JPH1146314A - Digital camera with recording medium switching function - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To record image data on a recording medium, from recording / reproduction on a recording medium built in a digital camera to recording / reproduction on an external extended recording medium such as a memory card. The present invention provides a digital camera with a recording medium switching function that can effectively switch to a digital camera. SOLUTION: An extended recording medium attachment determining means 61 determines attachment / detachment of an extended recording medium 10 to / from a digital camera 100,
At the time of mounting, the format determination means 65, the search means 66,
The control is passed to the system of the display means 67 and the writing means 68 to control the recording medium control unit 8, and the extended recording medium
Recording / reproduction for 0 is executed. When the extended recording medium 10 is not mounted or is taken out, the search means 62, the display means 63, and the writing means 64
The control is passed to the system, and the recording medium control unit 8 is controlled to execute the recording / reproduction of the built-in recording medium 9 for the image data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a digital camera, and more particularly, to switching of a recording medium incorporated in a digital camera to an external expansion recording medium such as a memory card when recording and reproducing image data. The present invention relates to a digital camera with a recording medium switching function that can be performed at any time.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital cameras (electronic still cameras) have been developed and sold and are becoming popular. A digital camera is configured to obtain image data by photoelectrically converting imaging light, record the image data on a recording medium, and output the image data to an external image processing device such as a personal computer (hereinafter, a personal computer). Image data creation processing is performed, the created print image data is output to a printer, and the photographed image is printed / reproduced on paper. Many digital cameras are provided with a liquid crystal display for displaying an image pickup result, and image data obtained by photoelectric conversion is compressed and recorded on a recording medium. Compression processing is usually J
Compression according to the PEG standard (hereinafter, JPEG compression) is performed.

Here, a conventional digital camera has a recording medium composed of a rewritable recording medium (hereinafter referred to as a built-in recording medium) fixed inside the camera, and a replaceable medium such as a memory card. (Hereinafter referred to as extended recording medium)
There is something composed from. Note that a flash memory, a compact flash memory, or the like is used as a built-in recording medium of the digital camera.

[0004]

In a digital camera using the above-mentioned built-in recording medium, the number of image data to be recorded is limited by the recording capacity of the built-in recording medium. Therefore, use a large built-in recording medium, or write to an external recording medium via an external device such as a personal computer every time a series of photographing, for example, a series of photographing in a ski tour on January 15, is completed, and then the internal recording is performed. It is only necessary to delete the image data on the medium to make it re-recordable or to allow overwriting on the image data without deleting it, but in the former case, the price of the digital camera and the limited size There is still a limit in terms of circuit layout, and in the latter case, it is troublesome for the user to repeat the operation of re-recording in the external storage device every time shooting is completed, and there is a disadvantage that the usability of the digital camera is impaired.

Therefore, in order to solve such inconvenience, it is sufficient to use an extended recording medium such as a memory card and to continuously record on an external recording medium when the storage capacity of the built-in recording medium is exceeded. However, in a digital camera, the order of photographing is significant. Therefore, switching from recording of image data to a built-in recording medium to recording to an external recording medium such as a memory card involves switching the photographing order during a series of photographing (that is, recording). Must be devised so as not to disturb the physical order of the

When a flash memory is used as a built-in recording medium, the flash memory is guaranteed to write only about 10,000 times for each block. Therefore, it is necessary to distribute writing to the blocks as evenly as possible. is there.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned demands. When image data is recorded on a recording medium, the recording is performed from a recording medium built in a digital camera to a recording on an external extended recording medium such as a memory card. It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital camera with a recording medium switching function that can effectively switch to a digital camera.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera capable of effectively reproducing a built-in recording medium and an extended recording medium.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera that photoelectrically converts image pickup light and then records the image light on a recording medium as image data. A built-in recording medium and an extended recording medium detachable from the digital camera, a recording medium control unit for controlling recording of image data on the built-in recording medium and the extended recording medium, and mounting of the extended recording medium on the digital camera or from the digital camera. An extended recording medium detection unit that detects removal of the extended recording medium and outputs a detection signal, based on a detection signal from the extended recording medium detection unit,
Recording medium switching means for determining a recording medium to be processed for image data such as recording or reproduction as either a built-in recording medium or an extended recording medium. is there.

In the first aspect, the target of recording / reproduction can be automatically changed according to the loading / removal of the extended recording medium, and recording / reproduction can be performed effectively.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera with a recording medium switching function according to the first aspect, the recording medium switching means is configured to output an image when an extended recording medium is mounted on the digital camera. A digital camera with a recording medium switching function is operative to record or reproduce data on the extended recording medium.

