrete Cosine Transform) and an entropy coding system. Data compression is performed by processing such as conversion.

  The obtained code data is read out from the JPEG circuit 37 and written into the built-in memory 38 or the memory card 19 as a data file of one image. The built-in memory 38 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory.

  With the compression processing of the luminance and color difference signals for one frame and the completion of writing of all the compressed data to the built-in memory 38 or the memory card 19, the control unit 32 activates the path from the CCD 23 to the DRAM 31 again.

  The control unit 32 is further connected with an audio processing unit 39, a USB interface (I / F) 40, a strobe driving unit 41, and a card interface (I / F) 42.

  The sound processing unit 39 includes a sound source circuit such as a PCM sound source, digitizes a sound signal input from the microphone unit (MIC) 7 during sound recording, and performs a predetermined data file format such as MP3 (MPEG-1 audio layer). 3) Data compression is performed in accordance with the standard to create an audio data file and send it to the built-in memory 38 or the memory card 19, while the audio data file read from the built-in memory 38 or the memory card 19 is uncompressed during audio playback. And output through the speaker unit (SP) 13.

  The USB interface 40 performs communication control when image data and other information are transmitted / received to / from another information terminal device such as a personal computer connected by wire via a USB connector. The strobe drive unit 41 charges a strobe capacitor (not shown) at the time of shooting, and then drives the strobe light emitting unit 6 to flash based on control from the control unit 32. The card interface (I / F) 42 performs interface control with the memory card 19 or the communication card 20 installed in the slot 18.

  The key input unit 36 includes a power key 8, a shooting mode key 10, a playback mode key 11, a menu key 14, a ring key 15, a set key 16 and the like in addition to the shutter key 9 described above. A signal accompanying the key operation is directly sent to the control unit 32.

  Further, when shooting a moving image instead of a still image, when the shutter key 9 is pressed, the above-described JPEG circuit 37 compresses the captured moving image using a technique such as motion-JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). To the internal memory 38 or the memory card 19. When the shutter key 9 is operated again, the recording of the moving image data is finished.

  On the other hand, in the playback mode which is the basic mode, the control unit 32 selectively reads out the image data recorded in the built-in memory 38 or the memory card 19 and is completely opposite to the procedure in which the data is compressed in the recording mode by the JPEG circuit 37. Then, the compressed image data is decompressed. The decompressed image data is held in the DRAM 31 via the DRAM interface 30, and then the content held in the DRAM 31 is stored in the VRAM 34 via the VRAM controller 33. The image data is periodically read out from the VRAM 34. A video signal is generated and reproduced and output by the display unit 17.

  If the selected image data is not a still image but a moving image, the multiple frames of still image data that make up the moving image data are played back and displayed sequentially in chronological order, and all the still image data is played back. For example, the top still image data is displayed until the next playback instruction is given.

  Here, before explaining the processing operation of the digital camera 1 in the present embodiment, a network printing procedure performed by the digital camera 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 3 for easy understanding. .

  Assume that at least one image (still image) recorded on the memory card 19 is transferred to a specific server 50 and the image is requested to be printed.

  First, as shown in FIG. 3A, after the memory card 19 is inserted into the slot 18 of the digital camera 1, images and print sizes requested to be printed among the images in the memory card 19 by a predetermined operation. When the number of prints is set, a print request file 19a storing these setting information is created.

  When the print request setting operation is completed, as shown in FIG. 3B, the print request-set image is automatically copied from the memory card 19 to the built-in memory 38 in accordance with the print request file 19a. The copy at this time is not a normal memory-to-memory copy but a special memory-to-memory copy for a print request. This special memory-to-memory copy is executed by selecting [print copy] 53 on the copy mode selection screen 51 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, normal memory-to-memory copying is executed by selecting [Normal Copy] 52 on the copy mode selection screen 51.

  Here, in the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment, the built-in memory 38 can be used as an image recording memory separately from the memory card 19. If the memory card 19 is not attached at the time of shooting, the built-in memory 38 is used as the recording destination. When the memory card 19 is mounted, the memory card 19 is selected as a recording destination.

  In addition to such an automatic selection function, for example, a function for allowing the user to specify the memory card 19 or the built-in memory 38 as a recording destination of a captured image on a menu screen (not shown) is provided. In this case, the recording destination designated by the user has priority. That is, for example, when the user designates the built-in memory 38 as a recording destination, the photographed image obtained through the CCD 23 is recorded in the built-in memory 38 even if the memory card 19 is attached at the time of photographing. .

  Further, it is possible to arbitrarily select and copy an image recorded on the memory card 19 as a copy target in the built-in memory 38. Copying at this time is performed by operating the [normal copy] 52 on the copy mode selection screen 51 shown in FIG.

