JP4844635B2 - camera - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera that saves / restores information related to a removable memory when the camera is turned off / on.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a camera that records electronically captured image data in a removable memory is known. In this type of camera, a removable memory having a different recording structure (number of cylinders, number of sectors, etc.) and data input / output speed is appropriately replaced and used by an operator. Also, the usage status (remaining capacity, etc.) of the removable memory always changes according to the recording of the image data.

  Therefore, on the camera side, every time the power is turned on, it is necessary to check the recording capacity, the recording structure, the speed, the latest use status, etc. of the removable memory and reset the management information for the removable memory every time. In the camera playback mode, it is necessary to detect the image file names and directory names in the removable memory one by one and rearrange them according to a predetermined rule to determine the playback order. Such work must also be performed each time the power is turned on.

  As described above, in the conventional example, it takes time to prepare for reading and writing to the removable memory. For this reason, there is a problem that the photographing operation or the reproduction operation cannot be started immediately after the power is turned on.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a camera that can quickly start a photographing operation or a reproducing operation after power is turned on.

  Hereinafter, means for solving the problem will be described while associating the reference numerals of the embodiment (FIG. 1). Note that the correspondence here is for reference and does not limit the present invention.

According to the present invention, in a camera (11) that records image data generated by electronically imaging a subject in a removable memory, a first control unit (21) and a second control unit different from the first control unit are provided. A control unit (16), wherein the first control unit monitors the power-off / on of the camera, and the second control unit displays management information related to recording or playback of the removable memory when the camera is turned off. Based on the data saving means (16) for saving in the camera memory, the data acquisition means (16) for reading the management information from the camera memory after the camera is turned on, and the management information read by the data acquisition means And recovery means (16) for recovering the management information before power-off.

  Generally, if all management information is saved in the camera memory (flash memory or the like), the rewrite life of the camera memory is shortened. Also, there is no need to save management information that can be easily created. Considering these points, particularly effective management information for reducing the processing time at power-on is management information related to the removable memory. In the above-described configuration, the management information related to the removable memory is saved / restored, thereby simplifying the management information setting operation when the power is turned on, and speeding up the preparation for shooting or reproduction.

Note that the management information data retreated means (16) retracts may I status information der indicating whether available removable memory in wearing for the image data recording.

The management information retracting data retraction means (16) is required to configure the device driver of the removable memory may be I hardware information der removable memory.

The management information data retreated means (16) retracts, it is necessary to manage files on the removable memory may be I information der file system.

The management information data retreated means (16) retracts is information that is updated when recording the image data in the removable memory, also I at least one Der frame number or image file name or directory name Good .

Further, in any one of the cameras of the present invention, the determination means (21) for determining whether or not the removable memory has been replaced, and the determination means determines that the replacement of the removable memory has been performed while the power is turned off. In such a case, it may be provided with a restructuring means (16) for stopping the recovery of the management information using the in-camera memory and newly reconstructing the management information.

The determination means (21) is a means for monitoring the replacement of the removable memory under the auxiliary power source while the power is turned off, and starting the reconstruction means (16) in response to the detection of the replacement. The reconstruction means (16) Even when the operator is turning off the power, a means for starting the reconstruction of the management information may be used .

The determining means (21) is a means for monitoring the replacement of the removable memory under the auxiliary power source while the power is turned off. The reconstruction means (16) is provided in the camera when the auxiliary power source of the determining means is cut off. to stop the restoration of the management information using the memory, may I means der to be newly re-build the management information.

In the present invention, management information related to the removable memory is saved / restored in response to the power-off / on of the camera. Therefore, it is not necessary to newly create management information related to the removable memory when the power is turned on, and preparation for reading / writing the removable memory can be completed at high speed.

The present invention can also be configured to immediately determine whether or not the removable memory can be used for recording image data based on the saved management information. In this case , it is possible to omit unnecessary management information recovery operation. In addition, it is possible to promptly issue a warning regarding the removable memory immediately after the power is turned on.

In the present invention, the setting of the device driver of the removable memory can be completed at high speed immediately after the camera is turned on.