In the second aspect, when an extended recording medium is mounted, recording and reproduction are performed with priority given to the extended recording medium.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera with a recording medium switching function according to the first or second aspect, the recording medium switching means includes an image data recorded on a built-in recording medium or an extended recording medium. And a display unit for displaying the search result.

In the third aspect, when the recording medium switching means switches the target, the contents of the recording medium are displayed,
The user is notified of the recordable number of sheets and the like.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera with the recording medium switching function according to the third aspect, the recording medium switching means is provided at a stage prior to a search for an extended recording medium attached to the digital camera. It is determined whether or not the extended recording medium has a predetermined format. If the extended recording medium does not have the predetermined format, the extended recording medium is provided with a predetermined format and has format determination means for writing format determination information. A digital camera with a recording medium switching function.

In the fourth aspect, when the extended recording medium is mounted, the formatting is automatically performed as necessary, and the recording can be performed quickly.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera with a recording medium switching function according to the first or second aspect.
The recording medium switching means includes a copying means for copying an image recorded on the built-in recording medium to an extended recording medium or copying image data recorded on the extended recording medium to the built-in recording medium, if desired. Digital camera with a recording medium switching function.

In the fifth aspect, data can be copied between the built-in recording medium and the extended recording medium as required, and data can be quickly arranged.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the digital camera with the recording medium switching function according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising a light-emitting display means, and a built-in recording medium for image data or an extension. A digital camera with a recording medium switching function is characterized in that the light-emitting display means emits light during recording on a recording medium.

In the sixth aspect, by notifying that the recording is being performed on the recording medium, an accident such as detachment of the extended recording medium during the recording can be prevented.

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a digital camera according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

In FIG. 1A, the digital camera 100 is
An optical system 1 comprising a lens, an aperture mechanism, etc., which reflects reflected light from an image to be captured onto the CCD 2, a CCD 2, which converts the imaging light from the optical system 1 into an electric signal, and a signal processing unit which processes the signal from the CCD 2. An image data creation unit 3 for outputting raster data (image data) of values (R, G, B) to the frame memory 12A; and a control unit 4, an input unit 5, a moving image display control unit 6, an image data An output unit 7, a recording medium control unit 8, a built-in recording medium 9, an extended recording medium 10, an interface 11, an LED lamp 15 as a display unit, and a liquid crystal display 16 are provided.

Here, the control unit 4 controls the operation of the image data creation unit 3, the moving image display control unit 6, the image data output unit 7, the recording medium control unit 8, and the recording medium switching unit 60, image processing and image compression. -Controls the execution of decompression processing and the like.
The input means 5 is composed of buttons, switches, and the like, inputs instructions from the user by these operations, converts the instructions into digital signals, and provides the digital signals to the control unit 4.

The moving image display controller 6 controls the liquid crystal display 1
The image data is output to 6 to display a moving image. In the present embodiment, in the normal display, the image data stored in the frame memories 12A and 12B is superimposed and displayed. Normally, the image data writing unit 3 writes the image data into the frame memory 12A a predetermined number of times, for example, 30 times or 60 times. It is performed in the same phase in synchronization with data writing.

The image data output unit 7 converts the R, G, B raster data on the frame memory 12A into a luminance component Y and a chrominance component U when a specific button is pressed during moving image display and an image recording is instructed. , V and JPEG compression, and further perform a reduction process for creating a thumbnail image.

The recording medium control unit 8 includes an image data output unit 7
Of the JPEG-compressed image data (hereinafter simply referred to as image data) and reduced image data at a predetermined position on the built-in recording medium 9 or the extended recording medium 10, It performs recording control such as reading of JPEG image data.

The built-in recording medium 9 and the extended recording medium 10 are for storing image data, and the serial or parallel interface 11 is for exchanging data with an external device. Also, LE
The D lamp 15 displays a switch status and a function specification, and the liquid crystal display 16 displays a captured image or a photographed object.

The frame memory 12A is normally used as an image display memory of the liquid crystal display 16, and image data is developed in a bitmap image. The frame memory 12B is used as a menu display memory as needed. Then, the liquid crystal display 16
Is displayed, the contents of the frame memories 12A and 12B are superimposed and displayed as necessary.

The built-in recording medium 9 is the camera 1 in this embodiment.
The internal recording medium 9 stores not only image data but also data such as programs. In this embodiment, a memory card of 4 to 16 MB is used as the extended storage medium 10, and in this case, a memory card interface (PCMCIA interface: not shown) is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. Another card type memory such as a compact flash can be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, as will be described later, the expansion recording medium mounting section 70 detects the mounting of the expansion recording medium 10 on the mounting section 70 or the removal of the expansion recording medium 10 from the mounting section 70. An extended recording medium detector 75 is provided. The extended recording medium mounting section 70 is configured so that the extended recording medium 10 can be exchanged and additionally used.

