JP2000023078A - Image recording apparatus, control method thereof, and memory medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To prevent a failure in photographing caused by performing a photographing operation in a state where a recording medium is not mounted on an electronic camera body. When a photographing is instructed by an operation of a shutter button, a recording medium attachment / detachment detection section confirms whether or not a recording medium is mounted.
When the recording medium is not loaded, a warning is displayed on the image display unit 28 functioning as an electronic finder.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus, a control method therefor, and a memory medium, and more particularly to an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium, a control method therefor, and a memory storing a program for controlling the image recording apparatus. Regarding the medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As one of image recording apparatuses, for example, a memory card having a solid-state memory element is used as a recording medium.
There are electronic cameras that record and reproduce still images and moving images.
Among them, there is an electronic camera having an electronic finder function of displaying a subject image on a display unit such as a color liquid crystal panel.

In such an electronic camera, an image before photographing is continuously displayed on a display unit as an electronic viewfinder to determine a composition of an image to be photographed or to confirm a photographed image. be able to. Further, in such an electronic camera, it is possible to perform various shootings while exchanging a plurality of recording media as needed, and to perform a preliminary check of a shooting function or the like prior to shooting.

[0004]

In the above-mentioned conventional electronic cameras, there are many models which prohibit photographing without a recording medium mounted. In such a model, if the recording medium is not mounted, shooting is not performed even if the shutter button is pressed, so for example, even when simply checking the operation of the automatic focusing mechanism or the like, it is necessary to prepare the recording medium, Inconvenient.

[0005] On the other hand, there is a model that permits a photographing operation in a state where a recording medium is not mounted. In such a model, the photographing operation is performed without noticing that the recording medium is not mounted, and recording of an important scene may fail.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and it is an object of the present invention, for example, to prevent a failure in image recording due to a photographing operation being performed in a state where an image cannot be recorded on a recording medium. Aim.

[0007]

An image recording apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium, comprising: input means for inputting an image; Recording means for recording; detecting means for detecting whether the recording means is in a state capable of recording an image on the recording medium; accepting means for accepting an instruction relating to image recording; When the means receives the instruction, a warning means for issuing a predetermined warning when the recording means cannot record an image on the recording medium is provided.

In the above-described image recording apparatus, for example, the input means preferably includes an image pickup device.

In the above-described image recording apparatus, for example, the image recording apparatus further includes a connection unit for connecting to a detachable recording medium, and the detection unit detects whether or not the recording medium is connected to the connection unit. It is preferred to have a means.

In the above-mentioned image recording apparatus, for example, it is preferable that the warning means has means for displaying a warning.

In the above-mentioned image recording apparatus, for example, it is preferable that the warning means has a sound output means for outputting a warning sound.

In the above-described image recording apparatus, for example, the image recording apparatus further includes image display means for displaying an image obtained by subjecting an image input by the input means to predetermined processing, and the warning means uses the image display means. Preferably, a warning is displayed.

In the above image recording apparatus, for example, the warning means displays a warning image together with an image obtained by performing predetermined processing on an image continuously input by the input means, using the image display means. Is preferred.

In the above-described image recording apparatus, for example, it is preferable that the warning means displays a specific image indicating a warning using the image display means.

In the above-described image recording apparatus, for example, the warning unit displays a warning image together with a recording image obtained by performing predetermined processing on the image input by the input unit by using the image display unit. Is preferred.

In the above-described image recording apparatus, for example, the warning means switches the image display means to an operation state when the image display means is inactive, and uses the image display means to generate a warning image. Is preferably displayed.

In the above-described image recording apparatus, for example, it is preferable that the receiving means has a shutter button for receiving an instruction regarding photographing.

In the above-mentioned image recording apparatus, for example, the image recording apparatus further includes holding means for holding the recording medium (for example, film or memory device) at a predetermined position, and the detecting means includes means for detecting the presence or absence of the recording medium. It is preferred to include.

In the above-described image recording apparatus, for example, when the receiving unit receives the instruction and the recording unit cannot record an image on the recording medium, a virtual It is preferable to further include an execution unit that executes a recording operation.

A method for controlling an image recording apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium, comprising: an inputting step of inputting an image; A recording step of recording, a detection step of detecting whether or not an image can be recorded on the recording medium, and an image on the recording medium when an instruction regarding image recording is received. And a warning step of issuing a predetermined warning when the state cannot be recorded.

In the above control method, for example, in the recording step, it is preferable that an image obtained by performing a predetermined process on an image picked up by an image pickup device in the input step is recorded on the recording medium.

In the above control method, for example, the image recording apparatus has a connecting means for connecting to a removable recording medium, and in the detecting step, whether the recording medium is connected to the connecting means. It is preferable to include a step of detecting whether or not the determination is made.

In the above control method, for example, the warning step preferably includes a step of displaying a warning.

In the above control method, for example, the warning step preferably includes a sound output step of outputting a warning sound.

In the above control method, for example, the image recording apparatus has image display means for displaying an image obtained by performing a predetermined process on the image input in the input step, and in the warning step, It is preferable to display a warning using a display unit.

In the above control method, for example, in the warning step, a warning image is displayed together with an image obtained by performing predetermined processing on an image continuously input in the input step, using the image display means. Is preferred.

In the above control method, for example, in the warning step, it is preferable that a specific image indicating a warning is displayed using the image display means.

In the above control method, for example, in the warning step, a warning image is displayed together with a recording image obtained by performing a predetermined process on the image input in the input step, using the image display means. Is preferred.

In the above control method, for example, in the warning step, when the image display means is not in operation, the image display means is switched to an operation state, and a warning image is displayed using the image display means. Preferably, it is displayed.

In the above control method, for example, the image recording apparatus may include a holding unit for holding the recording medium at a predetermined position, and the detecting step may include a step of detecting the presence or absence of the recording medium. preferable.

In the above-described control method, for example, when an instruction for recording an image is received and an image cannot be recorded on the recording medium, an execution step of executing a virtual recording operation It is preferable to further include

A memory medium according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises:
A memory medium storing a control program for controlling an image recording apparatus that records an image on a recording medium, wherein the control program has an input step of inputting an image, and a recording step of recording the image on a recording medium, A detection step of detecting whether or not an image can be recorded on the recording medium; and an image cannot be recorded on the recording medium when an instruction regarding image recording is received. And a warning step of issuing a predetermined warning when the state is the state.

[0033]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an electronic camera will be described as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention can be applied to any image recording apparatus that records a moving image or a still image on a recording medium. Further, the present invention is not limited to an electronic camera that electrically records an image on a recording medium,
For example, the present invention can be applied to an image recording device such as a silver halide camera or a video camera. Further, the present invention can be applied to all devices such as an image processing device and an information processing device that include an image recording device as a part of components. Further, the present invention can also be applied to an image recording device that records an image supplied from another device such as an imaging device on a recording medium.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic camera according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The electronic camera according to this embodiment includes an electronic camera body 100 and a lens unit 300,
The recording medium 200 and / or 210 is
0 can be attached.

First, the electronic camera body 100 will be described. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 14 denotes an image sensor (for example, a CCD device) that converts an optical image into an electric signal, and 16 denotes an image sensor 1
A / 4 which converts the analog signal output of No. 4 into a digital signal
It is a D converter. Reference numeral 18 denotes a timing generation circuit that supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, and the D / A converter 26.
And is controlled by the system control circuit 50.

Reference numeral 20 denotes an image processing circuit, which outputs data from the A / D converter 16 or a memory control circuit 22.
Performs image processing such as pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the data output from.

In the image processing circuit 20, the system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control unit 340 and the focus control unit 342 using the image data relating to the image pickup, and the TTL (through-the-lens) type AF (through-the-lens) method. An arithmetic process for realizing an auto focus) process, an AE (auto exposure) process, and an EF (flash pre-emission) process is performed. Further, the image processing circuit 20 uses the captured image data to
ATL (auto white balance) processing of the TL method is performed.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a memory control circuit, which includes an A / D converter 16, a timing generation circuit 18, and an image processing circuit 2.
0, image display memory 24, D / A converter 26, memory 3
0 and the compression / decompression circuit 32 are controlled.

The data output from the A / D converter 16 is transmitted to the image display memory via the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or via the memory control circuit 22 alone without passing through the image processing circuit 20. 24 or the memory 30.