In the present invention, the file management of the removable memory can be quickly started immediately after the camera is turned on.

In the present invention, immediately after power-on of the camera, quickly recover the updated information about the removable memory may be configured to start the recording operation of the image data quickly.

In the present invention, it can also be configured to address the replacement of the removable memory, incorrect management information to avoid problems such as being restored.

In the present invention, the management information can be reconstructed in response to the replacement of the removable memory. In that case , when the power is turned on, all of the reconstruction of the management information has been completed or can be roughly completed.

The present invention can be configured to avoid problems such as recovery of erroneous management information when the camera battery is replaced.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic camera 11 in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the process routine at the time of power-off. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state of management information added to a nonvolatile memory 20. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a monitoring operation of a sub MPU 21. It is a figure which shows the process routine at the time of power activation.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is an embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claims 1 to 11.

<< Configuration of this embodiment >>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic camera 11 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, an image sensor 12 that captures a subject image is disposed in the electronic camera 11. The image output from the image pickup device 12 is sent to the main MPU 16 after passing through an A / D conversion circuit 13 that performs quantization, a signal processing unit 14 that performs γ correction and color signal processing, and a compression processing unit 15 that performs image compression. To the system bus 17. The system bus 17 is connected with a memory 18, a removable memory 19 that is detachable, and a nonvolatile memory 20 that is a save destination of management information. Further, the electronic camera 11 is provided with a sub MPU 21. The sub-MPU 21 shares a function of monitoring the removal operation of the removable memory 19 by the operator, the setting operation of the operation unit 22, and the like and notifying the main MPU 16 side. The electronic camera 11 is provided with a power circuit 23. The power supply circuit 23 stabilizes the output voltage of the battery 24 and outputs it divided into two power supply systems (main power supply system and auxiliary power supply system). The main power supply system is a power supply system that supplies power to main circuits such as the image sensor 12 and the main MPU 16. Normally, the main power supply system stops power supply when the electronic camera 11 is powered off. On the other hand, the auxiliary power supply system is a power supply system for constantly supplying power to a circuit that continues to operate even when the power is turned off, such as the sub MPU 21. Next, the operation of the electronic camera 11 when the power is turned off and on again, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described in order.

<Operation when the power is turned off>
When the main MPU 16 receives a notification from the sub MPU 21 that “the power-off operation has been performed by the operator”, the main MPU 16 executes a processing routine at the time of power-off. Alternatively, this power-off may be performed by a power-off timer instead of an operation by the operator. FIG. 2 is a processing routine executed when such power is turned off. Hereinafter, the operation when the power is turned off will be described along the step numbers in FIG.

[Step S1]
The main MPU 16 causes the removable memory 19 to save management information of the reproduction order (image file name, directory name list) created in advance on the memory 18.

[Step S2]
The main MPU 16 performs code compression on the following management information. Hereinafter, specific contents of the management information handled here will be individually described.

The number of block erasures in the nonvolatile memory 20 is the number of erasures of the used blocks in the nonvolatile memory 20.

Status information indicating whether or not the removable memory 19 can be used for image recording Among the CF cards and PC cards used as the removable memory 19, there are cards that are not for data storage. Therefore, immediately after the removable memory 19 is mounted, the main MPU 16 reads the card attribute information (CIS) of the removable memory 19 and acquires as status information whether or not the removable memory is usable by the camera. The main MPU 16 manages the status information in the memory 18 and collates the status information prior to the read / write operation of the removable memory. When the removable memory is abnormally attached or when the removable memory is not attached, the status information stores flag information indicating that it cannot be used.

Hardware information of removable memory In the case of the removable memory 19 compliant with the PC card ATA, the data recording area is managed by the cylinder (C), the head (H), and the sector (S). The hardware information is information necessary for correctly accessing the target sector. The main MPU 16 acquires the hardware information from a predetermined position in the removable memory 19 immediately after the removable memory 19 is mounted. The main MPU 16 performs software setting of the device driver of the removable memory 19 based on the hardware information. Also, I / F timing setting data for removable memory, operation mode setting data for removable memory (memory mode, I / O mode setting, etc. in PC card ATA), removable memory register map information (address offset), etc. It may be included in the above hardware information. Some removable memory 19 can use a logical block address (LBA). In this case, flag information “LBA valid” is stored in the hardware information.