  As described above, the built-in memory 38 stores images recorded when the memory card is not installed, images recorded when the built-in memory 38 is selected as a recording destination at the time of shooting, Many images copied in the copy mode and special copy mode are mixed. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, a management table 38a for managing each image is provided in a predetermined area of the built-in memory 38, and an image (specially copied by the operation of [print copy] 53) ( In other words, the print request flag F1 is set for an image for which a print request is set, so that it can be distinguished from other images. The print request flag F1 is identification information indicating that the print request is set. In the example of FIG. 4, the print request flag F1 is set for each of the images numbered 3-5.

  As will be described later, when the internal memory 38 is full and the image for which the print request is set cannot be copied from the memory card 19 to the internal memory 38, another image (non-printable image) is read from the internal memory 38. ) Is temporarily saved in the memory card 19. In this case, a save flag F2 is set to the saved image in the management table 38a so that it can be seen which image has been saved. The save flag F2 is identification information indicating that the image is saved in the memory card 19. In the example of FIG. 4, the save flag F2 is set for the image of number 6.

  Thus, when the image for which the print request has been set is copied from the memory card 19 to the built-in memory 38, a message to that effect is displayed or output as sound. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 3C, the user installs the communication card 20 in the slot 18 of the digital camera 1 instead of the memory card 19.

  With the installation of the communication card 20, as shown in FIG. 3D, the image for which the print request has been set is transferred from the built-in memory 38 to the communication card 20, and specified on the network via the communication card 20. To the server 50. On the server 50 side, an image for which a print request is set is received from the digital camera 1 and print processing is performed.

  Next, the processing operation of the digital camera 1 will be described in detail assuming a network print as described with reference to FIG.

  6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the overall processing operation of the digital camera 1. The processes shown in the following flowcharts including the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are executed when the control unit 32, which is a microcomputer, reads a program stored in a ROM, a RAM, or the like.

  First, as shown in FIG. 6, the user inserts a memory card 19 into the slot 18 of the digital camera 1 (step A11), and then performs a copy mode selection operation (step A12). Specifically, for example, by operating the menu key 14, a copy mode selection screen 51 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display unit 17, and [Normal Copy] 52 or [Print Copy] is displayed on the copy mode selection screen 51. 53 is selected.

  Here, when [normal copy] 52 is selected (No in step A13), normal copy processing is executed. The normal copy process is a process of copying each image recorded on the memory card 19 to the built-in memory 38 in accordance with a user instruction. In this case, it is also possible to copy all images at once by selecting images to be copied and copying one by one.

  On the other hand, when [print copy] 53 is selected (Yes in step A13), a special copy process for only the image for which the print request is set in the memory card 19 is executed.

  That is, first, a print request setting screen (not shown) is displayed on the display unit 17 in accordance with the selection of “print copy” 53. On this print request setting screen, by setting the image to be printed, the print size, the number of prints, etc. among the images in the memory card 19, the print request file 19a is stored in the memory card based on these setting information. 19 (step A14). For example, if an automatic print request function such as “DPOF (digital print order format)” is used, the print request file 19a as described above can be stored in the memory card 19 together with the captured image.

  Here, the control unit 32 provided in the digital camera 1 searches the memory card 19 for an image for which a print request is set with reference to the print request file 19a (step A15). If there is a corresponding image (Yes in step A16), the control unit 32 checks the resolution of the image before copying it to the built-in memory 38 (step A17). As a result, when the resolution is inappropriate for printing the print size set in advance for the image (No in step A18), the resolution adjustment processing (FIG. 8) is performed on the image. (See step A19).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the resolution adjustment process executed in step A19.
There are two cases where the resolution is judged to be inappropriate: a case where the resolution is insufficient and a case where the resolution is higher than necessary.

  When the resolution of the image is insufficient, that is, when the resolution of the image is lower than the resolution of the preset print size (Yes in Step B11), the control unit 32, for example, “The image resolution is insufficient. A warning message such as “Do you want to adjust?” Is displayed on the display unit 17 or outputted by voice (step B12). If the user receives an execution instruction by a predetermined operation in response to the warning message (Yes in step B13), the control unit 32 forcibly increases the image size by performing pixel interpolation processing in accordance with the print size ( Step B15).

  If there is no execution instruction, or if cancellation of the print request is explicitly instructed (No in step B13), the control unit 32 cancels the print request for the image and informs the user to that effect. After notifying, etc., the next image search is started (step B14).

