JP2005311493A - Camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a camera capable of restoring erased image data even when the image data recorded in one memory are erased. <P>SOLUTION: The camera including a plurality of storage media for recording image data includes: a delete instruction means for deleting image data recorded on one storage means among a plurality of the storage media; and a control means that transfers and records the image data to be deleted to the other storage media in response to an instruction by the delete instruction means for carrying out backup. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a camera that stores captured images in a storage medium, and more particularly to a camera that can use a plurality of storage media.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a camera provided with a plurality of storage media (hereinafter also referred to as memories) for recording captured image data. For example, there are cameras configured to store image data in a built-in memory and a removable memory, and cameras capable of inserting a plurality of removable memories. In such a camera, various proposals have been made as a method of using a plurality of memories.

  For example, a camera that includes a plurality of shooting recording memories and selects and records the memories in a predetermined priority order corresponding to the shooting mode is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Also, after setting the compression rate for each memory for shooting and recording, and compressing the image signal with the set compression rate, each camera records in the memory, and history information about what kind of image was recorded in one memory. A camera for recording in the other memory is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 2).
JP 2003-134377 A JP 2003-134368 A

  In such a camera that records image data in the memory, if the user does not like the image or sound file recorded in the memory, or if it is no longer needed, the delete function of the camera function Can be erased using.

  Furthermore, in recent years, it has become possible to perform so-called direct printing in which a camera and a printer are directly connected to print out recorded images, and a method for moving and storing image data in a personal computer as in the past. Is no longer essential.

  In response to such changes in usage, only the deletion function provided in conventional cameras can restore image data in addition to retaking the image if the wrong image is selected by mistake or if a necessary image is deleted by mistake. The problem that becomes impossible.

  The above-described problem cannot be solved with respect to such an erroneous operation with a camera provided with a plurality of memories described in the above-mentioned patent documents.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, the present invention has an object to provide a camera that has a plurality of storage media and can restore the erased image data even if the image data recorded in one memory is erased. It is.

  The above problem can be solved by the following manner.

  1) In a camera having a plurality of storage media for recording image data, a deletion instruction means for deleting image data recorded in one of the plurality of storage media, and the deletion instruction means And a control means for backing up the image data to be deleted by transferring it to the other storage medium in accordance with an instruction.

  2) The camera of 1) having a selection means for selecting a mode for performing the backup and a mode for not performing the backup.

  3) The camera of 1) or 2) having a backup condition selection means for selecting a backup condition in the backup mode.

  4) The camera according to any one of 1) to 3), wherein the backup condition includes at least one of a compression ratio and an image size.

  5) In the backup mode, when the storage medium to be backed up does not have a capacity that satisfies the backup condition, the storage medium on which the image data to be deleted performs backup temporarily 1) to 4) One of the cameras.

  6) In the backup mode, when the storage medium to be backed up does not have a capacity that satisfies the backup conditions, the old backup file is deleted from the storage medium to be backed up to secure the capacity 1) to 5) One of the cameras.

  7) A camera having a plurality of storage media for recording image data, the image processing means including image processing means for processing image data recorded in one of the plurality of storage media, the image processing And a control unit that performs backup by transferring a part or all of the unprocessed image data to the other storage medium and performing backup when the image data is processed by the unit.

  8) The camera according to 7), wherein the camera has an image display unit that displays an image, and an image before processing and an image after processing can be displayed simultaneously.

  By adopting the above 1), even if the image data at the time of shooting recorded in one memory is deleted by mistake or by mistaken operation, it is deleted from the backup image data stored in the other memory. It is possible to obtain a camera that can restore the processed image data.

  According to 2) above, by selecting a mode for performing backup and a mode for not performing backup, a plurality of memories can be used to restore erased image data with backup image data, and all capacities It is possible to select a usage method to be used for recording a photographed image, and the memory can be used efficiently.

  According to the above 3), the backup conditions can be selected according to the memory capacity to be backed up and the user's request, and the convenience is improved.

  According to the above 4), similarly, the backup condition can be selected according to the memory capacity to be backed up or the user's request, and the convenience is improved.

  According to the above 5), it is possible to perform backup as an emergency measure when the memory to be backed up has insufficient capacity.

  According to the above 6), when the memory to be backed up is insufficient in capacity, it is possible to eliminate the insufficient capacity by deleting backup image data having a low possibility of use.