Reference numeral 24 denotes an image display memory, and 26 denotes a D / A converter. Reference numeral 28 denotes an image display unit composed of, for example, a TFT-LCD or the like. The display image data written in the image display memory 24 is supplied to the image display unit 28 via the D / A converter 26, and the image is displayed.
An electronic finder function can be realized by sequentially displaying images related to imaging using the image display unit 28. Further, the image display unit 28 includes a system control circuit 50.
Has a function of turning on / off the display of an image in accordance with an instruction from the user, and by turning off the image display, the power consumption of the electronic camera body 100 can be significantly reduced.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a memory for storing a photographed still image or a moving image, and has a sufficient storage capacity for storing a predetermined number of still images or a moving image for a predetermined time. Therefore, continuous shooting or panoramic shooting for continuously shooting a plurality of still images can be performed. The memory 30 can also be used as a work area of the system control circuit 50.

32 is, for example, an adaptive discrete cosine transform (A
A compression / decompression circuit that compresses or decompresses image data by DCT or the like, reads image data stored in the memory 30, performs compression or decompression processing, and writes the processed data to the memory 30.

Reference numeral 48 denotes a flash, which also has a function of projecting AF auxiliary light and a function of controlling flash light. Exposure controller 34
0 and the focus control unit 342 are controlled by the TTL method. That is, the exposure control unit 340 and the focus control unit 342
The control is performed by the system control circuit 50 based on the calculation result obtained by calculating the image data relating to the imaging by the image processing circuit 20.

Reference numeral 50 denotes a system control circuit for controlling the entire electronic camera body 100. Reference numeral 52 denotes a memory for storing constants, variables, programs, and the like that are referred to when the system control circuit 50 operates.

When the system control circuit 50 operates based on a program, characters and characters are displayed according to the execution.
It is an information output unit that emits an operation state, a message, or the like by display, voice, or the like, and includes, for example, a display element such as an LCD or LED and a sound emitting element such as a speaker. One or a plurality of components constituting the information output unit 54 are installed at, for example, a position near the operation unit 70 of the electronic camera body 100 so as to be easily visible. The components of the information output unit 54 are also arranged in the optical viewfinder 104.

Among the display contents of the information output unit 54, LC
Examples of the display by D or the like include a single shot / continuous shooting display, a self-timer display, a compression ratio display, a recording pixel number display, a record number display, a remaining recordable number display, a shutter speed display, an aperture value display, Exposure compensation display, flash display, red-eye reduction display, macro shooting display,
Buzzer setting display, battery level display for clock, battery level display,
Error display, information display using multiple digits, recording medium 2
Indication of attachment / detachment state of 00 and 210, lens unit 300
, A communication I / F operation display, a date / time display, a display indicating a connection state with an external computer, and the like.

The display contents of the information output unit 54 to be displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 include:
For example, there are an in-focus display, a shooting preparation completion display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charging display, a flash charging completion display, a shutter speed display, an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, a recording medium writing operation display, and the like.

The display contents of the information output unit 54 include L
The display on the ED or the like includes, for example, an in-focus display, a shooting ready display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charging display, a flash charging completed display, a recording medium writing operation display, a macro shooting setting notification display, and a secondary battery charging state. There are indications.

The display contents of the information output unit 54 which are displayed on a lamp or the like include, for example, a self-timer notification lamp. This self-timer notification lamp may be shared with the AF auxiliary light.

Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable non-volatile memory, which is composed of, for example, an EEPROM.

Reference numerals 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72 denote operating means for inputting various operation instructions to the system control circuit 50.
It is composed of one or a combination of a dial, a touch panel, pointing by gaze detection, and a voice recognition device. Hereinafter, these operation means will be specifically described.

Reference numeral 60 denotes a mode dial switch, which allows the operator to set various function modes such as power-off, automatic shooting mode, shooting mode, panoramic shooting mode, playback mode, multi-screen playback / erasing mode, and PC connection mode. Can switch.

Reference numeral 62 denotes a shutter switch. When the shutter button 64 is being operated (half-pressed), the switch signal S
W1 is turned on, AF (auto focus) processing,
An instruction is issued to start operations such as AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing. The shutter switch 62 turns on the switch signal SW2 when the operation of the shutter button 64 is completed (fully pressed, that is, a shooting instruction), and the image sensor 1
4 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 16 and is stored in the memory 30 via the memory control circuit 22, and is subjected to arithmetic processing in the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22. It instructs the start of a series of processing, that is, a development process, a process of reading image data from the memory 30, compressing the image data by the compression / expansion circuit 32, and writing the image data to the recording medium 200 or 210.

Reference numeral 66 denotes an image display ON / OFF switch, which allows the operator to set ON / OFF of image display on the image display unit 28. With this function, the image display unit 28 composed of a TFT-LCD or the like is provided.
Reference numeral 68 denotes a quick review ON / OFF switch which can arbitrarily cut off the current supply to the power supply and save power. The operator can set a quick review function for automatically reproducing an image immediately after shooting. can do.
Also, ON / OFF setting of this quick review
This is also effective when the display of the image on the image display unit 28 is set to OFF.

An operation unit 70 includes various buttons, a touch panel, and the like, and includes a menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-image reproduction page break button, a flash setting button, a single-shot / continuous-shot / self-timer switching button, and a menu shift. + (Plus) button, menu move-
(Minus) button, playback image move + (plus) button, playback image-(minus) button, shooting image quality selection button, exposure compensation button, date / time setting button, panorama mode, etc. A select / switch button for selecting and switching functions,
There are a determination / execution button and the like for determining and executing various functions when performing shooting and playback in a panorama mode or the like.

Reference numeral 72 denotes a compression mode switch, which is a JPE
This switch is used to select a compression ratio of G compression (mode of JPEG compression) or to select a CCD RAW mode in which a signal output from the image sensor 14 is digitized as it is and recorded on a recording medium.

As the JPEG compression mode, for example, a normal mode and a fine mode are prepared. JP
In the EG compression mode, image data read from the image sensor 14 and written to the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22 is read from the memory 30, and compressed / decompressed. After compression is performed at the compression ratio set by the circuit 32, the compressed image data is recorded on the recording medium 200 or 210.

In the CCD RAW mode, the image data is read from the image sensor 14 line by line in accordance with the pixel arrangement of the color filters of the image sensor 14 and written into the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22. The image data is read from the memory 30 and recorded on the recording medium 200 or 210.

Reference numeral 80 denotes a power supply control unit, which includes, for example, a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching a block to be energized, and the like. DC based on the detection result and the instruction of the system control circuit 50
-Control the DC converter to supply a required voltage to each unit (including the recording medium and the lens unit) for a required period. 82 and 84 are connectors; 86 is a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery; a NiCd battery;
The power supply unit includes a secondary battery such as an MH battery and a Li battery, an AC adapter, and the like.

Reference numerals 90 and 94 denote interfaces for connecting to recording media 200 and 210 such as a memory card and a hard disk, and reference numerals 92 and 96 denote recording media 200 and 2.
A connector 98 for holding the recording medium 10 is a recording medium attachment / detachment detecting unit for detecting whether the recording medium 200 or 210 is attached to the connector 92 or 96.

Although this embodiment has been described as having two systems of interfaces and connectors for mounting a recording medium, the system of interfaces and connectors for mounting (holding) a recording medium is as follows. It may be singular or plural. The interface and the connector may be configured using a standard such as a PCMCIA card or a CF (Compact Flash) card.

Further, the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96 are connected to a PCMCIA card or CF.
(Compact Flash) When using a card conforming to the standard such as a card, a LAN card, a modem card, a USB card, an IEEE 1394 card, a P128
By connecting various communication cards such as a communication card such as a 4-card, a SCSI card, and a PHS, image data and management information attached to the image data are mutually transferred between other computers and peripheral devices such as a printer. be able to.

Reference numeral 104 denotes an optical viewfinder. By using the optical viewfinder 104, it is possible to perform photographing without using an electronic viewfinder function using the image display unit 28. In the optical viewfinder 104, some components of the information output unit 54, for example, elements for focusing display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure correction display, and the like. Is installed.

Reference numeral 110 denotes a communication unit, for example, RS23
2C, USB, IEEE1394, P1284, SCS
Communication by I, modem, LAN, wireless communication, etc. is performed. 1
Reference numeral 12 denotes an electronic camera body 100 in cooperation with the communication unit 110.
Is a connector for connecting the device to another device or an antenna for wireless communication.

Reference numeral 120 denotes an interface for connecting the electronic camera body 100 to the lens unit 300 in the lens mount 106; 122, a connector for electrically connecting the electronic camera body 100 to the lens unit 300; A lens attachment / detachment detection unit that detects whether the lens unit 300 is attached to the mount 106 and / or the connector 122.

