JP5419387B2 - Imaging apparatus and image data management method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus capable of transmitting image data to the outside .

  Many recent digital cameras have a function of protecting image data that has been shot and stored on a recording medium so that the image data cannot be erased (hereinafter referred to as a protect function). The purpose of this protection function is to prevent image data that is not desired to be erased accidentally when the image data unnecessary for the photographer is erased at the same time.

  In many cases, image data protected by a camera having a protection function as described above is also deleted after copying and transferring to an external device such as a PC or a printer. However, in order to erase protected image data, an operation to cancel the protection is required. Therefore, when the number of image data that is protected but is to be erased is very large, it is very difficult for the user to perform an operation for canceling the protection on each image data to be erased.

Therefore, in order to easily delete the protected image data after transferring it to the external device, Patent Document 1 discloses that protection is performed when the number of times the protected image data is backed up by the external device reaches a predetermined value. A technique for automatically canceling is disclosed.
JP 2003-158704 A

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, even when image data is highly important for a photographer and it is desired to protect the photographer for a desired period of time, the number of times of backup by an external device is predetermined. When the value is reached, the protection is automatically canceled.

  Therefore, it is effective for image data that is less important for the photographer, such as image data that does not need to be protected when it is backed up by an external device, but sufficient protection functions for image data that is highly important. The problem that cannot be obtained occurs.

Therefore, according to the present invention, image data that is less important for a photographer can be easily deleted after image data that is protected and protected is transmitted to the outside, and image data that is more important is continuously deleted. It is an object to provide an imaging device that can be protected.

In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention is an imaging apparatus capable of erasing image data recorded on a recording medium in accordance with a user's operation, and acquires image data by imaging a subject. Imaging means for recording, recording means for recording the image data acquired by the imaging means on the recording medium, transmission control means for transmitting the image data recorded on the recording medium to the outside, and recorded on the recording medium Control means for setting the image data in a first erasure prohibition state or a second erasure prohibition state, which is a state in which erasure is restricted according to a user's operation, and the image data recorded on the recording medium comprising an operation unit for accepting an operation for the first erase inhibit state or the second erase prohibition state, and switching means for switching the setting of the operation mode of the imaging device, the switching The stage includes a first mode in which the image data recorded on the recording medium by the user's operation on the operation means is in the first erasure prohibiting state, and the recording by the user's operation on the operation means. The setting of the operation mode of the imaging device is switched between the second mode in which the image data recorded on the medium is in the second erasure prohibition state, and the control means is the image data in the first erasure prohibition state. When the transmission to the outside is executed, the erasure prohibition state of the image data for which the transmission is executed is canceled, and when the image data in the second erasure prohibition state is transmitted to the outside, The erasure prohibition state of the transmitted image data is continued. In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to the present invention is an imaging apparatus capable of erasing image data recorded on a recording medium in accordance with a user's operation. Imaging means for acquiring the image data, recording means for recording the image data acquired by the imaging means on the recording medium, transmission control means for transmitting the image data recorded on the recording medium to the outside, and recording on the recording medium Control means for setting the image data thus obtained to be in a first erasure prohibition state or a second erasure prohibition state in which erasure is restricted in accordance with a user operation, and image data recorded on the recording medium Operating means for receiving an operation for setting the first erasure prohibiting state or the second erasing prohibiting state to the first erasure prohibiting state, and the control means is configured to control the recording medium according to a user operation on the operating means. When the recorded image data is set to the first erasure prohibition state or the second erasure prohibition state, and the image data in the first erasure prohibition state is transmitted to the outside, the transmission is executed. When the image data erasure prohibition state is canceled and the image data in the second erasure prohibition state is transmitted to the outside, the image data for which the transmission has been performed is kept in the erasure prohibition state. Features.