  By adopting the above 7), a camera capable of restoring an image before image processing from backup image data stored in the other memory even when the image data at the time of shooting recorded in one memory is processed. be able to.

  According to 8) above, it is easy to compare the images before and after processing, and the user can easily determine the image to be recorded.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a digital camera according to the present invention. 1A is a perspective view of the front side of the camera, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the back side of the camera.

  In FIG. 1A, 81 is a zoom imaging optical system, 82 is a finder window, 83 is a release button, 84 is a flash light emitting unit, 86 is a light control sensor window, 87 is a strap attaching unit, and 88 is an external input / output terminal. (For example, a USB terminal). A lens cover 89 is retracted when the zoom imaging optical system 81 is not used.

  The release button 83 is used to perform a shooting preparation operation of the camera, that is, a focusing operation and a photometric operation, by pushing the first step, and a shooting exposure operation is performed by pushing the release button 83 by the second step.

  In FIG. 1B, 91 is a viewfinder eyepiece, 92 is a red and green display lamp, and displays AF and AE information to the photographer by lighting or blinking. A zoom button 93 is a button for zooming up and down. Reference numeral 95 denotes a menu / set button, reference numeral 96 denotes a selection button, which is a four-way switch, and reference numeral 100 denotes an image display unit that displays an image, other character information, and the like. The menu / set button 95 has a function of displaying various menus on the image display unit 100, selecting with the selection button 96, and confirming with the menu / set button 95. Reference numeral 97 denotes a reproduction button, which is a button for reproducing a photographed image. A display button 98 is a button for selecting display or deletion of an image displayed on the image display unit 100 and other character information. An erasure button 99 is a button for erasing the recorded image. 101 is a tripod hole, and 102 is a battery / card cover. The battery / card lid 102 includes a battery for supplying power to the camera and a plurality of card slots for recording captured images, and a plurality of card-type recording memories for recording images. Sheets can be inserted and removed.

  In addition, the camera shown in the figure has a function of processing an image recorded in a recording memory, and the above-described various operation units are set to be operation units having different functions from the above during image processing. ing.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram showing the internal configuration of the digital camera shown in FIG. The internal configuration will be described with reference to FIG. In the present invention, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type image sensor, a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) type image sensor, or the like can be applied as an image pickup element. In this example, a CCD type image sensor is used as the image pickup element. This will be explained using

  In the figure, reference numeral 40 denotes a CPU for controlling each circuit. The zoom imaging optical system 81 includes a lens unit 1, an aperture shutter unit 2, an optical filter 3 in which an infrared light cut filter and an optical low-pass filter are stacked, a first motor 4, a second motor 5, and an aperture shutter actuator. .

  More specifically, the lens unit 1 is configured as a lens system having a plurality of lenses, and the position of the plurality of lenses on the optical axis is moved by driving the first motor 4 so that zooming is performed. It has become. Among these lenses, a lens used for focusing is driven by the second motor 5 to perform focus adjustment. Further, the aperture shutter unit is opened and closed by the aperture shutter actuator 6 to adjust the exposure amount. The first motor 4, the second motor 5, and the aperture shutter actuator 6 are respectively connected via a first motor drive circuit 7, a second motor drive circuit 8, and an aperture shutter drive circuit 9 controlled by control signals from the CPU 40. Driven.

  The timing generator 10 generates a drive control signal for the CCD 12 based on a clock sent from the timing control circuit 11. For example, a timing signal for starting and ending charge accumulation in the CCD 12 and a readout control signal for the charge accumulation amount of each pixel. A clock signal such as (horizontal synchronization signal, vertical synchronization signal, transfer signal) is generated and output to the CCD 12. The imaging circuit 13 photoelectrically converts subject light by the CCD 12 and, for example, in the case of a CCD using a primary color filter, it outputs image analog signals of each color component of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). Output to the processing unit 14.

  The signal processing unit 14 performs signal processing on the analog image signal output from the imaging circuit 13. The signal processing unit 14 performs noise reduction and gain adjustment of the image analog signal by correlated double sampling (CDS) and auto gain control (AGC), and outputs the result to the image processing unit 15.

  The image processing unit 15 performs A / D conversion on the input image analog signal based on the A / D conversion clock from the timing control circuit 11 and converts it into a digital signal (hereinafter referred to as pixel data). Next, after black level correction of pixel data is performed, white balance (WB) is adjusted. The white balance is adjusted by a conversion coefficient input from the CPU 40. This conversion coefficient is set for each captured image. Further, after performing γ correction, the pixel data is output to the image memory 16. The image memory 16 is a memory that stores pixel data output from the image processing unit 15.

