JPH10285445A - Image-pickup device and method therefor, information processing unit and method and medium therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simply select desired image data among recorded image data. SOLUTION: A list of folders in existence in an electronic camera is displayed on a folder selection window 221 on a display device of a personal computer connected to the electronic camera. Then either of folders 231, 232 is selected, and when a selection button 233 is clicked, a signal to designate the selected folder to be a folder on which image data are recorded is fed to the electronic camera. Upon the receipt of the signal, the electronic camera sets the folder to a folder on which the image data are recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and method, an information processing apparatus and method, and a medium, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus and method for classifying and recording image data corresponding to a captured image. , An information processing apparatus and method, and a medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the advance of semiconductor technology, CCD (Char
2. Description of the Related Art Electronic cameras that use a photoelectric conversion element such as a Ge Coupled Device to electrically photograph a subject have become widespread.

One of such electronic cameras is RS232.
An electronic camera having an interface such as C or SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) is connected to a so-called personal computer having the same interface when transmitting and receiving data.

There is also an electronic camera that can be connected to a personal computer via a so-called memory card expansion slot.

[0005]

However, in the above-described electronic camera, since the data of the photographed image is recorded without being classified, when the image is reproduced later, a large number of photographed images are taken. It is necessary to select desired image data from image data, and it is difficult to easily select desired image data.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and the data of a photographed image is classified and stored in a folder (or directory) designated in advance using, for example, a personal computer. For example, at the time of reproduction, data of a desired image can be easily selected.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus which collects light from a subject and collects the light from the subject into an electric signal. A photoelectric conversion unit, a conversion unit that converts an electric signal into image data of a subject, a recording unit that records the image data, a connection unit that is electrically connected to the information processing device, and a connection unit that is electrically connected to the information processing device. Recording means for recording the image data converted by the conversion means in a recording area of the recording means designated by the signal supplied by the control means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus comprising: collecting light from a subject; converting the collected light from the subject into an electric signal; converting the electric signal into image data of the subject; It is characterized in that the converted image data is recorded in a recording area specified by a signal supplied from the apparatus.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus, comprising: display means for displaying classifications of image data in a recording unit of the imaging device; and an image corresponding to an image newly captured by the imaging device among the classifications. It is characterized by comprising a selection unit for selecting a classification in which data is stored, and a supply unit for supplying a signal corresponding to the classification selected by the selection unit to the imaging device via the connection unit.

[0010] In the information processing method according to the present invention, the classification of the image data in the recording unit of the imaging device is displayed, and among the classifications, the image data corresponding to the image newly captured by the imaging device is stored. The selected classification is selected, and a signal corresponding to the selected classification is supplied to the imaging device.

The medium according to claim 8 displays the classification of the image data in the recording unit of the imaging device, and selects a classification in which the image data corresponding to the newly captured image is recorded from among the classifications. Then, the medium is a medium in which a computer program for supplying a signal corresponding to the selected classification to the imaging device via the connection unit is stored or transmitted.

In the image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect, the light condensing means (for example, a photographing lens) condenses light from the subject, and the photoelectric conversion means (for example, CCD) is condensed by the light condensing means. The light from the subject is converted into an electric signal, the conversion means (for example, a digital signal processor) converts the electric signal into image data of the subject, and the recording control means (for example, CPU) is an information processing device (for example, a personal computer) The image data converted by the conversion unit is recorded in a recording area of a recording unit (for example, a flash memory) specified by a signal supplied through a connection unit (for example, a connector).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the light from the subject is collected, the collected light from the subject is converted into an electric signal, and the electric signal is converted into image data of the subject. Processing device (eg personal computer)
The converted image data is recorded in a recording area specified by a signal supplied from the apparatus.

In the information processing apparatus according to the present invention, the display means (for example, a display) displays a classification (for example, a folder) of image data in a recording unit (for example, a flash memory of an electronic camera) of the imaging device, and selects and selects the classification. The means (for example, a mouse) selects a category in which image data corresponding to an image newly captured by the imaging device is stored, from among those categories, and the supply means (for example, the CPU)
A signal corresponding to the classification selected by the selection unit is supplied to the imaging device via the connection unit.

In the information processing method according to the present invention, a classification (for example, a folder) of image data in a recording unit (for example, a flash memory of an electronic camera) of the imaging apparatus is provided.
Are displayed, and among those classifications, a classification in which image data corresponding to an image newly captured by the imaging device is stored is selected, and a signal corresponding to the selected classification is supplied to the imaging device.