FIG. 1B shows the configuration of the control unit 4. The control unit 4 includes a CPU 41, a RAM 42, and a ROM 43. The ROM 43 stores operation control of the digital camera 100 and data compression / expansion processing inside the digital camera. A group of programs necessary for the data processing of this is stored.

The digital camera 100 converts the image data stored in the built-in recording medium 9 into an interface 11.
And an external device, for example, a computer device 200 such as a personal computer, communicates via a modem 300, and further includes a print image data creation processing program group on the digital camera 100 side. Can be created and transmitted directly to the printer 400 for storage and printing.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the extended recording medium mounting section, and shows an example in which a memory card is used as the extended recording medium.

In FIG. 6, the extended recording medium mounting section 70 is configured so that the memory card 10 can be attached to and detached from the side of the digital camera 100, and has contacts a and a 'for detecting mounting.
A conductive wire is connected to the contacts a and a ', the contact a is grounded, and a voltage of 5 V is applied to the contact a', thereby forming the extended recording medium detector 75.

When the memory card 10 is inserted into the extension recording medium mounting section 70, the contacts b and b 'provided on the memory card 10 contact the contacts a and a' of the extension recording medium detector 75, respectively. The contact b on the memory card 10,
Since b 'is short-circuited, the contacts a and a' and the contacts b and b '
Contact, the contacts b ', a', b, a conduct and the contact a
Is 5 V (H). By taking out the 5V electric signal through the conductor 71, the attachment of the memory card 10 to the digital camera 100 is detected.

When the memory card 10 is removed from the extended recording medium mounting section 70, the contacts b,
b ′ and the contacts a and a ′ of the extended recording medium detector 75 are separated, and the voltage at the contact a becomes 0 V (L). Thus, removal of the memory card 10 is detected.

The electric signal is converted into a digital signal as "1" at H (5V) and "0" at L (0V), and given to the control unit 4 (CPU 41).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the recording medium switching means 60 constituting a main part of the digital camera according to the present invention. Display means 63, writing means 6
4. It has a format determination means 65, a search means 66, a display means 67, a writing means 68 and a copying means 69. In this embodiment, the recording medium switching means 60 is configured by software. In this case, it is desirable that the recording medium switching means 60 be stored in the ROM 43.

The extended recording medium mounting determination means 61 determines whether or not the extended recording medium 10 is attached to or detached from the digital camera 100 based on a signal from the extended recording medium detector 75 (FIG. 6) of the extended recording medium mounting section 70, and mounts. Sometimes format determination means 6
5. Transfer control to the system of the search means 66, the display means 67, and the writing means 68, and control the recording medium control unit 8 to record and reproduce the image data on the extended recording medium 10. If the extended recording medium 10 is not loaded or is removed, the control is passed to the system of the search means 62, the display means 63 and the writing means 64, and the recording medium control unit 8 is controlled to store the image data. The recording on the recording medium 9 is performed.

The system of the search means 62, the display means 63 and the writing means 64 is a system which is executed when the extended recording medium 10 is not mounted or is taken out.
Indicates the number of images recorded in the built-in recording medium 9, and the display means 63 indicates the number of images searched for on the liquid crystal display 16.
And the writing unit 64 controls the recording medium control unit 8 to record the image data on the built-in recording medium 9 and counts up the number of recorded images to display on the liquid crystal display 16 ( (Fig. 4).

Format determination means 65, search means 6
6, the display means 67 and the writing means 68 are systems that are executed when the extended recording medium 10 is mounted or mounted during shooting, and the format determination means 65 is a memory card as the extended recording medium 10. In such a case, it is determined whether or not the card is formatted.If it is determined that the card is not formatted, the card is formatted, and it is determined whether or not the card is formatted by the digital camera of the present invention. Write the volume label. Whether the card is formatted or not is determined by the presence or absence of the volume label. The search means 66 searches the number of images recorded on the extended recording medium 10, the display means 67 displays the number of searched images on the liquid crystal display 16 to urge the user to confirm, and the writing means 68 controls the recording medium control. The image data is recorded on the extended recording medium 10 by controlling the section 8 and the number of recorded images is counted up and displayed on the liquid crystal display 16. In this case, it is desirable to calculate and display the recordable number (FIG. 5).

The search by the search means 62 or 65 differs depending on the data management system of the digital camera.

For example, in the case where the data management system of the digital camera is a system in which a management file (so-called directory) for managing individual files by using one frame of image data as one file and performing management by a direct access system is provided. The search means 62 or 65 only needs to take in the number of image data files written in a predetermined area of the directory. In a method of managing recording information such as a writing position and a used area,
Counting is performed while searching for individual image data.

