JP2000078512A - Imaging device and method, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A storage medium such as a removable memory card is used as a buffer for a still image or a moving image. SOLUTION: The digital video camera 1 uses another area of the memory card 2 in which a still image or a moving image is stored as a buffer for temporarily storing the still image or the moving image. The imaging unit 11 captures a still image or a moving image of an object to be captured, and supplies a predetermined digital signal to the processor 12. The main memory 21 stores a program used in the execution of the MPU 22 and parameters that change as appropriate in the execution, and temporarily stores a still image or a moving image. MPU2
2 is an imaging unit 11, a processor 12, a processor 13,
In addition, a program for controlling a buffer and the like constituted by the memory card 2 and the main memory 21 is actually executed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a photographing apparatus and method, and a recording medium, and more particularly to a photographing apparatus and method using a removable storage medium as temporary storage of a still image or a moving image, and a recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Some digital cameras or digital video cameras use a removable memory card for recording a still image, and this memory card is used for recording a still image and is used for other purposes. I can't.

A still image generally has a large amount of data per image and takes a long time to compress. Therefore, to continuously shoot still images, a digital camera needs to have a buffer having a large storage capacity.

Similarly, when a moving image is shot, data to be recorded is generated corresponding to the elapsed time of the shooting. But,
Writing data to a recording medium involving rotation of a disk or the like requires a predetermined time for the disk to start rotating. Therefore, after the recording instruction is input,
In order to start recording immediately, the digital video camera needs to have a buffer for storing data during a period until the disk starts to rotate.

[0005]

However, in order to realize a buffer capable of continuously photographing a still image or immediately recording a moving image, a semiconductor memory capable of high-speed reading and writing and having a large storage capacity is required. There was a problem that the manufacturing cost was high.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and uses a storage medium such as a removable memory card as a buffer for a still image or a moving image, without increasing the manufacturing cost of a photographing apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to enable continuous shooting of a still image or immediate recording of a moving image.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing apparatus for temporarily storing a still image or a moving image of a subject, and a still image or a moving image of the subject. Storage means, storage area control means for controlling each storage area of the storage means and the storage medium as an integrated temporary storage area, temporary storage in a temporary storage area controlled by the storage area control means, and Recording control means for controlling recording of a still image or a moving image stored in the temporary storage area on the information recording medium.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photographing method for photographing a still image or a moving image of a subject, a storing step for temporarily storing the still image or the moving image photographed in the photographing step, and a storing step. A storage area control step of controlling the storage area used in the storage area and the storage area of the storage medium as an integrated temporary storage area; and temporary storage in the temporary storage area controlled by the storage area control step.
And a recording control step of controlling recording of a still image or a moving image stored in the temporary storage area on the information recording medium.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium, an imaging step of imaging a still image or a moving image of a subject and a storage step of temporarily storing the still image or the moving image captured in the imaging step A storage area control step of controlling the storage area used in the storage step and the storage area of the storage medium as an integrated temporary storage area; a temporary storage in the temporary storage area controlled by the storage area control step; And a recording control step of controlling the recording of the still image or the moving image stored in the temporary storage area on the information recording medium.

[0010] In the photographing apparatus according to the first aspect, the photographing method according to the third aspect, and the recording medium according to the fourth aspect, a still image or a moving image of a subject is captured, and the captured still image or moving image is captured. The image is temporarily stored, including the storage area of the storage medium, controlled as an integrated temporary storage area, temporarily stored in the temporary storage area, and a still image or a still image stored in the temporary storage area. The recording of the moving image on the information recording medium is controlled.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In order to clarify the correspondence between each means of the invention described in the claims and the following embodiments, each means is described. When the features of the present invention are described by adding the corresponding embodiment (however, an example) in parentheses after the parentheses, the result is as follows. However, of course, this description does not mean that each means is limited to those described.

That is, the photographing apparatus according to claim 1 is
An imaging unit that captures a still image or a moving image of a subject (for example, the imaging unit 11 in FIG. 2) and a storage unit that temporarily stores the still image or the moving image captured by the imaging unit (for example, the main unit in FIG. 2) The memory 21) and storage area control means (FIG. 2) for controlling each storage area of the storage means and the storage medium as an integrated temporary storage area.
MPU 22), recording control means for controlling temporary storage in a temporary storage area controlled by the storage area control means, and recording of a still image or a moving image stored in the temporary storage area on an information recording medium. (Eg, MPU 22 in FIG. 2)
And characterized in that:

FIG. 1 is a view for explaining an embodiment of the photographing apparatus of the present invention. An optical disc 3 and a memory card 2 are detachable from the digital video camera 1.
The optical disk 3 records a still image or a moving image, and the digital video camera 1 can reproduce the still image or the moving image recorded on the optical disk 3. Similarly, the memory card 2 stores a still image or a moving image, and the digital video camera 1 can reproduce the still image or the moving image stored in the memory card 2. The digital video camera 1 uses another area of the memory card 2 in which the still image or the moving image is stored as a buffer for temporarily storing the still image or the moving image.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the digital video camera 1 according to the present invention.
The imaging unit 11 captures a still image or a moving image of an object to be captured based on an instruction from an MPU (Micro Processig Unit) 22, and supplies a predetermined digital signal to the processor 12. The processor 12 executes a white balance process, a gamma process, a color space conversion process, and the like on the digital signal supplied from the imaging unit 11 in real time based on an instruction from the MPU 22, and processes the processed signal. 13 is supplied. The processor 13 performs color reproduction correction processing, camera shake correction processing, and pixel density conversion processing for electronic zoom on the signal supplied from the processor 12 using the local memory 14 dedicated to the processor 13 based on the instruction of the MPU 22. The processed signal is processed by the image compression unit 1
5 and the graphics engine 17.

