JP2007142867A - Imaging apparatus, imaging apparatus control method and imaging apparatus control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus suitable for shop front demonstration, and an imaging apparatus control method and an imaging apparatus control program. <P>SOLUTION: If a flash memory does not have residual capacity required for recording picked-up images (Yes in step S14), images in the flash memory are reproduced by a liquid crystal monitor (step S16). When the images displayed on a reproducing screen are deleted (Yes in step S18, step S20), and if the flash memory does not have residual capacity required for recording the images picked up in step S12 (No in step S22), the processing returns to step S16. Then, after the processes from steps S16-S22 are repeated, when the flash memory can ensure the residual capacity required for recording the images picked up in the step S12 (Yes in step S22), the picked-up images are recorded in the flash memory (step S24). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, an imaging apparatus control method, and an imaging apparatus control program.

Conventionally, in a digital camera equipped with a camera body having an internal memory and an external memory detachably connected to the camera body, image data cannot be recorded due to insufficient free space in the external memory during continuous shooting. It is proposed to detect the free space of the internal memory and change the recording destination to the internal memory when the detected free space is larger than the capacity required for recording (Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-348392 A

  When a digital camera is displayed at a store, it is not preferable to attach a removable external memory to the digital camera that is displayed at the store (store demo) for security reasons. Thus, when the external memory is removed from the digital camera, the captured image is recorded in the internal memory. Customers who come to the store can experience taking pictures and playing back images recorded in the internal memory using a digital camera at the store. However, when the internal memory is full, there is a problem that it takes time to switch the operation mode of the digital camera to the playback mode and erase the image from the internal memory. For example, when exhibiting at a store as described above, since many customers try to shoot, each time a large number of digital cameras are displayed, the store clerk and customers are stored in the internal memory. It was troublesome to delete the image.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an imaging apparatus, an imaging apparatus control method, and an imaging apparatus control program suitable for a storefront demonstration.

  In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to claim 1 includes an imaging unit that captures an image, an imaging instruction unit that instructs the imaging unit to perform imaging, and a record that records the captured image. Means, a display means for displaying the captured image, and the recording means when the imaging execution instruction is performed, and the recording means does not have a free space for recording the captured image. Display control means for displaying the image recorded on the display means on the display means, erased image designation means for designating an image to be erased from the displayed images, and the designated image from the recording means An image erasing unit for erasing, and when the designated image is erased and a free space necessary for recording the captured image is secured, the captured image is recorded in the recording unit. Record And a controlling unit.

  According to the image pickup apparatus of the first aspect, when the recording means (built-in memory, flash memory) of the image pickup apparatus is full, the image recorded in the recording means is automatically displayed. Can be easily secured.

  An image pickup apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image pickup apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising means for stopping the display of the image when there is no image to be deleted in the displayed image.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the second aspect, when there is no image that can be erased in the image recorded in the recording unit, the reproduction display of the image can be canceled.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup apparatus according to the second aspect, further comprising: a compression rate selection unit that increases the compression rate of the imaged image according to the size of the free space of the recording unit when the display of the image is stopped. Further, the recording control means compresses the captured image with the selected compression ratio and records the compressed image on the recording means.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the third aspect, when the image recorded in the recording unit is not erased, the image can be recorded in the recording unit by increasing the compression rate of the image.

  An imaging apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the imaging apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein even when the captured image is compressed at the maximum compression rate, a free area for recording the captured image cannot be secured. A warning output means for outputting a warning is further provided.

  According to the imaging apparatus of the fourth aspect, a warning can be issued when an image cannot be recorded even at the maximum compression rate. Thereby, the user may reselect an image to be deleted.

  The imaging apparatus control method according to claim 5 includes: an imaging step of capturing an image in accordance with an imaging execution instruction; and a recording unit that records the captured image when the imaging execution instruction is performed. A display step for displaying an image recorded in the recording means when there is no free space for recording the image, and an erasure image designation step for designating an image to be erased from the displayed images; An erasing step of erasing the designated image from the recording means, and when the designated image is erased and a free space necessary for recording the taken image is secured, And a recording step of recording the recorded image in the recording means.

  The imaging apparatus control method according to a sixth aspect further comprises the step of selecting whether or not to stop displaying the image when there is no image to be erased in the displayed image. Features.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus control method according to the sixth aspect, wherein the compression ratio selection increases the compression ratio of the captured image according to the size of the free capacity of the recording means when the display of the image is stopped. And a step of compressing the captured image with the selected compression ratio and recording the compressed image on the recording means.

  An imaging apparatus control method according to an eighth aspect is the method according to the seventh aspect, wherein even if the captured image is compressed at the maximum compression rate, a free area for recording the captured image cannot be secured. And a warning output step of outputting a warning.

