JP2004297158A - Image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that inconvenience is caused by redundantly transmitting image data to external equipment. <P>SOLUTION: The image pickup device, to which recording media (200, 210) for recording image data can be mounted, can transmit the image data recorded in the recording media mounted to the device body to the external equipment. It has communication means (110, 112) for executing the transmission/reception of the data to the external equipment, and a control means (50) for controlling operations of the communication means. The control means discriminates whether there is the transmitted image data which are transmitted to the external equipment in a plurality of the image data recorded in the recording media. It transmits the image data except the transmitted image data via the communication means to the external equipment. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an imaging device, and more particularly, to an imaging device that transfers data (eg, image data) stored in a recording medium mounted on an apparatus main body to an external device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, many proposals have been made regarding multifunctional electronic imaging devices such as digital still cameras using an IC memory card, a magnetic recording medium, a magneto-optical recording medium, a flash memory, or the like as a recording medium. 1). As one of them, there is a proposal of a digital still camera capable of transmitting and receiving image data to and from an external device. For example, by connecting the camera to a PC via a USB (Universal Serial Bus), it is possible to download image data stored in a recording medium in the camera to the PC.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-252798 (pages 4, 5; FIG. 7)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional camera, the camera is connected to the PC and the image data in the recording medium is collectively downloaded to the PC, or the camera is treated as an external storage device on the PC and only the image selected by the user is downloaded to the PC. You can only do it.
[0005]
For example, when a digital still camera having a built-in recording medium storing 50 shot image data from IMG_001 to IMG_050 is connected to a PC, all of the image data from IMG_001 to IMG_050 are stored in a storage device in the PC. Can be downloaded.
[0006]
However, after downloading the image data and continuing to shoot without deleting the image data in the recording medium of the digital still camera, if the number of images reaches 75 from IMG_001 to IMG_075, connect the camera to the PC again. Then, the download is started again from IMG_001, and the image data overlapping with the previously downloaded image data is downloaded.
[0007]
In order to prevent the download of the duplicated image data in this way, it is necessary for the user himself to select an image of IMG_075 from IMG_051 and download only the selected image data to the PC.
[0008]
Further, even if the user does not like the image data after downloading the image data from the camera to the PC, for example, a total of 10 image data from IMG_011 to IMG_020 out of the 50 image data described above are deleted from the storage device in the PC. If the deleted image data is included in the recording medium of the camera, there is a problem that when the camera is connected to the PC, the deleted image data is downloaded again on the PC.
[0009]
The problem described above makes it inconvenient to continue using a favorite image while leaving the favorite image in the recording medium of the digital still camera.
[0010]
Further, when a single digital still camera is used by a plurality of persons, when only the image taken by the user is downloaded to his / her PC, the user selects only the image taken by himself / herself from a large number of taken images, and It is not convenient for the user because it requires a procedure such as downloading to the user.
[0011]
The present invention has been made based on the above-described problems, and reduces the burden on a user when connecting an imaging device to an external device such as a PC and transfers image data to the external device, and records a favorite image. It is an object of the present invention to provide an imaging device capable of continuing photographing while recording in a medium. Another object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that is easy to use for each user when the imaging device is shared and used by a plurality of users.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention is directed to an imaging apparatus capable of mounting a recording medium for recording image data and transmitting image data recorded on a recording medium mounted on the apparatus main body or a recording medium in the apparatus main body to an external device. A communication unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device; and a control unit for controlling an operation of the communication unit. The control unit is configured to control a plurality of image data recorded on a recording medium. It is characterized by determining whether or not there is transmitted image data transmitted to an external device, and transmitting image data other than the transmitted image data to the external device via the communication means.
[0013]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0014]
(1st Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a camera system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a camera body, and an interchangeable lens 300 is detachable. That is, the lens mount 306 provided on the interchangeable lens 300 can be attached to or detached from the mount 106 provided on the camera body 100.
[0015]
First, the configuration inside the camera body 100 will be described.
[0016]
Reference numeral 12 denotes a shutter, which controls the amount of exposure to an image sensor 14 such as a CCD by opening and closing operations. An image sensor 14 converts an optical image into an electric signal. When the shutter 12 is in the open state, the subject light beam incident on the interchangeable lens 300 forms an image on the image sensor 14.
[0017]
Reference numeral 16 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output of the image sensor 14 into a digital signal. Reference numeral 18 denotes a timing generation circuit that supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, and the D / A converter 26, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 50.
[0018]
Reference numeral 20 denotes an image processing circuit which performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on image data from the A / D converter 16 or image data from the memory control circuit 22. Further, in the image processing circuit 20, predetermined arithmetic processing is performed using the captured image data as necessary.
[0019]
The system control circuit 50 performs TTL (Through The Lens) type AF (Auto Focus) processing, AE (Auto Exposure) processing, and EF (Flash Dimming) processing based on the calculation result in the image processing cycle 20. Can be.
[0020]
Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result.
[0021]
In the present embodiment, since the focus detection unit 42 and the photometry unit 46 are provided exclusively, the AF process, the AE process, and the EF process are performed based on the outputs of the focus detection unit 42 and the photometry unit 46. You may.
[0022]
Further, based on the outputs of the focus detection unit 42 and the photometry unit 46, each of the AF processing, the AE processing, and the EF processing is performed, and based on the output of the image processing circuit 20, each of the AF processing, the AE processing, and the EF processing is performed. May be performed.