When a still image signal is supplied from the processor 13 using a local memory 16 dedicated to the image compression unit 15 based on an instruction from the MPU 22, the image compression unit 15 uses a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). When a moving image signal is supplied, the MPEG (Movin
g Picture Experts Group) to compress the supplied signal.

The graphics engine 17 uses the local memory 18 dedicated to the graphics engine 17 based on an instruction from the MPU 22 to process the processor 13 and the image decompression unit 2.
5 or a switching or superimposing process based on the signal supplied from the MPU 22 to display an image on the LCD 19 or output a video signal to the outside.

The card interface 20 is a PCMCIA (P
ersonal Computer Memory Card International Associat
The memory card 2 conforming to the PC Card Standard, which is a standard issued by Ion), is mounted, predetermined data is stored in the memory card 2, and the data stored in the memory card 2 is read. Main memory 21
Stores a program used in the execution of the MPU 22 and parameters that change as appropriate in the execution, and temporarily stores a still image or a moving image. The MPU 22 actually executes a program that controls the imaging unit 11, the processor 12, the processor 13, and the buffer configured from the memory card 2 and the main memory 21, and the like.

The disk interface 23 converts the data supplied from the MPU 22 and the image compression unit 15 via the internal bus 33 into a predetermined format, and
4 and converts the data supplied from the disk drive 24 into a predetermined format.
2. Image expansion unit 25 or graphics engine 17
And so on.

The disk drive 24 is mounted with the optical disk 3, records predetermined data on the optical disk 3, and reads data recorded on the optical disk 3. The image decompression unit 25 uses the local memory 26 dedicated to the image decompression unit 25 to convert the compressed image data recorded on the optical disc 3 or stored in the memory card 2 based on the instruction of the MPU 22. , JPEG, or MPEG, and is supplied to the MPU 22 via the internal bus 33 or to the graphics engine 17 via the dedicated bus 34.

The audio processing unit 27 compresses the signal supplied from the microphone 29 via the audio analog interface 28 by MPEG audio or the like based on the instruction of the MPU 22, and transmits the compressed signal to the disk drive 24 via the internal bus 33. , And recorded on the optical disc 3 supplied via the internal bus 33 or the memory card 2
Expands the compressed data stored in the
The output has been made. The audio analog interface 28 converts the analog signal supplied from the microphone 29 into a predetermined digital signal, supplies the digital signal to the audio processing unit 27, converts the digital signal supplied from the audio processing unit 27 into a predetermined analog signal, The audio output is output to the outside. The microphone 29 receives an external voice and supplies a signal corresponding to the voice to the voice analog interface 28.

The instruction interface 30 receives a signal output from the touch panel 31 and the switch 32, converts the signal into a predetermined format, and supplies the signal to the MPU 22. The touch panel 31 is configured to supply a signal corresponding to a user operation to the instruction interface 30. The switch 32 includes a plurality of switches,
A signal corresponding to the user's operation indicating the setting of the mode and the start of recording is supplied to the instruction interface 30.

The internal bus 33 includes an imaging unit 11, a processor 12, a processor 13, an image compression unit 15, a graphics engine 17, a card interface 20, a main memory 21, an MPU 22, a disk interface 23,
The image expansion unit 25, the audio processing unit 27, and the instruction interface 30 are mutually connected.

Next, the operation of the digital video camera 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a mode in which the digital video camera 1 continuously shoots still images. In step S11, the MPU 22 checks a storage capacity available as a buffer of the main memory 21.
In step S12, the MPU 22 determines whether or not the switch 32 for instructing continuous shooting is on. If it is determined that the switch 32 for instructing continuous shooting is not on, the procedure returns to step S11. The process is repeated until the switch 32 for instructing continuous shooting is turned on.

If it is determined in step S12 that the switch 32 for instructing continuous shooting is ON, the process proceeds to step S13, where the MPU 22 determines that the storage capacity available as a buffer of the main memory 21 is equal to or less than a predetermined value. It is determined whether or not there is, and if it is determined that the storage capacity available as a buffer of the main memory 21 is not smaller than or equal to a predetermined value, the procedure proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the signal input from the imaging unit 11 is
After that, the data is buffered in the main memory 21. In step S15, the MPU 22 calculates the remaining storage capacity that can be used as a buffer of the main memory 21 from the storage capacity used in the buffering in step S14. In step S16, the MPU 22 determines whether or not the switch 32 for instructing continuous shooting is on. If it is determined that the switch 32 for instructing continuous shooting is on, the procedure returns to step S13. , And repeat the process.

In step S13, the main memory 2
If it is determined that the available storage capacity of the MPU 22 is equal to or smaller than the predetermined value, the procedure proceeds to step S18, where the MPU 22
Determines whether the storage capacity available as a buffer of the memory card 2 is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and when it is determined that the storage capacity available as a buffer of the memory card 2 is not less than a predetermined value, In step S19, the signal input from the imaging unit 11 is processed by the processor 12, and then buffered in the memory card 2. In step S20, the MPU 22 calculates the remaining storage capacity that can be used as a buffer of the memory card 2 from the storage capacity used in the buffering in step S19.
Proceed to 6.

In step S18, the memory card 2
If it is determined that the available storage capacity is equal to or less than the predetermined value, the MPU 22 causes the LCD 19 to display a message indicating that the buffer is full, and proceeds to step S17.

