JP2001169222A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera that a user can easily arrange and retrieve image files after recording. SOLUTION: The electronic camera recording image data acquired through an image pickup element onto a recording medium, has prepared in advance a plurality of folders (folder numbers '100'-'109'), and a user can select a desired folder by using a folder selection means. In the case of recording the photographed data, the selected folder is actually created in the recording medium and the photographed data are recorded on the folder so long as the folder is not revised. In the reproduction, the photographed data are reproduced sequentially in the order data finally recorded on the selected folder. The user can use a plurality of the folders depending on applications (depending on photographed places, photographed weekdays and objects or the like) and the data arrangement to transfer later the image data to a personal computer or the like is convenient.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera such as a digital camera, and more particularly, to an electronic camera that converts an optical image into an electric signal using an image pickup device and records image information of a still image or a moving image on a recording medium. About.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a digital camera, an image obtained by photographing through an image sensor is recorded as digital image data on a recording medium (removable medium) such as a memory inside the camera or a removable IC card. The image thus recorded can be displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor, and can be transferred to an external device such as a personal computer for use.

[0003]

However, in a conventional digital camera, a single folder is created on a recording medium, and photographed image data is sequentially stored in this folder. Some cameras automatically generate the next folder when one folder created first reaches the data recording limit (Full), and then record image data in that folder.

In such a conventional recording method, only image data is stored in the order of photographing. For example, a case where a large number of photographings are performed by changing a photographing place, a case where photographing is performed by changing the photographing date and subject, etc. However, it is difficult to classify and organize the image data stored in the recording medium later.

[0005] In this regard, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. Hei 6-233225 discloses that a directory is created for each shooting mode in order to organize image data files in an easy-to-view manner, in which a directory of image data shot in a predetermined shooting mode is stored. Only files are stored.

However, according to the method described in the publication, different folders are created for each photographing mode, so that the file classification desired by the user may not be performed.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has as its object to provide an electronic camera capable of easily organizing and retrieving recorded image files.

[0008]

According to the present invention, there is provided an electronic camera having an image pickup device and recording means for recording image data acquired via the image pickup device on a recording medium. The electronic camera includes a folder creation unit that can create a plurality of folders in a recording area of the recording medium, a folder selection unit that selects a desired folder from the plurality of folders, and a folder selected by the folder selection unit. Recording control means for storing the image data in a camera, wherein a plurality of folders are virtually prepared in advance,
When image data is recorded in the folder selected by the folder selecting means, the selected folder is actually created.

According to the present invention, a plurality of folders are virtually prepared in advance, and the user can select a data storage destination folder by the folder selection means.
The data of the image captured by the image sensor is recorded in the selected folder. In this way, by dividing folders when recording data, related image data can be stored in a common folder, which is convenient for organizing and searching for images later.

Further, in the electronic camera of the present invention, when image data is recorded in the folder selected by the folder selecting means, the selected folder is actually created. According to this aspect, a folder related to the selection is created at the time of recording the image data, and thereafter, the image data is recorded in the folder unless the folder is changed. This can prevent the creation of an empty folder. In addition, by giving folder names to multiple prepared folders in advance, the user can specify the save destination folder simply by selecting the folder without setting complicated folder names etc. Becomes easier.

In the electronic camera according to the present invention, it is preferable that, when the image data is recorded in the folder selected by the folder selecting means, a file name automatic giving means for automatically giving a file name indicating a recording order is added. preferable. This eliminates the need for the user to input a file name, and enables image playback control based on the shooting order.

In the electronic camera according to the present invention, it is preferable that information display means for displaying folder information indicating the folder selected by the folder selection means is added. By displaying the information display means, the user can easily confirm the folder related to the selection.

An electronic camera according to another aspect of the present invention is the electronic camera having the above-mentioned configuration, further comprising a predetermined number of files in the folder selected by the folder selecting means, and a file being created in the folder. If the electronic camera cannot be operated, the electronic camera is provided with a prohibition unit for prohibiting a photographing operation.

An electronic camera according to still another aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, further comprises a display means for displaying an image based on the image data stored in the recording medium; A mode selection unit for selecting a shooting mode to be acquired and a reproduction mode for outputting an image by the display unit; and displaying the image data stored in the folder selected by the folder selection unit in the reproduction mode. Playback control means for outputting the selected folder, wherein folder information indicating the selected folder is displayed on the display means.