[0023]
A memory control circuit 22 controls the operations of the A / D converter 16, the timing generation circuit 18, the image processing circuit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30, and the compression / decompression circuit 32. . The image data from the A / D converter 16 is written to the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or directly via the memory control circuit 22.
[0024]
Reference numeral 24 denotes an image display memory, 26 denotes a D / A converter, and 28 denotes an image display unit composed of a TFT LCD or the like. The display image data written in the image display memory 24 is output to the image display unit 28 via the D / A converter 26 and displayed as a photographed image.
[0025]
Reference numeral 30 denotes a memory for storing captured still image data, which has a sufficient storage capacity to store a predetermined number of still image data. Thus, even in the case of continuous shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, it is possible to write a large amount of image data to the memory 30 at high speed. The memory 30 can also be used as a work area of the system control circuit 50.
[0026]
A compression / decompression circuit 32 compresses or decompresses image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like. The compression / decompression circuit 32 reads the image data stored in the memory 30, performs a compression process or a decompression process, and converts the processed data. Write to memory 30.
[0027]
Reference numeral 40 denotes a shutter control unit which controls driving of the shutter 12 in response to a command from the system control unit 50.
[0028]
Reference numeral 42 denotes a focus detection unit which detects a focus adjustment state of the imaging optical system in response to a command from the system control circuit 50 and sends the detection result to the system control circuit 50. In a state where the half mirror 130 is inclined on the photographing optical path, the subject light entering the interchangeable lens 300 is reflected by a sub-mirror (not shown) provided on the back surface of the half mirror 130 and is guided to the focus detection unit 42. I will The focus detection unit 42 receives the subject light and detects the focus adjustment state of the imaging optical system by a contrast detection method or a phase difference detection method.
[0029]
The system control circuit 50 drives the photographing lens (focus lens) 310 based on the detection result of the focus detection unit 42 as described later to bring the photographing optical system into a focused state (AF processing).
[0030]
Note that the detection result (focus adjustment state by the phase difference detection method) in the focus detection unit 42 and the calculation result (focus by the contrast detection method) calculated by the image processing circuit 20 using the image data captured by the image sensor 14. (Adjustment state).
[0031]
Reference numeral 46 denotes a photometry unit which measures a subject brightness (photometry) in response to a command from the system control circuit 50, and sends the photometry result to the system control circuit 50. The subject light that has entered the interchangeable lens 300 is reflected by the half mirror 130 and the mirror 132, passes through a photometric lens (not shown), and is received by the photometric unit 46.
[0032]
The system control circuit 50 calculates an exposure value (shutter speed and aperture value) based on the photometry result of the photometry unit 46, and controls the drive of the shutter 12 and the aperture 312 based on the calculation result (AE processing).
[0033]
When the strobe light 48 is being driven (emit light), the strobe light reflected by the subject is received by the photometry unit 46, and the system control circuit 50 outputs the strobe light based on the output from the photometry unit 46. Forty-eight light emission amounts are controlled (EF processing).
[0034]
Reference numeral 48 denotes a strobe which irradiates an object with illumination light in response to a command from the system control circuit 50. The strobe 48 has an AF auxiliary light projecting function and a strobe light control function.
[0035]
Note that the AE process may be performed based on the photometric result of the photometric unit 46 and the calculation result calculated by the image processing circuit 20 using the image data captured by the image sensor 14.
[0036]
Reference numeral 50 denotes a system control circuit (control means) for controlling the operation of the entire camera body 100, and reference numeral 52 denotes a memory for storing constants, variables, programs, and the like for the operation of the system control circuit 50.
[0037]
Reference numeral 54 denotes a display unit that notifies the photographer of the operation state of the camera and the contents of messages and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like in accordance with the execution of the program in the system control circuit 50. The display unit 54 is located near the operation unit of the camera body 100 and is located at a position where it is easy for a photographer to visually recognize the display unit 54. The display unit 54 is composed of, for example, a combination of an LCD, an LED, and a sound emitting element.
[0038]
Some of the contents displayed on the display unit 54 are displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 by a display unit (not shown).
[0039]
Here, what is displayed on the LCD of the display unit 54 is, for example, a single-shot / continuous-shooting display, a self-timer display, a compression ratio display, a recording pixel number display, a recording number display, a remaining photographable number display, a shutter. Speed display, aperture value display, exposure compensation display, strobe display, red-eye reduction display, buzzer setting display, battery remaining amount display, error display, information display with multiple digits, display of detachable state of recording media 2002, 10, interchangeable lens There is a display of the attachment / detachment state of 300, a communication I / F operation display, a date / time display, and a connection state display with an external computer.
[0040]
The display contents of the display unit 54 that are displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 include, for example, an in-focus display, a shooting preparation completion display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charge display, a flash charge completion display, a shutter speed display, There are an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, and a recording medium writing operation display.
[0041]
Further, as what is displayed on the LED of the display unit 54, for example, there is a recording medium writing operation display. The display unit 54 that displays a lamp or the like includes, for example, a self-timer notification lamp. This self-timer notification lamp can be used as AF auxiliary light.
[0042]
Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable non-volatile memory, which is, for example, an EEPROM.
[0043]
Reference numerals 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, and 70 denote operation members operated to give various operation instructions to the system control circuit 50, and are configured by switches, dials, and the like, or a combination thereof. Hereinafter, these operation members will be specifically described.