If it is determined in step S16 that the switch 32 for instructing continuous shooting has not been turned on, the process proceeds to step S17. In step S17, the MPU 22
Transmits the still image data buffered in the main memory 21 and the memory card 2 to the image compression unit 15 in a JPEG format.
The data is compressed by a method, and the compressed data is recorded on the optical disk 3 or stored on the memory card 2.

As described above, the digital video camera 1
Buffers the continuously photographed still images in the main memory 21 and the memory card 2, and after compression processing, records them on the optical disk 3 or stores them in the memory card 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a process of compressing a still image buffered in the main memory 21 and the memory card 2 and recording it on the optical disk 3 or storing it on the memory card 2, corresponding to step S17 in FIG. FIG. In step S31, the MPU2
2 determines whether or not the still image is buffered in the main memory 21. If it is determined that the still image is not buffered in the main memory 21, the process proceeds to step S42, where the MPU 22 It is determined whether a still image is buffered. If it is determined in step S42 that the still image is buffered in the memory card 2, the process proceeds to step S42.
Proceeding to 43, the MPU 22 transfers the still image in the memory card 2 to the main memory 21. In step S44, the MPU 22 releases the area of the memory card 2 where the still image has been buffered, and proceeds to step S32.

In step S31, the main memory 2
1 and that the still image in the memory card 2 has been transferred to the main memory 21, and in step S 32, the MPU 2
2 causes the image compression unit 15 to compress the still image in the main memory 21 by the JPEG method.

In step S33, the MPU 22 determines whether or not a compression condition such as whether the size of the compressed image is equal to or smaller than a predetermined size is satisfied. If it is determined that the compression condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S45. , Image compression unit 15
To change the compression parameter, and
And the image compression processing is executed again.

If it is determined in step S33 that the compression condition is satisfied, the procedure proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the MPU 22 releases the area of the main memory 21 where the still image is buffered.

In step S35, the MPU 22 determines whether or not the setting of the switch 32 is set to instruct recording on the optical disk 3, and if it is determined that the setting is to instruct recording on the optical disk 3. , Step S
Proceeding to 36, it is determined whether or not the optical disk 3 has a capacity for recording the compressed image. If it is determined in step S36 that there is sufficient capacity to record the compressed image on the optical disc 3, the process proceeds to step S37, where the MPU 22 records the compressed image on the optical disc 3, returns to step S31, and proceeds to step S31. To continue.

If it is determined in step S36 that there is no remaining capacity for recording the compressed image on the optical disk 3, the procedure proceeds to step S38, in which the MPU 22
Causes the LCD 19 to display an alarm prompting the user to change the setting of the switch 32 that instructs the memory card 2 to store the data because the data cannot be recorded on the optical disk 3. In step S39, the user who has confirmed the display on the LCD 19 sets the switch 32 for instructing the memory card 2 to store. In step S40, the MPU 22 determines whether or not the switch 32 for instructing the memory card 2 to store is set.

If it is determined in step S35 or S40 that the switch 32 for instructing the memory card 2 to store is set, the procedure proceeds to step S46, in which the compressed image can be stored in the memory card 2. It is determined whether or not the capacity remains. If it is determined in step S46 that the memory card 2 has a capacity for storing the compressed image, the process proceeds to step S47.
The MPU 22 stores the compressed image in the memory card 2, returns to step S31, and continues the processing.

In step S46, the memory card 2
If it is determined that there is no remaining capacity for storing the compressed image in the MPU 22, the process proceeds to step S 48.
Cannot be stored in the LCD 19 and in the memory card 2,
An alarm prompting the optical disk 3 to change the setting of the switch 32 for instructing recording is displayed. In step S49, the user who has confirmed the display on the LCD 19 is
Is set to the switch 32 for instructing recording. In step S50, the MPU 22 determines whether or not the switch 32 for instructing recording on the optical disc 3 is set. If the MPU 22 determines that the setting is for the switch 32 for instructing recording on the optical disc 3, the procedure proceeds to step S36. Proceed to.

In step S40, the memory card 2
If it is determined that the setting is not the setting of the switch 32 for instructing the storage in the optical disk 3 or the setting of the switch 32 for instructing the recording on the optical disc 3 is not set in step S50,
Proceeding to step S41, the MPU 22 causes the LCD 19 to display an alarm indicating that the data cannot be stored or recorded, and the process ends.

In step S42, the memory card 2
If it is determined that the still image has not been buffered, the process ends.

As described above, the digital video camera 1
The still images buffered in the main memory 21 and the memory card 2 are recorded on the optical disk 3 or stored on the memory card 2.

The operation of the digital video camera 1 when shooting a moving image will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a storage area of the main memory 21 and the memory card 2 used as one continuous buffer when capturing a moving image. The main memory 21 uses an area from the ST1 pointer to the END1 pointer as a buffer. The memory card 2 uses an area from the ST2 pointer to the END2 pointer as a buffer. The area from the ST1 pointer to the END1 pointer of the main memory 21 and the END from the ST2 pointer of the memory card 2
The area up to 2 pointers is the END1 pointer and ST
2 pointer and END2 pointer and ST1 pointer are used as one ring buffer. The write pointer WR indicates a position where writing to the ring buffer is started. Read pointer RE
Indicates a position at which reading from the ring buffer is started. The write pointer WR starts from the position of the ST1 pointer, advances to the position of the END1 pointer as the data is written to the ring buffer, moves to the position of the ST2 pointer of the memory card 2, advances to the position of the END2 pointer, and returns to ST1. Returns to the position of the pointer. Similarly, the read pointer RE starts from the position of the ST1 pointer, advances to the position of the END1 pointer as the data is read from the data into the ring buffer, moves to the position of the ST2 pointer of the memory card 2, and moves to the position of the END2 pointer. And returns to the position of the ST1 pointer.