  On the other hand, when the resolution of the image is higher than necessary, that is, when the resolution of the image is higher than the resolution of the preset print size (No in Step B11), the control unit 32 sets the pixel according to the print size. By performing the thinning process, the image size is forcibly reduced (step B16).

  In this way, the resolution of the image that has been set as a print request is checked in advance, and if the resolution is insufficient, the image size is increased, or the print request is canceled, thereby requesting a print request for a low-quality image. Can be prevented. Conversely, if the image resolution is higher than necessary, the image size can be automatically reduced to avoid unnecessary data transfer and shorten the communication time, thereby reducing the communication cost. it can.

  Returning to FIG. 6, after adjusting the resolution of the image read from the memory card 19 (the image for which the print request is set) as necessary, the control unit 32 adjusts the image to the built-in memory 38 provided in the apparatus main body 2. (Step A21). At this time, if the internal memory 38 cannot be copied due to insufficient capacity, a saving process is performed. This will be described in detail later.

  If the image can be copied to the built-in memory 38, the image number is added to the management table 38a shown in FIG. 4 and the print request flag F1 is set so that the image can be distinguished from other images. (Step A22). In this way, the images for which the print request is set are read from the memory card 19 one by one and copied to the built-in memory 38 while checking the resolution of the images.

(A) When all images set for print request can be copied at once It is assumed that all images set for print request can be copied from the memory card 19 to the built-in memory 38 at one time (in step A16). No-> A23).

  As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 32 displays a message on the display unit 17 such as “Copying has been completed. Please remove the memory card and insert the communication card”. (Step A24). When the communication card 20 is inserted into the slot 18 of the digital camera 1 (Yes in step A25), the control unit 32 uses this communication card 20 to transfer an image copied to the built-in memory 38, that is, a print request image. (See FIG. 9) is performed (step A26). The presence / absence of the memory card 19 or the communication card 20 is detected mechanically or electrically by, for example, a card attachment detection unit (not shown) provided in the slot 18.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the image transfer process executed in step A26.
That is, when the communication card 20 is inserted, the control unit 32 searches for an image for which a print request is set from the internal memory 38 based on the print request flag F1 set in the management table 38a (step C11). If there is a corresponding image (Yes in Step C12), the control unit 32 displays the image on the screen of the display unit 17 as a transfer target and allows the user to confirm (Step C13).

  If there is a cancel instruction by a predetermined operation from the user (Yes in step C14), the control unit 32 cancels the transfer of the image (step C16), and then proceeds to search for the next print request image. If there is no cancel instruction, or if the transfer of the image is explicitly instructed (No in step C14), the control unit 32 reads the image from the built-in memory 38 and sends it to the communication card 20. Then, the data is transferred to the server 50 shown in FIG. 3 via the communication card 20 (step C15).

  In this way, only the image for print request is searched from the built-in memory 38, displayed once on the screen, and then transferred according to the user's instruction. Canceling it can prevent unnecessary printing requests.

  In the processing of FIG. 9, the print request set images are retrieved one by one from the built-in memory 38 and displayed one by one. However, a list of corresponding images is displayed in a thumbnail format, and the display screen is displayed. The configuration may be such that each image is transferred at once except for the image canceled by the user.

  When the transfer of all the images set for the print request is completed (No in Step C12), the control unit 32 deletes the image transferred from the built-in memory 38 to the server 50, and updates the management table 38a accordingly. (Step A27).

  Here, the control unit 32 displays a message such as “please remove the communication card and insert the memory card” on the display unit 17 or outputs it by voice to the user of the memory card 19. The user is prompted to wear it (step A28). Here, the reason why the user is prompted to attach the memory card 19 is that it may be necessary to restore the image saved in the memory card 19 in the save process described later.

  When the memory card 19 is loaded (Yes in Step A29), the process returns to Step A15. At this point, if copying and transfer of all the images for which the print request is set has been completed (No in step A16 → A23), the control unit 32 completes the print request such as “Requested printing”. A message is displayed or voiced (step A33). At that time, the control unit 32 determines whether or not there is a saved image (step A34). If there is a saved image, the controller 32 restores the saved image (step A35) and ends all the processes. This saved image will be described later.

(B) When all images set for print request could not be copied at once Next, a case where all images set for print request could not be copied from the memory card 19 to the built-in memory 38 at the same time is assumed ( Step A20 No → A30).

  When copying an image for which a print request is set to the internal memory 38, if the internal memory 38 cannot be copied due to insufficient capacity, the control unit 32 refers to the management table 38a and stores it in the internal memory 38. It is determined whether one or more images have been copied (step A30). The shortage of the capacity of the built-in memory 38 means a state in which one image cannot be written in the built-in memory 38. Whether the capacity is insufficient is determined by acquiring the free capacity of the built-in memory 38 and determining whether the free capacity satisfies a predetermined capacity (capacity for one image).