[0044]
A mode dial switch 60 instructs the system control circuit 50 to switch various photographing modes. The shooting modes include an automatic shooting mode, a program shooting mode, a shutter speed priority shooting mode, an aperture priority shooting mode, a manual shooting mode, a depth of focus priority (depth) shooting mode, a portrait shooting mode, a landscape shooting mode, and a close-up shooting mode. , A sports shooting mode, a night view shooting mode, a panoramic shooting mode, and the like.
[0045]
Reference numeral 62 denotes a shutter switch (SW1), which is turned on by half-pressing a shutter button (not shown) provided on the camera body 100. When sw1 is turned on, the system control circuit 50 is instructed to start a shooting preparation operation such as AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing.
[0046]
Reference numeral 64 denotes a shutter switch (SW2), which is turned on when the shutter button is fully pressed, and instructs the system control circuit 50 to start a shooting operation. Thus, an exposure process of writing the signal (image data) read from the image sensor 12 to the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22 is performed. The image data is developed by the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 (color processing, etc.), the image data is read from the memory 30, the compression processing is performed by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and the image data A recording process for writing data is performed.
[0047]
Reference numeral 66 denotes a reproduction switch, which instructs the system control circuit 50 to perform a reproduction and display operation of a captured image. When the camera system is set to the shooting mode state, the system control circuit 50 reads the shot image from the memory 30 or the recording media 200 and 210 and Display.
[0048]
Reference numeral 68 denotes a single shooting / continuous shooting switch, which instructs the system control circuit 50 to perform single shooting or continuous shooting. When the single shooting mode is set, the switch SW2 is turned on, so that one frame is shot, and then a shooting standby state is set. When the continuous shooting mode is set, the switch SW2 is turned on, so that a plurality of frames are continuously shot, and then a shooting standby state is set.
[0049]
An operation unit 70 includes various buttons and a touch panel. The operation unit 70 includes a menu button, a set button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, a single-shot / continuous-shot / self-timer switching button, a menu shift + (plus) button, and a menu shift-(minus) button. , A play image move + (plus) button, and a play image move-(minus) button.
[0050]
In addition, a shooting image quality selection button, an exposure correction button, a date / time setting button, an image display ON / OFF switch for setting an ON / OFF state of the image display unit 28, and a quick review function for automatically reproducing image data shot immediately after shooting. Is a switch for selecting a compression ratio in JPEG compression processing or a CCDRAW mode for digitizing an output signal of the image sensor 14 as it is and recording it on a recording medium. There is a mode switch.
[0051]
Further, a playback switch for setting various function modes such as a playback mode, a multi-screen playback / erasing mode, and a PC connection mode, and an AF operation is started by a half-press operation of a shutter button. There is an AF mode setting switch that can set a one-shot AF mode in which the focus state is maintained and a servo AF mode in which the AF operation is continuously performed while the shutter button is half-pressed.
[0052]
Here, if the above-mentioned + (plus) button and-(minus) button are of a rotary dial type, numerical values and functions can be selected more easily.
[0053]
A power switch 72 instructs the system control circuit 50 to turn on / off the power of the camera body 100. By operating the power switch 72, it is also possible to switch on / off the power of a device mounted on the camera body 100, for example, the interchangeable lens 300, an external strobe device, and the recording media 200 and 210.
[0054]
Reference numeral 80 denotes a power control unit, which includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching a block to be energized, and the like. The power control unit 80 detects whether or not a battery is installed, the type of the battery, and the remaining amount of the battery, controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and an instruction from the system control circuit 50, and controls a required voltage. Is supplied to each unit including the recording medium for a necessary period.
[0055]
Reference numerals 82 and 84 denote connectors, and reference numeral 86 denotes a power supply including 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, or an AC adapter.
[0056]
Reference numerals 90 and 94 denote interfaces with recording media 200 and 210 such as a memory card and a hard disk, and reference numerals 92 and 96 denote connectors for connection with the recording media 200 and 210. Reference numeral 98 denotes a recording medium attachment / detachment detection circuit for detecting whether or not the recording media 200 and 210 are attached to the connectors 92 and 96.
[0057]
Although the present embodiment has been described as having two systems of interfaces and connectors for attaching a recording medium, the number of interfaces and connectors may be singular or two or more. Further, a configuration in which interfaces and connectors of different standards are combined may be adopted.
[0058]
The interface and the connector may be configured using a standard such as a PCMCIA card or a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card.
[0059]
Here, when the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96 are configured using a standard such as a PCMCIA card or a CF card, a LAN card, a modem card, a USB card, an IEEE 1394 card, a P1284 card, a SCSI card, By connecting various communication cards such as a communication card such as a PHS, image data and management information attached to the image data can be transferred between other computers and peripheral devices (external devices) such as a printer. .
[0060]
104 is an optical finder. The light that has entered the interchangeable lens 300 is reflected by the half mirror 130 and the mirror 132 and guided to the optical finder 104, so that a photographer can observe a subject image via the optical finder 104.
[0061]
In the camera system of the present embodiment, the photographer can observe the subject image by displaying the photographed image on the image display unit 28, and can observe the subject image via the optical viewfinder 104.