In the state shown in FIG. 5A, the ring buffer has an area from the position of the read pointer RE to the position of the END1 pointer of the main memory 21 and a position of the write pointer WR from the position of the ST2 pointer of the memory card 2. Image data is stored in the area up to the position. In the state shown in FIG. 5B, the ring buffer stores image data in an area from the position of the read pointer RE to the position of the write pointer WR in the main memory 21. At this time, no image data is stored in the ring buffer area of the memory card 2.

In the state shown in FIG. 5C, the ring buffer has an area from the position of the ST1 pointer to the position of the write pointer WR in the main memory 21 and an area END2 from the position of the read pointer RE of the memory card 2.
Image data is stored in an area up to the position of the pointer. At this time, the image data is stored in the EN
The data is continuously stored from the position of the D2 pointer to the position of the ST1 pointer in the main memory 21. Similarly, in the state shown in FIG. 5D, the ring buffer has an area from the position of the ST1 pointer to the position of the write pointer WR in the main memory 21, and the read pointer R
From the position of E to the area of the END1 pointer,
And from the position of the ST2 pointer of the memory card 2 to EN
Image data is stored in an area up to the position of the D2 pointer.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the processing of setting the capacity of the ring buffer, which is executed by setting the memory remaining amount update flag when the power is turned on or the use state of the storage area of the memory card 2 changes. is there.
In step S51, the MPU 22 reads the memory card 2
Check the capacity of the storage area that can be used as a ring buffer. In step S52, the MPU 22 determines whether the capacity of the storage area that can be used as the ring buffer of the memory card 2 is equal to or larger than a predetermined value, and determines that the capacity of the storage area is equal to or larger than the predetermined value. In this case, the process proceeds to step S53, and the capacity used as the ring buffer of the memory card 2 is set. In step S54, MP
U22 sets the ST2 pointer and the END2 pointer, and proceeds to step S55.

If it is determined in step S52 that the capacity of the storage area is not larger than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S5.
In step S9, the MPU 22 sets that the memory card 2 is not used as a ring buffer, and then proceeds to step S55.

In step S55, the MPU 22 sets the capacity of the entire ring buffer. In step S56, the MPU 22 determines whether the WR pointer, the RE pointer,
Set the TOP pointer, ST1 pointer, and END1 pointer. The STOP pointer is a pointer that designates a reading stop position from the ring buffer. A predetermined value (a value other than an address in the ring buffer) indicating that the STOP pointer is invalid is set as an initial value. The STOP pointer is determined to be valid when an address in the ring buffer is set. For the WR pointer and the RE pointer, the position of the ST1 pointer is set as an initial value.

In step S57, the MPU 22 clears the memory remaining amount update flag. In step S58, the MPU 22 determines whether or not the memory remaining amount update flag has been set. If it is determined that the memory remaining amount update flag has not been set, the process returns to step S58, and the memory remaining amount update flag is set. Repeat until it is done. If it is determined in step S58 that the memory remaining amount update flag has been set, the process returns to step S51, and the process is repeated.

As described above, in the ring buffer, when the memory remaining amount update flag is set, the area and each pointer are set.

FIG. 7 and FIG.
4 is a flowchart for explaining a process of recording in the memory card or storing in the memory card 2. This process is executed while corresponding to a process of writing encoded image data to a ring buffer, which will be described later. In step S61,
The MPU 22 determines whether or not the mode is the recording mode based on the input of the switch 32. If it is determined that the mode is not the recording mode, the process returns to step S61, and the process is repeated until the mode is switched to the recording mode. If it is determined in step S61 that the mode is the recording mode, the process proceeds to step S62 and the MPU
22 determines whether or not the capacity of the ring buffer is equal to or more than a predetermined value. If it is determined that the capacity of the ring buffer is equal to or more than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S63. To start encoding. In step S64, the MPU 22 determines whether the disk drive 24 is in a writable state. If it is determined that the disk drive 24 is not in a writable state, the process returns to step S64, and the disk drive 24 is writable. The process is repeated until a state is reached.

If it is determined in step S62 that the capacity of the ring buffer is not larger than a predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S62.
Proceeding to 65, the MPU 22 determines whether the disk drive 24 is in a writable state, and if it is determined that the disk drive 24 is not in a writable state,
Returning to step S65, the process is repeated until the disk drive 24 becomes writable. Step S6
If it is determined in step S5 that the disk drive 24 is in a writable state, the process proceeds to step S66 and the MPU
A step 22 causes the image compression section 15 to start encoding by the MPEG method.

If it is determined in step S64 that the disk drive 24 is writable, and if encoding is started in step S66, the procedure proceeds to step S67, in which the MPU 22 determines whether the capacity of the recordable area of the optical disk 3 is sufficient. It is determined whether the capacity of the recordable area of the optical disc 3 is larger than the capacity of the ring buffer or not. If the capacity of the recordable area of the optical disc 3 is larger than the capacity of the ring buffer, the process proceeds to step S68.
It is determined whether or not there is data to be recorded in. Step S
If it is determined in step 68 that there is no data to be recorded on the optical disk 3 in the ring buffer, the process returns to step S68, and the process is repeated until data is stored in the buffer. If it is determined in step S68 that there is data to be recorded on the optical disc 3 in the ring buffer, the process proceeds to step S69, where the MPU 22 prevents buffer overrun (reads more than recorded in the buffer). Then, the size of the image data to be transferred from the ring buffer to the optical disk 3 is set. Step S7
At 0, the MPU 22 reads, from the ring buffer, image data having the size set in step S69 with the RE pointer at the head, and records the data on the optical disk 3.