According to the present invention, after transmitting protected image data to the outside, image data that is less important to the photographer can be easily deleted, and image data that is more important continues. Can be protected.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Reference numeral 1 denotes a photographing lens, and 2 denotes an AF driving unit for performing autofocus driving using the photographing lens 1. Reference numeral 3 denotes a shutter having a shutter function and also serves as an aperture for controlling the amount of light passing through the photographing lens 1, and 4 is an aperture driving unit for driving the aperture / shutter 3. Reference numeral 5 denotes an image pickup device that picks up a subject image that has passed through the photographing lens 1, 6 denotes an A / D converter that converts output from the image pickup device 5 into digital information, and 7 denotes image data converted by the A / D converter 6. Is a video signal processing unit that develops / compresses the video into a predetermined format. Reference numeral 8 denotes a recording medium for storing image data. A memory control unit 9 stores image data in the recording medium 8 and reads out image data stored in the recording medium 8. 10 is a buffer memory for temporarily storing image data before storing the image data in the recording medium 8, and 11 is an external output for transmitting the image data stored in the recording medium 8 to an external device such as a PC or a printer. Terminal. Reference numeral 12 denotes a liquid crystal display unit for displaying a photographed image or a screen for setting various modes of the camera, and reference numeral 13 denotes a liquid crystal display unit driving unit for driving the liquid crystal display unit 12. A control unit 14 controls the AF drive unit 2, the aperture drive unit 4, and the video signal processing unit 7 in accordance with user operations and settings in the camera.

  Reference numerals 15, 16, 17, and 18 denote operation units for inputting various operation instructions to the control unit 14, and reference numeral 15 denotes a mode changeover switch that switches setting of a shooting operation mode of the camera. Reference numeral 16 denotes a release switch for instructing a release operation. Reference numeral 17 denotes a protection switch that is operated after the release operation, and protects the image data of the image taken by the previous release operation to prohibit the erasure of the image data. It should be noted that the state of the protected image data is set to the erasure prohibition state. Reference numeral 18 denotes an image transfer switch for instructing an operation of copying and transferring image data in the recording medium 8 to the connected external device when connected to an external device such as a PC or a printer via the external output terminal 11. .

  A power control unit 19 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC / DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like. The power supply control unit 19 detects the presence / absence of a battery, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level, controls the DC / DC converter based on the detection result and an instruction from the control unit 14, and supplies a necessary voltage for a necessary period , And supplied to each unit including the recording medium. A power source 20 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like. A timer 21 measures the time elapsed after the release operation.

  Next, a flowchart for protecting the image data of the photographed image in the present embodiment for prohibiting erasure will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, all image data acquired by shooting is automatically protected after shooting to prevent accidental erasure even if the image data is less important to the photographer. I try to apply. Furthermore, image data that is highly important for the photographer can be manually protected by the photographer's operation, and can be protected differently from the automatically applied protection described later.

  When the release switch 16 is pressed (S101), the control unit 14 performs a shooting operation by controlling a series of release operations such as autofocus, exposure control, and imaging control (S102). The image data acquired by the release operation is stored in the recording medium 8 by the memory control unit 9 (S103). After storing the image data, the control unit 14 automatically protects the image data of the image taken by the previous release operation (S104). When the protection is applied, the control unit 14 controls the memory control unit 9 to apply the protection flag 1 indicating that the protection is automatically applied to the image data as the application data. Note that the state of the image data provided with the protect flag 1 as the attached data is set as a first erasure prohibition state. Then, the elapsed time from the end of the release operation is measured by the timer 21, and the control unit 14 determines whether or not the protect switch 17 has been pressed before a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the release operation (S105, S106). If the protect switch 17 is pressed within a predetermined time, the control unit 14 protects the image data of the image photographed by the previous release operation (S107). In order to distinguish the protection applied in S107 from the protection automatically applied in S104, the control unit 14 controls the memory control unit 9 and assigns a protection flag 2 indicating that the protection is applied by the photographer's operation. It is added to image data as data.

  Note that the state of the image data provided with the protect flag 2 as the attached data is set as a second erasure prohibition state.

  If both the protect flag 1 and the protect flag 2 are assigned to the same image data, the state of the image data is set to the second erasure prohibition state.

  In addition, when the protect flag 2 is added to the image data as the added data, the already applied protect flag 1 may be deleted.

  In S105, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the release operation, it is determined that the photographer does not intend to manually protect the image data of the image captured by the immediately previous release operation, and the process is terminated.

  The timing at which the photographer manually protects the image data is not limited to within a predetermined time after the release operation. For example, the image data of the image being reproduced and displayed may be protected by pressing the protect switch while the image taken with the camera operating mode is being reproduced and displayed.