-File system information of removable memory Many electronic cameras 11 manage files on the removable memory 19 using a file system such as DOS. Basic data necessary for this file system is constructed and managed on the memory 18 by the main MPU 16. For example, such basic data includes an offset to PBR (Partition Boot Record), the total number of sectors in the partition, and BPB (BIOS Parameter Block).

・ Removable memory related information updated at the time of shooting As the image data is recorded in the removable memory 19, the number of shot frames, the number of remaining frames, the remaining capacity, the next image file name, the name of the next storage directory, etc. are updated every moment. Is done. The main MPU 16 manages these pieces of update information on the memory 18. If there is not a single directory for storing image files, the information may include the number of shot frames for each directory, the total number of shot frames, and the like. In addition, when the names of directories and files are divided into fixed names and variable names (such as identification numbers), only the variable name portion needs to be included in the update information. As such a naming rule, “Design rule for Camera File System (DCF)” (JEIDA standard) is well known.

Data position in the order of reproduction in the removable memory This is information necessary for reading the saved data in the order of reproduction stored in the removable memory 19 in step S1 described above. When data related to the reproduction order is recorded as a fixed name file (DOS) in a fixed directory of the removable memory, collation data such as the creation date of the file may be recorded in the nonvolatile memory.

[Step S3]
The main MPU 16 determines whether or not the old management information on the nonvolatile memory 20 has been stored in units of erasable blocks (for example, 64 Kbytes). If stored, the main MPU 16 shifts the operation to step S4. On the other hand, if not yet stored, the main MPU 16 shifts the operation to step S7.

[Step S4]
The main MPU 16 determines whether or not the number of times of erasing the used block in the nonvolatile memory 20 is less than the number of nominal lifetimes. Here, when the number of nominal lifetimes (for example, 100,000 times) has not been reached, the main MPU 16 shifts its operation to step S5. On the other hand, when the number of times of the nominal life has been reached, the main MPU 16 determines that the reliability of the used block is low and shifts the operation to step S6.

[Step S5]
The main MPU 16 determines that the used blocks of the nonvolatile memory 20 can still be erased, and erases the used blocks at once. At this time, the main MPU 16 increases the value of the erase count managed on the memory 18 by one.

[Step S6]
The main MPU 16 determines that the used block of the nonvolatile memory 20 has reached the nominal life, sets the currently used block to the unusable state, and sets a new block as the used block. At this time, the main MPU 16 initializes the value of the erase count managed on the memory 18 to zero.

[Step S7]
The main MPU 16 appends the management information compressed and encoded in step S2 to the unrecorded area of the nonvolatile memory as the latest backup data. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a recording state of the latest backup data additionally recorded as described above. Here, since the data size of the block erase count is small, the block erase count is included in the save data (FIG. 3) every time, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one block erase count may be recorded at a predetermined address in the used block (for example, the head of the used block). In this case, it is not necessary to include the number of block erasures in the saved data every time, and the amount of saved data can be reduced.

[Step S8]
The main MPU 16 instructs the sub MPU 21 to perform the following operation, and then shifts to a dormant state.
-Disconnection of the main power supply system-Monitoring of the operation unit 22-Replacement monitoring of the removable memory 19 By the operation described above, the processing routine at the time of power-off is completed. Next, the monitoring operation of the sub MPU 21 that is executed following the operation of step S8 will be described.

<< Monitoring operation by sub-MPU 21 >>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the monitoring operation of the sub MPU 21. Hereinafter, the monitoring operation during power-off will be described along the step numbers in FIG.