[0062]
In addition, since a part of the display content of the display unit 54 is displayed in the optical finder 104 as described above, the photographer can observe the subject image and the predetermined display content by looking into the optical finder 104. Can be. Here, the contents displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 include, for example, a focus display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charge display, a shutter speed display, an aperture value display, and an exposure correction display.
[0063]
A communication unit (communication means) 110 has various communication functions such as RS232C, USB, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, and wireless communication. With this communication function, image data and management information attached to the image data can be transferred to and from another computer or a peripheral device (external device) such as a printer. Details regarding the transfer of the image data will be described later.
[0064]
Reference numeral 112 denotes a connector (communication means) for connecting the camera body 100 to a peripheral device (computer, printer, or the like). Here, in the case of wireless communication, it becomes an antenna.
[0065]
Reference numeral 120 denotes an interface for connecting the camera body 100 to the interchangeable lens 300. Reference numeral 122 denotes a connector provided on the camera body 100, which electrically connects the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 300 by being connected to a connector 322 provided on the interchangeable lens 300.
[0066]
Thus, control signals, status signals, data signals, and the like can be exchanged between the camera body 100 and the interchangeable lens 300, and a current can be supplied from the camera body 100 to the interchangeable lens 300.
[0067]
Reference numeral 124 denotes a lens attachment / detachment detection unit which detects whether or not the interchangeable lens 300 is attached to the camera body 100, and sends the detection result to the system control circuit 50. Note that the connector 122 may have a configuration capable of performing not only electrical communication but also optical communication, voice communication, and the like.
[0068]
Reference numeral 130 denotes a half mirror, which can advance and retreat with respect to the imaging optical path. When the half mirror 130 is inclined on the photographing optical path, a part of the subject light incident from the interchangeable lens 300 is transmitted, and the rest is reflected by the mirror 132. The light transmitted through the half mirror 130 is reflected by a sub-mirror integrally formed on the back surface of the half mirror 130, and is guided to the focus detection unit 42 and the like as described above.
[0069]
On the other hand, when the half mirror 130 retreats from the photographing optical path, subject light from the interchangeable lens 300 is received by the image sensor 14.
[0070]
132 is a mirror that reflects the subject light guided from the half mirror 130 to the optical finder 104 and the photometry unit 46 side. The mirror 132 may have a configuration of a quick return mirror or a configuration of a half mirror.
[0071]
Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 includes a recording unit 202 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like, an interface 204 with the camera body 100, and a connector 206 connected to the connector 92 of the camera body 100.
[0072]
210 is a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 210 includes a recording unit 212 including a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk, an interface 214 with the camera body 100, and a connector 216 connected to the connector 96 of the camera body 100.
[0073]
Next, the configuration inside the interchangeable lens 300 will be described.
[0074]
A lens mount 306 mechanically couples the interchangeable lens 300 to the camera body 100 (mount 106). The lens mount 306 is provided with a connector 322 and the like for electrically connecting the interchangeable lens 300 and the camera body 100.
[0075]
Reference numeral 310 denotes a photographing lens, and reference numeral 312 denotes an aperture for adjusting the amount of light. Reference numeral 320 denotes an interface provided on the lens mount 306 for connecting the interchangeable lens 300 and the camera body 100. Reference numeral 322 denotes a connector for electrically connecting the interchangeable lens 300 to the camera body 100.
[0076]
By attaching the interchangeable lens 300 to the camera body 100, control signals, status signals, data signals, and the like can be exchanged between the interchangeable lens 300 and the camera body 100, and current is supplied from the camera body 100. Or supply a current to the camera body 100. Note that the connector 322 may be configured to enable not only electric communication but also optical communication, voice communication, and the like.
[0077]
An aperture driving circuit 340 drives the aperture 312 in response to a command from the lens control circuit 350. Thus, the aperture of the aperture 312 can be switched.
[0078]
A focus driving circuit 342 drives a focus lens of the photographing lens 310 in response to a command from the lens control circuit 350. Accordingly, the focus lens moves in the optical axis direction and stops at a predetermined focus position.
[0079]
A zoom drive circuit 344 drives a zoom lens of the photographing lens 310 in response to a command from the lens control circuit 350. Thereby, the zoom lens moves in the optical axis direction to change the focal length of the photographing optical system.
[0080]
In the present embodiment, the lens control circuit 350 controls the driving of the aperture drive circuit 340, the focus drive circuit 342, and the zoom drive circuit 344 by receiving a command from the system control circuit 50 via the interfaces 120 and 320. become.
[0081]
Reference numeral 350 denotes a lens control circuit that controls the operation of the entire interchangeable lens 300. The lens control circuit 350 includes a memory that stores operation constants, variables, programs, and the like, identification information such as a number unique to the interchangeable lens 300, management information, function information such as an open aperture value and a minimum aperture value, and a focal length. It has a function of a non-volatile memory for holding current and past set values.
[0082]
In the camera system of the present embodiment, when image data in the recording medium 200 is transferred to a computer (PC), a transfer history according to the transfer destination PC is added to the transferred image data.
[0083]
Here, the connection method between the camera system and the computer according to the present embodiment is not limited to a connection via a PCMCIA card, but may be a form using a wired connection that includes an I / F circuit inside the camera and is directly connected via a USB or the like. It can be in a form.