  The imaging apparatus control program according to claim 9 includes: an imaging function that captures an image according to an imaging execution instruction; and a recording unit that records the captured image when the imaging execution instruction is performed. A display function for displaying an image recorded in the recording means when there is no free space for recording the displayed image, an erase image designation function for designating an image to be erased from the displayed images, An erasing function for erasing the designated image from the recording means, and when the designated image is erased and a free space necessary for recording the captured image is secured, the captured image is captured. And a recording function for recording the recorded image in the recording means.

  An imaging apparatus control program according to a tenth aspect causes the computer to realize a function of selecting whether or not to stop displaying the image in the ninth aspect when there is no image to be erased in the displayed image. It is characterized by that.

  An imaging apparatus control program according to an eleventh aspect is the compression ratio selection according to the tenth aspect, wherein when the display of the image is stopped, the compression ratio of the captured image is increased in accordance with the size of the free capacity of the recording unit. And a function of compressing the captured image with the selected compression ratio and recording the compressed image on the recording unit.

  An imaging apparatus control program according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is the imaging apparatus control program according to the eleventh aspect, in which even when the captured image is compressed at the maximum compression rate, a free area for recording the captured image cannot be secured. Further, the present invention is characterized in that a warning output function for outputting a warning is realized in a computer.

  Software or firmware including an imaging device control program according to claim 9 to 12 is provided for an imaging device, for example, an electronic camera, a digital camera, a digital video camera, a device including or connected to a camera (mobile phone, PDA or personal computer), etc. By applying to an apparatus, the imaging apparatus and imaging apparatus control method of the present invention can be realized.

  According to the present invention, when the recording unit (built-in memory, flash memory) of the imaging apparatus is full, the image recorded on the recording unit is automatically displayed, so that it is easy to secure the free space of the recording unit. It can be carried out. In addition, when the image is not erased or when the necessary free space cannot be secured even after the image is erased, the image can be recorded with a higher degree of compression.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an imaging apparatus, an imaging apparatus control method, and an imaging apparatus control program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating an imaging apparatus (electronic camera, digital camera) according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a front perspective view, and FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view. The camera body 12 of the imaging apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is formed in a flat square box shape. As shown in FIG. 1, a photographing lens 14, a strobe 16 and a finder window 18 are provided on the front of the camera body 12, and a release button 20 and a power switch 22 are provided on the upper surface. As shown in FIG. 2, on the back of the camera body 12, a finder eyepiece 24, a finder lamp 26, a liquid crystal monitor 28, a mode switch 30, a zoom button 32, a macro button 34, a flash button 36, and a MENU / OK button 38 are displayed. , A BACK button 40, a display button 42, and the like are provided.

  The power switch 22 is a slide-type switch, and the power supply of the imaging apparatus 10 is turned ON / OFF by sliding the power switch 22. The photographing lens 14 is constituted by a retractable zoom lens, and is extended from the front of the camera body 12 when the power of the imaging device 10 is turned on. Then, the image pickup apparatus 10 is retracted in the camera body 12 by turning off the power supply.

  The release button 20 provided on the upper surface of the camera body 12 is a two-stroke type button composed of a so-called “half press” and “full press”, and AF (Auto Focus: automatic) Focusing) and AE (Auto Exposure) function, and imaging is executed by “full pressing”.

  A liquid crystal monitor 28 provided on the back surface of the camera body 12 is used as a monitor for reproducing a captured image, and is also used as an electronic viewfinder at the time of imaging. The display button 42 functions as an ON / OFF switching button of this electronic viewfinder. The liquid crystal monitor 28 is also used as a user interface display screen, and displays information such as menu information, selection items, and setting contents as necessary. Instead of the liquid crystal monitor 28, other types of display devices such as organic EL (electro-luminescence) can be used.

  The mode switch 30 functions as a switch for switching the mode of the imaging apparatus 10 and is switched between an “imaging mode” for capturing a still image and a “reproduction mode” for reproducing the captured image according to the set position.

  The zoom button 32 is configured as a seesaw button that can swing in the vertical direction, and functions as an operation button during zoom operation. That is, when the zoom button 32 is operated upward in the imaging mode, the zoom is operated in the tele direction, and when operated in the downward direction, the zoom is operated in the wide direction.

  The zoom button 32 also functions as a zoom button for a playback image under the playback mode. That is, when the zoom button 32 is operated upward in the playback mode, the playback image is enlarged and displayed, and when operated downward, the playback image is reduced and displayed.