  When one or more images have been copied into the built-in memory 38 (Yes in Step A30), the control unit 32 displays a message for attaching the communication card 20 or outputs it by voice (Step A23 → A24). ).

  When it is detected that the communication card 20 is installed in the slot 18 (Yes in Step A25), the control unit 32 transfers the print request image currently copied to the internal memory 38 via the communication card 20 ( Step A26). As described above, the print request image in the built-in memory 38 is determined by the print request flag F1 set in the management table 38a. After transferring the print request image, the control unit 32 deletes the transfer image from the built-in memory 38 (step A27). At that time, the information of the image is deleted from the management table 38a.

  In this way, when the copied print request image is transferred and a free area (recordable area) for the image transfer is created in the built-in memory 38, the control unit 32 determines whether the memory card 19 is attached by outputting a message. (Step A28). Then, after confirming the installation of the memory card 19 (step A29), the process returns to step A15 to resume copying of the print request image remaining on the memory card 19.

  Also, if the internal memory 38 becomes full again during copying resumption and the copy is disabled (No in step A20), a free area is created by transferring the currently copied print request image as described above. (Step A30 → A24 to A29).

  When the transfer of all the images for which the print request is set is completed by repeating such copying and transfer (No in Step A16 → A23), the control unit 32, for example, print request such as “Requested printing”. A completion message is displayed or output by voice (step A33). At that time, the control unit 32 determines whether or not there is a saved image (step A34). If there is a saved image, the controller 32 restores the saved image (step A35) and ends all the processes. This saved image will be described later.

(C) Save Process On the other hand, if no image for which the print request is set has been copied to the built-in memory 38 in step A30, the following save process is performed (see FIG. 10). Then, an empty area is forcibly created in the built-in memory 38 (step A31).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the saving process executed in step A31.
That is, the control unit 32 uses the memory card 19 as a save target memory, and determines whether or not the memory card 19 has a free space for one (step D11). As a result, when there is no free space for one sheet, that is, when the capacity of the memory card 19 is also full (No in step D11), the control unit 32, for example, “print request is set. A print request impossible message such as “The image cannot be transferred” is displayed or output by voice, and the saving process of the image is prohibited (step D14).

  For example, a message such as “Please delete unnecessary images from the memory card or internal memory and try again” may be added to the print request impossible message.

  If the memory card 19 has enough free space (Yes in step D11), the control unit 32 selects an arbitrary image (non-printable image) from the built-in memory 38, and sends this to the memory card 19. Retreat (step D12). At that time, a save flag F2 is set in the management table 38a so that it can be determined later which image has been saved in the memory card 19 (step D13).

  When the free area is forcibly created by saving any image in the internal memory 38 in this way, the control unit 32 copies the print request image read from the memory card 19 to the free area of the internal memory 38. (Step D13 → A32).

  After copying the print request image to the vacant area, the control unit 32 displays a message for attaching the communication card 20 or outputs it by voice (step A32 → A24). After confirming the installation of the communication card 20 (Yes in step A25), the control unit 32 transfers the print request image via the communication card 20 (step A26), and the transferred print request image is stored in the built-in memory 38. (Step A27).

  Subsequently, the control unit 32 prompts the user to attach the memory card 19 by outputting a message (step A28). Then, after confirming the installation of the memory card 19 (step A29), the process returns to step A15 to resume copying of the print request image remaining on the memory card 19. In this case, since only one free area is secured in the built-in memory 38 by the saving process, the process of transferring the image immediately after copying one image is executed (steps A30 → A24˜). A29).

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, when three images 1, 2, and 3 for which a print request is set are copied into the memory card 19, the built-in memory 38 on the receiver side is copied. If there is not enough free space for one sheet, these images 1, 2, and 3 cannot be copied. Therefore, by saving an arbitrary image X in the built-in memory 38 in the memory card 19, a free space 38b for one sheet is forcibly secured in the built-in memory 38. This is the above-described saving process. The image X is a non-printing image previously recorded in the built-in memory 38.

  Here, first, the image 1 is copied from the memory card 19 to the empty area 38 b of the internal memory 38. By copying this image 1, the capacity of the built-in memory 38 becomes full. Therefore, the image 1 is transferred to the communication card 20, and the empty area 38b for one sheet is created again. The next image 2 is copied there. Since the capacity of the built-in memory 38 is full by copying this image 2, the image 2 is transferred to the communication card 20, and a free space 38b for one sheet is created again. The next image 3 is copied there. In this way, the image copy and transfer are repeated using the empty area 38b for one sheet.