The connector 122 is connected to the electronic camera body 100.
Control signals, status signals,
It has a function of mutually transmitting data signals and the like and a function of supplying currents of various voltages to the lens unit 300.
Note that the connector 122 may be configured to transmit not only an electric signal but also an optical signal, an audio signal, and the like.

Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium including a memory card, a hard disk, and the like. The recording medium 200 includes a recording unit 202 including a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk, and an interface 20 for connecting to the electronic camera body 100.
4 and a connector 206.

Reference numeral 210 denotes a recording medium including a memory card, a hard disk, and the like. The recording medium 210 includes a recording unit 212 including a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk, and an interface 214 for connecting to the electronic camera body 100.
And a connector 216.

Reference numeral 300 denotes an interchangeable lens type lens unit. Reference numeral 306 denotes a lens mount for mechanically coupling the lens unit 300 to the electronic camera body 100. Various functions for electrically connecting the lens unit 300 to the electronic camera 100 are included in the lens mount 306.

Reference numeral 310 denotes a photographing lens, and reference numeral 312 denotes a shutter having an aperture function. 320 is the lens mount 3
In the interface 06, an interface 322 for connecting the lens unit 300 to the electronic camera body 100 is a connector for electrically connecting the lens unit 300 to the electronic camera body 100.

The connector 322 is connected to the electronic camera body 100.
Control signals, status signals,
It has a function of mutually transmitting data signals and the like and a function of inputting currents of various voltages. Also, connector 3
22 may be configured to transmit not only an electric signal but also an optical signal, an audio signal, and the like.

Reference numeral 340 denotes a shutter 3 having an aperture function.
The exposure control unit 12 controls the flash unit 12 and realizes a flash dimming function by cooperating with the flash 48.
Reference numeral 342 denotes a focus control unit that controls focusing of the photographing lens 10, and 344 denotes a zoom control unit that controls zooming of the photographing lens 10.

Reference numeral 350 denotes a lens system control circuit for controlling the entire lens unit 300. The lens system control circuit 350 includes a memory that stores operation constants, variables, programs, and the like, identification information (for example, a unique number) of the lens unit 300, management information, an open aperture value, a minimum aperture value, and a focal length. It has a function of a non-volatile memory that holds function information, current and past set values, and the like.

The operation of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 2 to 4 are flowcharts of a main routine for controlling the electronic camera body 100. When the battery is replaced and the power is turned on, in step S101, the system control circuit 50 initializes flags, control variables, and the like, and then sets the image display of the image display unit 28 to the OFF state in step S102. I do.

In step S103, the system control circuit 50 checks the set position of the mode dial 60, and if the mode dial 60 is set to the power OFF position, changes the display of each display unit to an end state. , Necessary parameters including flags, control variables, and the like, are stored in the non-volatile memory 56, and the power supply control unit 80 is instructed, and unnecessary parts of the electronic camera body 100 including the image display unit 28 are unnecessary. After performing a predetermined end process for turning off the power, the process returns to step S103.

If it is determined in step S103 that the mode dial 60 is set to the position of the photographing mode, the flow advances to step S106. When the mode dial 60 is set to the position of another mode in step S103, the system control circuit 50 executes the process according to the selected mode in step S104, and then returns to step S103.

In step S106, the system control circuit 50 causes the power control unit 80 to determine whether the remaining capacity and the operating status of the power supply unit 86 composed of a battery or the like are correct.
It is determined whether or not there is an obstacle to the operation of If it is determined that the operation is not hindered, the system control circuit 50
In step S107, after issuing a predetermined warning by display or voice using the information output unit 54,
Return to 103. The image display of the image display unit 28 is ON.
If it is in the state, a warning may be issued using the image display unit 28 as well.

If it is determined in step S106 that the remaining capacity of the power supply unit 86 is larger than a predetermined threshold,
In step S109, the system control circuit 50
The flag indicating the remaining battery level is set to H indicating that the operation of the electronic camera body 100 is sufficient to continue the operation, and the display setting is set to “remaining battery level H”, and the process proceeds to step S110.

If it is determined in step S106 that the remaining capacity of the power supply unit 86 is smaller than a predetermined threshold, a flag indicating the remaining battery capacity is set to the electronic camera body 100.
When the operation is continued, L is set to indicate that the remaining capacity of the power supply unit 86 is low, the display setting is set to "remaining battery capacity L", and the process proceeds to step S110.

The state of the flag indicating the remaining battery charge is as follows.
For example, it is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

In step S110, the system control circuit 50 checks whether or not the recording medium 200 or 210 is attached to the electronic camera 100 by inquiring of the recording medium attachment / detachment detecting section 98. If it is determined that the recording medium is present, the display setting is set to “recording medium present” in step S111, and if it is determined that neither of them is mounted, the display setting is set to “no recording medium” in step S112.

In step S113, the system control circuit 50 uses the information output unit 54 to display the remaining amount of the battery and the information on the mounting of the recording medium on the electronic camera main body 100 by display and sound based on the contents of the display setting. The various setting statuses are displayed. When the image display of the image display unit 28 is in the ON state, various setting states of the electronic camera body 100 may be displayed using the image display unit 28.

In step S114, the system control circuit 50 sets the quick review ON / OFF switch 68
Is checked, and if it is determined that the click review is set to the ON state, the quick review flag is set in step S115, while if it is determined that the quick review is set to the OFF state, In step S116, the quick review flag is released.

The status of the quick view flag is as follows.
For example, it is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

In step S117, the system control circuit 50 sets the display of the image on the image display unit 28 to ON.
The setting state of the / OFF switch 66 is checked, and if it is determined that the ON state is set, the image display flag is set in step S118, and the image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the ON state in step S119. In step S120, a through display state in which captured images are sequentially displayed is set, and the process proceeds to step S131.

In the through display state, the image sensor 1
4. Image data sequentially written to the image display memory 24 via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22 is displayed on the image via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26. The image display unit 28 is made to function as an electronic finder by sequentially transferring the image data to the unit 28 and displaying the image on the image display unit 28.

If it is determined in step S117 that the ON / OFF switch 66 relating to image display is set to the OFF state, then in step S121,
The image display flag is released, and in step S122,
The image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the OFF state, and the process proceeds to step S131.

When the image display on the image display unit 28 is in the OFF state, the operator uses the optical viewfinder 104 instead of the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28 to take a picture. In this case, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the image display unit 28, the D / A converter 266, and the like that consume a large amount of power.

The state of the image display flag is, for example,
It is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

In the step S131, the switch signal SW
1 is ON (shutter button 64 is half-pressed)
Is checked, and if it is OFF, step S
Return to 103.

On the other hand, if the switch signal SW1 is ON, the system control circuit 50 checks the state of the pixel display flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 in step S132.
If the image display flag is set, step S13
The process proceeds to step S133, and if the image display flag is cleared, the process proceeds to step S133.

In step S133, the system control circuit 50 inquires of the recording medium attachment / detachment detection section 98, so that the recording medium 200 or 210
It is checked whether or not it is attached to the camera, and if it is determined that any of them is attached, the process proceeds to step S136.

On the other hand, if it is determined that neither the recording medium 200 or 210 is mounted on the electronic camera body 100, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to step S134.
, The image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the ON state, and the process proceeds to step S135.

In step S135, the system control circuit 50 sets the display state of the image display unit 28 to the freeze display state, and proceeds to step S136. In the freeze display state, the image display memory 2 is controlled via the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22.
4 is prohibited, and the image data written in the image display memory 24 immediately before is rewritten to the image display unit 2 via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26.
8, the frozen image is displayed on the image display unit 28 as an electronic finder.

In step S136, the system control circuit 50 inquires of the recording medium attachment / detachment detection section 98, so that the recording medium 200 or 210
It is confirmed whether or not it is attached to the camera, and if it is determined that any of them is attached, the process proceeds to step S138.

On the other hand, if it is determined that neither the recording medium 200 or 210 is mounted on the electronic camera body 100, the system control circuit 50 uses the information output unit 54 or the image display unit 28 in step S137. Then, the operator is warned by the display or the sound that neither the recording medium 200 or 210 is mounted on the electronic camera main body 100, and the process proceeds to step S138.

As described above, when the switch signal SW1 is turned on, that is, when the shutter button 64 is half-pressed, it is determined whether the recording medium 200 or 210 is mounted on the electronic camera body 100. Confirmation, and if neither is attached, a warning to that effect is provided to prevent the operator from continually performing the shooting operation without noticing that the image cannot be recorded on the recording medium. Can be. When neither the recording medium 200 nor 210 is mounted on the electronic camera body 100 when the shutter button 64 is half-pressed,
Even if the image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the OFF state, by switching this to the ON state and displaying a warning, the operator can erroneously notice that the image cannot be recorded on the recording medium. It is possible to prevent the photographing operation from continuing. In general, the image display unit 28 composed of a TFT-LCD or the like is larger than the display element of the information output unit 54. Therefore, by using the image display unit 28 to issue a warning to the operator, Can be effectively warned.