In this case, the display means displays not only an image but also folder information indicating the selected folder.

As one mode of the electronic camera according to the present invention having a reproducing function, the photographing order is managed by means for storing information on the photographing order, and in the reproduction mode, the images in the folder selected by the folder selecting means are stored. There is a mode in which the data is reproduced in order from the last recorded image data. By setting the file name to a sequential number in the shooting order, information on the shooting order can be obtained from the file name.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an electronic camera according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention. The camera 10 is a digital camera designed mainly for taking photographs such as construction confirmation photographs at a construction site, and a body 12 is formed of a hard resin material. On the front of the camera 10, a photographic lens 14, a finder window 16, a strobe 18, and a strobe light sensor 20 are provided. Shooting lens 1
A transparent glass 22 for protecting the lens is provided on the front surface of the lens 4. The material of the lens protection member is not limited to glass, but may be a transparent resin or another alternative material that can play a similar role.

Behind the taking lens 14, a CCD image sensor (not shown in FIG. 1;
0, hereinafter referred to as CCD. ) Are arranged. Reference numeral 24 in FIG. 1 denotes a grip. The grips 24 are formed on both sides of the body 12 in consideration of allowing the photographer to securely hold the camera 10 with both hands even while wearing gloves.

A release button 26 is provided on the upper surface of the camera 10.
And a liquid crystal display panel 28, and a terminal cover 30 is provided on the side surface. The terminal cover 30 is openably and closably connected to the body 12 by a hinge mechanism (not shown). The terminal cover 30 is slid downward in FIG. 1 and then lifted upward to open the terminal cover 30. ing. A non-slip 30A is formed on the surface of the terminal cover 30 to facilitate opening and closing operations.

The body 1 corresponding to the position of the terminal cover 30
A concave portion 32 is formed on the second side, in which a video output (VIDEO OUT) terminal 34 and a power input terminal (for example, DC I
N 3V terminal) 36 is provided. By connecting a video cable (not shown) to the video output terminal 34, a video signal can be output to a television receiver or other external device, and a terminal of an AC power adapter (not shown) can be connected to the power input terminal 36. By connecting, power can be supplied from outside the camera.

On the back surface of the terminal cover 30, a convex portion 38 which can be fitted into the concave portion 32 is formed. Around the convex portion 38, a sealing member (O-ring) 40 for waterproofing is provided. Thereby, when the terminal cover 30 is closed, the terminal portion is waterproof-protected.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the camera 10. Reference numeral 42 in FIG. 2 is a strap attachment portion. The strap attachment portions 42 are provided on both right and left ends of the body 12, and a neck strap (not shown) is attached to the strap attachment portions 42.

The release button 26 is of a two-stage type, and is "half-pressed" to lightly press and release the release button 26.
In the state of, automatic focusing (AF) and automatic exposure control (AE) are activated to lock AF and AE, and "half-press"
The photographing is executed in a state of “fully pressed” in which the image is further pushed.

The liquid crystal display panel 28 is a means for displaying information on the state of the camera, the photographing mode and the like. As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid crystal display panel 28 includes a folder number display section 44 for displaying a selected folder number, a frame number / information display section 45 for displaying the standard number of recordable images and mode information, and a remaining battery capacity display section. 46, a strobe information display section 47 for displaying a mark indicating a strobe mode of strobe forced light emission / prohibition of light emission, and a macro information display section 48 for displaying a macro mark indicating that the mode is the macro mode when a macro (short distance shooting) mode is set. , And a calendar display unit 49 for displaying a date, and predetermined information contents corresponding to the respective display units 44 to 49 are displayed.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the camera 10. As shown in the figure, a liquid crystal monitor 50,
A finder 52, a power / mode lever 54, a cancel / folder selection button 56, a cross button 58, a display button 60, a menu / execute button 62, and the like are provided.

The liquid crystal monitor 50 is composed of a color liquid crystal display, and displays images captured via the CCD 90 and a memory card (FIG. 4) loaded in the camera 10.
(Not shown in the middle, described as 88 in FIG. 6). Also, the LCD monitor 50 includes
In addition to the image, mode information, a battery remaining amount warning, a shooting date and time, a standard number of shootable images, a playback frame number, and the like are also displayed. The liquid crystal display panel 28 and the liquid crystal monitor 5 described with reference to FIG.
Hereinafter, the liquid crystal display panel 28 will be referred to as "character liquid crystal 28" in order to distinguish it from "0".