The copying means 69 copies the image data recorded on the extended recording medium 10 to the built-in recording medium 9 when the user instructs the copying on the built-in recording medium 9 at the stage of the user's confirmation instruction on the display means 67. I do. When copying to the extended recording medium 10 is instructed, the image data recorded in the built-in recording medium 9 is copied to the extended recording medium 10.
Note that the copying means 69 can be configured so that only desired image data can be copied.

With the above configuration, when the extended recording medium 10 such as a memory card is attached to the digital camera 100, or when the extended recording medium 10 is attached to the digital camera 100 during a series of photographing operations, it is obtained at the time of photographing. The extended image data is written to the extended recording medium 10 in preference to recording on the built-in recording medium 9, and when the extended recording medium 10 is not attached to the digital camera 100, or when the extended recording medium 10 is Image data obtained at the time of shooting when detached from the camera 100 is stored in the built-in recording medium 9.
Can be written to.

FIG. 4 shows a display example displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 by the display means 63. The number of images recorded on the internal recording medium 9, the number of recordable images, and the number of images recorded on the internal recording medium 9 (in FIG. "Internal memory" is displayed)
The record confirmation guide to is displayed.

The number of images is the number of images recorded on the built-in recording medium 9 by the search means 62, the number m of recordable images is V, the storage capacity of the built-in recording medium 9 is V, the required storage capacity per JPEG image is v, If the capacity of the overhead area is H, the maximum number of recorded images is MAX (m), and the number of recorded images is m ′, m = MAX (m) −m ′ = [(V−
m′v−H) / v].

In this embodiment, a 4 MB block erase type flash memory is used as the built-in recording medium 9.
V = 4 MB, H = 0.4 MB, the number of pixels of an image of one frame = 1024 × 768, and the JPEG compression ratio is 1/1.
Assuming that 5, v = 1024 × 768 × 3 × 8/15 MAX (m) = (V−H) /v=3.6M×8 / ((1
024 × 768 × 3 × 8) / 15) = 23, and when m ′ = 18, m = MAX (m) −m ′
= 23-18 = 15, and this is displayed as the recordable number.

When the extended recording medium 10 is not mounted, the image data generated when the button 19 is pressed according to the recording confirmation guide shown in FIG. The data is written to the recording medium 9, but when the extended recording medium 10 is mounted on the way, the data is automatically written to the extended recording medium 10 from the image data next to the currently written image data. In this case, the display on the liquid crystal display 16 is switched to the display for the extended recording medium as shown in FIG. During recording of image data, the viewfinder
The LED 15 provided near is turned on.

FIG. 5 shows a display example displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 by the display means 67.
And a copy guide to the internal recording medium 9 (indicated as “internal memory” in the figure) or the extended recording medium 10 (indicated as “external memory” in the figure) are displayed. Have been.

The number of images is the number of images recorded on the extended recording medium 10 by the search means 62, and the recordable number n is V 'the storage capacity of the extended recording medium 10 and v the required storage capacity per JPEG image. If the capacity of the overhead area is H ′, the maximum number of recorded images is MAX (n), and the number of recorded images is n ′, n = MAX (n) −n ′ =
[(V'-n'v-H ') / v].

When an 8 MB memory card is used as the extended recording medium 10, V '= 8 MB and H' = 0.8
MB, the number of pixels of an image of one frame = 1024 × 768,
Assuming that the JPEG compression ratio is 1/15, v = 1024 × 768 × 3 × 8/15 MAX (m ′) = (V′−H ′) / v = 7.2M × 8 /
((1024 × 768 × 3 × 8/15) = 47, and when n ′ = 0, m = MAX (m) −m ′ =
47-0 = 47, which is displayed as the recordable number.

When a memory card is used as the extended recording medium 10, the search means 66 checks the presence or absence of a volume label on the memory card prior to the search, and if there is no volume label, writes that the memory card is not formatted. Control to the input means 68. The writing means 68 formats the memory card and writes a volume label.

When the extended recording medium 10 is removed, the display on the liquid crystal display 16 is switched to the display for the built-in recording medium as shown in FIG. The data is written to the built-in recording medium 9 by the recording medium control unit 8. During recording of image data, an L provided near the finder 18 is provided.
The ED 15 is turned on.