  The VRAM 17 is a buffer memory for images displayed on the image display unit 100, and has a storage capacity that is at least equal to or greater than the integrated value of the number of pixels of the image display unit 100 and the number of bits necessary for display. For the image display unit 100, for example, a display device such as an LCD or an organic EL is used. A D / A conversion unit that D / A converts pixel data is provided between the VRAM 17 and the image display unit 100 according to the display device used.

  Thereby, at the time of framing at the time of shooting, the pixel data captured at a predetermined time interval is stored in the image memory 16 and transferred to the VRAM 17 after predetermined signal processing by the CPU 40 and displayed on the image display unit 100. A subject image can be confirmed and used as a viewfinder (referred to as a through image display or a preview image display).

  The captured images recorded on the plurality of removable image recording memory cards A50 and B51 are transferred to the CPU 40 through the interfaces corresponding to the respective cards in the CPU, and the CPU 40 receives a predetermined signal. After processing, it is transferred to the VRAM 17 and displayed on the image display unit 100 so that it can be reproduced.

  The interface 32 exchanges signals with an external personal computer or printer. The interface 32 sends the signal to an external personal computer or printer via an external input / output terminal (for example, USB terminal) 88, or from an external personal computer or printer. Or receive data.

  The flash control circuit 21 is a circuit that controls the light emission of the flash light emitting unit 22. The flash control circuit 21 is controlled by the CPU 40 to control the presence / absence of flash light emission, the light emission timing, the charging of the light emission capacitor, and the like, and stop the light emission input from the light control circuit 24 connected to the light control sensor 23. The light emission is stopped based on the signal.

  The clock circuit 25 manages the date and time when the image was taken. The clock circuit 25 may operate by receiving power supply from a power supply circuit 27 that supplies power to each unit, but it is desirable to operate with a separate power source (not shown). .

  The power supply circuit 27 supplies power to the CPU 40 and each unit. The power supply circuit 27 is supplied with power from the A / C adapter 29 via the battery 26 or the DC input terminal 28.

  The operation SW 30 is a switch group that is turned ON / OFF by various operation buttons such as the release button 83, the zoom button 93, the menu / set button 95, etc. shown in FIG. The ON / OF signal of the operation SW 30 is sent to the CPU 40, and the CPU 40 controls the operation of each unit according to the operation SW that is turned on.

  The EEPROM 31 is a non-volatile memory, and is used for storing different characteristic values for each camera. The individually different characteristic values are, for example, information on the infinite position of the focusing lens at each focal length of the zoom imaging optical system 81, and are written in the manufacturing process. The CPU 40 reads out the characteristic values that are different for each camera from the EEPROM 31 as necessary, and uses them for controlling each part.

  The CPU 40 performs not only data exchange and timing control of each unit, but also various other functions based on software stored in the ROM 20. For example, the aperture value and shutter speed exposure conditions at the time of shooting based on the pixel data obtained in the image memory 16 (AE function), the focusing lens is moved little by little, and the image data is obtained from the obtained pixel data. Generate and evaluate based on this image data, determine the optimal focusing lens position (AF function), generate and compress image data from pixel data for recording on the memory card, and image recorded on the memory card In order to display the image data on the image display unit 100, the image data recorded on the memory card is read and expanded, and the image data backup function described below is provided.

  Further, the CPU 40 is responsible for the deletion instruction means and the control means for performing backup according to the present invention.

  The above-described memory card A50 and memory card B51 may be, for example, card-type removable memories having the same standard, form, or specification, or a combination of card-type removable memories having different standards, forms, and specifications.

  The above is the internal configuration of the digital camera of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the camera of the present invention will be described in more detail. The camera of the present invention includes a shooting mode for taking a still image and / or moving image, a playback mode for playing back and deleting the shot image, a setup mode for setting each function of the camera, and restoring and deleting a backed up image described later. Mode and an image processing mode for processing an image after photographing.

  As described above, the camera of the present invention has a plurality of memory cards A50 and memory cards B51, and in the shooting mode, the setting of the memory card for storing the shot image data and the image recorded on the memory card are stored. In the setup mode, whether or not to delete is set to perform backup according to the present invention or not to perform backup.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a memory card setting screen for storing image data shot in the shooting mode.