In step S71, the MPU 22 updates the position of the RE pointer from the size of the read image data in step S70. Step S72
, The MPU 22 determines whether or not encoding of the image compression unit 15 has been completed.
If it is determined that the encoding of
Proceeding to 73, it is determined whether there is data to be recorded in the ring buffer. If it is determined in step S72 that the encoding of the image compression unit 15 has not been completed,
If it is determined in step S73 that there is no data to be recorded in the ring buffer, the procedure returns to step S67 to continue the processing.

In step S74, the MPU 22 determines whether or not an encoding error has occurred in the image compression unit 15, and if it is determined that an encoding error has occurred in the image compression unit 15, the MPU 22 proceeds to step S75. Encoding error processing such as displaying a predetermined message on the LCD 19 is performed, and the process proceeds to step S76. Step S74
In step, if it is determined in the image compression unit 15 that no encoding error has occurred, step S75 is skipped, and the process proceeds to step S76. In step S76, the MPU 22 records a file end at a predetermined position on the optical disk 3 in the disk drive 24, and
Go to 99.

If it is determined in step S67 that the recordable area of the optical disc 3 is less than the capacity of the ring buffer, the process proceeds to step S77, where the MPU 22 determines that the recordable area of the optical disc 3 is less than the capacity of the ring buffer. It is determined whether or not the warning flag indicating is set. If it is determined that the warning flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S78, and the warning flag is set. In step S79, the MPU 22 sets the capacity of the recordable area of the optical disc 3 in the recording counter, and in step S8
Go to 0.

If it is determined in step S77 that the warning flag is set, the process also proceeds to step S80,
The MPU 22 determines whether or not the recording counter indicating the capacity of the recordable area of the optical disc 3 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. If it is determined that the recording counter is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S81. In step S81,
The MPU 22 determines whether or not there is data to be recorded on the optical disk 3 in the ring buffer. If it is determined that there is no data to be recorded on the optical disk 3 in the ring buffer, the process returns to step S81, and the data is stored in the buffer. Repeat the process until. If it is determined in step S81 that there is data to be recorded on the optical disk 3 in the ring buffer, the process proceeds to step S82, where the MPU 22 sets the ring buffer so that the buffer overrun does not occur and the capacity of the ring buffer falls below the capacity indicated by the recording counter. The size of the data of the image to be transferred to the optical disk 3 from is set. Step S
In 83, the MPU 22 updates the recording counter based on the size of the image data to be transferred to the optical disk 3 set in step S82, proceeds to step S70, and continues the processing.

If it is determined in step S80 that the recording counter is smaller than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S80.
Proceeding to 84, the MPU 22 causes the LCD 19 to display a message indicating the end of recording on the optical disc 3. Step S8
In 5, the MPU 22 determines whether or not there is data to be recorded on the optical disk 3 in the ring buffer. If it is determined that there is data to be recorded on the optical disk 3 in the ring buffer, the MPU 22 transfers the data of the ring buffer to the optical disk 3. Record to. If it is determined in step S85 that there is no data to be recorded on the optical disc 3 in the ring buffer, step S86 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S87.

In step S87, the MPU 22 causes the disk drive 24 to record a file end at a predetermined position on the optical disk 3. In step S88,
The MPU 22 updates the position of the RE pointer. In step S89, the MPU 22 determines whether or not the switch 32 is set to urgently store data in the memory card 2. If it is determined that the switch 32 is set to urgently store data in the memory card 2, the MPU 22 proceeds to step S90. Causes the LCD 19 to display a message indicating that the data is urgently stored in the memory card 2. In step S91, the MPU 22 sets the capacity to be stored in the memory card 2 from the capacity that can be stored in the memory card 2. In step S92, the MPU
22 is a STOP from the capacity stored in the memory card 2
Set the pointer.

At step S93, the MPU 22
It is determined whether or not the position of the WR pointer is behind the position of the TOP pointer (image data is stored in the buffer more than can be stored in the memory card 2).
If it is determined that the position of the WR pointer is after the position of the P pointer, the process proceeds to step S94, and the MPU 22
Sets the overrun flag. If it is determined in step S93 that the position of the WR pointer is before the position of the STOP pointer (all image data in the buffer can be stored in the memory card 2), step S94.
Is skipped, the process proceeds to step S95, and the MPU 22 determines whether the encoding of the image compression unit 15 is completed,
If it is determined that the encoding by the image compression unit 15 has not been completed, the process returns to step S95, and the process is repeated until the encoding by the image compression unit 15 is completed. Step S9
In 5, when it is determined that the encoding of the image compression unit 15 has been completed, the process proceeds to step S96, where the MPU 22
The image data is read from the ring buffer with the RE pointer at the top, and a header indicating emergency storage is added to the image data and stored in the memory card 2. In step S97, the MPU 22 updates the storable capacity of the memory card 2.

In step S89, the memory card 2
If it is determined that the setting is not for emergency recording, and after the processing in step S97, the procedure proceeds to step S98, in which the MPU 22 cancels the recording mode and proceeds to step S99.
Proceed to.