In step S138, the system control circuit 50 controls the focus control unit 342 and the like to control
The focus of 0 is adjusted to the imaging surface of the imaging element 14, and the exposure control unit 340 and the like are controlled to perform photometric processing to determine the aperture value and the shutter time. In the photometric processing, setting of a flash is performed if necessary. This distance measurement
Details of the photometric processing (step S138) will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S139, the system control circuit 50 checks the state of the image display flag recorded in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52. If the image display flag is set, the process proceeds to step S139.
Proceed to 142.

On the other hand, if the image display flag has been cleared, in step S140, the system control circuit 5
0 indicates that the recording medium 200 or 210 is
It is confirmed whether or not it is attached to 0, and if it is determined that any of them is attached, the process proceeds to step S143.

On the other hand, if it is determined that neither the recording medium 200 or 210 is mounted on the electronic camera body 100, in step S141, the system control circuit 50 sets the image display of the image display unit 28 to the ON state. Then, the process proceeds to step S142.

In step S142, the system control circuit 50 sets the display state of the image display unit 28 to the through display state, and proceeds to S143. The through display state in step S142 is the same operation state as the through display state in step S120.

In step S143, the system control circuit 50 inquires of the recording medium attachment / detachment detection section 98, so that the recording medium 200 or 210
It is confirmed whether or not it is attached to 0, and if it is determined that any of them is attached, the process proceeds to step S145.

On the other hand, if it is determined that neither the recording medium 200 or 210 is mounted on the electronic camera body 100, the information output unit 54 is determined in step S144.
And / or display or sound using the image display unit 28 to warn that neither the recording medium 200 or 210 is attached to the image processing apparatus 100, and
Proceed to 145.

As described above, after the switch signal SW1 is turned on (the shutter button 64 is half-pressed) and the distance measurement and photometry processing is performed, the recording medium 200 or 2 is turned on.
It is checked whether or not the camera 10 is mounted on the electronic camera main body 100, and if neither is mounted, a warning to that effect is issued so that the operator cannot record an image on the recording medium. It is possible to prevent the photographing operation from continuing erroneously without noticing. After the shutter button 64 is half-pressed and the distance measurement / photometry processing is performed, if neither the recording medium 200 or 210 is mounted on the electronic camera body 100, the image display unit 2
Even if the image display of No. 8 is set to the OFF state, by switching this to the ON state and displaying a warning, the operator can erroneously perform the shooting operation without noticing that the image cannot be recorded on the recording medium. It can be prevented from continuing. Generally, since the image display unit 28 composed of a TFT-LCD or the like is larger than the display element of the information output unit 54, a warning is issued to the operator by using the image display unit 28 to issue a warning. Can be performed effectively.

In step S145, switch signal SW
It is confirmed whether or not the switch signal SW2 is in the ON state, that is, the photographing instruction state. Then, in step S160,
Check whether the switch signal SW1 is in the ON state,
If it is OFF, the process returns to step S103. If it is ON, the process returns to step S145.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the switch signal SW2 is in the ON state, that is, it is determined that photographing has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S1.
At 71, the system control circuit 50 checks the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52, and proceeds to step S173 if the image display flag is set.

On the other hand, if the image display flag has been cleared, then in step S172, the system control circuit 5
0 indicates that the recording medium 200 or 210 is
It is confirmed whether or not it is mounted on the device, and if it is determined that any of the devices is mounted, the process proceeds to step S175.

On the other hand, if it is determined that neither the recording medium 200 or 210 is mounted on the electronic camera body 100, the system control circuit 40 proceeds to step S172.
In, the image display on the image display unit is set to the ON state, and the process proceeds to step S174.

In step S174, the system control circuit 50 sets the display state of the image display unit 28 to the fixed color display state, and proceeds to step S175. In the fixed color display state, the imaging device 14, the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 2
0 and the image display memory 24 via the memory control circuit 22.
Is supplied to the image display unit 28 via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26 in place of the image data written to the image display unit 28, and the fixed color image data is supplied to the image display unit 28 as an electronic finder. Display video (warning image).

In step S175, the system control circuit 50 inquires of the recording medium attachment / detachment detection section 98, so that the recording medium 200 or 210
It is checked whether or not any of them is mounted, and if it is determined that any of them is mounted, the process proceeds to step S181.

On the other hand, if it is determined that neither the recording medium 200 or 210 has been mounted on the electronic camera body 100, the system control circuit 50 determines in step S176 that the information output unit 54 and / or the image display unit 28
The recording medium 200 or 21 is displayed by using the
A warning is issued to the operator that none of the 0s is attached to the electronic camera body 100, and the process proceeds to step S181.

As described above, when the switch signal SW2 is in the ON state, that is, when the photographing is instructed, it is confirmed whether the recording medium 200 or 210 is mounted on the electronic camera main body 100, and both are mounted. If not, a warning to that effect is given to the operator, so that it is possible to prevent the operator from erroneously continuing the shooting operation without noticing that the image cannot be recorded on the recording medium. Further, when the photographing is instructed, if neither the recording medium 200 or 210 is attached to the electronic camera main body 100, even if the image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the OFF state, By switching this to the ON state and displaying a warning, it is possible to prevent the operator from erroneously continuing the shooting operation without noticing that the image cannot be recorded on the recording medium. Generally, TFT-LCD
Since the image display unit 28 including the above is larger than the information output unit 54, it is possible to effectively issue a warning to the operator by issuing a warning to the operator using the image display unit 28. it can.

In step S181, the system control circuit 50 controls the A / D converter via the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, or without using the image processing circuit 20. Through the converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22, exposure processing for writing image data relating to photographing to the memory 30, and writing to the memory 30 using the memory control circuit 22 and the image processing circuit 20 as necessary. A photographing process including a developing process of reading out the image data and performing various processes is executed. Details of the photographing process (step S181) will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S182, the system control circuit 50 reads out the image data written in the memory 30 by the photographing process (step S181) and transfers the read image data to the image display memory 24 via the memory control circuit 22. Execute. This display image processing (step S1)
Details of (82) will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S183, the system control circuit 50 checks the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52. If the image display flag has been set, the process proceeds to step S183.
Proceed to 187. In this case, the image display unit 28 is always used as an electronic finder even during shooting, and a quick review display immediately after shooting is also performed.

On the other hand, if the image display flag has been cleared, the system control circuit 5 determines in step S184.
0 indicates that the recording medium 200 or 210 is
It is checked whether or not any of them is mounted. If it is determined that any of them is mounted, the process proceeds to step S185. If it is determined that none of them is mounted, step S1 is performed.
Proceed to 86.

In step S185, the system control circuit 50 checks the status of the quick review flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52. If the quick review flag is not set, the image display is performed. The process proceeds to step S189 while keeping the unit 28 in the OFF state. In this case, even after photographing, the image display unit 28 is in the OFF state, and quick review display is not performed. This is, for example, as in the case of continuously taking a picture using the optical viewfinder 104,
This is a use method suitable when it is not necessary to check a captured image immediately after shooting, and also a use method that emphasizes power saving.

On the other hand, if the quick review flag is set, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to step S1
At 86, the image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the ON state, and at step S187, quick review display is performed using the image display unit 28. As described above, even when the image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the OFF state, the ON / OFF switch 72 of the quick review
If the quick review function is set by,
The photographed image is automatically reproduced on the image display unit 28 immediately after the photographing. This is a usage method for achieving both power saving and confirmation of a captured image.

In step S188, the system control circuit 50 inquires of the recording medium attachment / detachment detection section 98, so that the recording medium 200 or 210
It is confirmed whether or not it is attached to 0, and if it is determined that any of them is attached, the process proceeds to step S189.

On the other hand, when it is determined that neither the recording medium 200 or 210 is mounted on the electronic camera body 100, the information output unit 54 and / or the image display unit 28
The recording medium 200 or 21 is displayed by using the
A warning is issued to the operator that none of the 0s is attached to the electronic camera body 100, and the process proceeds to step S151.