In FIG. 5, when the user presses the button 19, the display means 67 determines that “copy to internal memory” has been selected, and the information is recorded on the extended recording medium 10 loaded by the copying means 69. All of the image data is sequentially written to the built-in recording medium 9. When the copying is completed, the display on the liquid crystal display 16 is switched to the display for the built-in recording medium as shown in FIG. When the user presses the button 20, the display means 68 determines that "copy to external memory" has been selected, and all the image data recorded on the built-in recording medium 9 by the copying means 69 are sequentially extended and recorded. Written on medium 10. During the copying of the image data, the LED 15 provided near the viewfinder 8 is turned on. When the copying is completed, the display on the liquid crystal display 16 is switched to the display for the extended recording medium as shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control means 430 stored in the ROM 43. Control means 43
Reference numeral 0 denotes a unit essential for controlling the operation of the digital camera 100 and a unit (composed of a program in the present embodiment) essential for storing or reading out image data, such as compression and decompression of image data.

In FIG. 3, the control means 430 has a control system 431, an operation determining means 432, an internal program group 433, and a recording medium switching means 60 (the recording medium switching means 60 is included in the internal program group 433 in the embodiment). Included, but are shown separately for illustrative purposes).

In the above-described embodiment, the control means 430 is configured to include the recording medium switching means 60. However, the recording medium switching means 60 is introduced from an external device and recorded on the built-in recording medium 9, and the control unit is controlled. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the data is read out and executed as needed under the control of the control unit 4.

The control system 431 controls the operation of the digital camera 100 as a whole, for example, controls an aperture motor drive unit (not shown) of the optical system, an image data creation unit 3, a moving image display control unit 6, an image data output unit 7, The operation control of the recording medium control unit 8 and the frame memory 12 and the execution control of the input instruction determination unit 432 to the recording medium switching unit 60 are performed.

The operation determining means 432 is a digital camera 10
When the user operates a switch or the like provided at 0 to select a desired operation or process, the digital signal output from the input means 5 is determined, and the operation specified by the user is determined. According to the determination result, control is passed to the corresponding program in the internal program group 433 or the recording medium switching means 60, or control is passed to the control system 431 for executing a program introduced from the outside.

The internal program group 433 is composed of programs for controlling image data creation from image pickup and LED display at the time of image pickup.
43. As an example of the internal program, JPEG required when writing image data to the built-in recording medium 9 is used.
There is a specification compression program.

The image data (JPEG image data) is processed by the internal program 433 or a circuit corresponding thereto, and under the control of the recording medium switching means 60, the recording medium control unit 8 controls the built-in recording medium 9 or the extended recording medium 1
Written to 0.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the recording medium switching means.

In this embodiment, 4 MB is used as the built-in recording medium.
Flash memory 9 as an extended recording medium of 8 MB
Memory card 10 is used. The search method, display method, and the like are as described above.

When the CPU 41 receives a signal from the extended recording medium detector 75 (FIG. 6) in step S1 of FIG. 7, the control system 431 passes control to the extended recording medium mounting determination means 61 of the recording medium switching means 60. The expanded recording medium mounting determination means 61 checks the signal from the expanded recording medium mounting section 70, and when the signal is "0", determines that the memory card 10 is not mounted or has been removed, and searches for the memory card 10 (step S2). If the value is "1", it is determined that the memory card 10 is loaded, and the flow proceeds to the format determining means 65 (step S5).

In step S 2, the search means 62 searches the number of images recorded in the flash memory 9 and passes control to the display means 63.

In step S3, the display means 63 calculates the number of recordable images based on the number of images as a search result, displays the number of recordable images and the number of recordable images on the liquid crystal display 16, and stores the generated image data in the internal memory ( That is, a message prompting confirmation of whether or not to record in the flash memory 9) as a built-in recording medium is displayed (FIG. 4). Pass control to 64.

On the other hand, when the user does not want to record on the internal memory (= when he wants to record on the memory card 10), when the user inserts the memory card 10, the extended recording medium loading judging means 61 automatically searches in step S5. Control is passed to means 66. That is, as described in step S1, the signal “1” from the extended recording medium detector 75 is input to the CPU 41, so that the control system 4
Numeral 31 transfers control to the extended recording medium mounting determining means 61 of the recording medium switching means 60, and the extended recording medium mounting determining means 61 transfers control to the format determining means 65 in step S5.

In step S4, the writing means 64 controls the recording medium control unit 8 to record the image data generated in the flash memory 9, counts up the number of recorded images, counts down the number of recordable images, and counts down the number of recordable images. 16 is displayed. During the recording of the image data, the LED 15 provided near the viewfinder 8 is turned on.

In step S5, the format determining means 65
Checks the volume label of the memory card 10 to determine whether the memory card 10 is in a format for the digital camera 100. If the memory card 10 is not formatted, the memory card 10 is formatted and the volume label is written and the number of recorded images = 0. Is transferred to the display means 67 in step 7. When the memory card 10 is formatted, the control is passed to the search means 66.