In step S99, the MPU 22 determines whether or not the switch 32 is set to perform highlight recording described later. If it is determined that the switch 32 is set to perform highlight recording, the process proceeds to step S100. It is determined whether or not the memory card 2 has a capacity capable of highlight storage. If it is determined in step S100 that the memory card 2 has a storage capacity equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S102, in which the MPU 22 reads a portion marked with a highlight from the optical disc 3, Remember. In step S103, MPU2
2 updates the storage capacity of the memory card 2, and the process ends.

If it is determined in step S99 that the setting is not for highlight recording, the process ends.

If it is determined in step S100 that the memory card 2 does not have a storage capacity equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S101, where the MPU 22
A message indicating that an error has occurred in the highlight recording is displayed, and the process ends.

As described above, the digital video camera 1
Records a moving image on the optical disk 3 or stores the moving image on the memory card 2.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a process of writing moving image data encoded by the image compression unit 15 to the ring buffer. In step S111, the image compression unit 15 determines whether or not the recording button of the switch 32 has been turned on. If it is determined that the recording button has not been turned on, the process returns to step S111 and continues until the recording button is turned on. The process is repeated. Step S1
If it is determined in step S11 that the recording button has been turned on, the process proceeds to step S112, where the image compression unit 15
It is determined from the instruction of 22 whether or not encoding is to be started. If it is determined that encoding is not to be started, the process returns to step S112, and the process is repeated until the MPU 22 instructs to start encoding. If it is determined in step S112 that encoding is to be started, the process proceeds to step S113, and the image compression unit 15 turns on the encoding flag.

In step S114, the image compression unit 1
5 makes an inquiry to the MPU 22 and issues
Check the positions of the pointer, WR pointer, and STOP pointer. In step S115, the image compression unit 1
5 determines from the position of each pointer in the ring buffer whether or not it is overrun. If it is determined that it is not overrun, the process proceeds to step S116, and the capacity that can be written to the ring buffer is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined in step S116 that the capacity that can be written to the ring buffer is equal to or larger than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S117, where the image compression unit 15 determines whether there is data to be encoded. If determined, step S118
To determine whether or not to clip the image as highlight recording. If it is determined in step S118 that the clip is to be made, the process proceeds to step S119, and the image compression unit 15 marks the predetermined image for highlight recording. If it is determined in step S118 that clipping is not to be performed, step S119 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S120, where the image compression unit 15 sets the amount of data (compressed data) to be transferred to the ring buffer.

In step S121, the image compression unit 1
5 transfers the data to the ring buffer. Step S
At 122, the image compression unit 15 causes the MPU 22 to update the position of the WR pointer. In step S123, the image compression unit 15 determines whether or not the mode is the recording mode, and when it is determined that the mode is the recording mode, the process proceeds to step S1.
Returning to 14, the processing is continued.

If it is determined in step S117 that there is data to be encoded, the procedure proceeds to step S117.
Returning to 114, the processing is continued.

If it is determined in step S115 that an overrun has occurred, the process proceeds to step S125.
The image compression unit 15 causes the MPU 22 to update the position of the WR pointer.

If it is determined in step S116 that the capacity that can be written to the ring buffer is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S126, where the image compression unit 15
By inquiring of U22, it is determined whether or not the STOP pointer is set. In step S126, S
If it is determined that the TOP pointer has not been set,
Proceeding to step S127, the image compression unit 15 determines whether a timeout has occurred in writing to the ring buffer (a predetermined time has elapsed). If it is determined in step S127 that the timeout has not occurred, the process proceeds to step S128, where the image compression unit 15 waits for a certain period of time, returns to step S116, and continues the process. If it is determined in step S127 that the timeout has occurred, the process proceeds to step S129, and the image compression unit 15
An error flag is set, and error processing such as displaying a predetermined message on the LCD 19 is executed.

After the procedure of step S125 is completed, if it is determined in step S126 that the STOP pointer has been set, if error processing has been performed in step S129, and if it is determined in step S123 that the mode is not the recording mode, Proceed to S124
The image compression unit 15 sets the encode END flag and ends the processing.

As described above, the image compression section 15 writes the compressed image data into the ring buffer.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the optical disc 3 is mounted on the digital video camera 1. In step S131, the MPU 22
It is determined whether or not the image is urgently stored in the memory card 2. If it is determined that the image data is urgently stored in the memory card 2, the process proceeds to step S <b> 132, where the capacity that can be recorded on the optical disc 3 is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. It is determined whether or not there is. If it is determined in step S132 that the optical disk 3 has a recording capacity equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S133, where the MPU 22
Next, the image data of the memory card 2 is recorded on the optical disk 3. In step S134, the MPU 22 releases the area of the memory card 2 where the image is urgently stored, updates the storable capacity, and ends the processing.

In step S132, the optical disk 3
If it is determined that there is no more storage capacity than
Proceeding to step S135, the MPU 22 displays a predetermined message on the LCD 19, and the process ends.

If it is determined in step S131 that the image is not urgently stored in the memory card 2, the process ends.

As described above, the image urgently stored in the memory card 2 is recorded on the optical disk 3 mounted on the digital video camera 1.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a process of storing a moving image (clip image) specified by the user, which is a part of the moving image recorded on the optical disk 3, in the memory card 2. In step S141, the MPU 22 checks the storable capacity of the memory card 2. In step S142, the MPU 22 determines whether or not the storable capacity of the memory card 2 is equal to or more than a predetermined amount. If it is determined that the storable capacity of the memory card 2 is equal to or more than the predetermined amount, Proceeding to step S143, the maximum storage time is set based on the storage capacity of the memory card 2.