  The macro button 34 functions as a button for switching ON / OFF of the macro function (close-up function), and the macro function is turned ON or OFF by pressing the macro button 34 in the imaging mode. The macro button 34 functions as a frame return button (a button for instructing to display the previous frame image) in the playback mode.

  The strobe button 36 functions as a button for switching the strobe mode. When the strobe button 36 is pressed under the imaging mode, the strobe mode is set to each mode of strobe emission / emission prohibition. In addition, the strobe button 36 functions as a frame advance button (a button that supports the display of the image after one frame) under the playback mode.

  The MENU / OK button 38 functions as a button for instructing display of the menu screen. When the MENU / OK button 38 is pressed, the menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 28. The MENU / OK button 38 functions as a button for confirming the item selected from the menu screen and instructing the execution of the operation. The BACK button 40 cancels the item selected on the menu screen or returns to the previous state. Functions as a button to instruct to return.

  When this menu screen is displayed, the three buttons of the zoom button 32, the macro button 34, and the strobe button 36 are arranged using the four-way controller (the zoom button 32 is the up / down key, the macro button 34 is the left key, and the strobe button 36). Corresponds to the right key), and menu items are selected using these three buttons.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration of the imaging apparatus 10. An imaging apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 3 is a digital camera having functions for recording and reproducing still images and moving images, and the overall operation of the imaging apparatus 10 is centrally controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) 50. The CPU 50 functions as control means for controlling the camera system according to a predetermined program, and performs various calculations such as automatic exposure (AE) calculation, automatic focus adjustment (AF) calculation, and white balance (WB) adjustment calculation. Functions as a means. The power circuit 52 supplies power to each block of the camera system.

  A ROM (Read Only Memory) 56 and a flash memory 58 are connected to the CPU 50 via a bus 54. The ROM 56 stores programs executed by the CPU 50 and various data necessary for control, and the flash memory 58 is a built-in memory built in the imaging apparatus 10 and includes CCD pixel defect information and various constants / information relating to camera operation. Etc. are stored.

  A memory (SDRAM, Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) 60 is used as a program development area and a calculation work area for the CPU 50, and also as a temporary recording area for image data and audio data. A video random access memory (VRAM) 62 is a temporary recording memory dedicated to image data, and includes an A area 62A and a B area 62B. Note that the memory 60 and the VRAM 62 can be shared.

  The flash memory 58 is a non-volatile memory, and the memory 60 is a volatile memory.

  The operation switch group 64 is a block including the release button 20 and the power switch 22 described above. Signals from these various operation switches are input to the CPU 50, and the CPU 50 controls each circuit of the imaging apparatus 10 based on the input signals. For example, lens drive control, imaging operation control, image processing control, and image data recording / recording Reproduction control, display control of the liquid crystal monitor 28, and the like are performed.

  The imaging apparatus 10 includes a media socket (media mounting unit) 66, and a recording medium 68 that is a removable memory that can be attached to and detached from the imaging apparatus 10 can be mounted on the media socket 66. As the form of the recording medium 68, various media such as a semiconductor memory card represented by xD-PictureCard (trademark) and smart media (trademark), a portable small hard disk, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and the like may be used. it can. The media controller 70 performs necessary signal conversion in order to transfer an input / output signal suitable for the recording medium 68 attached to the media socket 66.

  In addition, the imaging apparatus 10 includes an external connection interface (I / F) unit 72 as a communication unit for connecting to a personal computer or other external devices. The imaging device 10 can exchange data with the external device by connecting the imaging device 10 and the external device using a USB cable (not shown) or the like. The communication method with the external device is not limited to USB, and IEEE1394, Bluetooth, and other communication methods may be applied.

  Next, the imaging function of the imaging device 10 will be described. When the imaging mode is selected by the mode switch 30, power is supplied to an imaging unit including a color CCD solid-state imaging device 74 (hereinafter, referred to as CCD 74), and imaging is possible.

  The lens unit 76 is an optical unit that includes the photographing lens 14 including a focus lens 78 and a zoom lens 80, and a diaphragm / mechanical shutter 82. Focusing of the photographic lens 14 is performed by moving the focus lens 78 by the focus motor 78A, and zooming is performed by moving the zoom lens 80 by the zoom motor 80A. The focus motor 78A and the zoom motor 80A are driven and controlled by a focus motor driver 78B and a zoom motor driver 80B, respectively. The CPU 50 controls the focus motor driver 78B and zoom motor driver 80B by outputting control signals.

  The diaphragm 82 is a so-called turret-type diaphragm, and changes the diaphragm value (F value) by rotating a turret plate in which diaphragm holes F2.8 to F8 are formed. The diaphragm 82 is driven by an iris motor 82A. The iris motor 82A is driven and controlled by an iris motor driver 82B. The CPU 50 controls the iris motor driver 82B by outputting a control signal.