At step S 6, the search means 66 searches the number of images recorded on the memory card 10 and displays the number of images.
Pass control to.

In step S7, the display means 67 calculates the number of recordable images based on the number of images as the search result, displays the number of recordable images and the number of recordable images on the liquid crystal display 16, and displays the generated image data in the external memory ( That is, a message is displayed that prompts confirmation of whether or not recording is to be performed on the memory card 10) as an extended recording medium (FIG. 5).

In step S8, when the button 19 is pressed by the user, the display means 67 determines that a confirmation has been made, sets the write flag to "1", and passes control to the writing means 68. When the button 19 is pressed, it is determined that the image data is to be copied from the external memory to the internal memory (that is, from the memory card 10 to the flash memory 9), and the writing flag is set to “2” to the copying means 69. Pass control. When the button 20 is pressed, it is determined that the image data is to be copied from the internal memory to the external memory (that is, from the flash memory 9 to the memory card 10), and the control is passed to the copying means 69 in step S10.

In step S9, the writing means 68 controls the recording medium control unit 8 to record the image data generated on the memory card 10, counts up the number of recorded images, counts down the number of recordable images, and counts down the number of recordable images. 16 is displayed. During the recording of the image data, the LED 15 provided near the viewfinder 8 is turned on.

In step S10, the copying means 69 checks the value of the write flag. If the value is "1", all the image data recorded on the memory card 10 mounted on the digital camera is sequentially written to the flash memory 9. Be included. When the copying is completed, the display on the liquid crystal display 16 is switched to the display for the built-in recording medium as shown in FIG. When the value of the write flag is “2”, all of the image data recorded in the flash memory 9 is sequentially stored in the memory card 10.
Is written to. After the copying from the flash memory 9 to the memory card 10 is completed, the image data recorded in the flash memory 9 is deleted. During the copying of the image data, the LED 15 provided near the finder 8 is turned on. When copying is completed, the liquid crystal display 16
Is switched to an extended recording medium display as shown in FIG.

As described above, when the memory card 10 is mounted on the digital camera 100, or when the memory card 10 is mounted on the digital camera 100 during a series of photographing, image data obtained at the time of photographing is preferentially expanded. When the memory card 10 is written in the recording medium 10 and the memory card 10 is not attached to the digital camera 100, or when the memory card 10 is
When it is removed from 0, image data generated at the time of shooting can be written in the flash memory 9.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 8 shows Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a digital camera according to the first embodiment.

The digital camera 110 according to the present embodiment
Is a recording medium switching unit 60 different from the above-described embodiment.
0, and mainly in addition to the moving picture and the liquid crystal display 16 for displaying information as in the embodiments described above,
It has a small liquid crystal display (referred to as a small LCD) 16A for displaying the current state of the camera and the like together with the LED 15, and is otherwise basically the same as the above-described embodiment.

The recording medium switching means 600 of the present embodiment
As in the above-described embodiment, when image data is recorded on a recording medium, switching from recording on the recording medium 9 incorporated in the digital camera to recording on the extended recording medium 10 such as a memory card is effectively performed. In addition to the above operation, the operation is such that images recorded on the internal recording medium 9 and the extended recording medium 10 can be effectively switched and reproduced. The digital camera 110 according to the present embodiment includes a menu mode for deleting data in the recording media 9 and 10 and copying between the recording media 9 and 10 as in the above-described embodiment, in addition to a normal shooting mode and a reproduction mode. Have.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the recording medium switching means 600. The recording medium switching means 600 includes an extended recording medium attachment determining means 601, a display control means 603, a menu control means 604, a writing means 605, Reproduction means 60
6 and a flag 607.

The extended recording medium mounting determination means 601 determines whether or not the extended recording medium 10 is attached to or detached from the digital camera 110 based on a signal from the extended recording medium detector 75 (FIG. 6). The information is transmitted to the menu control unit 604, the writing unit 605, and the reproducing unit 606.

The display control means 603 determines whether the object of recording or reproduction is “recording medium (hereinafter also referred to as internal memory) 9” or “extended recording medium (hereinafter also referred to as external memory)”.
10 ”, the small LCD 1
6A and for displaying on the liquid crystal display 16.

The menu control means 604 displays a menu for performing operations such as deletion and copying, and displays memory information of the internal memory 9 and the external memory 10. Further, when the external memory 10 is attached or detached while the menu is being displayed, the menu control means 604 determines which one of the operations, such as deletion and copying, is to be performed. Change work.

The menu control means 604 writes the presence / absence of an external memory at the start of the menu in the flag 607, and executes the menu under predetermined conditions based on this. The flag 607 is rewritten by the expanded recording medium
Is used to indicate whether or not a flag 6 is attached.
When 07 is “0”, it indicates “not mounted”,
"1" indicates "mounted".