As described above, after the switch signal SW2 is turned on and the photographing processing (step S181) and the display image processing (step S182) are performed, the recording medium 20
It is checked whether or not 0 or 210 is attached to the electronic camera main body 100, and if neither is attached, the operator is warned to that effect, so that the operator can record an image on a recording medium. It is possible to prevent the photographing operation from continuing by mistake without noticing that the photographing operation cannot be performed. Also,
After the switch signal SW2 is turned on and the photographing process (step S181) and the display image process (step S182) are performed, it is checked whether the recording medium 200 or 210 is mounted on the electronic camera body 100, If neither of them is attached, even if the image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the OFF state, this is set to O.
By switching to the N state and displaying the warning, it is possible to prevent the operator from continually taking a photograph without noticing that the image cannot be recorded on the recording medium. In general, the image display unit 28 composed of a TFT-LCD or the like is larger than the information output unit 54. Therefore, by issuing a warning to the operator using the image display unit 28,
The warning to the operator can be effectively performed.

In step S189, the system control circuit 50 reads out the photographed image data written in the memory 30 and performs various image processing using the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20. ,compression·
The image compression processing is performed using the decompression circuit 32 according to the set mode. Details of this compression processing (step S189) will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S190, the system control circuit 50 records the image data on the recording medium 200 or 210 such as a memory card or a compact flash card via the interface 90 or 94 and the connector 92 or 96, and proceeds to step S151. . When the image display unit 28 is in the ON state, while the image data is being written to the recording medium 200 or 210, information indicating that the writing operation is being performed, for example, a character string such as “BUSY” is displayed on the image. The information may be displayed on the display unit 28. Also, the information output unit 54 may display that the image data is being written to the recording medium by blinking an LED, for example.

Thus, the recording medium 200 or 210
Is attached to the electronic camera body 100, the compression process (step S189) and the recording process (step S1)
90) can be sequentially executed to sequentially record image data relating to shooting on the recording medium 200 or 210.

In step S151, the system control circuit 50 checks whether the switch signal SW2 is in the ON state, that is, whether or not the photographing instruction is continued, and checks the switch signal SW2.
If 2 is in the ON state, in step S152, the system control circuit 50 checks the state of the continuous shooting flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52, and the continuous shooting flag is set. In this case, the process returns to step S181 to perform the next shooting.

On the other hand, if the continuous shooting flag has not been set, the operation continues until the switch signal SW2 returns to the OFF state.
That is, the processes of steps S151 and S152 are repeated until the shooting instruction is released.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the quick review display is set to be performed immediately after shooting, the switch signal is issued when the recording process (step S190) or the warning process (step S191) is completed. If SW2 is in the ON state (shooting instruction state), the image display unit 2 is switched until the switch signal SW2 returns to the OFF state.
8 to continue the quick review display, the operator can carefully check the captured image.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S151 that the switch signal SW2 is in the OFF state, the flow advances to step S154 after waiting for a predetermined minimum review time to elapse in step S153. Note that the minimum review time may be a fixed value, or may be configured so that the operator can arbitrarily set it.

As described above, in this embodiment, the quick review display on the image display section 28 is continued for a predetermined time, so that the operator can surely confirm the photographed image, and Unnecessary continuation of the quick review display prevents the next shooting chance from being lost.

In step S154, the system control circuit 50 checks the state of the image display flag. If the image display flag has been set, the process proceeds to step S157, and if not, the process proceeds to step S156.

In step S157, the system control circuit 50 sets the image display unit 2 irrespective of the state of the image display flag.
8 is set to the through display state, and step S
Proceed to 158. Thus, after the operator confirms the captured image by the quick review display on the image display unit 28, the image display unit 28 enters the through display state for the next image capture.

In the step S155, the stem control circuit 5
0 indicates that the recording medium 200 or 210 is
0, and if any of them are mounted, the image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the OFF state in step S156, and the process proceeds to step S156.
Proceed to 158. In this case, since the image display unit 28 is turned off after the operator confirms the captured image by the quick review display on the image display unit 28, the image display unit 28, the D / A converter 26, and the like that consume a large amount of power are used. Power consumption is reduced.

On the other hand, when neither the recording medium 200 nor 210 is mounted on the electronic camera body 100,
In step S157, the system control circuit 50
Regardless of the state of the image display flag, the image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the through display state.

In step S158, the system control circuit 50 inquires of the recording medium attachment / detachment detection section 98, so that the recording medium 200 or 210
It is confirmed whether or not it is attached to 0, and if it is determined that any is attached, the process proceeds to step S160.

On the other hand, if it is determined that neither the recording medium 200 or 210 is mounted on the electronic camera main body 100, in step S159, the system control circuit 50 controls the information output unit 54 and / or the image display unit 28.
The recording medium 200 or 21 is displayed by using the
A warning is given that none of the 0s is attached to the electronic camera body 100, and the process proceeds to step S160.

Thus, the switch signal SW2 is turned off.
When the state is set, it is confirmed whether or not the recording medium 200 or 210 is attached to the electronic camera main body 100, and if neither is attached, a warning to that effect is issued, so that the operator can set the recording medium to the recording medium. It is possible to prevent the photographing operation from continuing by mistake without noticing that the image cannot be recorded. Also, the switch signal SW2 is OFF.
When the state is set, the image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the OFF state even when neither the recording medium 200 or 210 is attached to the electronic camera main body 100 and the image display flag is cleared. By setting the through display state and displaying the warning without performing the operation, it is possible to prevent the operator from erroneously continuing the shooting operation without noticing that the image cannot be recorded on the recording medium. Generally, since the image display unit 28 composed of a TFT-LCD or the like is larger than the information output unit 54,
By issuing a warning to the operator using the image display unit 28, the warning to the operator can be effectively performed.

In the step S160, the switch signal SW
It is checked whether or not 1 is in the ON state. If it is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S145 to prepare for the next photographing, and if it is in the OFF state, a series of photographing operations is completed and the process returns to step S103.

As described above, according to this embodiment, when an operation relating to photographing is executed in a state where the recording medium is not mounted, the information output unit 54 and / or the image display unit 28 are used. By issuing the prescribed warning,
It is possible to prevent the failure photographing from being performed while the recording medium is not mounted.

Further, according to this embodiment, even if the image display unit 28 is in the OFF state, the image display unit 28 is switched to the ON state when the photographing operation is performed with the recording medium not mounted. By giving a predetermined warning using the image display unit 28, it is possible to prevent a failure in taking a picture without attaching a recording medium.

Further, according to this embodiment, when the shutter button 64 is pressed to start the photographing operation and the recording medium is not mounted, the image display section 28 is turned off.
Even in the F state, after switching this to the ON state,
The image display unit 28 displays each image such as a through image, a freeze image, a fixed color image, a quick review image, and the like, and gives a predetermined warning so that a failure photographing can be performed without the recording medium attached. Can be prevented.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing details of the distance measurement / photometry processing (step S138 in FIG. 3). In step S201, the system control circuit 50 converts the charge signal output from the image sensor 14 into digital image data by the A / D converter 16 and sequentially reads the digital image data into the image processing circuit 20.

Using the sequentially read image data, the image processing circuit 20 performs TTL (through the lens) AE (auto exposure) processing, EF (flash pre-flash) processing, and AF (auto focus) processing. ) Perform a predetermined operation for processing. Note that this calculation process is performed on pixels obtained by extracting a necessary portion from all the pixels related to imaging. Thereby, TTL AE, EF, AW
In each process of B and AF, for example, an optimal calculation can be performed for each mode such as a center-weighted mode, an average mode, and an evaluation mode.

In step S202, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the exposure (AE) is appropriate based on the calculation result of the image processing circuit 20, and determines whether the exposure (AE) is correct.
If it is determined that is not appropriate, the process proceeds to step S203, and AE control is performed using the exposure control unit 340.

In step S204, using the measurement data obtained by the AE control, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not a flash is necessary, and if so, sets a flash flag in step S205. Charge the flash 48.

After repeating the AE control, step S20
In 2, when it is determined that the exposure (AE) is appropriate, the system control circuit 50 stores the measurement data and / or the setting parameters in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50.

In the step S206, the image processing circuit 20
The system control circuit 50 uses the calculation result of the AE control and the measurement data obtained by the AE control to execute the white balance (A
It is determined whether WB) is appropriate. If not, the AWB control is performed by adjusting the color processing parameters using the image processing circuit 20 in step S207.

After repeating the AWB control, step S2
If it is determined in step 06 that the white balance (AWB) is appropriate, the system control circuit 50 transmits the measured data and / or setting parameters to the system control circuit 5.
0 in the internal memory or the memory 52.

In step S208, AE control and AW
Using the measurement data obtained by the B control, the system control circuit 50 determines whether the focus is on the imaging surface,
If the focus is out of focus, AF control is performed using the focus control circuit 42 in step S209 (S209).