[0084]
The image data stored in the memory 30 is stored in the memory 30 again after undergoing data compression processing by the compression circuit 32. Here, photographing information data indicating photographing information at the time of photographing, such as photographing date and time, shutter speed, and aperture value, is attached to the image data subjected to the data compression processing. Therefore, the image data and the photographing information data are recorded in the recording medium 200 (210) in association with each other.
[0085]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a data file structure of data (image data and photographing information data) recorded on the recording medium 200.
[0086]
As shown in FIG. 2, the name of the image data recorded by the electronic camera can be distinguished by adding a directory 410 called “DCIM (Digital Camera Images)” under the root directory 400, as shown in DCF (Design Rule for Camera File). system).
[0087]
A plurality of subdirectories 430 are provided in the “DCIM” directory 410. Further, each subdirectory 430 is provided with an image data file 441 and a shooting information data file 442. One shooting information data file 442 is provided for each subdirectory 430.
[0088]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the photographing information data recorded in the photographing information data file 442. FIG. 3 shows shooting information of image data recorded under a file name “IMG — 0001.JPG”.
[0089]
In the present embodiment, of the plurality of image data, all of the imaging information data provided corresponding to each image data are collectively recorded in one file (imaging information data file 442). Thus, by simply reading out the photographing information data file 442, without reading out a plurality of image data one by one, it is possible to determine under what photographing conditions each image data among the plurality of image data is photographed. You can know.
[0090]
Next, a specific use example of the camera system of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, when the image data in the recording medium 200 is transferred to a predetermined PC, a shooting information data file 442 created for each subdirectory is stored in the shooting information data file 442 corresponding to the transferred image data to the predetermined PC. Is stored.
[0091]
FIG. 4 shows a transfer image diagram from the camera body 100 to the PC. FIG. 4 shows a case where the camera body 100 is used by connecting to a plurality of PCs.
[0092]
When the camera body 100 is connected to one of a plurality of PCs, the system control unit 50 transfers data (including image data) recorded on the recording medium 200 to the PC, and transfers the transferred image data. Is stored on the PC. At this time, the system control circuit 50 attaches an ID (attribute data, transfer history) unique to the transfer destination PC to the transferred image data and records it in the shooting information data file 442.
[0093]
That is, the shooting information data file 442 stores an ID that uniquely identifies the PC to which the image data has been transferred, corresponding to the image data to be transferred.
[0094]
Here, at the time of data transfer, a unique ID for specifying the PC main body is stored together with the image data in the data transfer destination PC, or a registry is provided by a camera connection application operating on the operation system of the PC. An ID unique to the PC can be stored by a method such as storage.
[0095]
Thus, every time the camera body 100 is connected to a new PC, the ID of the PC is stored in the connected PC. Then, when the camera body 100 is connected to the PC in which the ID is stored, the system control circuit 50 can acquire an ID unique to the PC through communication with the PC, and can specify the PC to be connected.
[0096]
After the data has been transferred to the PC, if all of the image data recorded in the recording medium 200 is erased before photographing, new image data is recorded in the recording medium 200. Thereafter, when the camera body 100 is connected to the PC, the system control circuit 50 transfers the new image data recorded in the recording medium 200 to the PC as described above, and also newly transmits the new image data to the PC. A unique ID.
[0097]
On the other hand, if the image data is transferred to the PC and then photographed without erasing the image data recorded in the recording medium 200, a new image is recorded in addition to the image data previously recorded on the recording medium 200. Image data is recorded on the recording medium 200.
[0098]
In this state, when the camera body 100 is connected to the same PC as the PC to which the data has been transferred earlier, the system control circuit 50 operates according to the flow shown in FIG.
[0099]
In step S1 of the figure, by communicating with a PC connected to the camera body 100, a PC-specific ID stored in the PC is obtained, and the connected PC is determined.
[0100]
In step S2, it is determined whether or not there is image data transferred to the connected PC among a plurality of image data recorded on the recording medium 200. Specifically, the PC-specific ID obtained in step S1 is compared with an ID provided corresponding to the image data to determine whether or not there is transferred image data.
[0101]
If the IDs match, the image data corresponding to the ID is transferred image data. If the IDs do not match, the image data corresponding to the ID is transferred. Image data.
[0102]
In step S2, if there is no image data with a transfer history, the process proceeds to step S3, and if there is image data with a transfer history, the process proceeds to step S4.
[0103]
In step S3, all the image data recorded on the recording medium 200 is transferred to the PC via the communication unit 110 and the connector 112. Then, in step S5, an ID unique to the transfer destination PC is added to the transferred image data and recorded on the recording medium 200.
[0104]
On the other hand, in step S4, only the image data having no transfer history among the image data recorded on the recording medium 200 is transferred to the PC via the communication unit 110 and the connector 112. Then, in step S5, an ID unique to the transfer destination PC is added to the transferred image data and recorded on the recording medium 200.
[0105]
In FIG. 4, image data having file names IMG — 001 to IMG — 003 has been transferred to the PC (001) in advance. The ID of PC (001) is added to the image data of IMG_003.
[0106]
Here, when the camera body 100 is connected to the PC (001), as described in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the image data (IMG_004 to IMG_006) of the image data (IMG_001 to IMG_006) recorded on the recording medium 200. The image data is transferred to the PC (001).
[0107]
When the transfer of the image data is completed, the ID of the PC (001) is added to the shooting information data corresponding to each of the image data IMG_004 to IMG_006.