[Step S9]
First, the sub MPU 21 saves management information uniquely managed in the nonvolatile memory 20 (or a nonvolatile memory provided exclusively for the sub MPU). This is an operation that assumes a management information loss trouble due to a momentary interruption of the auxiliary power system (battery replacement or the like). The sub MPU 21 reads out the management information saved here at the time of reset activation after the momentary interruption, and promptly restores the management information to be shared and managed.

[Step S10]
The sub MPU 21 instructs the power supply circuit 23 to disconnect the main power supply system. The power supply circuit 23 stops the power supply via the main power supply system and shifts to the power saving mode of only the auxiliary power supply system.

[Step S11]
The sub MPU 21 determines whether or not the removable memory has been replaced. Here, when the removable memory is replaced, the sub MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S12. On the other hand, if the replacement of the removable memory has not been performed, the sub MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S16. When the main power system is disconnected by the operator's operation, the sub MPU 21 sets only the removable memory replacement flag, and when the main power system is turned on again by the operator (after step S16). Alternatively, the process of steps S12 to S15 may be executed by determining the replacement flag. On the other hand, when the main power system is disconnected by the power OFF timer, the process may immediately proceed to step S12 in response to the replacement of the removable memory.

[Step S12]
In order to cope with the replacement of the removable memory, the sub MPU 21 instructs the power supply circuit 23 to turn on the main power supply system.

[Step S13]
Next, the sub MPU 21 notifies the main MPU 16 in the activated state of replacement of the removable memory.

[Step S14]
The main MPU 16 collects information about the newly installed removable memory 19 and newly reconstructs management information.

[Step S15]
When the main MPU 16 completes the reconstruction of the management information, the main MPU 16 again executes the power-off processing routine shown in FIG.

[Step S16]
The sub MPU 21 determines whether or not a power-on operation has been performed via the operation unit 22. Here, if the power-on operation has not been performed, the sub MPU 21 returns the operation to step S10. On the other hand, when the power-on operation is performed, the sub MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S17.

[Step S17]
Sub MPU21, to the power circuit 23, an instruction to put the main power system.

[Step S18]
The sub MPU 21 notifies the main MPU 16 in the activated state that a power-on operation has been performed. Thereafter, the sub MPU 21 shifts to a normal monitoring operation. The monitoring operation by the sub MPU 21 is executed according to the series of operations described above. Next, a processing routine at the time of turning on the power executed following step S18 described above will be described.

<Processing routine when the main power system is turned on>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a processing routine at the time of power-on executed by the main MPU 16. Hereinafter, the operation when the power is turned on will be described along the step numbers in FIG.

[Step S21]
First, the main MPU 16 determines whether or not there is a history of reset activation in the sub MPU 21. If there is a history of reset activation, the main MPU 16 determines that the sub MPU 21 has a pause period, and proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, when there is no reset activation history, the main MPU 16 shifts the operation to step S23. The notification of the reset history may be performed by data communication between the MPUs, may be determined by the level of the output port signal, or may be performed by setting data on the shared memory between the MPUs. . This notification may be performed in step S18 described above.

[Step S22]
The main MPU 16 newly reconstructs the management information assuming that the removable memory is replaced while the sub MPU 21 is suspended. After completion of this reconstruction, the main MPU 16 returns to normal operation.

[Step S23]
The main MPU 16 reads the latest management information from the management information saved in the nonvolatile memory 20.

[Step S24]
The main MPU 16 first determines from the status information in the read management information whether the removable memory can be used for image recording. If it is determined that the main MPU 16 cannot be used, the main MPU 16 shifts the operation to step S25. On the other hand, when it is determined that it can be used for image recording, the main MPU 16 shifts the operation to step S26.

[Step S25]
The main MPU 16 displays a warning on the display unit (not shown) that the removable memory 19 cannot be used for image recording. Thereafter, the main MPU 16 and the like enter a dormant state, and wait for a notification of attachment of the removable memory 19 from the sub MPU 21.

[Step S26]
The main MPU 16 restores the management information before power-off based on the management information read from the nonvolatile memory 20. Note that the reproduction order management information is restored by reading out the reproduction order data from the removable memory 19 based on “reproduction order data position” and collation data. After completing the recovery of the management information in this way, the main MPU 16 returns to the normal operation. Through the series of operations described above, the management information before power-off is accurately restored.