  When the copying and transfer of all the images for which the print request is set is completed by such repetition (No in Step A16 → A23), the control unit 32, for example, “The transfer of the image for which the print request is set has been completed”. A print request completion message such as is displayed or output by voice (step A33). At that time, the control unit 32 determines whether or not there is a saved image (step A34). The presence / absence of the save image can be determined by the save flag F2 set in the management table 38a.

  In other words, after outputting the print request completion message, the control unit 32 refers to the management table 38a and checks whether there is an image with the save flag F2 set (step A34). If there is a corresponding image (Yes in step A34), the control unit 32 determines that there is a saved image, and performs a process of reading the image from the memory card 19 and returning it to the built-in memory 38. In the example of FIG. 11, the image X saved in the memory card 19 is returned to the built-in memory 38 when the transfer of the images 1, 2, and 3 is completed.

  As described above, when the print request image recorded in the memory card 19 is temporarily copied to the built-in memory 38 and then sent to the external server 50 via the communication card 20, a large number is stored in the built-in memory 38. Even if the image is recorded, only the image for the print request can be searched from the built-in memory 38 and transferred. Therefore, the user himself / herself does not need a troublesome operation of selecting and transferring an image for requesting printing, and anyone can easily request only the necessary image to be printed outside.

  Further, since the built-in memory 38 having a relatively large capacity is used as a buffer memory, when there are many images requested to be printed in the memory card 19, the memory card 19 and the communication card 20 are repeatedly attached and detached. It is possible to efficiently transfer the images to the outside via the communication card 20 by copying these images together in the built-in memory 38 without the trouble of transferring each image little by little while repeating the operation. it can.

  Further, when copying from the memory card 19, even if the internal memory 38 on the receiving side is incapable of copying due to a lack of capacity, an empty area corresponding to one sheet is stored in the internal memory 38 by the save processing as described above. By ensuring the above, it is possible to transfer the image for which the print request has been set to the outside while copying in units of one sheet.

  In the embodiment, when the built-in memory 38 has insufficient capacity, an empty area for one sheet is secured in the built-in memory 38. However, as another method, for example, a free space for the number of sheets to be copied from the beginning is used. In order to secure an area, a saving process for a plurality of images may be performed. However, since this method requires a large amount of free space on the memory card 19 on the saving side, it is necessary to check the free space of the memory card 19 and save the amount corresponding to the free space. The process in that case is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart when a saving process for a plurality of images is performed as other processing. Since the overall processing flow is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, only the portion related to the saving processing for a plurality of images will be described here.

  That is, when copying an image for which a print request is set from the memory card 19 to the built-in memory 38, if the built-in memory 38 cannot be copied due to insufficient capacity (No in step A20), the control unit 32 performs the following. Perform the following process.

  First, the control unit 32 checks the set number (N) of print requests (step E11). The set number N can be determined from the print request file 19 a created on the memory card 19. Subsequently, the control unit 32 checks the number of images (M) copied to the internal memory 38 at that time (step E12). The number of copies M can be determined from the management table 38a created in the built-in memory 38. Then, the control unit 32 calculates the remaining number of copies (T) as follows based on the set number N of print requests and the number of copies M (step E13).

T = NM
Here, the control unit 32 detects the free space of the memory card 19 (step E14), and determines whether or not there is T free space (step E15). As a result, if the memory card 19 has a free space for T sheets (Yes in step E15), the control unit 32 selects T images not to be printed from the built-in memory 38 and selects these images at once. Retreat to the memory card 19 (step E16).

  On the other hand, if the memory card 19 does not have free space for T sheets (No in step E15), the control unit 32 selects from the built-in memory 38 images that are not subject to print request for the free space, and once these images are stored. To the memory card 19 (step E17). In this case, if there is not enough free space in the memory card 19, as described in steps D11 and D14 in FIG. 10, a message to that effect is output and the saving process is prohibited.

  In this way, when a plurality of images are saved according to the free space of the memory card 19, the save flag F2 is set for these images in the same manner as described above. Then, when all of the print request images copied to the internal memory 38 are transferred, the plurality of saved images are returned to the internal memory 38.

  If T images are saved as in step E16, N images can be copied from the memory card 19 to the built-in memory 38 at a time, so that these images are transferred once. Can be completed with. On the other hand, when the image corresponding to the free capacity of the memory card 19 is saved as in the step E17, after the copy of the image for the free capacity is completed, these images are temporarily stored via the communication card 20. After transferring to the outside, it is necessary to repeat the process of copying the remaining image to the internal memory 38 and transferring it to the outside again.