  The light that has passed through the lens unit 76 forms an image on the light receiving surface of the CCD 76. A large number of photodiodes (light receiving elements) are two-dimensionally arranged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 74, and red (R), green (G), and blue (B) primary color filters corresponding to each photodiode. They are arranged in a predetermined arrangement structure (Bayer, G stripe, etc.). The CCD 74 has an electronic shutter function for controlling the charge accumulation time (shutter speed) of each photodiode. The CPU 50 controls the charge accumulation time in the CCD 74 via the timing generator (TG) 84.

  The subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 74 is converted into a signal charge corresponding to the amount of incident light by each photodiode. The signal charge accumulated in each photodiode is sequentially read out as a voltage signal (image signal) corresponding to the signal charge based on a drive pulse given from the TG 84 in accordance with a command from the CPU 50.

  The signal output from the CCD 74 is sent to an analog processing unit (CDS / AMP) 86, where the R, G, and B signals for each pixel are sampled and held (correlated double sampling processing), amplified, and then A / Applied to the D converter 88. The dot sequential R, G, B signals converted into digital signals by the A / D converter 88 are recorded in the memory 60 via the image input controller 90.

  The image signal processing circuit 92 processes the R, G, and B signals recorded in the memory 60 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 50. That is, the image signal processing circuit 92 includes a synchronization circuit (a processing circuit that converts a color signal into a simultaneous expression by interpolating a spatial shift of the color signal associated with the color filter array of the single CCD), a white balance correction circuit, It functions as an image processing means including a gamma correction circuit, a contour correction circuit, a luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, etc., and performs predetermined signal processing using the memory 60 in accordance with commands from the CPU 50.

  The RGB image data input to the image signal processing circuit 92 is converted into a luminance signal (Y signal) and a color difference signal (Cr, Cb signal) by the image signal processing circuit 92, and predetermined processing such as gamma correction is performed. Applied. The image data processed by the image signal processing circuit 92 is stored in the memory 60.

  When the captured image is output to the liquid crystal monitor 28, the image data is read from the VRAM 62 and sent to the video encoder 94 via the bus 54. The video encoder 94 converts the input image data into a predetermined display signal (for example, an NTSC color composite image signal) and outputs the converted signal to the liquid crystal monitor 28.

  With the image signal output from the CCD 74, image data representing an image for one frame is rewritten alternately in the A area 62A and the B area 62B of the VRAM 62. Of the A area 62A and B area 62B of the VRAM 62, the written image data is read from an area other than the area where the image data is rewritten. In this way, the image data in the VRAM 62 is periodically rewritten, and an image signal generated from the image data is supplied to the liquid crystal monitor 28, whereby the image being captured is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 28 in real time. . The photographer can check the angle of view of the image from the video (through movie image) displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 28.

  When the release button 20 is half-pressed, the imaging apparatus 10 starts AE and AF processing. That is, the image signal output from the CCD 74 is input to the AF detection circuit 96 and the AE / AWB detection circuit 98 via the image input controller 90 after A / D conversion.

  The AE / AWB detection circuit 98 includes a circuit that divides one screen into a plurality of areas (for example, 8 × 8 or 16 × 16) and integrates RGB signals for each divided area, and provides the integrated value to the CPU 50. . The CPU 50 detects the brightness of the subject (subject luminance) based on the integrated value obtained from the AE / AWB detection circuit 98, and calculates an exposure value (imaging EV value) suitable for imaging. According to the obtained exposure value and a predetermined program diagram, the aperture value and the shutter speed are determined, and the CPU 50 controls the electronic shutter and iris of the CCD 74 to obtain an appropriate exposure amount.

  The AE / AWB detection circuit 98 calculates an average integrated value for each color of the RGB signals for each divided area during automatic white balance adjustment, and provides the calculation result to the CPU 50. The CPU 50 obtains an integrated value of R, an integrated value of B, and an integrated value of G, obtains a ratio of R / G and B / G for each divided area, and calculates R / G and R / G of the values of B / G. The light source type is determined based on the distribution in the color space of the G, B / G axis coordinates, and the gain value (white balance correction value) for the R, G, B signals of the white balance adjustment circuit according to the determined light source type. To correct the signal of each color channel. Details of the white balance adjustment will be described later.

  For example, contrast AF that moves the focus lens 78 so that the high-frequency component of the G signal of the image signal is maximized is applied to the AF control in the imaging apparatus 10. That is, the AF detection circuit 96 cuts out a signal in a focus target area set in advance in a high-pass filter that passes only a high-frequency component of the G signal, an absolute value processing unit, and a screen (for example, the center of the screen). An area extraction unit and an integration unit that integrates absolute value data in the AF area are configured.