In the medium according to the present invention, a classification (for example, a folder) of image data in a recording unit (for example, a flash memory of an electronic camera) of the imaging device is displayed,
A computer program that supplies a signal corresponding to the selected classification to the imaging device via the connection unit when a classification in which image data corresponding to a newly captured image is recorded is selected from among the classifications. Is stored or transmitted.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an electronic camera to which the imaging device of the present invention is applied. The electronic camera 1 has a release button 82 operated at the time of shooting.
In addition to taking a picture of a subject in a state where the subject is connected to a holder 61 having a battery 83 for supplying power to each electronic circuit, as shown in FIG.
, A signal corresponding to the operation of the keyboard 112 and the mouse 113 (selection means) is received from the personal computer 101, and various settings are made in accordance with the signal.

In the electronic camera 1 shown in FIG. 1, a finder 2 for presenting a user with a photographing range of a subject on a surface X facing the subject at the time of photographing, and a photographing lens 3 for condensing light from the subject (condensing means) And a strobe 4 that emits light for illuminating the subject.

On a surface Z1, which is the upper surface of the electronic camera 1, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 6 for displaying a captured image and operation keys 7 for performing various operations by a user are arranged.

A surface Z2 which is the lower surface of the electronic camera 1
Is connected to the first connector 81 of the holder 61 when the tip of the electronic camera 1 is inserted into the hole 84 of the holder 61 and the electronic camera 1 is mounted on the holder 61. Has been made. Via the first connector 26 and the first connector 81, a signal corresponding to the power of the battery 83 and the operation of the release button 82 is supplied from the holder 61 to the electronic camera 1.

The second connector 27 (connecting means) disposed at the tip of the electronic camera 1 is, for example, a PCMC.
IA (Personal Computer Memory Card International
Association) -compliant connection terminal, and is configured to be connected to a connection terminal of an expansion slot for a memory card of the personal computer 101. From the personal computer 101 via the second connector 27,
Power for operating the built-in electronic circuit and signals for specifying various settings are supplied to the electronic camera 1.

When the electronic camera 1 is connected to the holder 61, nothing (electrically) is connected to the second connector 27. When the electronic camera 1 is connected to the personal computer 101, nothing (electrically) is connected to the first connector 26.

Next, the internal configuration of the electronic camera 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal configuration of the electronic camera 1 shown in FIG. A CCD 20 (photoelectric conversion unit) that photoelectrically converts a light image of a subject into an electric signal is provided at a subsequent stage of the photographing lens 3.

Below the finder 2, the photographic lens 3, and the strobe 4, a condenser 22 for storing electric charge for causing the strobe 4 to emit light is disposed.

Various control circuits for controlling each part of the electronic camera 1 are provided on the circuit board 23. Further, the circuit board 23 is provided with a flash memory 24 (recording means) for storing data of captured images, various parameters, and the like.

Next, an electrical configuration inside the electronic camera 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The CCD 20 has a predetermined number of pixels, and photoelectrically converts light formed on each pixel to generate an image signal (electric signal).

The image processing section 31 is controlled by the CPU 36 (recording control means) and samples the image signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD 20 at a predetermined timing. The analog / digital conversion circuit (A / D conversion circuit) 32 digitizes the image signal sampled by the image processing section 31 and supplies the digitalized signal to a digital signal processor (DSP) 33 (conversion means).

The DSP 33 controls a data bus connected to the buffer memory 35 and the flash memory 24, temporarily stores the image data supplied from the A / D conversion circuit 32 in the buffer memory 35, and then stores the image data in the buffer memory 35. JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts G) combining JPEG, discrete cosine transform, quantization and Huffman coding
The data is compressed according to the (roup) method, and the compressed data is recorded in the flash memory 24.

The DSP 33 includes an A / D conversion circuit 32
The supplied image data is stored in the frame memory 47 and displayed on the LCD 6, and the flash memory 24
Is read out, stored in the frame memory 47, and displayed on the LCD 6.

Further, the DSP 33 stores the CC in the CCD 20.
In addition to supplying the D horizontal drive pulse, the CCD drive circuit 39 is controlled to supply the CCD 20 with the CCD vertical drive pulse.

The buffer memory 35 is adapted to temporarily store data corresponding to the difference between the speed of writing or reading data to or from the flash memory 24 and the processing speed of the CPU 36 or DSP 33.