After repeating the AF control, step S20
In 8, when it is determined that the focus is on the imaging surface (focusing), the system control circuit 50 stores the measurement data and / or the measurement parameters in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50 and performs measurement. The distance / photometry processing routine (step S138) ends.

FIG. 6 shows a photographing process (step S18 in FIG. 4).
It is a flowchart which shows the detail of 1). Step S3
In step S01, the system control circuit 50 instructs the exposure control unit 340 to open the shutter 312 having the aperture function according to the aperture value in accordance with the photometry data stored in the internal memory or the memory 52, and then proceeds to step S30.
In 2, the exposure of the image sensor 14 is started.

In step S303, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the flash 48 is necessary by referring to the state of the flash flag. If necessary, the system control circuit 50 causes the flash to emit light in step S304.

In step S305, the system control circuit 50 waits for the end of exposure of the image sensor 14 according to the photometric data, and then closes the shutter 312.

In step S307, a charge signal is read from the image pickup device 14, and is read out via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22, or without the image processing circuit 20. The image data relating to photographing is written to the memory 30 via the / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22, and the photographing processing routine (step S1)
81) is ended.

FIG. 7 shows the display image processing (step S in FIG. 4).
It is a flowchart which shows the detail of 182). In step S401, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not frame processing needs to be performed according to the set shooting mode, and if so, proceeds to step S402.
If there is no need, the process proceeds to step S404.

In step S402, the system control circuit 50 reads out the image data written in the memory 30 by using the image processing circuit 20 as necessary in addition to the memory control circuit 50, and executes a vertical addition process. S40
3 executes color processing, and stores the processed image data in the memory 3.
Write to 0.

In step S404, the system control circuit 50 reads the image data from the memory 30, transfers it to the image display memory 24 via the memory control circuit 22, and ends the display image processing routine (step S182).

FIG. 8 shows a compression process (step S18 in FIG. 4).
It is a flowchart which shows the detail of 9). Step S5
01, the system control circuit 50
2, the image data written in the memory 30 is read out using the image processing circuit 20 as necessary, and the pixels are interpolated so that the vertical / horizontal ratio (vertical / horizontal pixel ratio) of each pixel is 1: 1. After performing the pixel square processing, the processed image data is written to the memory 30.

In step S502, the image data is read out from the memory 30, and the compression / decompression circuit 32 is used to read out the image data.
The image is compressed according to the set mode, and the compression processing routine (step S189) ends.

[Second Embodiment] In this embodiment,
This is a modification of the control procedure in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment. 9 to 11 and FIGS. 5 to 8 show a control procedure according to this embodiment.
Note that the processing shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 is the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, the operation of the electronic camera body 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. When the battery is replaced or the like and the power is turned on, in step S601, the system control circuit 50 initializes flags, control variables, and the like, and then in step S602
, The image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the OFF state.

In step S603, the system control circuit 50 checks the set position of the mode dial 60, and if the mode dial 60 is set to the power OFF position, changes the display of each display unit to the end state. , Necessary parameters including flags, control variables, and the like, are recorded in the non-volatile memory 56, and the power supply control unit 80 is instructed, and unnecessary parts of the electronic camera body 100 including the image display unit 28 are unnecessary. After performing a predetermined end process for turning off the power, the process returns to step S603.

If it is determined in step S603 that the mode dial 60 has been set to the position of the photographing mode, the flow advances to step S606. If the mode dial 60 has been set to the position of another mode in step S603, the system control circuit 50 executes processing corresponding to the selected mode in step S604, and then returns to step S603.

In step S606, the system control circuit 50 causes the power control unit 80 to determine the remaining capacity and operating status of the power supply unit 86 composed of a battery or the like.
It is determined whether or not there is an obstacle to the operation of the above. And
If it is determined that there is a problem in the operation, the system control circuit 50 issues a predetermined warning by display or voice using the information output unit 54 in step S607, and then returns to step S603. When the image display of the image display unit 28 is ON, a warning may be issued using the image display unit 28 as well.

When it is determined in step S606 that the remaining capacity of the power supply unit 86 is larger than a predetermined threshold,
In step S609, the system control circuit 50
The flag indicating the remaining battery charge is set to H indicating that the operation of the electronic camera body 100 is sufficient to continue the operation, and the display setting is set to “remaining battery charge H”, and the process proceeds to step S610.

If it is determined in step S606 that the remaining capacity of the power supply unit 86 is smaller than a predetermined threshold, a flag indicating the remaining battery capacity is set to the electronic camera body 100.
When the operation is continued, L is set to indicate that the remaining capacity of the power supply unit 86 is low and the display setting is set to "remaining battery capacity L", and the process proceeds to step S610.

The state of the flag indicating the remaining battery charge is as follows.
For example, it is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

In step S610, the system control circuit 50 inquires of the recording medium attachment / detachment detection section 98, so that the recording medium 200 or 210
It is checked whether or not any of them is mounted. If it is determined that any of them is mounted, the display setting is set to “recording medium present” in step S611, and if it is determined that neither is mounted, In step S612, the display setting is set to “no recording medium”.

In step S613, the system control circuit 50 uses the information output unit 54 to display the remaining battery capacity and the information regarding the mounting of the recording medium on the electronic camera main body 100 by display or sound based on the contents of the display setting. The various setting statuses are displayed. When the image display of the image display unit 28 is in the ON state, various setting states of the electronic camera body 100 may be displayed using the image display unit 28.

In step S614, the system control circuit 50 checks the setting state of the quick review ON / OFF switch 98. If it is determined that the quick review is set to the ON state, the system control circuit 50 determines in step S615 that the quick review flag has been set. On the other hand, if it is determined that the quick review is set to the OFF state, the quick review flag is cleared in step S616.

The state of the quick review flag is
For example, it is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

In step S617, the system control circuit 50 sets the display of the image on the image display unit 28 to ON.
The setting state of the / OFF switch 66 is checked, and if it is determined that the ON state is set, an image display flag is set in step S618, and in step S619, a through display state is displayed in which captured images are sequentially displayed. After setting, the process proceeds to step S631.

In the through display state, the image sensor 1
4. Image data sequentially written to the image display memory 24 via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22 is displayed on the image via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26. The image display unit 28 is made to function as an electronic finder by sequentially transferring the image data to the unit 28 and displaying the image on the image display unit 28.

If it is determined in step S617 that the ON / OFF switch 66 relating to image display has been set to the OFF state, in step S621,
The image display flag is released, and in step S622,
The image display on the image display unit 28 is set to the OFF state, and the flow advances to step S631.

When the image display on the image display unit 28 is in the OFF state, the operator uses the optical viewfinder 104 instead of the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28 to take a picture. In this case, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the image display unit 28, the D / A converter 266, and the like that consume a large amount of power.

The state of the image display flag is, for example,
It is stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52.

In the step S631, the switch signal SW
1 is ON (shutter button 64 is half-pressed)
Is checked, and if it is OFF, step S
Return to 603.

On the other hand, if the switch signal SW1 is ON, the system control circuit 50 checks the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 in step S632.
If the image display flag is set, step S63
The process proceeds to step S638 if the image display flag has been cleared.

In step S635, the system control circuit 50 sets the display state of the image display unit 28 to the freeze display state, and proceeds to step S638. In the freeze display state, the image display memory 2 is controlled via the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22.
4 by rewriting the image data in the image display memory 24 and transferring the image data written immediately before to the image display memory 24 by the image display unit 28 via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26. The frozen image is displayed on the image display unit 28 as a finder.

In step S638, the system control circuit 50 controls the focus control unit 342 and the like to
The focus of 0 is adjusted to the imaging surface of the imaging element 14, and the exposure control unit 340 and the like are controlled to perform photometric processing to determine the aperture value and the shutter time. In the photometric processing, setting of a flash is performed if necessary. This distance measurement
The details of the photometry process (step S638) are as described above (see FIG. 5).

In step S639, the system control circuit 50 checks the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52. If the image display flag has been cleared, the system proceeds to step S639.
Proceed to 645.

On the other hand, if the image display flag has been set, then in step S642 the system control circuit 5
If "0", the display state of the image display unit 28 is set to the through display state, and the process proceeds to step S645. Step S64
The through display state in No. 2 is the same operation state as the through display state in step S620.

At step S645, the switch signal SW
If 2 is ON, the process proceeds to step S660. Then, in step S660, it is confirmed whether or not the switch signal SW1 is in the ON state. If the switch signal SW1 is in the OFF state, the process returns to step S603.
Return to 45.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the switch signal SW2 is in the ON state, that is, it is determined that photographing has been instructed, the process proceeds to step S6.
At 71, the system control circuit 50 checks the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52. If the image display flag is set, the process proceeds to step S674, and If the flag has been released, the process proceeds to step S681.