  In this way, even if the internal memory 38 is incapable of copying due to insufficient capacity, if a plurality of images are saved according to the free capacity of the memory card 19 and the free space is secured in the internal memory 38, the internal memory 38 can be saved at a time. Since the number of copies that can be made can be increased, it is possible to transfer the print request image more efficiently.

  Although the above embodiment has been described on the assumption that network printing is performed, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an image on the memory card 19 is transferred to an arbitrary party using e-mail. The same applies to cases. That is, after the image set to be transferred from the memory card 19 to the built-in memory 38 is temporarily copied, only the image is retrieved from the built-in memory 38 and transferred to the mail partner when the communication card 20 is attached. Also in this case, if the built-in memory 38 is in a state where copying is not possible due to insufficient capacity, this is dealt with by securing a free area by the above-described saving process.

  The present invention is not limited to the image transfer process using the memory card 19 and the communication card 20, and can be applied to the case of transferring an image using two memory cards, for example. That is, for example, when transferring a preset image from the memory card A to the memory card B, since only one card can be loaded in the slot 18, the image set to transfer from the memory card A to the built-in memory 38 is temporarily stored. After copying, with the installation of another memory card B, only the image is retrieved from the built-in memory 38 and transferred to the memory card B. Also in this case, if the built-in memory 38 is in a state where copying is not possible due to insufficient capacity, this is dealt with by securing a free area by the above-described saving process.

(Other embodiments)
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  At the time of shooting, when a shot image is recorded in a memory currently in use, there are cases where a number of other images have already been recorded in the recording destination memory and the image cannot be recorded. In such a case, a method is usually employed in which another memory is prepared and the image is recorded in the other memory. However, if a subsequent image is recorded in another memory while shooting a certain theme such as an athletic meet, there is a problem that the image must be moved between the memories later. .

  Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, a method is proposed in which the image can be recorded in the currently used memory even when the memory capacity is insufficient at the time of shooting.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the digital camera 1 as another embodiment of the present invention. Here, a description will be given assuming that a captured image is recorded in the built-in memory 38.

  When photographing, the communication card 20 is inserted into the slot 18 of the digital camera 1 (step F11). When a still image is shot by a predetermined operation (step F12), the control unit 32 first determines whether or not there is at least one free space in the built-in memory 38 that is the recording destination of the shot image. (Step F13). As a result, if there is at least one free space in the built-in memory 38 (Yes in step F13), the control unit 32 records and saves the captured image in the built-in memory 38 as usual (step F20).

  On the other hand, if there is no free space for one sheet in the built-in memory 38 (No in Step F13), the control unit 32 searches the built-in memory 38 for an image that has been set in advance (Step F14). The “image set for transfer” is, for example, an image for which a print request is set. In addition, an image to be transferred to a preset destination by e-mail is also included. It is assumed that this type of image is managed so as to be distinguishable from other images by a flag indicating that on the management table 38a, as in the above embodiment.

  Here, if the transfer setting image as described above is in the built-in memory 38 (Yes in Step F15), the control unit 32 calculates a free capacity obtained by subtracting the capacity for the image (Step F16). Then, the control unit 32 determines whether or not the deducted free capacity is a capacity capable of storing the captured image (step F17).

  In this case, if the subtracting free space is Q1, and the capacity required for storing the captured image is Q2, if Q1> Q2, the control unit 32 determines that the storage is possible (Yes in step F17), and the transfer is performed. After the setting image is read from the built-in memory 38 and transferred to the outside via the communication card 20 (step F18), the transferred image is deleted from the built-in memory 38 (step F19).

  On the other hand, when the transfer setting image does not exist in the built-in memory 38 in the step F15, the control unit 32 displays or voices an unstorable message such as “The recorded image cannot be recorded”. (No in Step F15 → Step F21), the series of processes here is finished. The same applies to the case where the subtracting free space Q1 is not sufficient for storing the captured image Q2 in step F17, and the control unit 32 cannot store the captured image such as “cannot record the captured image”. The message is displayed or output by voice (No in Step F17 → Step F21), and the series of processes here is completed.

  As described above, when the capacity of the recording destination internal memory 38 is full, the image set in advance is searched, and if there is a corresponding image, the image is transferred first to secure a free space, and then Record and save the shot image there. Thereby, for example, a large number of images taken with the same theme can be stored in the same memory, and the trouble of performing an image moving operation later can be eliminated.

  Here, the recording destination memory is the internal memory 38, but the same applies to the memory card 19. In this case, for example, a transfer setting image existing in the memory card 19 may be transferred using a communication device built in the camera body.