The flash memory 24 is composed of a nonvolatile storage element, and records setting parameters of various functions in addition to image data of a photographed image.

The CPU 36 performs various setting processes in response to signals supplied from the personal computer 101 via the second connector 27 and the interface (I / F) 50.

The CPU 36 is provided with the flash memory 2
4 is transferred to the interface 50
The data is output to the personal computer 101 through the second connector 27.

Further, the CPU 36 controls the strobe drive circuit 41 to appropriately emit light from the strobe 4, and controls the lens drive circuit 30 to move the photographing lens 3 to perform an autofocus operation. ing.

When the CPU 36 receives a signal from the operation key 7 such as a power switch, the CPU 36 appropriately performs a process corresponding to the key.

The timer 45 has a built-in backup battery and outputs data corresponding to the current time to the CPU 36.

When the electronic camera 1 is connected to the holder 61, the interface 48 outputs a signal from the release button 82 supplied from the holder 61 via the first connector 26 to the CPU 36.

When the electronic camera 1 is connected to the holder 61, the DC / DC converter 49 converts the voltage of the battery 83 connected via the first connector 26 into the voltage of the electronic camera 1
Converts the operating voltage of each built-in circuit into an operating voltage, and supplies power from the battery 83 to each circuit.

When the electronic camera 1 is connected to the personal computer 101, the interface 50 outputs a signal supplied from the personal computer 101 via the second connector 27 to the CPU 36.

When the electronic camera 1 is connected to the personal computer 101, the second connector 27 supplies electric power from the personal computer 101 to each circuit.

Next, the configuration of a personal computer 101 to which the information processing apparatus of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. In the personal computer 101, the CPU 114 (supplying means, generating means) includes a ROM
Various processes are performed according to programs recorded in the hard disk drive 115 and the hard disk drive 116.
The ROM 115 stores, for example, programs and data used at the time of startup.

The hard disk drive 116 to which the medium of the present invention is applied stores programs for making various settings of the electronic camera 1 connected to the personal computer 101, in addition to programs such as an operating system. In the program, for example, a process (described later) of instructing the electronic camera 1 to newly create a folder for recording image data of a captured image and selecting a folder in which image data is recorded is described.

The RAM 117 temporarily stores programs and data when the CPU 114 performs various processes.

The VRAM 118 stores the image data supplied from the CPU 114 for each pixel, and displays an image signal corresponding to the image data on the display 111 (display means).
Output.

The interface 119 is, for example, a PCMC
Connected to the IA-compliant connector 122,
Is output to the CPU 114.

The interface 120 is a keyboard 11
2 to output a signal corresponding to an operation on the keyboard 112 to the CPU 114.

The interface 121 is connected to the mouse 113, and outputs a signal corresponding to an operation on the mouse 113 to the CPU 114.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The operation of the personal computer 101 when creating a new folder for recording image data or selecting a folder for recording image data in the electronic camera 1 will be described.

When the above-described program stored in the hard disk device 116 is executed, the CPU 114 outputs a signal requesting the name of the currently existing folder to the electronic camera 1 via the interface 119 in step S1. . Then, the CPU 114 receives, via the interface 119, the data of the folder name transferred corresponding to the signal.

Next, in step S2, the CPU 11
4 displays, for example, a list of folders shown in FIG. 7 on the display 111 in accordance with the supplied folder name in accordance with the program.

In FIG. 7, a command menu 203 having a “select” command selected when selecting a folder and the like and an “end” command selected when terminating the program is displayed according to the program. A “business” folder 211 and a “private” folder 212 that are folders existing in the electronic camera 1 are displayed in the window 201.

Then, in step S3, the CPU 1
14, a mouse 113 is operated and a mouse cursor 20 is displayed.
In step 2, it is determined whether the "select" command of the command menu 203 has been selected. If it is determined that the "select" command of the command menu 203 has not been selected, the process proceeds to step S4, and the "end" It is determined whether a command has been selected. If it is determined that the “end” command in the command menu 203 has not been selected, the process returns to step S3. That is, the CPU 114
It waits until the “select” command or the “end” command of the command menu 203 is selected.

When the "select" command of the command menu 203 is selected, the process proceeds to step S5, where the CPU 114
Causes the display 111 to display, for example, a folder selection window 221 shown in FIG.

Then, in step S6, the CPU 1
14 determines whether any of the folders 231 and 232 displayed in the folder selection window 221 has been selected.