[0187] In step S674, the system control circuit 50 sets the display state of the image display unit 28 to the fixed color display state, and proceeds to step S681. In the fixed color display state, the imaging device 14, the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 2
0 and the image display memory 24 via the memory control circuit 22.
The fixed color image data is supplied to the image display unit 28 via the memory control circuit 22 and the D / A converter 26 instead of the photographed image data written in the image display unit 28, and the fixed color image data To display the video. At step S681, the system control circuit 50
4, to the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22 via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, or without using the image processing circuit 20. An imaging process including an exposure process for writing image data for shooting, and a development process for reading image data written to the memory 30 and performing various processes using the image processing circuit 20 as necessary in addition to the memory control circuit 22. Execute the process. This photographing process (step S681)
Are as described above (see FIG. 6).

In step S682, the system control circuit 50 reads out the image data written in the memory 30 by the photographing process (step S681) and transfers the read image data to the image display memory 24 via the memory control circuit 22. Execute. This display image processing (step S6)
Details of (82) are as described above (see FIG. 7).

In step S683, the system control circuit 50 checks the state of the image display flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52. If the image display flag is set, the process proceeds to step S683.
Proceed to 687. In this case, the image display unit 28 is always used as an electronic finder even during shooting, and a quick review display immediately after shooting is also performed.

On the other hand, if the image display flag has been cleared, in step S184, the system control circuit 5
0 indicates that the recording medium 200 or 210 is
It is checked whether or not any of them are mounted. If it is determined that any of them is mounted, the process proceeds to step S685. If it is determined that none of them is mounted, step S6 is performed.
Proceed to 86.

In step S685, the system control circuit 50 checks the status of the quick review flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52. If the quick review flag has not been set, the system displays the image. The process proceeds to step S689 while keeping the unit 28 in the OFF state. In this case, even after photographing, the image display unit 28 is in the OFF state, and quick review display is not performed. This is a preferable use method when it is not necessary to confirm a photographed image immediately after photographing, for example, when photographing is continuously performed using the optical viewfinder 104, and is a use method that emphasizes power saving. But also.

On the other hand, if the quick review flag has been set, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to step S6.
At 86, the image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the ON state, and at step S687, the quick review display is performed using the image display unit 28. As described above, even when the image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the OFF state, the ON / OFF switch 72 of the quick review
If the quick review function is set by,
The photographed image is automatically reproduced on the image display unit 28 immediately after the photographing. This is a usage method for achieving both power saving and confirmation of a captured image.

In step S688, the system control circuit 50 inquires of the recording medium attachment / detachment detection section 98, so that the recording medium 200 or 210
It is confirmed whether or not it is attached to 0, and if it is determined that any of them is attached, the process proceeds to step S689.

On the other hand, when it is determined that neither the recording medium 200 or 210 is mounted on the electronic camera body 100, the information output unit 54 and / or the image display unit 28
The recording medium 200 or 2
A warning is given to the operator that none of 10 is mounted on the electronic camera body 100, and the process proceeds to step S651.

As described above, after the switch signal SW2 is turned on and the photographing process (step S681) and the display image process (step S682) are performed, the recording medium 20
It is checked whether or not 0 or 210 is attached to the electronic camera main body 100, and if neither is attached, the operator is warned to that effect, so that the operator can record an image on a recording medium. It is possible to prevent the photographing operation from continuing by mistake without noticing that the photographing operation cannot be performed. Also,
After the switch signal SW2 is turned on and the photographing process (step S681) and the display image process (step S682) are performed, it is checked whether the recording medium 200 or 210 is mounted on the electronic camera body 100, If neither of them is attached, even if the image display of the image display unit 28 is set to the OFF state, this is set to O.
By switching to the N state and displaying the warning, it is possible to prevent the operator from continually taking a photograph without noticing that the image cannot be recorded on the recording medium. In general, the image display unit 28 composed of a TFT-LCD or the like is larger than the information output unit 54. Therefore, by issuing a warning to the operator using the image display unit 28,
The warning to the operator can be effectively performed.

In step S689, the system control circuit 50 reads the photographed image data written in the memory 30 and performs various image processing using the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20. ,compression·
The image compression processing is performed using the decompression circuit 32 according to the set mode. The details of this compression processing (step S689) are as described above (see FIG. 8).

In step S690, the system control circuit 50 determines whether the interface 90 or 94 and the connector 9
2 or 96, the image data is recorded on the recording medium 200 or 210 such as a memory card or a compact flash card, and the process proceeds to step S651. When the image display unit 28 is in the ON state, the recording medium 200 or 2
While the image data is being written to 10, information indicating that the writing operation is being performed, for example, a character string such as “BUSY” may be displayed on the image display unit 28. Also,
The information output unit 54 may also indicate that the image data is being written to the recording medium by blinking an LED, for example.

As described above, the recording medium 200 or 210
Is attached to the electronic camera body 100, the compression process (step S689) and the recording process (step S69)
0) can be sequentially executed to sequentially record image data relating to photographing on the recording medium 200 or 210.

In step S651, the system control circuit 50 confirms whether the switch signal SW2 is in the ON state, that is, whether or not the photographing instruction is continued.
If 2 is in the ON state, in step S653, the system control circuit 50 checks the state of the continuous shooting flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52, and the continuous shooting flag is set. In this case, the process returns to step S681, and the next shooting is performed.

[0200] On the other hand, when the continuous shooting flag is not set, until the switch signal SW2 returns to the OFF state,
That is, the processes of steps S651 and S652 are repeated until the shooting instruction is released.

As described above, in this embodiment, when quick review display is set to be performed immediately after photographing, when the recording process (step S690) or the warning process (step S691) ends, the switch signal is issued. Since the quick review display on the image display unit 28 is continued until the SW2 returns to the OFF state, the operator can carefully check the captured image.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S651 that the switch signal SW2 is in the OFF state, the flow advances to step S654 after waiting for a predetermined minimum review time to elapse. Note that the minimum review time may be a fixed value, or may be configured so that the operator can arbitrarily set it.

As described above, in this embodiment, the quick review display on the image display unit 28 is continued for a predetermined time, so that the operator can surely confirm the photographed image, Unnecessary continuation of the quick review display prevents the next shooting chance from being lost.

In step S654, the system control circuit 50 checks the state of the image display flag. If the image display flag is set, the process proceeds to step S657. If the image display flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S657. S
Proceed to 656.

In step S657, the display state of the image display unit 28 is set to the through display state regardless of the state of the image display flag, and the flow advances to step S660. Thereby, after the operator confirms the captured image by the quick review display on the image display unit 28, the image display unit 28
Is set to the through display state for the next shooting.

On the other hand, in step S656, the system control circuit 50 sets the image display on the image display unit 28 to the OFF state, and proceeds to step S660. In this case, since the image display unit 28 is turned off after the operator confirms the captured image by the quick review display on the image display unit 28, the image display unit 28, the D / A converter 26, and the like that consume a large amount of power are used. Power consumption is reduced.

In step S660, switch signal SW
It is determined whether or not 1 is in the ON state. If it is in the ON state, the process proceeds to step S645 to prepare for the next photographing.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, if the recording medium is not loaded when the shutter button 64 is pressed and the photographing operation is performed, the image display unit 28 is turned on. Regardless of the / OFF state (when the state is OFF, the state is switched to the ON state), an image related to imaging is displayed on the image display unit 28 (for example, a quick review display) and a predetermined warning is displayed. This prevents the operator from taking a picture without noticing that the recording medium is not mounted.

[Others] In the above embodiments, when the recording medium is not mounted, the shutter button 6
4 or the image output unit 5 in response to the operation of
The warning is issued to the operator by using the information 4, but the warning may be issued in response to other information. For example, a mode dial 60 also serving as a main switch, ON / OFF of image display
OFF switch 66, ON / OFF of quick review
The switch 68, each switch of the operation unit 70, a sensor that detects that the operator has touched the shutter button 64, a sensor that detects that the operator has gripped the grip, or a combination of the outputs of these switches and sensors Based on the supplied information, a warning to that effect can be issued when the recording medium is not mounted.

Further, a switch for the operator to confirm whether or not the recording medium is mounted is separately provided, and in response to the operation of this switch, when the recording medium is not mounted, a warning to that effect is provided. Can also be issued.

In each of the above embodiments, a warning is issued when the recording medium is not mounted on the electronic camera body 100. For example, when the recording medium is out of order, recording on the recording medium is prohibited. In such a case, it is effective to issue a warning to the operator even in a state where recording on the recording medium cannot be performed, such as when there is no free area in the recording medium.