[0108]
On the other hand, the image data of IMG — 001 to IMG — 005 is previously transferred to the PC (002), and the ID of the PC (002) is added to the image data of IMG — 001 to IMG — 005 among the image data recorded on the recording medium 200. Have been.
[0109]
Here, when the camera body 100 is connected to the PC (002), as described in the flowchart of FIG. 5, only the image data of IMG_006 out of the image data (IMG_001 to IMG_006) recorded on the recording medium 200 is PC (002). 002).
[0110]
When the transfer of the image data is completed, the ID of the PC (002) is added to the shooting information data corresponding to the image data of IMG_006.
[0111]
As described above, according to the camera system of the present embodiment, even when shooting is continued with image data left on the recording medium 200 mounted on the camera body 100, a desired image (new ) Can be transferred to a peripheral device such as a PC.
[0112]
Further, by determining the PC to which the camera body 100 is connected, even if the camera body 100 is temporarily connected to a different PC, the image data is transferred according to the connected PC. In this case, the usability of the camera can be improved.
[0113]
For example, in the case where the user continues to shoot after transferring image data to the PC that he or she normally uses, even if several pieces of image data are subsequently transferred to another PC, the camera body 100 may be used as described above. If it is connected to an existing PC, only new image data other than the previously transferred image data can be transferred.
[0114]
In the present embodiment, the transfer history (PC-specific ID) to the PC is stored in the shooting information data file 442, and it is determined whether the image data has been transferred based on the stored transfer history. The method described above may be used to determine whether the image data has been transferred.
[0115]
More specifically, a plurality of image data recorded in the recording medium 200 and a plurality of image data stored in a PC connected to the camera body 100 are partially or wholly compared and determined. Can be. Further, the determination can be made based on a file name or information (photographing information data other than the ID) recorded in the photographing information data file 442.
[0116]
On the other hand, when the image data transferred to the PC is deleted on the PC, if the transfer history of the image data remains in the recording medium 200, the image data deleted on the PC is transferred to the PC again. Inconvenience disappears. Here, even when the image data is deleted, if the image data is to be transferred to the PC again, the image to be transferred is specified on the camera body 100 side and transferred to the PC.
[0117]
Also, an example has been described in which a plurality of image data recorded on the recording medium 200 detachable from the camera body is transferred to the PC, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the plurality of image data recorded on the memory 30 may be May be transferred to the PC.
[0118]
In the present embodiment, the camera system including the interchangeable lens 300 and the camera body 100 has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to a camera in which the interchangeable lens and the camera body are integrally configured.
[0119]
(2nd Embodiment)
Next, a camera system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The camera system of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the camera system (FIG. 1) described in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.
[0120]
In the first embodiment, a PC-specific ID is attached to each image data. In the present embodiment, various IDs (for example, IDs relating to a user and a shooting theme) are attached to each image data. .
[0121]
A case where the camera system of the present embodiment is shared by a plurality of users will be described.
[0122]
In the present embodiment, an ID relating to a user (user ID) and an ID relating to a photographing theme (theme ID) can be recorded in the photographing information data file 442 in association with each image data. When the user ID and the theme ID are set, the data is stored in the memory 30 of the camera body 100.
[0123]
When shooting is performed in a state where the user ID and the theme ID are stored in the memory 30, image data captured by the image sensor 14 is used as shooting information at the time of shooting (the user ID and the theme stored in the memory 30). Is recorded on the recording medium 200 (210) together with the data indicating the ID (including the ID), thereby completing a series of photographing processes.
[0124]
Here, when the next photographing is performed, the same ID as the ID (user ID or theme ID) at the time of the previous photographing is attached to the image data and recorded on the recording medium 200.
[0125]
As described above, unless the ID stored in the memory 30 is rewritten, the same ID is attached to the image data. On the other hand, the ID is reset by operating the operation unit 70 (selection means) of the camera body 100, or the ID is reset on a computer (selection means) connected to the camera body 100, and then transferred to the camera body 100. By doing so, the ID attached to the image data can be changed.
[0126]
By displaying information on the set user ID and theme ID on the display unit 54 or the image display unit 28 or by notifying the user by voice, the set ID can be notified to the photographer. Thereby, the user can add a desired ID to the image data to be photographed without mistaken for the ID.
[0127]
As described above, the user ID and the theme ID can be set on the camera body 100 (operation unit 70) or on the PC connected to the camera body 100.
[0128]
Here, when there is no PC nearby and the user who uses the camera system changes or the shooting theme changes due to the change of the shooting target, the operation unit 70 of the camera body 100 must be operated. Thus, the user ID and the theme ID can be changed on the spot.
[0129]
The data (image data) in the recording medium 200 is transferred to a PC connected to the camera body 100 and stored, or transferred to a printer device connected via the PC or directly connected to the camera body 100 and printed out. I do.
[0130]
In this embodiment, image data to be transferred to a PC or a printer can be specified based on a user ID or a theme ID. That is, by specifying the contents of the user ID and the theme ID, the image data corresponding to the specified ID can be collectively transferred to the PC or the printer.
[0131]
For example, when the user transfers the image data to his / her PC, the user specifies his / her user ID by operating the operation unit 70, and his / her own image data among the plurality of image data recorded in the recording medium 200. It is possible to transfer only the selected image to its own PC.