  The transfer setting image is not limited to transfer to the outside using the communication card 20 or the like, but includes transfer to another memory card or the like.

  In each of the above embodiments, the wireless communication card has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to a wired communication card.

  Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the digital camera has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any device that can transfer image data using a medium such as a memory card or a communication card may be used. Applicable to all these devices.

  In short, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the respective embodiments. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

  Furthermore, the method described in each of the embodiments described above is a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), semiconductor memory, etc., as a program that can be executed by a computer. Can be applied to various devices, or transmitted by a communication medium and applied to various devices. A computer that implements this apparatus reads the program recorded on the recording medium, and executes the above-described processing by controlling the operation by this program.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration when a digital camera is taken as an example of an image transfer apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is mainly a front configuration, and FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electronic circuit configuration of the digital camera in the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a procedure of network printing performed by the digital camera according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a management table provided in a built-in memory of the digital camera in the embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the copy mode selection screen of the digital camera in the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an overall flow of processing operations of the digital camera in the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing an overall flow of processing operations of the digital camera in the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing resolution adjustment processing of the digital camera in the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing image transfer processing of the digital camera in the embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing a saving process of the digital camera in the embodiment. The figure for demonstrating concretely the save process of the digital camera in the embodiment. 9 is a flowchart for performing a saving process for a plurality of images as other processes of the digital camera according to the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the processing operation of the digital camera as other embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital camera, 2 ... Apparatus main body, 3 ... Shooting lens, 4 ... Self-timer lamp, 5 ... Optical finder window, 6 ... Strobe light emission part, 7 ... Microphone part, 8 ... Power key, 9 ... Shutter key, 10 ... Shooting mode key, 11 ... Playback mode key, 12 ... Optical viewfinder, 13 ... Speaker unit, 14 ... Menu (MENU) key, 15 ... Ring key, 16 ... Set (SET) key, 17 ... Display unit, 18 ... Slot , 19 ... Memory card, 20 ... Communication card, 21 ... Motor, 22 ... Lens optical system, 23 ... CCD, 24 ... Timing generator (TG), 25 ... Driver, 26 ... Sample hold circuit (S / H), 27 A / D converter 28 Color process circuit 29 DMA controller 30 DRAM interface (I / F) 31 DRAM 32 Control unit 33 ... VRAM controller 34 ... VRAM 35 ... Digital video encoder 36 ... Key input unit 37 ... JPEG circuit 38 ... Built-in memory 39 ... Audio processing unit 40 ... USB interface (I / F) 41 ... Strobe drive unit, 42 ... Card interface, 50 ... Server.

Claims (19)