  As described above, since all image data acquired by photographing is protected, it is possible to prevent the photographer from erasing the operation accidentally even for image data with low importance.

  In addition, when a protected image is reproduced and displayed, if a protected display indicating that the image is protected is displayed together with the image, the image being reproduced at the time of reproduction is the protected image. Can be easily recognized.

  In addition, the protection applied automatically and the protection applied manually by the photographer are distinguished, so when displaying a protected image, the protection display can be changed according to the type of protection. The importance of the image being reproduced can be easily recognized.

  Next, a flowchart for copying and transferring stored image data to an external device will be described with reference to FIG. After the power of the camera is turned on (S201), the control unit 14 determines whether or not an activated external device is connected to the external output terminal 11 (S202). If it is connected to the active external device, image data to be transferred to the external device is selected (S203). The image data to be transferred may be arbitrarily selected and determined by the photographer. For example, settings for transferring all stored image data, settings for transferring only image data that has not been transferred to an external device, etc. You may decide by setting to. When image data to be transferred is selected and the image transfer switch 18 is pressed (S204), the control unit 14 controls the memory control unit 9 to start image transfer processing to an external device (S205). When the image transfer process ends, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the protect flag 2 is added to the transferred image data (S206). When the protect flag 2 is given, it is determined that the image data is highly important because it is protected by the photographer's operation, and the protection is not released. If the protect flag 2 is not assigned, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the protect flag 1 is assigned to the transferred image data (S207). Since the protect flag 1 is automatically applied protection, it is determined that the image data is of low importance, and the control unit 14 controls the memory control unit 9 to release the protection (S208).

  As described above, when copying protected image data to an external device, the protected image data in the camera can be automatically unprotected after the transfer. Erasing can be performed easily.

  Also, when automatically unprotecting image data that has already been transferred to an external device, only the protection that was automatically applied after shooting is canceled and the protection that was manually applied by the photographer is continued. It is possible to perform image management reflecting the above. That is, after copying and transferring protected image data to an external device, image data with low importance can be easily deleted, and image data with high importance can be protected continuously. it can.

  In this embodiment, all image data acquired by shooting is automatically protected after shooting. However, a mode for automatically protecting after shooting and a mode for not applying protection are provided. Also good. In such a case, it is only necessary to reflect the photographer's intention so that the protector manually applied by the photographer is not canceled regardless of which mode is applied.

(Second Embodiment)
In the second embodiment, a simple protection mode is provided in which protection is automatically released after transfer to an external device. It is assumed that the simple protect mode is set by the mode change switch 15.

  The block diagram of the digital camera according to this embodiment is the same as that in FIG.

  Next, a flowchart for protecting the image data of the photographed image in the present embodiment for prohibiting erasure will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the release switch 16 is pressed (S301), the control unit 14 executes a shooting operation by controlling a series of release operations such as autofocus, exposure control, and imaging control (S302). The image data acquired by the release operation is stored in the recording medium 8 by the memory control unit 9 (S303). The elapsed time from the end of the release operation is measured by the timer 21, and after storing the image data, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the protect switch 17 has been pressed before a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the release operation (S304). , S305). If the protect switch 17 is pressed within the predetermined time, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the camera mode setting is the simple protect mode (S306). If the simple protect mode is set, the control unit 14 controls the memory control unit 9 to give the protect flag 1 to the image data of the image taken by the previous release operation (S307).

  If the simple protect mode is not set, the control unit 14 controls the memory control unit 9 to give the protect flag 2 to the image data of the image taken by the previous release operation (S308).

  The flowchart for copying and transferring stored image data to an external device is the same as that in FIG. 3, and only the protect flag 1 is erased from the protect flag assigned to the image data.

  As described above, the protection mode that is automatically released after transfer to the external device (first mode) and the protection mode that is not automatically released after transfer (second mode) are provided. Therefore, it is possible to easily use different protections for image data.