[0132]
When the recording medium 200 includes an athletic meet image, a flower image, a trip snap, and the like, one of the theme IDs indicating athletic meet, flower, and travel is input to the camera body 100. Then, only the image data corresponding to the input theme ID can be transferred to the PC.
[0133]
It is also possible to transfer the image data corresponding to the specified ID to the PC by specifying the user ID or the theme ID from the camera connection application operating on the operating system of the PC.
[0134]
A specific use example of the camera system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0135]
In FIG. 6, ID1 recorded in the photographing information data file 442 is allocated for a user ID, “ID1 = 001” indicates the user A, and “ID = 002” indicates the user B. Also, ID2 recorded in the photographing information data file 442 is allocated for the theme ID, “ID2 = 001” indicates that the photographing theme is an athletic meet, and “ID2 = 002” indicates that the photographing theme is travel. “ID2 = 003” indicates that the shooting theme is flower.
[0136]
When the user ID and the theme ID are set, the set ID is recorded on the recording medium 200 together with the image data obtained by shooting.
[0137]
6, image data of IMG_001 to IMG_006, and a user ID (ID1) and a theme ID (ID2) corresponding to the image data are recorded in a recording medium 200 mounted on the camera body 100. .
[0138]
The operation of connecting the camera body 100 to the PC (003) logged in by the user B and transferring image data will be described.
[0139]
The user B operates the operation unit 70 to select a user ID in order to specify image data to be transferred to the PC (003). The system control circuit 50 specifies the image data corresponding to the selected user ID among the image data of IMG_001 to IMG_006 recorded in the recording medium 200 in step S11 of FIG. In FIG. 6, the image data (IMG_003 and IMG_005) corresponding to “ID1 = 002” is specified.
[0140]
In step S12, by communicating with the PC (003), information (user information) on the user set in the PC (003) is obtained.
[0141]
In step S13, it is determined whether or not the users match based on the user information acquired in step S12 and the user ID selected by user B. If the users match, the process proceeds to step S14.
[0142]
In step S14, image data to be transferred to the PC (003) is specified based on the transfer history for the PC (003), as described in the first embodiment. In FIG. 6, since the image data of IMG_003 has been transferred in advance into the PC (003) connected to the camera body 100, of the image data of IMG_003 and IMG_005 specified in step S11, The image data is assumed to be image data to be transferred to the PC (003).
[0143]
In step S15, the image data of IMG_005 specified in step S14 is transferred to the PC (003), and the transfer history of the PC (003) is added to the transferred image data.
[0144]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the users do not match based on the user information of the PC (003) and the user ID, the image data is not transferred.
[0145]
Next, the operation of transferring image data corresponding to the theme ID to the PC (004) in FIG. 6 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0146]
When the user operates the operation unit 70 to select the theme ID of the flower as the theme ID in order to specify the image data to be transferred to the PC (004), the system control circuit 50 returns to the operation unit 70 in step S21. Of the image data of IMG — 001 to IMG — 006 recorded on the recording medium 200, the image data corresponding to the theme ID of “flower” is specified.
[0147]
In FIG. 6, image data (IMG_001 to IMG_003, IMG_005) corresponding to “ID2 = 003” is specified.
[0148]
In step S22, the communication with the PC (004) is performed to determine the PC (004).
[0149]
In step S23, based on the determination result of the PC in step S22, of the image data specified in step S21, image data other than the image data that has been previously transferred to the PC (004) (having a transfer history) is specified.
[0150]
As shown in FIG. 6, since the image data of IMG_001 to IMG_003 has already been stored in the PC (004), the image data transferred to the PC (004) is only the image data of IMG_005.
[0151]
In step S24, the image data of IMG_005 specified in step S23 is transferred to the PC (004), and a transfer history is added to the image data.
[0152]
Each embodiment described above is also an example of the case where each of the following inventions is implemented, and each of the following inventions is implemented by adding various changes and improvements to each of the above embodiments.
[0153]
[Invention 1] An image pickup apparatus capable of mounting a recording medium for recording image data and transmitting image data recorded on a recording medium mounted on the apparatus main body or a recording medium in the apparatus main body to an external device. So,
Communication means for communicating data including image data to the external device;
Control means for controlling the operation of the communication means,
The control means determines whether or not there is transmitted image data transmitted to the external device among a plurality of image data recorded on the recording medium, and the image data other than the transmitted image data is An imaging apparatus for transmitting to the external device via a communication unit.
[0154]
According to the first aspect, since image data other than the image data already transmitted to the external device is automatically transmitted (wired or wireless), the image data is redundantly transmitted to the external device as in the related art. There is no need to select images to be transmitted one by one. This can reduce the burden on the user when transferring image data to an external device.
[0155]
[Invention 2] An imaging device capable of transmitting the image data to a plurality of external devices,
The control unit determines an external device to which the image data is transmitted among the plurality of external devices via the communication unit, and transmits image data other than the transmitted image data to the determined external device. The imaging device according to the first aspect, wherein the image is transmitted.
[0156]
[Invention 3] An imaging apparatus capable of mounting a recording medium for recording image data and transmitting image data recorded on a recording medium mounted on the apparatus main body or a recording medium in the apparatus main body to an external device. So,
Image data obtained by imaging, and recording means for recording attribute data on imaging in the recording medium corresponding to the image data,
Communication means for communicating data including image data to the external device;
Control means for controlling the operation of the communication means,
The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits image data corresponding to predetermined attribute data among the plurality of image data recorded on the recording medium to the external device via the communication unit.