If it is determined that one of the folders 231 and 232 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S7, where the CPU
Reference numeral 114 denotes a RAM 117 for inverting the display color of the selected folder and indicating that the folder has been selected.
To memorize. Then, after inverting the display color of the folder, the process returns to step S6.

On the other hand, if it is determined that none of the folders 231 and 232 has been selected, the process proceeds to step S8, and the CPU 114 proceeds to step S8.
It is determined whether 33 has been pressed.

If it is determined that the selection button 233 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S9, where the CPU 114 determines whether a folder has been selected. At this time, if it is determined that a folder has not been selected, step S6
Return to

On the other hand, if it is determined that a folder has been selected, the process proceeds to step S 10, where the CPU 114 sends a signal specifying the selected folder to a folder in which image data is recorded via the interface 119. Output to the electronic camera 1. Then, after outputting the signal to the electronic camera 1, the process returns to step S3.

If it is determined in step S8 that the selection button 233 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S8.
The CPU 114 determines whether the new button 234 of the window 221 has been pressed or not, and
If it is determined that the button 34 has been pressed, a window (not shown) for inputting the name of a newly created folder is displayed on the display 111 in step S12.

Then, in step S13, the CPU
114 waits until a folder name is input according to the program. When the folder name is input, the process proceeds to step S14, and the CPU 114 outputs the folder name to the electronic camera 1 as a name of a newly created folder. Then, after outputting the folder name, step S
Return to 3.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the new button 234 has not been pressed, the process proceeds to step S15, and the CPU 114 determines whether the cancel button 235 of the window 221 has been pressed.

If it is determined that the cancel button 235 has not been pressed, the process returns to step S6. That is, CPU
The step 114 waits until one of the folders displayed in the window 221 is selected or one of the buttons 233, 234, 235 is pressed according to the program.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the cancel button 235 has been pressed, selection of a folder and creation of a new folder are interrupted, and the process returns to step S3.

As described above, the name of the selected folder or the name of the newly created folder among the currently existing folders is output to the electronic camera 1 according to the program.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The operation of the electronic camera 1 will be described.

First, in step S21, the CPU 36 of the electronic camera 1
It is determined whether or not a signal requesting the name of the currently existing folder has been received from the personal computer 101,
If you determine that you received a signal requesting the folder name,
In step S22, the data of the folder name is transferred to the personal computer 101 via the interface 50.
Output to Then, after outputting the data of the folder name, the process returns to step S21.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the signal requesting the folder name has not been received, the process proceeds to step S23, and C
The PU 36 determines whether a signal requesting creation of a new folder has been received or not. If the PU 36 determines that a signal requesting creation of a new folder has been received, the PU 36 receives the signal from the personal computer 101 in step S24. A folder having a folder name is created, and in step S25, the folder is set as a folder for recording image data of a next captured image. Then, after setting the folder, the process returns to step S21.

On the other hand, if it is determined that a signal requesting creation of a new folder has not been received, step S26
The CPU 36 determines whether or not a signal for specifying a folder for recording image data has been received. If it is determined that a signal for specifying a folder has been received, the CPU 36 proceeds to step S2.
Proceeding to 5, the folder is set as a folder for recording the image data of the next captured image. Then, after setting the folder, the process returns to step S21.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the signal for designating the folder in which the image data is to be recorded has not been received, the process proceeds to step S 27, where the CPU 36 operates the various operation members provided in the electronic camera 1. It is determined whether or not the operation has been performed. If it is determined that the operation has been performed on the operation member, a process corresponding to the operation (operation member) is performed in step S28. Then, after performing the processing, the process returns to step S21.

As described above, in the electronic camera 1, a new folder is created or a folder for recording image data is selected in accordance with the signal supplied from the personal computer 101.

Next, the photographing operation of the electronic camera 1 when the release button 82 is operated will be described.

First, the tip of the electronic camera 1 is
After the electronic camera 1 is connected to the holder 61 by inserting the electronic camera 1 into the hole 84, the power switch of the operation key 7 is operated to turn on the power of the electronic camera 1. Then, when the subject is confirmed in the viewfinder 2 and the release button 82 of the holder 61 is pressed, the subject photographing process is started.

In the photographing process (the process corresponding to step S28 in FIG. 9), a light image of the subject observed through the finder 2 is condensed by the photographing lens 3, and the CCD 20
An image is formed at. The optical image of the subject formed on the CCD 20 is photoelectrically converted into an image signal. Then, the signal is sampled by the image processing unit 31. The sampled image signal is supplied to the A / D conversion circuit 32, digitized, and output to the DSP 33.