  As shown in the figure, the image display unit 100 (see FIG. 2) displays the captured image recording memory setting menu, and the type, total capacity, and free capacity of the inserted memory card are displayed. Is selected as a memory card for storing image data at the time of shooting. This selection is performed by the operation switch group 30 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the memory card that stores the selected image data at the time of shooting is referred to as a main memory, and the memory card that is not selected is referred to as a sub memory.

  The selection of the main memory is preferably set so that the larger one is selected as the default setting.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen for selecting a mode for performing backup or a mode for not performing backup according to the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the deleted image backup mode setting menu is displayed on the image display unit 100 (see FIG. 2), and when the user deletes the image data recorded in the main memory, the image data to be deleted is backed up. Select either the mode to perform or the mode not to back up. This selection is also performed by the operation switch group 30 shown in FIG.

  Note that the mode that does not back up is, for example, the same as in the past, specify the image you want to delete, confirm with the user whether you can delete again, and then do not back up the specified image In this mode, the operation to delete is performed.

  The selection of whether to use the backup mode is preferably set to a backup mode as a default setting.

  As described above, the operation at the time of deleting a photographed image when the main memory and the sub memory and the mode for backing up image data to be deleted are set in the setup mode or the default setting will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation when the mode for backing up image data to be deleted is set. This figure shows a flow when a mode for image deletion is selected in the playback mode. Hereinafter, a mode for backing up image data to be deleted (deleted image backup mode) will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in the figure, in the playback mode, when a mode for image deletion is selected, a deleted image backup mode is set, backup conditions are set, and the input conditions are read (step S101).

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the backup condition setting menu in step S101. FIG. 4A shows an example of setting the compression rate of the backup image, and FIG. 4B shows an example of setting whether or not to resize the backup image. Both are sequentially displayed on the image display unit 100 (see FIG. 2). Is done.

  FIG. 6A shows a menu for the user to select from the displayed contents how to perform the compression ratio of the backup image of the image data to be deleted. As an option, for example, as shown in the figure, the user selects one of no change and change to a more compressed economy.

  The compression rate may be set so that the compression rate is selected based on the compression rate at the time of shooting and recording of the image to be deleted. For example, with a camera that can select four compression ratios: Super Fine (highest image quality), Fine (high image quality), Standard (standard), and Economy (slightly low image quality), the deleted image is recorded in super fine (highest image quality). If there is no change, the compression rate change options can be fine (high image quality), standard (standard), economy (slightly low image quality), standard (standard), economy (slightly low image quality) Also good.

  FIG. 5B shows a menu for the user to select whether or not to resize the backup image size of the image data to be deleted. As an option, for example, as shown in the figure, the user selects one of no change, change to a resolution of 1600 × 1200 dots, or change to a resolution of 640 × 480 dots.

  As described above, the backup condition is set in step S101.

  Returning to FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the mode for image deletion has been canceled (step S102). If the mode has not been canceled (step S102; No), the process waits until an image to be deleted is selected (step S103). In this step S103, the image data recorded and stored in the main memory is displayed as thumbnails or one frame at a time, and until the user selects an image to be deleted (step S103; No), steps S103 and S102 are performed. Repeat the flow.

  When an image to be deleted is selected by the user in step S103 (step S103; Yes), it is determined whether there is sufficient free space in the sub memory (step S104). Here, the number of memories required when the image to be deleted is set to the compression ratio and resolution selected in step S101 is calculated, and it is determined whether or not the free capacity for storing this number of memories remains in the sub memory. Is.

  If there is sufficient free space on the secondary memory side (step S104; Yes), a backup image of the image to be deleted is created based on the backup conditions set in step S101 (step S105). Thereafter, the backup image is stored in the sub memory (step S106), the designated image in the main memory is deleted (step S107), and the process returns to S101.

  On the other hand, if the free space of the sub memory is insufficient in step S104 (step S104; No), the process proceeds to step S110 to confirm with the user whether to continue image deletion. If the user determines that the image deletion is not continued as it is (step S110; No), the process returns to step S101, starts again from the backup condition setting, and changes the setting to a compression rate and resolution that do not require more memory capacity. The above operation is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S110 that the user continues the image deletion (step S110; Yes), the oldest backup image file among the backup image files recorded in the sub memory is deleted (step S111). Thereafter, it is determined again whether the sub memory has sufficient free space (step S112). If it is determined in step S112 that the free space is not yet sufficient (step S112; No), the process returns to step S111, and the oldest backup image file is deleted again from the backup image files in the sub memory, and in step S112. Check the free space. That is, the backup image files in the sub memory are deleted in the oldest order until the necessary capacity based on the backup conditions is secured.