In the photographing mode, when the display button 60 is pressed down, the display on the liquid crystal monitor 50 can be turned on / off, and a power saving photographing mode (referred to as a still mode) in which the angle of view is adjusted by looking through the viewfinder 52 can be achieved. . However, in the macro mode, the LCD monitor 50 is turned off.
You can't do F.

A finder lamp 64 is provided beside the finder 52, and the operating state and state of the camera 10 are represented by a combination of the lighting color and the lighting state (lighting / flashing) of the lamp.

The power / mode lever 54 turns on the main power.
A power switch functioning as a power switch for turning on / off and a mode selection switch for switching between a shooting mode and a reproduction mode. The power / mode lever 54 is turned off from below in FIG.
It is composed of a rotary lever switch that can be stopped at three positions in the order of position, playback mode position, and shooting mode position.

The shooting mode is a mode selected when shooting and when setting up the camera 10. The playback mode is a mode selected when playing or erasing an image stored in the memory card 88 or the like. As an output form at the time of reproduction, in addition to normal reproduction (single-frame reproduction) in which images are reproduced and displayed one by one on the liquid crystal monitor 50, multi reproduction in which a plurality of images are arranged and displayed on one screen of the liquid crystal monitor 50 is also available It is possible. In the reproduction mode, it is possible to erase an image, initialize (format) a memory card, set / cancel erasure prevention (protect), input print information, and the like.

When the power / mode lever 54 is set to the power OFF position, the main power of the camera 10 is turned off. The camera 10 has an auto power-off function, and when a non-operation state continues for a predetermined time (for example, 2 minutes), the power is automatically turned off. To return from the power-off state by the auto power-off function,
After returning the mode lever 54 to the power OFF position,
The photographing mode or the reproduction mode is reset.

Cancel / Folder selection button 56
Is an operation switch having both a function of displaying a folder switching menu screen on the liquid crystal monitor 50 and a function of a cancel (cancel) button. Although the operation procedure of the folder selection will be described in detail later, if the cancel / folder selection button 56 is pressed while a display other than the menu screen is being performed in either the shooting mode or the playback mode, the folder switching menu is displayed. Transit to Display.

On the folder switching menu screen, the user operates the up and down cursor buttons 66 of the cross button 58 to switch folders, selects a desired folder, and confirms with the menu / execute button 62. This camera 10
Then 10 folders (folder name: 100_FUJI ~
109_FUJI) is virtually prepared in advance, and the default is 100_FUJI.

When the cancel / folder selection button 56 is used as a cancel button, for example, when returning from the menu display screen to the normal screen (or the previous screen) in the reproduction mode, the selection of the deletion item is canceled. In some cases, such as canceling the selection of the protect item, canceling the selection of the print designation item, canceling the selection of the date and time, returning to the menu screen, etc., the button 56 is pressed down as necessary.

The cross button 58 is an up / down cursor button 6
6. It comprises a right cursor dual use flash button 67 and a left cursor dual use macro button 68.

The up and down cursor buttons 66 are used to select a menu item while the menu screen is displayed, or to select a folder number while the folder switching menu is displayed. The up and down cursor buttons 66 are also used as adjustment means for adjusting the brightness of the liquid crystal monitor 50, and the brightness can be adjusted up with the up cursor button 66A and down with the down cursor button 66B.

The right cursor / strobe button 67 changes the setting of each menu item by the button 67 when the menu is being displayed, and functions differently in the photographing mode and the reproduction mode except for the menu display. That is, in the photographing mode, the button 67 functions as a strobe mode changeover switch, and every time the button 67 is pressed, "auto (low-brightness automatic flash)" → "forced flash" → "flash off" → "auto". The strobe mode cycles cyclically.

In the case of power ON / OFF operation or power-off by the auto power-off function, the flash mode set immediately before the power-off is stored. When the power is restarted, the flash mode setting is the same as the last time. Maintained in state. When the strobe mode is other than "auto", strobe mode information is displayed on the screen of the character liquid crystal 28 and the liquid crystal monitor 50 by displaying a predetermined mark.

In the playback mode, the right cursor / strobe button 67 is used as a forward button for sequentially forwarding playback frames.