A device body having one slot;
Built-in memory for image recording built in the main body of the device,
First transfer instruction means for instructing transfer of an image;
When transfer of an image is instructed by the first transfer instruction means, an image recorded in a first medium mounted in the slot and used for image recording separately from the built-in memory is stored in the built-in image. First transfer processing means for transferring to the memory;
Transfer image search means for searching for an image transferred by the first transfer processing means by distinguishing it from other images in the built-in memory;
Second transfer processing means for transferring the image searched by the transfer image search means to a second medium mounted in the slot instead of the first medium ;
When the free space in the internal memory does not satisfy a predetermined capacity, at least one image not to be transferred is selected from the internal memory, and the selected image is saved in the first medium and recorded in the internal memory. An area creation means for creating a possible area;
After the image searched by the transfer image search means is transferred to the second medium, it is determined again whether or not the first medium is mounted in the slot instead of the second medium. Judgment means,
After the image searched by the transfer image search means is transferred to the second medium by the attachment determination means, the first medium is again attached to the slot instead of the second medium. If it is determined, a restoration processing means for restoring the image saved in the first medium by the area creating means to an image recording built-in memory built in the apparatus main body;
An image transfer apparatus comprising:   2. The image transfer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first medium is a memory card, and the second medium is a communication card.   The image transfer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second media is a memory card. The first transfer instruction means includes image selection means for selecting an arbitrary image as a transfer setting image from images recorded on the first medium,
4. The image transfer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first transfer processing unit transfers the image selected by the image selection unit to the built-in memory. Second transfer instruction means for instructing transfer of an image;
The first transfer processing unit transfers an image recorded on the first medium to the built-in memory when an image transfer is instructed by the second transfer instruction unit. image transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. According to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises an image management means for deleting the image transferred to said second medium by the second transferring unit among the built-in memory Image transfer device. An image input means for inputting an image;
As the recording destination of the input image by the image input means, any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the built-in memory or the first medium and a selectable recording destination selection means The image transfer device described in 1. Imaging means for photographing a subject;
Image transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the image obtained by the imaging means and a recording control means for recording in the internal memory or the first medium. The area creating means includes
Free capacity acquisition means for acquiring the free capacity of the internal memory, capacity determination means for determining whether or not the free capacity of the internal memory obtained by the free capacity acquisition means satisfies a predetermined capacity, and this capacity determination means wherein when the free space of the built-in memory is determined not to satisfy the predetermined volume, and a picture selecting means for at least one selected image not to be transferred from the internal memory, is selected by the image selecting means by The recorded image is saved in the first medium to create a recordable area in the built-in memory ,
The first transfer processing means includes:
According to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises means for transferring the image recorded on the first medium to the recording area of the built-in memory created by the region creating means Image transfer device. The capacity determination means includes
Means for determining whether or not the free space in the built-in memory obtained by the free space acquisition means satisfies a capacity for one image;
The image selection means includes
And a means for selecting one image that is not to be transferred from the internal memory when the capacity determining means determines that the free space in the internal memory does not satisfy the capacity of one image. The image transfer apparatus according to claim 9 . The capacity determination means includes
Means for determining whether or not the free space of the internal memory obtained by the free space acquisition means satisfies the capacity of the number of images to be transferred to the internal memory by the first transfer processing means;
The image selection means includes
When it is determined by the capacity determination means that the free space in the internal memory does not satisfy the capacity for the number of images, based on the free space in the internal memory and the capacity for the number of images to be transferred to the internal memory. 10. The image transfer according to claim 9, further comprising save number determination means for determining the number of images to be saved in the first medium, and selecting the number of images determined by the save number determination means. apparatus. A save destination capacity detecting means for detecting a free capacity of the first medium as a save destination;
A saving destination capacity determining unit that determines whether or not the free space of the first medium detected by the saving destination capacity detecting unit satisfies a capacity corresponding to the number of images selected by the image selecting unit; ,
The area creating means includes
When the evacuation destination capacity determining means determines that the free capacity of the first medium satisfies the capacity of the number of images, the image selected by the image selecting means is saved in the first medium. 12. The image transfer apparatus according to claim 10 , further comprising means for creating a recordable area in the built-in memory. When the save destination capacity determining means determines that the free capacity of the first medium does not satisfy the capacity of the number of images, a save is issued to prohibit the image saving process by the area creating means. 13. The image transfer apparatus according to claim 12 , further comprising prohibition means. Resolution adjustment means for checking the resolution of the image before the image is transferred from the built-in memory to the second medium by the second transfer processing means, and performing resolution adjustment processing if inappropriate. image transfer apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by comprising. 15. The image transfer apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein the resolution adjustment unit performs a process of increasing the image size in accordance with the specified size when the resolution of the image is lower than the resolution of the specified size. 15. The image transfer apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein the resolution adjustment unit stops transfer of the image when the resolution of the image is lower than a resolution of a predetermined size. 15. The image transfer apparatus according to claim 14 , wherein the resolution adjustment unit performs a process of reducing the image size in accordance with the specified size when the resolution of the image is higher than the resolution of the specified size. Display means for displaying on the screen the image searched for as a transfer target from the internal memory by the transfer image search means;
A transfer stop instruction means for instructing to stop transfer of the image displayed on the screen by the display means;
If there is stop instruction by said transfer cancel instruction means, any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a transfer interruption means to stop the transfer of the image by the second transferring unit The image transfer apparatus according to one. A program executed by a computer that controls an apparatus including an apparatus main body having one slot and an image recording built-in memory built in the apparatus main body,
In the computer,
A transfer instruction function for instructing image transfer;
When an image transfer is instructed by the transfer instruction function, an image recorded in a first medium mounted in the slot and used for image recording separately from the built-in memory is transferred to the built-in memory. A first transfer processing function,
A transfer image search function for searching for images transferred by the first transfer processing function separately from other images in the built-in memory;
A second transfer processing function for transferring an image searched by the transfer image search function to a second medium mounted in the slot instead of the first medium ;
When the free space in the internal memory does not satisfy a predetermined capacity, at least one image not to be transferred is selected from the internal memory, and the selected image is saved in the first medium and recorded in the internal memory. An area creation function to create a possible area;
After the image searched by the transfer image search function is transferred to the second medium, it is determined whether or not the first medium is inserted into the slot again instead of the second medium. Judgment function,
After the image searched by the transfer image search function is transferred to the second medium by the mounting determination function, the first medium is mounted in the slot again instead of the second medium. A determination processing function for returning the image saved in the first medium by the area creation function to the built-in memory for image recording built in the apparatus body,
Because of the program to achieve.

Images