  The integrated value data obtained by the AF detection circuit 96 is notified to the CPU 50. The CPU 50 calculates a focus evaluation value (AF evaluation value) at a plurality of AF detection points while moving the focus lens 78 by controlling the focus motor driver 78B, and sets a lens position where the evaluation value is a maximum as a focus position. decide. Then, the CPU 50 controls the focus motor driver 78B so as to move the focus lens 78 to the obtained in-focus position. The calculation of the AF evaluation value is not limited to a mode using the G signal, and a luminance signal (Y signal) may be used.

  The release button 20 is half-pressed, AE / AF processing is performed, the release button 20 is fully pressed, and a recording imaging operation is started. The image data acquired in response to the full press of the release button 20 is converted into a luminance / color difference signal (Y / C signal) by the image signal processing circuit 92 and subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction, and then the memory. 60.

  The Y / C signal stored in the memory 60 is compressed according to a predetermined format by the compression / decompression circuit 100 and then recorded on the recording medium 68 via the media controller 70. For example, a still image is recorded in JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format.

  When the playback mode is selected by the mode switch 30, the compressed data of the last image file (last recorded file) recorded on the recording medium 68 is read. When the file related to the last recording is a still image file, the read image compression data is decompressed to an uncompressed YC signal via the compression / decompression circuit 100, and via the image signal processing circuit 92 and the video encoder 94. Are converted into display signals and then output to the liquid crystal monitor 28. As a result, the image content of the file is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 28.

  During single-frame playback of a still image (including playback of the first frame of a moving image), the playback target file is switched by operating the strobe button 36 (right key) or the macro button 34 (left key) (forward frame). (Forward / reverse frame feed). The image file at the frame-advanced position is read from the recording medium 68, and still images and moving images are reproduced and displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 28 in the same manner as described above.

  When an external display such as a personal computer or a television is connected to the imaging apparatus 10 via the video input / output terminal 102 in the playback mode, the image data recorded on the recording medium 68 is the video output circuit 104. Are processed and reproduced and displayed on the external display.

  Further, an audio input / output circuit 106 is connected to the CPU 50. A speaker 108 and a microphone 110 are connected to the audio input / output circuit 106, and various operation sounds in an imaging mode and a playback mode are reproduced and output, and an audio signal at the time of moving image imaging is input.

  Next, the flow of imaging processing in the CPU 50 when the recording medium 68 is removed from the imaging device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the removable memory (recording medium 68) is attached to the imaging device 10 (Yes in step S10), normal imaging processing for recording the captured image on the recording medium 68 is performed.

  When the recording medium 68 is not attached to the imaging device 10 (No in Step S10), when the release button 20 is fully pressed and an imaging instruction is input (Yes in Step S12), the image is captured as described above. The image is temporarily recorded in the memory 60. Further, the image temporarily recorded in the memory 60 is read out to the VRAM 62, and a postview (display for confirmation) of the captured image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 28. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a free space capable of recording the imaged image in the built-in memory (flash memory 58) (step S14). If there is enough free space (not full) to record the captured image in the flash memory 58 (No in step S14), the captured image is recorded in the flash memory 58 (step S24). Thereafter, after a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) elapses, the post-view is terminated, the display on the liquid crystal monitor 28 is shifted to the live view (view finder) display, and the process returns to step S12.

  On the other hand, if there is not enough free space for recording the captured image in the flash memory 58 (full) (Yes in step S14), the image in the flash memory 58 is reproduced on the liquid crystal monitor 28 (step S14). S16).

  FIG. 5 shows a playback screen. In the playback screen shown in FIG. 5, an image (for example, the oldest or newest image) in the flash memory 58 is displayed, and a message for confirming whether or not to erase the displayed image, and for erasing the image, etc. A message indicating the operation switch to be displayed is displayed. The confirmation message or the like may be displayed after a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) after the image is displayed. The user can confirm whether or not to erase the image recorded in the flash memory 58 on this playback screen (step S18). When the image displayed on the playback screen is not deleted, that is, when it is detected that the user has pressed the BACK button 40 (No in step S18), the process returns to step S16, and another flash memory 58 is stored. An image (eg, the next oldest or newest image after the currently displayed image) is displayed. In the example of FIG. 5, the images in the flash memory 58 are reproduced and displayed one by one on the reproduction screen. However, for example, a list (thumbnail display) may be displayed.