Although FIG. 9 does not show the copying means or the like shown in the above-described embodiment, if an instruction is given according to a menu, mutual copying between the internal memory 9 and the external memory 10 or deletion of a predetermined image is performed. Etc. can be freely performed.

The writing means 605 records the image specified at the time of shooting in the internal memory 9 or the external memory 10, and the reproducing means 606 reproduces the image recorded in the internal memory 9 or the external memory 10.

FIG. 10 shows a processing flow in the photographing mode.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the power is turned on in the photographing mode (step S11), the display control means 603 is set.
Determines whether or not the external memory 10 is mounted via the extended recording medium mounting determination means 601;
7, it is determined whether or not the external memory 10 is mounted. If the external memory 10 is mounted (step S12: YES), the external memory writing is displayed on the small LCD 16A (step S13). The external memory writing is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 (step S
14). On the other hand, if the flag 607 is "0" and the external memory 1
0 is not mounted (Step S12: N
O) The internal memory writing is displayed on the small LCD 16A (step S15), and the internal memory writing is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 (step S16).

Here, the display on the small LCD 16A may be such that, for example, "[]" is displayed when the external memory 10 is mounted, and nothing is displayed when the external memory 10 is not mounted. Alternatively, the external memory 10 or the internal memory 9 may be distinguished from “external” or “E (External)” by “internal” or “I (Internal)”.

The display on the liquid crystal display 16 is as follows.
For example, a frame having "E" or a frame having "I" is displayed at the upper right of the display image, or a character or mark indicating the external memory or the internal memory is displayed at the lower left or the like, and the external memory recording mode is used. It informs the user whether it is operating or in internal memory recording mode.

At this time, information such as the number of recorded images and the number of recordable images may be displayed as in the above-described embodiment.

Next, when there is a write instruction from the user (step S17: YES), the writing means 605 determines that the flag 607 is "1" and the external memory 10 is mounted (step S18: YES). ), Writing to the external memory 10 (step S19), and setting the flag 607 to "0"
If the external memory 10 is not mounted (step S18: NO), writing is performed on the internal memory 9 (step 20). Thereafter, when the power is turned off (step S21: YES), the process is terminated as it is, and when the power is not turned off (step S21: NO), step S12 is performed.
Return to

In the above flow, when the external memory 10 is mounted in the photographing mode, the fact is displayed and the recording to the external memory 10 is performed preferentially. The user may be asked to determine whether recording to the external memory 10 is allowed.

FIG. 11 shows a processing flow in the reproduction mode.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the power is turned on in the reproduction mode (step S31), the display control means 603 is set.
Determines whether the external memory 10 is mounted via the extended recording medium mounting determination means 601 (step S
32), if it is attached (step S32: YE
S) As described above, the external memory writing is displayed on the small LCD 16A (step S33), and the external memory writing is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 (step S3).
4). On the other hand, if the flag 607 is “0” and the external memory 10
If is not installed (step S32: NO),
Similarly, the internal memory writing is displayed on the small LCD 16A (step S35), and the internal memory writing is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 (step S36).

Next, it is determined whether the external memory 10 has moved or not (step S37: YE
S), returning to step S32 to change the display on the LCD,
If there is no movement (step S37: NO), it is determined whether or not the selection key has been operated (step S38). here,
The selection key operation is to select image data in order to perform a predetermined process via a menu. If there is no selection (step S38: NO), it is determined whether the feed / return key has been pressed. It is determined (step S39), and if feed / return is pressed (step S39: YES),
The image is forwarded / returned (step S40), and the process returns to step S37. On the other hand, if there is a selection (step S38: YES), a flag is set to fix the current access target (step S41), and the process proceeds to the menu processing (step S58 in FIG. 12) (step S4).
2). That is, when the external memory 10 is mounted, the flag is set to 1, and when the external memory 10 is not mounted, the flag is set.
The process proceeds to the menu processing with the flag = 0. Therefore, for example, if the external memory 10 is not mounted and the flag =
Even if the external memory 10 is mounted after shifting to menu processing at 0, the target of menu processing remains in principle the internal memory, and after shifting to menu processing at flag = 1, the external memory 10 If you missed the menu, you should end the menu in principle.

In the above flow, when the external memory 10 is mounted in the photographing mode, the fact is displayed.
Although the reproduction of the external memory 10 is preferentially performed, for example, the user may be asked to determine whether the reproduction of the external memory 10 may be performed.