  When it is determined that the free capacity of the sub memory is sufficient (step S112; Yes), the process proceeds to step S105, and a backup image of the image to be deleted is created based on the backup condition set in step S101 (step S105). Thereafter, the backup image is stored in the sub memory (step S106), the designated image in the main memory is deleted (step S107), and the process returns to S101.

  In addition, when an instruction to shift to another mode is given by an operation switch group (not shown), a determination is made at the time of passing through step S102 (step S102; Yes), and the mode shifts to another mode (step S120).

  As described above, the designated image in the main memory is deleted, and the backup image file created based on the set backup condition is stored in the sub memory.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another example of the schematic operation when the mode for backing up image data to be deleted is set. Since there are many parts common to the flow shown in FIG. 5, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts and the description thereof is omitted, and only different parts will be described.

  In FIG. 5, Steps S101 to S110 and Step S110; No are the same as those in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, when it is determined in step S110 that the user continues to delete an image (step S110; Yes), a backup image file created based on the backup conditions set in the main memory is stored. It is determined whether there is a free space available (step S131). If it is determined that there is free space in the main memory (step S131; Yes), the process proceeds to S132, and a backup image of the image to be deleted is created based on the backup condition set in step S101 (step S132). Thereafter, the backup image is stored in the main memory (step S133), the designated image in the main memory is deleted (step S107), and the process returns to S101.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no free space in the main memory (step S131; No), in step S111 and step S112, the backup in the sub memory is performed until the necessary capacity is secured based on the backup conditions in the same manner as described above. When the image file is deleted in the oldest order and the necessary capacity is secured, the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S133, the backup image file is temporarily stored in the main memory. However, the backup image file is preferably configured to be moved as soon as the sub memory becomes available.

  That is, the flow shown in FIG. 7 temporarily stores a backup image file in the main memory when there is no free space in the sub memory.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the schematic operation when the mode for backing up image data to be deleted is set. Also in this figure, since there are many parts common to the flow shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, Steps S101 to S110 and Step S110; No are the same as those in FIG.

  As shown in the figure, if it is determined in step S110 that the user continues to delete an image (step S110; Yes), the image is deleted without creating a backup image or is already in the sub memory. An option to delete the backup image file to ensure free space is presented (step S141). Thereafter, it waits until one is selected (step S142).

  In step S142, when the user selects to delete the backup image file already in the secondary memory and secure the free space (step S142; Yes), in step S111 and step S112, the backup condition is the same as described above. Based on the above, the backup image files in the sub memory are deleted in the oldest order until the necessary capacity is secured, and when the necessary capacity is secured, the process proceeds to step S105.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S142 that the user cancels the creation of the backup image (step S142; Yes), the process jumps to step S107, and the designated image in the main memory is created without creating the backup image. And return to S101.

  That is, in the flow shown in FIG. 8, when the user designates the continuation of the operation even though the free space of the secondary memory is not enough, the image is deleted without creating the backup image, or the secondary memory is deleted. The user selects whether to delete the backup image file already existing and secure the free space, and operates based on this selection.

  5, 7, and 8, the backup image files in the sub memory are deleted in order from the oldest. However, the backup image files to be deleted may be selected by the user.

  Next, restoration or deletion of the backup image file stored in the sub memory will be described below.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation in the backup image file restoration and deletion mode. This mode may be configured to be included in the playback mode, but is preferably configured as an independent mode. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to FIG.

  In the figure, first, it is determined whether the restoration mode is selected (step S201). If the restoration mode is selected (step S201; Yes), the backup image stored in the sub memory is displayed as a thumbnail (step S202). Next, it waits for the user to select an image to be restored (step S203), and until it is selected (step S203; No), it waits by drawing a loop in steps S201 to S203.

  When the user selects an image to be restored (step S203; Yes), it is determined whether the free capacity of the main memory is sufficient to store the image data to be restored (step S204). If there is free space for storing the image data to be restored on the main memory side (step S204; Yes), the selected backup image data file is moved from the sub memory to the main memory as an image data file (step S205). Return to S201.

  If there is no free space for storing the image data to be restored on the main memory side (step S204; No), a folder for saving the selected backup image data file in the sub memory is temporarily created and the image is stored. Save as a data file (step S206). The restored image data file stored in the sub memory is moved to the main memory as soon as free space is available in the main memory. Thereafter, the process returns to step S201.