  On the other hand, when erasing the image displayed on the playback screen, that is, when it is detected that the user presses the MENU / OK button 38 (Yes in step S18), the image displayed on the playback screen. Is deleted (step S20). Next, when the flash memory 58 does not have the free space necessary for recording the image captured in step S12 (No in step S22), the process returns to step S16, and another image in the flash memory 58 (for example, The next oldest or newest image after the erased image is displayed, and the image erase is repeated until a free area for recording the captured image is secured (steps S16 to S22). Then, when the above steps S16 to S22 are repeated and the free space necessary for recording the image captured in step S12 in the flash memory 58 is secured (Yes in step S22), the image is captured. The recorded image is recorded in the flash memory 58 (step S24). Thereafter, the display on the liquid crystal monitor 28 is shifted to a through image (viewfinder) display, and the process returns to the process of step S12.

  In the loop of steps S16 to S18 and steps S16 to S22, even if all images in the flash memory 58 are reproduced and unnecessary images are erased, it is necessary to record the captured images. If the free space cannot be secured, the remaining image in the flash memory 58 may be repeatedly reproduced, or unnecessary data other than the image in the flash memory 58 may be selectively deleted. . Further, the captured image may be held in the memory 60. When the image is held in the memory 60, it may be confirmed again whether the image can be erased when the power is turned off.

  If it is not necessary to record the image captured in step S12, the selection of the image to be deleted may be canceled.

  According to the present embodiment, when the flash memory 58 of the imaging device 10 is full, a screen for erasing an image in the flash memory 58 is automatically displayed, and the free space of the flash memory 58 can be easily secured. be able to.

  Next, a second embodiment of the flow of imaging processing in the CPU 50 when the recording medium 68 is detached from the imaging device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. If the removable memory (recording medium 68) is attached to the imaging device 10 (Yes in step S30), normal imaging processing for recording the captured image on the recording medium 68 is performed.

  When the recording medium 68 is not attached to the imaging device 10 (No in Step S30), when the release button 20 is fully pressed and an imaging instruction is input (Yes in Step S32), the image is captured as described above. The image is temporarily recorded in the memory 60. Further, the image temporarily recorded in the memory 60 is read out to the VRAM 62, and a postview (display for confirmation) of the captured image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 28. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a free capacity capable of recording the captured image in the built-in memory (flash memory 58) (step S34). When there is a free space necessary for recording the captured image in the flash memory 58 (not full) (No in step S34), the captured image is recorded in the flash memory 58 (step S46). Thereafter, after a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) has elapsed, the post-view is terminated, the display on the liquid crystal monitor 28 is shifted to the through image (viewfinder) display, and the process returns to step S32.

  On the other hand, if there is not enough free space for recording the captured image in the flash memory 58 (full) (Yes in step S34), the image in the flash memory 58 is reproduced on the liquid crystal monitor 28 (step S34). S36).

  FIG. 7 shows a playback screen. In the playback screen shown in FIG. 7, an image (for example, the oldest or newest image) in the flash memory 58 is displayed, and a message for confirming whether or not the displayed image is to be erased, and an image to be erased are used. A message indicating the operation switch to be displayed is displayed. The confirmation message or the like may be displayed after a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) after the image is displayed. The user can select or erase an image in the flash memory 58 and select whether to secure a free space for recording the captured image (step S38). If the image in the flash memory 58 is not erased, that is, if the user presses the BACK button 40 (No in step S38), the image is not recorded in the flash memory 58 and the display on the liquid crystal monitor 28 is passed through. The screen is shifted to the image (viewfinder) display, and the process returns to step S32. On the other hand, when erasing the image in the flash memory 58 (Yes in step S38), the process directly proceeds to step S40.

  Next, the user selects whether to delete the image displayed on the playback screen (step S40). When the image displayed on the playback screen is not erased, that is, when “stop” is selected by the right key (strobe button 36) and it is detected that the MENU / OK button 38 is pressed (step S40). No), returning to step S36, another image in the flash memory 58 (for example, the next oldest or newest image after the currently displayed image) is displayed. In the example of FIG. 7, the images in the flash memory 58 are reproduced and displayed one by one on the reproduction screen. However, for example, a list (thumbnail display) may be displayed.

  On the other hand, when erasing the image displayed on the playback screen, that is, when it is detected that the user selects “Select” with the left key (macro button 34) and the MENU / OK button 38 is pressed. (Yes in step S40), the image displayed on the reproduction screen is deleted (step S42). Next, when there is not enough free space for recording the image captured in step S32 in the flash memory 58 (No in step S44), the process returns to step S36, and another image in the flash memory 58 (for example, The oldest or newest image after the erased image) is displayed, and the image is repeatedly erased until a free space for recording the captured image is secured (steps S36 to S44). Then, if the steps S36 to S44 are repeated and the free space necessary for recording the image captured in step S32 is secured in the flash memory 58 (Yes in step S44), the image is captured. The recorded image is recorded in the flash memory 58 (step S46). Thereafter, the display on the liquid crystal monitor 28 is shifted to the through image (viewfinder) display, and the process returns to the process of step S32.