The DSP 33 temporarily outputs the image data to the buffer memory 35, reads out the image data from the buffer memory 35, compresses the image data by the JPEG method, and stores the image data in the folder set in the flash memory 24 as described above. To record.

As described above, the subject is imaged by the electronic camera 1, and the image data is classified and recorded in the designated folder.

It should be noted that, if necessary, the strobe 4
Can be operated to irradiate the subject with light.

Further, by executing a predetermined program in the personal computer 101, image data recorded in a predetermined folder of the electronic camera 1 can be reproduced and displayed on the display 111.

[0079]

As described above, according to the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect and the imaging method according to the third aspect, the subject is recorded in the recording area specified by the signal supplied from the predetermined information processing apparatus. Since the image data corresponding to the image is recorded, when reproducing the desired image, the image data corresponding to the image can be easily selected.

The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, and claim 7
According to the information processing method described in (1) and the medium described in (8), the classification of the image data in the recording unit of the predetermined imaging device is displayed, and among those classifications, the image corresponding to the captured image is displayed. Since a classification in which data is stored is selected and a signal corresponding to the selected classification is supplied to the imaging device, the imaging device can classify and record image data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an electronic camera to which an imaging device of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example in which the electronic camera of FIG. 1 is connected to a personal computer.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of an internal configuration of the electronic camera of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of an electric circuit configuration of the electronic camera of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a personal computer to which the information processing device of the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the personal computer of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a list display of folders provided in the electronic camera.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a window displayed when a folder is selected.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the electronic camera in FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic camera 3 Photographing lens (condensing means) 6 Liquid crystal display (LCD) 20 CCD (photoelectric conversion means) 24 Flash memory (recording means) 26 1st connector 27 2nd connector (connection means) 33 Digital signal processor (DSP) (Conversion means) 35 Buffer memory 36 CPU (recording control means) 101 Personal computer 111 Display (display means) 112 Keyboard 113 Mouse (selection means) 114 CPU (supply means, generation means) 116 Hard disk device 122 Connector

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup apparatus mounted on a predetermined information processing apparatus and electrically connectable, comprising: a light condensing means for condensing light from a subject; Photoelectric conversion means for converting the light into an electric signal; converting means for converting the electric signal into image data of the subject; recording means for recording the image data; and electrically connected to the information processing device. Connection means, and recording control means for recording the image data converted by the conversion means in a recording area of the recording means specified by a signal supplied from the information processing device via the connection means. An imaging device characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection unit is a connection terminal conforming to PCMCIA. 3. An imaging method for storing image data corresponding to a captured image in accordance with a signal supplied from a predetermined information processing apparatus, wherein the light from a subject is collected. Converting light from a subject into an electric signal; converting the electric signal into image data of the subject; and recording the converted image data in a recording area designated by a signal supplied from the information processing device. An imaging method characterized in that: 4. An information processing apparatus having a connection unit to which a predetermined imaging device is connected, a display unit for displaying a classification of image data in a recording unit of the imaging device, and a new one of the classifications by the imaging device. Selecting means for selecting a classification in which image data corresponding to the image captured in the image is stored, and a signal corresponding to the classification selected by the selecting means,
An information processing apparatus comprising: a supply unit that supplies the image capturing apparatus via the connection unit. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the classification is a folder or a directory. 6. The image capturing apparatus further includes a generating unit that generates a new classification of image data, wherein the supplying unit transmits a signal corresponding to the new classification generated by the generating unit via the connection unit. 6. The power supply according to claim 4, wherein
An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. 7. An information processing method for selecting a classification for storing image data corresponding to an image captured by a predetermined imaging device and supplying a signal corresponding to the classification to the imaging device, the imaging device comprising: Displaying the classification of the image data in the recording unit; selecting a classification in which the image data corresponding to the image newly captured by the imaging device is stored from among the classifications; and generating a signal corresponding to the selected classification. An information processing method, wherein the information is supplied to the imaging device. 8. A medium in which a computer program executed in an information processing apparatus having a connection unit to which a predetermined imaging device is connected is stored or transmitted, displaying a classification of image data in a recording unit of the imaging device, A computer that supplies a signal corresponding to the selected classification to the imaging device via the connection unit when a classification in which image data corresponding to a newly captured image is recorded is selected from the classifications A medium on which programs are stored or transmitted.