  The above is the operation related to the restoration of the backup image file. Thereby, it is possible to easily delete the image data taken due to an erroneous operation, or to restore an image that is needed immediately after deleting the image data.

  On the other hand, if the restoration mode is not selected in step S201 (step S201; No), it is determined whether the mode is the backup image deletion mode (step S211).

  If the backup image deletion mode has not been selected (step S211; No), the process proceeds to another mode (step S220). When the backup image deletion mode is selected (step S211; Yes), the backup image stored in the sub memory is displayed as a thumbnail (step S212).

  Next, the process waits for the user to select a backup image to be deleted (step S213). Until the user selects the backup image (step S213; No), the process waits by drawing a loop in steps S211 to S213. When the user selects a backup image to be deleted (step S213; Yes), the selected backup image is deleted from the sub memory.

  The above is the operation of restoring and deleting the backup image stored in the sub memory.

  As described above, even after the specified image in the main memory is deleted, the backup image file created based on the set backup conditions is saved in the secondary memory, and the backup saved in this secondary memory. An image can be restored, and a camera capable of restoring the deleted image data can be obtained even if the image selection is wrong or the image data is deleted due to an erroneous operation.

  Furthermore, although the capacity of memory cards has been increased, there is also an effect that even a small capacity memory card that was once marketed can be effectively used as a secondary memory.

  When creating and saving a backup image, if the compression rate is changed by selecting the backup condition or the image size is changed, the backup image file name is the file name with this information added. It is desirable. For example, the file name pic0001. When backup is performed by changing the image size of the original image of jpg, the file name of the backup image is, for example, pic0001rsz. As jpg, it is possible to distinguish the changed contents and the changed contents. Information about this change is also preferably added to the exif tag.

  Next, an image processing mode for processing a photographed and recorded image will be described. This image processing mode is preferably an independent mode in parallel with other various modes that are camera functions.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation in the image processing mode according to the present invention. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to FIG.

  In the figure, first, it is determined whether the image processing mode is selected (step S301). If the image processing mode is not selected (step S301; No), the process proceeds to another mode (step S320). If the image processing mode is selected (step S301; Yes), the image is stored in the main memory. The displayed images are displayed as thumbnails (step S302). Next, it waits for the user to select an image to be processed (step S303), and while it is not selected (step S303; No), it waits by drawing a loop in steps S301 to S303.

  When the user selects an image to be processed (step S303; Yes), options of image processing methods that can be processed are presented (step S304). The options include trimming, changing the brightness of the image, changing the color balance, and the like. From this presented content, the user selects a processing method. An input method such as a radio button is used to select the processing method.

  When the user selects a processing method, it is determined whether trimming has been selected (step S305). When trimming is selected (step S305; Yes), the process proceeds to the processing operation, and an image selected for processing (hereinafter referred to as an original image) recorded in the main memory is displayed. Then, a processing operation such as image cutting is performed (step S306). When the processing operation is completed, the trimmed image data is stored in the main memory together with the original image (step S307).

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is a free space in the sub memory for storing an image obtained by subtracting the trimmed image from the original image (hereinafter referred to as a difference image) (step S308). If there is free space in the sub memory (step S308; Yes), the difference image is stored in the sub memory (step S309), the original image in the main memory is deleted (step S310), and the process returns to S301.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the original image, the trimmed image, and the difference image. FIG. 4A shows the original image, FIG. 4B shows the trimmed image trimmed from the original image, and FIG. 4C shows the difference image.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the difference image is an image portion obtained by cutting out the trimmed image portion from the original image. When step S310 of the flow shown in FIG. 10 is completed, the difference image is stored in the main memory in FIG. The trimmed image shown in FIG. 11 is stored, and the differential image shown in FIG. 11C is stored in the sub memory.

  By doing so, it is possible to save data for restoring the original image from the trimmed image in the main memory and the difference image in the sub memory even after processing.

  Returning to FIG. 10, if there is no free space for storing the difference image in the sub memory in step S308 (step S308; No), the original image in the main memory is deleted (step S311), and the process returns to step S301.

  On the other hand, if an image processing method other than trimming is selected in step S305 (step S305; No), it is determined whether there is free space in the sub memory for storing the original image (step S312).