  In the loop of steps S36 to S40 and steps S36 to S44, even if all images in the flash memory 58 are reproduced and unnecessary images are erased, it is necessary to record the captured images. If the free space cannot be secured, the remaining image in the flash memory 58 may be repeatedly reproduced, or unnecessary data other than the image in the flash memory 58 may be selectively deleted. . Further, the captured image may be held in the memory 60. When the image is held in the memory 60, it may be confirmed again whether the image can be erased when the power is turned off.

  According to the present embodiment, when the flash memory 58 of the imaging device 10 is full, a screen for erasing an image in the flash memory 58 is automatically displayed, and the free space of the flash memory 58 can be easily secured. be able to. Further, when there is no image that can be erased in the flash memory 58, the erasure of the image in the flash memory 58 can be canceled.

  Next, a third embodiment of the flow of the imaging process in the CPU 50 when the recording medium 68 is detached from the imaging device 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the removable memory (recording medium 68) is attached to the imaging device 10 (Yes in step S50), normal imaging processing for recording the captured image on the recording medium 68 is performed.

  When the recording medium 68 is not attached to the imaging device 10 (No in Step S50), when the release button 20 is fully pressed and an imaging instruction is input (Yes in Step S52), the image is captured as described above. The image is temporarily recorded in the memory 60. Further, the image temporarily recorded in the memory 60 is read out to the VRAM 62, and a postview (display for confirmation) of the captured image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 28. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a free space capable of recording the imaged image in the built-in memory (flash memory 58) (step S54). If there is enough free space (not full) for recording the captured image in the flash memory 58 (No in step S54), the captured image is recorded in the flash memory 58 (step S66). Thereafter, after a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) elapses, the post-view is terminated, the display on the liquid crystal monitor 28 is shifted to the through image (view finder) display, and the process returns to step S52.

  On the other hand, if there is not enough free space for recording the captured image in the flash memory 58 (full) (Yes in step S54), the image in the flash memory 58 is reproduced on the liquid crystal monitor 28 (step S54). S56). In step S56, the playback screen displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 28 is the same as in FIG. If the image in the flash memory 58 is to be erased (Yes in step S58), the process proceeds directly to step S60. Note that steps S60 to S66 are the same as steps S40 to S46 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the image in the flash memory 58 is not erased even when there is not enough free space for recording the captured image in the flash memory 58, that is, when the BACK button 40 is pressed by the user. (No in step S58), the image is not recorded in the flash memory 58, and the process proceeds to step S68.

  Next, the image capacity when the compression rate is increased is calculated and compared with the free capacity of the flash memory 58 (step S68). If an image can be recorded in the free space of the flash memory 58 by increasing the compression rate (No in step S70), the captured image is recorded in the flash memory 58 (step S66), and step S52. Return to. On the other hand, if an image cannot be recorded in the free space of the flash memory 58 even when the compression rate is maximized (No in step S70), the warning screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 28 for a predetermined time (for example, several seconds). (Step S72), the recorded image is not recorded, and the display on the liquid crystal monitor 28 is shifted to the live view (viewfinder) display, and the process returns to step S52.

  According to the present embodiment, when the flash memory 58 of the imaging device 10 is full, a screen for erasing an image in the flash memory 58 is automatically displayed, and the free space of the flash memory 58 can be easily secured. be able to. Further, when the image is not erased from the flash memory 58, the image can be recorded in the flash memory 58 by increasing the image compression rate.

  In each of the above embodiments, each time an image in the flash memory 58 is selected, the image is deleted (steps S18 to S20 in FIG. 4, etc.). For example, the total capacity of the selected image is captured. When the capacity of the image is exceeded, the image may be erased.

  In each of the above embodiments, an image to be erased is selected when there is no free space for recording an image in the flash memory 58. For example, an image for a capacity necessary for image recording is automatically selected. May be deleted. In the case of automatically erasing images, for example, the images in the flash memory 58 may be erased in order from the oldest of the image history, the oldest date and time of last viewing, and the lowest browsing frequency. . Further, when erasing an image, a screen notifying that the image is to be erased or a screen asking for permission to erase the image may be displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 28.

  In each of the above embodiments, the image in the flash memory 58 is erased in order to secure a free space for recording the captured image. For example, the image in the flash memory 58 is compressed. Alternatively, unnecessary control data stored in the flash memory 58 may be erased or compressed.