FIG. 12 shows a flow of processing in the reproduction mode.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the menu mode is started, the menu control means 603 determines whether or not the external memory 10 is mounted via the extended recording medium mounting determination means 601 (step S51). ), If it is attached (step S51: YES), the flag 60
7 is set to "1" (step S52), and the external memory writing is displayed on the small LCD 16A as described above (step S53), and the external memory writing is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 (step S54). On the other hand, when the external memory is not mounted (step S5).
1: N0), the flag 607 is set to "0" (step S55), and similarly, the internal memory write is displayed on the small LCD 16A (step S56), and the internal memory write is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 (step S56). Step S5
7).

Next, menu processing such as predetermined deletion and copying is performed (step S58).
If it is determined whether or not 0 has moved (step S59: YES), it is determined whether or not the flag is "1". If "1", the external memory 10 to be processed has disappeared. Therefore, the menu is terminated (step S61).
On the other hand, if the flag is not "1" (step S6)
0: NO), which means that the external memory 10 has been attached, so that the display on the small LCD 6A and the LCD 6 is changed to the external memory 10 (step S61), but the menu processing target remains the internal memory 9.

The menu processing (step S62) from the above-described reproduction processing enters step S58, and returns from the menu processing to the reproduction mode (step S63).

In the menu processing described above, after the menu is started with the external memory 10 mounted, the menu is stopped when the external memory 10 is detached. The menu may be executed for nine objects.

Further, when the menu is started, the external memory 10
Is not installed and the external memory 10 is newly installed, the processing for the internal memory 9 is continued. However, the menu may be executed for the external memory 10 or The menu may be ended.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
It goes without saying that various modifications can be made.

[0105]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is determined whether or not an extended recording medium, such as a memory card, is attached to a digital camera by the extended recording medium attachment judging means. Since recording / reproduction is performed by switching to the medium, if the extended recording medium is already mounted or is mounted during shooting, priority is given to recording the generated image data on the extended recording medium. Since the image data generated when the extended recording medium is not mounted or is taken out during the photographing is recorded in the built-in recording medium, the recording medium of the image data can be switched so as not to disturb the photographing order. it can. Also, when a flash memory is used as an internal recording medium, writing can be distributed to each block. Another object of the present invention is to provide a digital camera capable of effectively reproducing a built-in recording medium and an extended recording medium.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a recording medium switching unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a liquid crystal display.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of a liquid crystal display.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an extended recording medium mounting unit.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of a recording medium switching unit.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital camera according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a recording medium switching unit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the recording medium switching means.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the recording medium switching means.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the recording medium switching means.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 8 recording medium control unit 9 flash memory (built-in recording medium) 10 memory card (extended recording medium) 15 LED (light emitting display means) 60 recording medium switching means 65 formatting means 62, 66 search means 63, 67 display means 68 copying means 70 Extended recording medium detection unit 100 Digital camera

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A digital camera for recording image data on a recording medium after photoelectrically converting image pickup light, comprising: a built-in recording medium built in the digital camera, an extended recording medium detachable from the digital camera, and a built-in recording medium. And a recording medium control unit for controlling recording of image data on the extended recording medium, and an extended recording medium detection for detecting the attachment of the extended recording medium to the digital camera or the removal of the extended recording medium from the digital camera and outputting a detection signal. And a recording medium switching unit for determining a recording medium to be subjected to image data processing such as recording or reproduction based on a detection signal from the extended recording medium detection unit as one of a built-in recording medium and an extended recording medium. And a digital camera with a recording medium switching function. 2. The digital camera with a recording medium switching function according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium switching means performs recording or reproduction of image data when the extended recording medium is mounted on the digital camera. A digital camera with a recording medium switching function, wherein the digital camera functions to perform on a medium. 3. The digital camera with a recording medium switching function according to claim 1, wherein said recording medium switching means comprises:
A digital camera with a recording medium switching function, comprising: retrieval means for checking the number of image data recorded in a built-in recording medium or an extended recording medium; and display means for displaying a retrieval result. 4. A digital camera with a recording medium switching function according to claim 3, wherein said recording medium switching means has a predetermined format before searching for an extended recording medium attached to the digital camera. Determining whether or not the extended recording medium has a predetermined format, and having a format determining means for writing format determination information in addition to applying a predetermined format to the extended recording medium. camera. 5. The digital camera with a recording medium switching function according to claim 1, wherein said recording medium switching means comprises:
With a recording medium switching function, having copying means for copying an image recorded on the built-in recording medium to the extended recording medium or copying image data recorded on the extended recording medium to the built-in recording medium, if desired. Digital camera. 6. The digital camera with a recording medium switching function according to claim 1, further comprising a light-emitting display unit, wherein the image data is recorded on a built-in recording medium or an extended recording medium during recording. A digital camera with a recording medium switching function, characterized in that the light emitting display means emits light.