  If there is a free space for storing the original image in the secondary memory (step S312; Yes), the original image is copied and stored in the secondary memory (step S313), and then the user processes the original image using the selected processing method. (Step S314). The processed image data is overwritten and saved in the main memory (step S315). Thereafter, the process returns to step S301.

  In addition, it is desirable that the image after processing of the main memory and the original image before processing of the sub memory can be displayed simultaneously on the image display unit, for example, screen display such as multi-window, scroll, and half-screen display. It is desirable that this is possible.

  On the other hand, in step S312, if there is no free space for storing the original image in the secondary memory (step S312; No), it is displayed that there is no free space for storing the original image in the secondary memory, and image processing is to be stopped. The user is allowed to determine whether or not (step S316). If the user determines to stop the image processing (step S316; Yes), the process returns to step S301.

  If the user determines to continue image processing (step S316; No), the user processes the original image using the selected processing method (step S314), and overwrites the processed image data in the main memory. (Step S315). Thereafter, the process returns to step S301.

  The above is the schematic operation in the image processing mode.

  That is, when the image processing method is related to a part of the original image, the processed image data is recorded in the main memory, the difference image is stored in the sub memory, and the original image is obtained from both image data. Can be reproduced.

  Also, if the image processing method is for the entire screen, such as changing the brightness of the image, changing the color balance, etc., even after processing, if you want to return to the original image in the secondary memory, or after processing the main memory By comparing the image and the original image in the sub memory, either one or both can be left.

  The settings of the main memory and the sub memory in this image processing mode may be set in accordance with the settings of the memory card for storing the image data shot in the above-described shooting mode, or newly in the image processing mode. Alternatively, the main memory and the sub memory may be set.

  In addition, the display in the above description, the presentation of options, and the like are configured to be performed by the image display unit 100 (see FIG. 2) provided in the camera.

  Further, in the embodiment, the camera having a plurality of memory cards has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a camera configured with a NAND flash memory built into the camera and a removable memory card. However, it is applicable and does not depart from the present invention.

It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the digital camera which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the internal structure of the digital camera shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of the screen of a memory card setting which stores the image data image | photographed at the time of imaging | photography mode. It is the figure which showed the example of the selection screen whether it is set as the mode which performs the backup which concerns on this invention, or the mode which does not perform a backup. It is a flowchart which shows schematic operation | movement when it sets to the mode which backs up the image data to delete. It is a figure which shows the example of the backup condition setting menu in step S101. It is a flowchart which shows another example of schematic operation | movement when it sets to the mode which backs up the image data to delete. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of schematic operation | movement when it sets to the mode which backs up the image data to delete. It is a flowchart which shows schematic operation | movement of the restoration | restoration and deletion mode of a backup image file. It is a flowchart which shows schematic operation | movement of the image processing mode which concerns on this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the relationship between an original image, a trimming image, and a difference image.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Lens part 2 Aperture shutter unit 3 Optical filter 13 Imaging circuit 14 Signal processing part 15 Image processing part 16 Image memory 17 VRAM
20 ROM
30 Operation switch group 31 EEPROM
40 CPU
50 Memory card A
51 Memory card B
81 Zoom imaging optical system 100 Image display unit

Claims (8)

In a camera having a plurality of storage media for recording image data,
Deletion instructing means for deleting image data recorded in one of the plurality of storage media, and transferring the image data to be deleted to the other storage medium in response to an instruction from the deletion instructing means And a control means for recording and backing up the camera. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising selection means for selecting a mode in which the backup is performed and a mode in which the backup is not performed. 3. The camera according to claim 1, further comprising backup condition selection means for selecting a backup condition in the backup mode. The camera according to claim 1, wherein the backup condition includes at least one of a compression rate and an image size. The storage medium in which image data to be deleted is temporarily backed up when the storage medium to be backed up does not have a capacity that satisfies the backup condition in the backup mode. The camera of any one of 1-4. 2. In the backup mode, when a storage medium to be backed up does not have a capacity that satisfies the backup condition, an old backup file is deleted from the storage medium to be backed up to secure the capacity. The camera according to any one of 1 to 5. In a camera having a plurality of storage media for recording image data,
Image processing means for processing image data recorded in one of the plurality of storage media,
And a control unit that performs backup by transferring a part or all of the unprocessed image data to the other storage medium when image data is processed by the image processing unit. The camera according to claim 7, wherein the camera has an image display unit that displays an image, and an image before processing and an image after processing can be displayed simultaneously.

Images