  In addition, when the recording medium 68 is inserted and imaging is executed with both the flash memory 58 and the recording medium 68 being full, as in each of the above embodiments, the contents of the flash memory 58 and the recording medium 68 are stored. The images may be sequentially reproduced and deleted.

The front perspective view which shows an imaging device provided with the information processing apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention 1 is a rear perspective view illustrating an imaging apparatus including an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the main structures of the imaging device 10 The flowchart which shows the flow of the imaging process in CPU50 when the recording medium 68 is removed from the imaging device 10. Figure showing the playback screen The flowchart which shows 2nd Embodiment of the flow of the imaging process in CPU50 when the recording medium 68 is removed from the imaging device 10. FIG. The figure which shows the reproduction | regeneration screen which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows 3rd Embodiment of the flow of the imaging process in CPU50 when the recording medium 68 is removed from the imaging device 10. FIG. Diagram showing warning screen

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Imaging device, 12 ... Camera body, 14 ... Shooting lens, 16 ... Strobe, 18 ... Viewfinder window, 20 ... Release button, 22 ... Power switch, 24 ... Viewfinder eyepiece, 26 ... Viewfinder lamp, 28 ... LCD monitor , 30 ... Mode switch, 32 ... Zoom button, 34 ... Macro button, 36 ... Strobe button, 38 ... MENU / OK button, 40 ... BACK button, 42 ... Display button, 58 ... Flash memory

Claims (12)

An imaging means for capturing an image;
Imaging instruction means for instructing the imaging means to perform imaging;
Recording means for recording the captured image;
Display means for displaying the captured image;
Display control for displaying the image recorded in the recording unit on the display unit when the recording unit has no free space for recording the captured image when the execution instruction of the imaging is performed Means,
An erased image designating means for designating an image to be erased from the displayed images;
Image erasing means for erasing the designated image from the recording means;
A recording control unit that records the captured image in the recording unit when the designated image is erased and a free space necessary for recording the captured image is secured;
An imaging apparatus comprising:   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for canceling display of the image when there is no image to be erased in the displayed image. Further comprising compression ratio selection means for increasing the compression ratio of the captured image according to the size of the free space of the recording means when the display of the image is stopped;
The imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording control unit compresses the captured image with the selected compression rate and records the compressed image on the recording unit.   A warning output means is further provided for outputting a warning when a free area for recording the picked-up image cannot be secured even if the picked-up image is compressed at a maximum compression rate. The imaging device according to claim 3. An imaging step of imaging an image in response to an imaging execution instruction;
When the imaging execution instruction is performed, if the recording unit that records the captured image does not have a free space for recording the captured image, the image recorded on the recording unit is displayed. Display process;
An erasure image designation step for designating an image to be erased from the displayed images;
An erasing step of erasing the designated image from the recording means;
A recording step of recording the captured image in the recording means when the designated image is erased and a free space necessary for recording the captured image is secured;
An imaging apparatus control method comprising:   The imaging apparatus control method according to claim 5, further comprising a step of selecting whether or not to stop displaying the image when there is no image to be erased in the displayed image. A compression ratio selection step of increasing the compression ratio of the imaged image according to the size of the free capacity of the recording means when the display of the image is stopped;
Compressing the captured image with the selected compression ratio and recording it on the recording means;
The imaging apparatus control method according to claim 6, further comprising:   The method further comprises a warning output step of outputting a warning when a free area for recording the picked-up image cannot be secured even if the picked-up image is compressed at the maximum compression rate. The imaging device control method according to claim 7. An imaging function for capturing an image in response to an imaging execution instruction;
When the imaging execution instruction is performed, if the recording unit that records the captured image does not have a free space for recording the captured image, the image recorded on the recording unit is displayed. Display function,
An erase image designation function for designating an image to be erased from the displayed images;
An erasing function for erasing the designated image from the recording means;
A recording function for recording the captured image in the recording means when the designated image is erased and a free space necessary for recording the captured image is secured;
An imaging apparatus control program for causing a computer to realize the above.   10. The image pickup apparatus control program according to claim 9, which causes a computer to realize a function of selecting whether or not to stop displaying the image when there is no image to be erased in the displayed image. A compression rate selection function for increasing the compression rate of the imaged image according to the size of the free capacity of the recording means when the display of the image is stopped;
A function of compressing the captured image at the selected compression ratio and recording it in the recording means;
The computer-implemented program for controlling an imaging apparatus according to claim 10.   Even if the captured image is compressed at the maximum compression rate, if a free area for recording the captured image cannot be secured, a warning output function for outputting a warning is realized in a computer. 12. The imaging apparatus control program according to claim 11, wherein

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