In step S144, the user sets a start position of a predetermined moving image to be stored in the memory card 2. In step S145, the MPU 22 determines whether the setting of the start position of the predetermined moving image to be stored in the memory card 2 satisfies a predetermined condition, and when it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, The procedure proceeds to step S146. In step S146, the user sets an end position of a predetermined moving image to be stored in the memory card 2. In step S147, the MPU 22
Determines whether the setting of the end position of the predetermined moving image to be stored in the memory card 2 satisfies a predetermined condition. If it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the procedure proceeds to step S148. Proceed to.

In step S148, the MPU 22
It is determined whether or not the recording time of the predetermined moving image to be stored in the memory card 2 is shorter than the maximum storage time. If it is determined that the recording time is shorter than the maximum storage time, the process proceeds to step S149, and the set moving image Is read from the optical disk 3 by the disk drive 24 and stored in the memory card 2.

If it is determined in step S145 that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the procedure proceeds to step S145.
Returning to 144, the user sets the start position of the predetermined moving image to be stored in the memory card 2 again, and executes the processing.

If it is determined in step S147 that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the procedure proceeds to step S147.
Returning to 146, the user sets the end position of the predetermined moving image to be stored in the memory card 2 again, and executes the processing.

If it is determined in step S148 that the storage time is not shorter than the maximum storage time, the process proceeds to step S150, in which the MPU 22 causes the LCD 19 to display a message indicating that the storage time is too long to be stored in the memory card 2, and returns to step S144. Continue processing.

If it is determined in step S142 that the storable capacity of the memory card 2 is not equal to or more than the predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step S151, where the MPU 22 displays the storable capacity of the memory card 2 in the LCD 19 equal to or more than the predetermined amount. Is displayed, and the process ends.

As described above, the digital video camera 1
Causes a predetermined moving image recorded on the optical disk 3 to be stored also on the memory card 2.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a process of storing an image included in a moving image designated by the user, recorded on the optical disk 3, as a still image in the memory card 2. In step S161, MP
U22 checks the storable capacity of the memory card 2.
In step S162, the MPU 22 determines whether or not the storable capacity of the memory card 2 is equal to or more than a predetermined amount, and when it is determined that the storable capacity of the memory card 2 is equal to or more than the predetermined amount, Proceed to step S163.

In step S163, the user sets an image recorded on the optical disk 3 and stored in the memory card 2. In step S164, the MPU
Step 22 is to determine whether or not the setting of the image to be stored in the memory card 2 satisfies a predetermined condition. If it is determined that the predetermined condition is satisfied, the procedure proceeds to step S1.
Proceed to 65.

In step S165, the MPU 22
The set MPEG image recorded on the optical disc 3 is expanded by the image expansion unit 25, and the expanded image is compressed by the image compression unit 15 by the JPEG method. In step S166, the MPU 22 checks the size of the compressed image in the JPEG format.

In step S167, the MPU 22
It is determined whether the storable capacity of the memory card 2 is larger than the size of the compressed image. If it is determined that the storable capacity of the memory card 2 is larger than the size of the compressed image, the process proceeds to step S168. The compressed image is stored in the memory card 2.

In step S169, the MPU 22
From the input on the touch panel 31, it is determined whether or not the next image is to be stored in the memory card 2. If it is determined that the next image is to be stored in the memory card 2, step S161.
And the processing is continued.

If it is determined in step S164 that the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the procedure proceeds to step S164.
Returning to 163, the user sets the image recorded on the optical disk 3 and stored in the memory card 2 again.

If it is determined in step S167 that the size of the compressed image is larger than the storable capacity of the memory card 2, the process proceeds to step S170, where the MPU 22
Changes the compression ratio of the image compression unit 15 and determines in step S16
Returning to step 5, the processing is continued.

If it is determined in step S162 that the storable capacity of the memory card 2 is less than the predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step S171, where the MPU 22 displays the storable capacity of the memory card 2 on the LCD 19 in the predetermined amount. A message indicating that the above is not the case is displayed, and the process ends.

If it is determined in step S169 that the next image is not to be stored in the memory card 2, the process ends.

As described above, the digital video camera 1
An image included in a predetermined moving image recorded on the optical disk 3 is stored in the memory card 2 as a still image.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process of storing a still image recorded on the optical disk 3 in the memory card 2. In step S181,
The user sets a still image to be stored in the memory card 2 from among the still images recorded on the optical disc 3. In step S182, the MPU 22 reads the attribute of the still image stored in the memory card 2. In step S183, the MPU 22 determines whether the still image stored in the memory card 2 satisfies a predetermined condition, and when it is determined that the still image satisfies the predetermined condition, the procedure proceeds to step S184. .

In step S184, the MPU 22
The storage capacity of the memory card 2 is checked. Step S
In 185, the MPU 22 determines whether the storage capacity of the memory card 2 is equal to or larger than the size of the image to be transferred, and determines that the storage capacity of the memory card 2 is equal to or larger than the size of the image to be transferred. If so, step S18
In step 6, the set still image recorded on the optical disk 3 is stored in the memory card 2.

In step S192, the MPU 22
From the input on the touch panel 31, it is determined whether or not the next still image is to be stored in the memory card 2. If it is determined that the next still image is to be stored in the memory card 2, the process returns to step S181 to continue the processing. . If it is determined in step S183 that the still image stored in the memory card 2 does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the process also returns to step S181 to continue the process.