[0212] In each of the above embodiments, the lens unit 300 is described as being of the interchangeable type. However, it is needless to say that the lens unit 300 and the electronic camera body 100 may be integrated. .
Further, the electronic camera body 100 may have a configuration in which a plurality of lens units 200 can be mounted.

When the image display unit 28 is turned off, all the elements constituting the image display unit 28 may be turned off, or some of the elements may be turned off. For example, only some of the elements of the image display unit 28 are turned off.
Even in the case where the configuration for setting the state is adopted, a function of preventing an unnecessary image from being displayed on the image display unit 28 when the lens unit 300 is detached from the electronic camera body 100 can be provided. For example, when the image display unit 28 is composed of an LCD and a backlight unit, LC
Turn off the backlight while keeping D ON
By setting the state, unnecessary images can be prevented from being displayed on the image display unit 28.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the through display and the quick review display are performed using one image display unit 28, but separate image display units for each display may be provided. . In this case, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which ON / OFF of each image display unit is performed according to the settings of the ON / OFF switch 66 for image display and the ON / OFF switch 68 for quick review, for example. Further, a configuration without the image display ON / OFF switch 66 and the quick review ON / OFF switch 68, or a configuration without the image display ON / OFF switch 66 and the quick review ON / OFF switch 68 is provided. Can also be adopted.

The recording media 200 and 210 are PC
In addition to MCIA cards, memory cards such as compact flash, hard disks, etc., for example, micro DAT,
It can also be constituted by a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk such as a CD-R or a CD-WR, or a phase change optical disk such as a DVD.

Further, the recording media 200 and 210 may be a composite medium in which a plurality of types of memory devices such as a memory card and a hard disk are integrated. In this case, a configuration in which a part of the memory device can be removed from the composite medium may be employed.

In each of the above embodiments, the recording media 200 and 210 and the electronic camera main body 100 are separate components, and the recording media 200 and 210 can be attached or detached as necessary. Alternatively, both may be fixedly connected to the electronic camera body 100. here,
When all the recording media are fixed to the electronic camera device 100, it is not an aspect to check whether or not the recording media is attached and to issue a warning to the operator when the recording media is not attached. For example, when a recording is not possible due to a failure state, a recording prohibited state, a state where there is no free area, or the like, a warning to that effect is issued.

Further, the number of memory media that can be mounted on the electronic camera body 100 may be one or more.

The present invention can be applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a lens unit, an image processing unit, an image recording unit, etc.), and can be applied to a single device (for example, a single camera). ) May be applied.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a system or an apparatus with a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or the apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, and CD.
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0225]

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a failure in recording an image due to, for example, a photographing operation being performed in a state where an image cannot be recorded on a recording medium.

[0226]

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electronic camera according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a main routine of the electronic camera body according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a main routine of the electronic camera body according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a main routine of the electronic camera body according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating details of distance measurement / photometry processing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating details of a photographing process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating details of display image processing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating details of a compression process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a main routine of the electronic camera body according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a main routine of the electronic camera body according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a main routine of the electronic camera body according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 14 Image sensor 16 A / D converter 18 Timing generation circuit 20 Image processing circuit 22 Memory control circuit 24 Image display memory 26 D / A converter 28 Image display unit 30 Memory 32 Image compression / decompression circuit 48 Flash 50 System control circuit 52 Memory 54 Information output unit 56 Nonvolatile memory 60 Mode dial switch 62 Shutter switch 64 Shutter button 66 Image display ON / OFF switch 68 Quick review ON / OFF switch 70 Operation unit 80 Power control unit 82 Connector 86 Power supply unit 90 Interface 92 Connector 94 Interface 96 Connector 98 Recording medium attachment / detachment detection unit 100 Image processing device 104 Optical finder 106 Lens mount 110 Communication unit 112 Connector (or antenna) 12 Interface 122 Connector 124 Lens attach / detach detection unit 126 Lens attach / detach switch 200 Recording medium 202 Recording unit 204 Interface 206 Connector 210 Recording medium 212 Recording unit 214 Interface 216 Connector 300 Lens unit 306 Lens mount 310 Photo lens 312 Shutter 320 Interface 322 Connector 340 Exposure control Unit 342 Focus control unit 344 Zoom control unit 350 Lens control circuit SW1 switch signal SW2 switch signal

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Taku Yamagami 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Canon Inc. (reference) 2H102 AA00 BB05 BB08 CA11 5C052 AA17 GA02 GA03 GA06 GA07 GB01 GB07 GE08

Claims (26)

[Claims] 1. An image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium, comprising: input means for inputting an image; recording means for recording the image on a recording medium; Detecting means for detecting whether or not it is in a state in which recording is possible; receiving means for receiving an instruction relating to image recording; and when the receiving means receives the instruction, the recording means stores the image on the recording medium. An image recording apparatus comprising: a warning unit that issues a predetermined warning when an image cannot be recorded. 2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit includes an image sensor. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a connection unit for connecting to a removable recording medium, wherein the detection unit includes a unit for detecting whether the recording medium is connected to the connection unit. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said warning means includes means for displaying a warning. 5. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning unit includes a sound output unit that outputs a warning sound. 6. An image display means for displaying an image obtained by subjecting an image input by the input means to a predetermined process, wherein the warning means displays a warning using the image display means. The image recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: 7. The warning means, using the image display means, displays a warning image together with an image obtained by performing predetermined processing on an image continuously input by the input means. Item 7. An image recording apparatus according to Item 6. 8. The image recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the warning unit uses the image display unit to display a specific image indicating a warning. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the warning unit uses the image display unit to display a warning image together with a recording image obtained by performing a predetermined process on the image input by the input unit. Item 7. An image recording apparatus according to Item 6. 10. The warning means switches the image display means to an operation state when the image display means is inactive, and displays a warning image using the image display means. The image recording apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: 11. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit has a shutter button for receiving an instruction regarding photographing. 12. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising holding means for holding the recording medium at a predetermined position, and wherein the detecting means includes means for detecting the presence or absence of the recording medium. . 13. An execution unit that executes a virtual recording operation when the receiving unit receives the instruction and the recording unit cannot record an image on the recording medium. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: 14. A method for controlling an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium, comprising: an inputting step of inputting an image, a recording step of recording the image on a recording medium, and recording an image on the recording medium. A detection step of detecting whether or not an image can be recorded on the recording medium when an instruction for recording an image is received. And a warning process for issuing a warning. 15. The image recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein in the recording step, an image obtained by performing predetermined processing on an image captured by an image sensor in the input step is recorded on the recording medium. Control method. 16. The image recording apparatus has a connection unit for connecting to a detachable recording medium, and in the detecting step, detecting whether or not the recording medium is connected to the connection unit. The method according to claim 13, wherein the control method includes: 17. The method according to claim 14, wherein the warning step includes a step of displaying a warning. 18. The method according to claim 14, wherein the warning step includes a sound output step of outputting a warning sound. 19. The image recording apparatus has image display means for displaying an image obtained by subjecting an image input in the input step to a predetermined process, and in the warning step, utilizing the image display means. 17. The control method for an image recording apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a warning is displayed. 20. The warning step, wherein, using the image display means, a warning image is displayed together with an image obtained by performing predetermined processing on an image continuously input in the input step. Item 20. A method for controlling an image recording apparatus according to item 19. 21. The method according to claim 19, wherein in the warning step, a specific image indicating a warning is displayed using the image display means. 22. The warning step, wherein in the warning step, a warning image is displayed together with a recording image obtained by performing predetermined processing on the image input in the input step, using the image display means. Item 20. A method for controlling an image recording apparatus according to item 19. 23. In the warning step, when the image display means is in a non-operation state, the image display means is switched to an operation state, and a warning image is displayed using the image display means. The method for controlling an image recording apparatus according to claim 19, wherein: 24. The image recording apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising holding means for holding the recording medium at a predetermined position, wherein the detecting step includes a step of detecting the presence or absence of the recording medium. 3. The method for controlling an image recording apparatus according to claim 1. 25. The method according to claim 25, further comprising the step of executing a virtual recording operation when it is not possible to record an image on the recording medium when receiving an instruction for recording an image. Claim 14 or Claim 2
5. The method for controlling an image recording apparatus according to any one of 4. 26. A memory medium storing a control program for controlling an image recording apparatus for recording an image on a recording medium, the control program comprising: an inputting step of inputting an image; and recording the image on the recording medium. A recording step, and a detection step of detecting whether or not an image can be recorded on the recording medium. A warning step of issuing a predetermined warning when the recording cannot be performed.