  For example, if you set the simple protect mode in a shooting scene that you do not want to delete until it is transferred to an external device, but you can delete it after transfer, it is assumed that you will shoot a low importance image. Even protected image data can be easily deleted after transfer. In addition, if you set a mode other than the simple protect mode in a shooting scene where it is assumed that you want to shoot images with high importance that you do not want to delete after transferring to an external device, protected image data It is possible to prevent the operation from being deleted accidentally even after the transfer. In other words, after copying and transferring the protected image data to an external device, the less important image data can be easily deleted, and the more important image data can be continuously protected. it can.

(Third embodiment)
In the third embodiment, the protection that is automatically released after transfer to an external device and the protection that is not automatically released after transfer are changed according to the operation of the protect switch 17.

  The block diagram of the digital camera according to the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.

  Next, a flowchart for protecting the image data of the photographed image in the present embodiment for prohibiting erasure will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the release switch 16 is pressed (S401), the control unit 14 executes a shooting operation by controlling a series of release operations such as autofocus, exposure control, and imaging control (S402). The image data acquired by the release operation is stored in the recording medium 8 (S403). The elapsed time from the end of the release operation is measured by the timer 21, and after storing the image data, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the protect switch 17 has been pressed before a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the release operation (S404). , S405). When the protect switch 17 is pressed within the predetermined time, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the protect switch 17 is pressed again before the predetermined time elapses (S406, S407). When the protect switch 17 is pressed again within the predetermined time, the control unit 14 controls the memory control unit 9 to give the protect flag 2 to the image data of the image taken by the immediately previous release operation (S408). . When the protect switch 17 is pressed only once within a predetermined time, the control unit 14 controls the memory control unit 9 to give the protect flag 1 to the image data of the image taken by the immediately preceding release operation (S409). ).

  The flowchart for copying and transferring stored image data to an external device is the same as that in FIG. 3, and only the protect flag 1 is erased from the protect flag added to the image data.

  As described above, the protection applied to the image data according to the number of operations of the protect switch 17 is changed between the protection that is automatically released after transfer to the external device and the protection that is not automatically released after the transfer. Can be protected as desired.

  Therefore, by properly using protection according to the importance of the image data, after copying and transferring the protected image data to the external device, the image data with low importance can be easily deleted, Highly important image data can be protected continuously.

  Note that the type of protection applied to the image data may not be changed according to the number of operations of the protect switch 17 but may be changed according to the operation time of the protect switch 17. For example, when the protect switch 17 is pressed for a long time, protection that is not automatically canceled even after transfer is applied, and when it is pressed for a short time, protection that is automatically canceled after transfer may be applied.

  In the above-described three embodiments, the cancellation of protection applied to the image data is executed by the camera, but may be executed by an electronic device other than the camera. For example, when a recording medium storing protected image data is inserted into a media reading unit such as a card reader attached to the PC, and the protected image data is copied and transferred to a recording apparatus in the PC by application software in the PC. Is also applicable.

  The image data to be protected is not limited to still image data, and may be image data of a moving image.

It is a block diagram of the digital camera which is embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart for protecting image data according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart when copying and transferring image data to an external device in the first embodiment. 12 is a flowchart for protecting image data according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart for protecting image data according to a third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Shooting lens 2 AF drive part 3 Shutter combined diaphragm 4 Aperture drive part 5 Imaging element 6 A / D converter 7 Video signal processing part 8 Recording medium 9 Memory control part 10 Buffer memory 11 External output terminal 12 Liquid crystal display part 13 Liquid crystal display Part drive part 14 Control part 15 Mode change switch 16 Release switch 17 Protect switch 18 Image transfer switch 19 Power supply control part 20 Power supply

Claims (8)