If it is determined in step S185 that the storable capacity of the memory card 2 is smaller than the size of the image to be transferred, the process proceeds to step S187, where the MPU 22
Causes the LCD 19 to display a message prompting an operation to approve reconversion when the storage capacity of the memory card 2 is smaller than the size of the image to be transferred. In step S188, the MPU 22 determines from the input on the touch panel 31 whether to approve the reconversion. If it is determined that the reconversion is approved, the process proceeds to step S189, where the MPU 22 determines
19 displays a compression ratio and a message urging an operation to approve the compression ratio.

In step S190, the MPU 22
From the input on the touch panel 31, it is determined whether or not to approve the compression ratio. If it is determined that the compression ratio is to be approved, the process proceeds to step S191, where the MPU 22 converts a predetermined still image recorded on the optical disc 3 into The image is expanded by the image expansion unit 25, and the expanded image is compressed by the image compression unit 15 at a predetermined compression ratio, and the process proceeds to step S186 to continue the processing.

If it is determined in step S188 that reconversion is not approved, and if it is determined in step S190 that the compression ratio is not approved, the process proceeds to step S192, and the processing is continued.

If it is determined in step S192 that the next still image is not to be stored in memory card 2, the process ends.

As described above, the digital video camera 1
The still image recorded on the optical disc 3 is stored in the memory card 2.

Note that a recording medium for providing a user with a computer program for performing the above-described processing includes:
In addition to recording media such as magnetic disks, CD-ROMs, and solid-state memories, communication media such as networks and satellites can be used.

[0102]

According to the photographing apparatus according to the first aspect, the photographing method according to the third aspect, and the recording medium according to the fourth aspect, a still image or a moving image of a subject is captured, and the captured still image is captured. The image or the moving image is temporarily stored and controlled as an integrated temporary storage area, including the storage area of the storage medium, and is temporarily stored in the temporary storage area and stored in the temporary storage area. Since the recording of the still image or moving image on the information recording medium is controlled, a removable storage medium is used as a buffer for the still image or moving image,
It has become possible to continuously shoot a still image or immediately record a moving image without increasing the manufacturing cost of the imaging device.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a photographing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the digital video camera 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a mode in which the digital video camera 1 continuously shoots still images.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of compressing a still image buffered in the main memory 21 and the memory card 2 and recording the compressed still image on the optical disk 3 or storing the still image on the memory card 2;

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining storage areas of a main memory 21 and a memory card 2 used as one continuous buffer when capturing a moving image.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process of setting the capacity of a ring buffer.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of recording a moving image.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of recording a moving image.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of writing moving image data encoded by the image compression unit 15 to a ring buffer.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process when the optical disc 3 is mounted.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process of storing a predetermined moving image recorded on the optical disk 3 also in the memory card 2.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of storing an image included in a predetermined moving image recorded on the optical disc 3 as a still image in the memory card 2.

FIG. 13 shows a still image recorded on an optical disc 3;
5 is a flowchart illustrating a process of storing data in a memory card.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 digital video camera, 2 memory card, 3
Disk, 11 imaging unit, 21 main memory,
22 MPU

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/907 (72) Inventor Hirogo Nozaki 3-2-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Nikon Corporation F term (reference) 5C022 AA13 AC18 AC69 5C052 AA17 CC11 GA01 GA03 GA04 GA06 GA07 GB06 GB07 GE08 5C053 FA07 FA23 FA27 GB36 GB37 KA04 KA24 LA01

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A photographing apparatus in which a detachable storage medium and a detachable information recording medium are mounted and a photographed still image or moving image is written on the information recording medium, wherein the still image or the moving image of a subject is Imaging means for taking an image, storage means for temporarily storing the still image or the moving image taken by the imaging means, and a temporary storage area in which the storage areas of the storage means and the storage medium are integrated. Storage area control means for controlling the storage area, temporary storage in the temporary storage area controlled by the storage area control means, and information recording of the still image or the moving image stored in the temporary storage area An image capturing apparatus comprising: a recording control unit that controls recording on a medium. 2. The recording control unit according to claim 1, wherein when recording the still image, when the storage unit runs out of an area for temporarily storing the still image, the recording control unit temporarily stores the still image in the storage medium. The photographing device according to claim 1. 3. A photographing method of a photographing apparatus, in which a detachable storage medium and a detachable information recording medium are mounted and a photographed still image or moving image is written on the information recording medium, the photographing method comprising: An imaging step of capturing a moving image; a storage step of temporarily storing the still image or the moving image captured in the imaging step; and a storage area used in the storage step and a storage area of the storage medium, A storage area control step of controlling the temporary storage area, a temporary storage in the temporary storage area controlled in the storage area control step, and the still image or the moving image stored in the temporary storage area. A recording control step of controlling recording of an image on the information recording medium. 4. A photographing apparatus in which a detachable storage medium and a detachable information recording medium are mounted, and a photographed still image or moving image is written on the information recording medium, the photographing apparatus stores the photographed still image or moving image in the information recording medium. An imaging step of capturing an image, a storage step of temporarily storing the still image or the moving image captured in the imaging step, and a storage area used in the storage step and a storage area of the storage medium, which are integrated into a temporary A storage area control step of controlling as a storage area; a temporary storage in the temporary storage area controlled in the storage area control step; and the still image or the moving image stored in the temporary storage area. And a recording control step of controlling recording on the information recording medium. Recording medium, characterized in that There are recorded.