[0157]
According to the third aspect, the attribute data is recorded on the recording medium together with the image data, and only the image data corresponding to the attribute data is transmitted (wired or wireless) to the external device. By simply designating the attribute data, the user can collectively transmit the image data corresponding to the designated attribute data to the external device. As a result, the burden on the user when transmitting image data to an external device can be reduced.
[0158]
[Invention 4] There is a selecting means for selecting the attribute data recorded on the recording medium,
4. The imaging apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit transmits image data corresponding to the attribute data selected by the selection unit out of the plurality of image data.
[0159]
[Invention 5] The invention according to Invention 3, wherein the control unit acquires the attribute data selected by the external device via the communication unit, and transmits image data corresponding to the attribute data. Imaging device.
[0160]
[Invention 6] comprising a selection unit for selecting the attribute data recorded on the recording medium,
The control unit obtains attribute data set in the external device via the communication unit, compares the obtained attribute data with the attribute data selected by the selection unit, and finds a match. The image pickup apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein image data corresponding to the attribute data is transmitted.
[0161]
[Invention 7] The imaging apparatus according to any one of Inventions 3 to 5, wherein the attribute data is data relating to a captured image.
[0162]
[Invention 8] The imaging apparatus according to Invention 6, wherein the attribute data is data relating to a user.
[0163]
[Invention 9] A recording medium for recording image data can be mounted, and an image pickup apparatus capable of transmitting image data recorded on a recording medium mounted on the apparatus main body or a recording medium in the apparatus main body to an external device. The applicable program,
Determining whether there is transmitted image data transmitted to the external device among the plurality of image data recorded on the recording medium, and transmitting image data other than the transmitted image data to the external device; A program characterized by the following.
[0164]
[Invention 10] A recording medium for recording image data can be mounted, and an image pickup apparatus capable of transmitting image data recorded on a recording medium mounted on the apparatus main body or a recording medium in the apparatus main body to an external device. The applicable program,
A recording step of recording, on the recording medium, image data obtained by shooting, and attribute data on shooting corresponding to the image data;
A control step of controlling transmission of image data corresponding to predetermined attribute information among the plurality of image data recorded on the recording medium to the external device.
[0165]
[Invention 11] A recording medium for recording image data is mountable, and an image pickup apparatus capable of transmitting image data recorded on a recording medium mounted on the apparatus main body or a recording medium in the apparatus main body to an external device. An image data transmission method to be applied,
Determining whether there is transmitted image data transmitted to the external device among the plurality of image data recorded on the recording medium, and transmitting image data other than the transmitted image data to the external device; A method for transmitting image data, comprising:
[0166]
[Invention 12] A recording medium for recording image data can be mounted, and an image pickup apparatus capable of transmitting image data recorded on a recording medium mounted on the apparatus main body or a recording medium in the apparatus main body to an external device. An image data transmission method to be applied,
A recording step of recording, on the recording medium, image data obtained by shooting, and attribute data on shooting corresponding to the image data;
A control step of transmitting image data corresponding to predetermined attribute information among the plurality of image data recorded on the recording medium to the external device.
[0167]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, since image data other than the image data already transmitted to the external device is automatically transmitted, the image data is not transmitted to the external device redundantly as in the related art, and is transmitted. There is no need to select images one by one.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a camera system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a directory structure in a recording medium according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an example of a shooting information data file according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of image data transfer to a PC in the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an image data transfer operation in the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an image diagram of transfer of image data to a PC in a second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an image data transfer operation according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an image data transfer operation in the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
12: Shutter
14: Image sensor
16: A / D converter
18: Timing generation circuit
20: Image processing circuit
22: Memory control circuit
24: Image display memory
26: D / A converter
28: Image display unit 30: Memory 32: Image compression / decompression circuit
40: shutter control means 42: distance measuring means 46: photometric means
48: Strobe
50: System control circuit 52: Memory 54: Display unit 56: Non-volatile memory
60: Mode dial switch 62: Shutter switch SW1
64: shutter switch SW2 66: playback switch 68: single / continuous shooting switch
70: Operation unit 72: Power switch
80: power supply control means 82: connector 86: power supply means
90: Interface 92: Connector
94: Interface 96: Connector
98: Recording medium attachment / detachment detection means
100: Image processing device
104: Optical viewfinder 106: Lens mount
110: Communication means 112: Connector (or antenna)
120: Interface 122: Connector
130: Mirror 132: Mirror
200: recording medium 202: recording unit
204: Interface 206: Connector
210: recording medium 212: recording unit
214: Interface 216: Connector
300: Lens unit 306: Lens mount
310: shooting lens 312: aperture
320: Interface 322: Connector
340: Exposure control means 342: Distance measurement control means
344: zoom control means 350: lens system control circuit

Claims (1)

An imaging device capable of mounting a recording medium for recording image data and transmitting image data recorded on a recording medium mounted on the apparatus main body or a recording medium in the apparatus main body to an external device,
Communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from the external device,
Control means for controlling the operation of the communication means,
The control means determines whether or not there is transmitted image data transmitted to the external device among a plurality of image data recorded on the recording medium, and the image data other than the transmitted image data is An imaging apparatus for transmitting to the external device via a communication unit.

Images