An imaging device capable of erasing image data recorded on a recording medium in response to a user operation,
Imaging means for capturing an image of a subject and acquiring image data;
Recording means for recording the image data acquired by the imaging means on the recording medium;
Transmission control means for transmitting image data recorded on the recording medium to the outside;
Control means for causing the image data recorded on the recording medium to be in a first erasure prohibition state or a second erasure prohibition state, which is a state in which erasure is restricted in accordance with a user operation;
Operation means for receiving an operation for setting the image data recorded on the recording medium to the first erasure prohibition state or the second erasure prohibition state;
Switching means for switching the setting of the operation mode of the imaging device ,
The switching means includes a first mode in which image data recorded on the recording medium by the user's operation to the operation means is in the first erasure prohibiting state, and a user's operation to the operation means. Switching the setting of the operation mode of the imaging device between the second mode in which the image data recorded on the recording medium is in the second erasure prohibition state;
When the transmission of the image data in the first erasure prohibition state is executed to the outside, the control means cancels the erasure prohibition state of the image data for which the transmission has been executed, and the second erasure prohibition state. When the transmission of the image data to the outside is executed, the image data that has been transmitted is kept in the erasure prohibition state. An imaging device capable of erasing image data recorded on a recording medium in response to a user operation,
Imaging means for capturing an image of a subject and acquiring image data;
Recording means for recording the image data acquired by the imaging means on the recording medium;
Transmission control means for transmitting image data recorded on the recording medium to the outside;
Control means for causing the image data recorded on the recording medium to be in a first erasure prohibition state or a second erasure prohibition state, which is a state in which erasure is restricted in accordance with a user operation;
Operation means for receiving an operation for setting the image data recorded on the recording medium to the first erasure prohibition state or the second erasure prohibition state;
The control means sets the image data recorded on the recording medium in the first erasure prohibition state or the second erasure prohibition state in response to a user operation on the operation means, and the first erasure prohibition When the transmission of the image data in the state is executed to the outside, the erasure prohibition state of the image data for which the transmission is executed is canceled, and the image data in the second erasure prohibition state is transmitted to the outside. When the image data is transmitted, the image data that has been transmitted is kept in the erasure prohibition state. The control unit sets the image data recorded on the recording medium in the first erasure prohibition state or the second erasure prohibition state according to the number of times the user operates the operation unit. The imaging device according to claim 2 . The control means sets the image data recorded on the recording medium in the first erasure prohibition state or the second erasure prohibition state in accordance with a user's operation time for the operation means. The imaging device according to claim 2 . When the transmission of the image data in the first erasure prohibition state is executed to the outside, the control means executes the transmission by canceling the erasure prohibition state of the image data for which the transmission has been executed. When image data is put into an erasable state and image data in the second erasure prohibition state is transmitted to the outside, the second erasure prohibition state of the image data subjected to the transmission is continued. 5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the erasure prohibition state of the image data for which the transmission has been executed is continued. In association with the image data recorded on the recording medium, the image data has display means for displaying different images when the image data is in the first erasure prohibition state and when the image data is in the second erasure prohibition state. The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . An image data management method for managing image data recorded on a recording medium,
A transmission step of transmitting image data recorded on the recording medium to the outside;
A control step of setting the image data recorded on the recording medium to a first erasure prohibition state or a second erasure prohibition state, which is a state in which erasure is restricted according to a user operation;
Receiving an operation for setting the image data recorded on the recording medium to the first erasure prohibition state or the second erasure prohibition state;
A switching step for switching the operation mode setting;
When the transmission of the image data in the first erasure prohibition state is executed to the outside, the erasure prohibition state of the image data for which the transmission is executed is canceled, and the image data in the second erasure prohibition state is released. When the transmission to the outside is executed, and continuing the erasure prohibition state of the image data for which the transmission is executed ,
The switching step includes: a first mode in which image data recorded on the recording medium by a user operation is in the first erasure prohibiting state; and image data recorded on the recording medium by a user operation. A method of managing image data, wherein the setting of an operation mode is switched between a second mode in which the second erasure is prohibited . An image data management method for managing image data recorded on a recording medium,
A transmission step of transmitting image data recorded on the recording medium to the outside;
A control step of setting the image data recorded on the recording medium to a first erasure prohibition state or a second erasure prohibition state, which is a state in which erasure is restricted according to a user operation;
Receiving an operation for setting the image data recorded on the recording medium to the first erasure prohibition state or the second erasure prohibition state;
When the transmission of the image data in the first erasure prohibition state is executed to the outside, the erasure prohibition state of the image data for which the transmission is executed is canceled, and the image data in the second erasure prohibition state is released. When the transmission to the outside is executed, and continuing the erasure prohibition state of the image data for which the transmission is executed,
The image data management method according to claim 1, wherein the control step sets the image data recorded on the recording medium in the first erasure prohibition state or the second erasure prohibition state in accordance with a user operation.

Images