<< Effects of this embodiment >>
With the above-described operation, in the present embodiment, management information related to reading / writing of the removable memory 19 is saved / restored in response to power-off / on. As a result, the management information setting operation at the time of power-on is simplified, and reading / writing with respect to the removable memory 19 can be started quickly. In particular, in the present embodiment, management information in the reproduction order with a large amount of data is saved to the removable memory 19 side. As a result, the amount of data saved on the nonvolatile memory 20 side is reduced, and the rewrite life of the nonvolatile memory 20 can be extended. Further, in the present embodiment, the management information is stored in the nonvolatile memory 20 in a compressed and encoded state. As a result, the amount of data saved on the nonvolatile memory 20 side is reduced, and the rewrite life of the nonvolatile memory 20 can be extended. In the present embodiment, status information indicating whether or not the removable memory 19 can be used is included in the management information to be saved. Therefore, this status information can be checked first when the power is turned on, and unnecessary recovery operation can be avoided. Further, in the present embodiment, the management information is normally placed on the memory 18 and managed to be rewritten and saved to the nonvolatile memory 20 side when the power is turned off. As a result, the number of recordings of the nonvolatile memory 20 can be minimized and the rewrite life of the nonvolatile memory 20 can be extended.

  In the above-described embodiment, the latest management information is saved, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the power is turned off, the management information on the memory 18 and the management information immediately before being saved in the nonvolatile memory 20 are compared, and if both are the same, the saving to the nonvolatile memory 20 is not performed. Then, the number of rewrites can be further reduced. Further, for example, the main MPU 16 may obtain a difference between past management information (or standard management information) and current management information and save only the difference in the nonvolatile memory 20. Even by such an operation, the amount of data to be saved is reduced, so that the rewrite life of the nonvolatile memory 20 can be extended.

11 Electronic Camera 12 Image Sensor 13 A / D Conversion Circuit 14 Signal Processing Unit 15 Compression Processing Unit 16 Main MPU
18 Memory 19 Removable Memory 20 Nonvolatile Memory 21 Sub MPU
22 Operation part 23 Power supply circuit

Claims (8)

In a camera that records image data generated by electronically imaging a subject in a removable memory,
A first control unit and a second control unit different from the first control unit;
The first controller is
Monitor the power on / off of the camera,
The second controller is
Data saving means for saving management information related to recording or reproduction of the removable memory in the camera memory when the camera is turned off,
Data acquisition means for reading the management information from the in-camera memory after powering on the camera;
A camera comprising: recovery means for recovering management information before power-off based on management information read by the data acquisition means. The camera of claim 1,
The management information to be saved by the data saving means is status information indicating whether or not the mounted removable memory can be used for recording image data. The camera of claim 1,
The management information saved by the data saving unit is hardware information of a removable memory required for setting a device driver of the removable memory. The camera of claim 1,
The management information to be saved by the data saving unit is file system information necessary for file management on a removable memory. The camera of claim 1,
The management information saved by the data saving unit is information updated when image data is recorded in a removable memory, and is at least one of a frame number, an image file name, or a directory name. The camera according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
Determination means for determining whether or not the replacement of the removable memory has been performed;
When it is determined by the determination means that “the replacement of the removable memory has been performed while the power is turned off”, the recovery of the management information using the in-camera memory is stopped and the management information is newly reconstructed. A camera characterized by comprising a construction means. The camera according to claim 6 , wherein
The determination means is means for monitoring replacement of the removable memory under an auxiliary power source during power-off, and starting the reconstruction means in response to detection of replacement,
The camera according to claim 1, wherein the reconstructing means is means for starting the reconstruction of management information even when the operator is turning off the power. The camera according to claim 6 , wherein
The determination means is means for monitoring replacement of the removable memory under an auxiliary power source during power-off,
The restructuring means is means for stopping recovery of management information using the in-camera memory and newly reconstructing management information when the auxiliary power of the determination means is cut off. Camera.

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