The left cursor / macro button 68 changes the setting of each menu item by the button 68 when the menu is displayed, and functions differently in the shooting mode and the reproduction mode except for the menu display. In the shooting mode, the button 68 functions as a macro mode setting switch. When the button 68 is pressed, the camera 10 is set to a macro mode suitable for short-range shooting, and the liquid crystal monitor 50 is automatically turned on. Then, the image (through image, live image) captured by the CCD 90 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 5.
0, and macro mode information (macro mark) is displayed on the screen of the character liquid crystal 28 and the liquid crystal monitor 50.

In the macro mode, the flash mode before entering the macro mode is inherited as it is. After the transition to the macro mode, if the button 68 is pressed again, the setting of the macro mode is canceled.

Power supply OF by power supply / mode lever 54
In the case of the power-off by the F operation or the auto power-off function, the setting of the macro mode is canceled (turned off). Therefore, it is necessary to set the macro mode again when restarting. In the macro mode, the liquid crystal monitor 50 is not turned off even if the display button 60 is pressed. In close-range shooting, the angle of view adjustment by the viewfinder 52 (optical viewfinder) tends to be inaccurate due to the influence of parallax. Therefore, checking the actual shot image through the LCD monitor 50 enables more accurate angle of view adjustment. Becomes

In the playback mode, the left cursor / macro button 68 is used as a button for rewinding the playback frame.

The display button 60 is a switch for turning on / off the display of the liquid crystal monitor 50 in the photographing mode. In the playback mode, each time the button 60 is pressed once, the “one-frame playback on-screen display (O
SD) display ”→“ No OSD display for single-frame playback ”→“ Multi-playback (with OSD display for 3 seconds) ”cyclically. However, “Single-frame playback” is displayed during menu display
← → Changes to “Multi playback”.

The menu / execute button 62 is used to make a transition from the normal screen in each mode to the menu screen, or in the menu screen of each mode, to enable the selection items and to display the normal screen (when there are multiple menu layers). Is used to transition to the previous screen). Specifically, menu display in shooting mode and playback mode, selection of items, confirmation of deletion items and execution of deletion, selection and execution of protection items, selection and execution of print specification items, selection and execution of print specification items, selection of menu items It is used when confirming, selecting the date and time setting, returning to the shooting menu, and the like.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 70 at the bottom of the camera 10 denotes a battery cover. The battery cover 70 is openably and closably connected to the body 12 by a hinge mechanism (not shown), and has a structure in which the battery cover 70 is slid rightward in FIG. 4 and then opened downward.

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the camera 10.
As shown in the figure, a concave portion 72 is formed on the body 12 side corresponding to the position of the battery cover 70, into which a battery storage portion 74 and a memory card 88 (not shown in FIG. 5) are inserted. Media slot 76 is formed.

On the back surface of the battery cover 70, a convex portion 78 that can be fitted into the concave portion 72 is formed, and around the convex portion 78, a sealing member (O-ring) 80 for waterproofing is provided.
Thereby, when the battery cover 70 is closed, the battery storage section 74 and the media slot 76 are waterproof-protected. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 82 denotes a terminal that comes into contact with the battery electrode, 84 denotes a memory card pull-out knob, and 86 denotes a tripod screw hole.

The battery cover 70 is opened when the battery is replaced or when the memory card is inserted and removed. When the battery is driven, the power is turned off by opening the battery cover 70 (open). Further, even when the AC power adapter is used, the power is turned off when the battery cover 70 is opened. In this case, even if the battery cover 70 is closed, the power is not turned on unless the power / mode lever 54 is operated again to set each mode from power off.

As shown in FIG. 6, the media slot 76
The memory card 88 is inserted into the camera 10 by fully inserting the memory card 88 into the camera 10. To remove the memory card 88, use the memory card drawer knob 84
Is pulled until it stops, and when a part of the memory card 88 comes out of the media slot 76, the end of the memory card 88 is picked and taken out.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the camera 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the camera 10 mainly includes the photographing lens 1.
4, CCD 90, analog signal processing unit 92, A / D converter 94, memory controller 96, image memory 98,
Digital signal processing unit 100, compression / expansion circuit 102, VR
AM (Video RAM) 104, character generator 1
06, D / A converter 108, liquid crystal monitor 50, media slot 76 as an interface for memory card 88, central processing unit (CPU) 110, ROM 112,
It comprises a RAM 114, a character liquid crystal 28, an operation unit 116 including various key switches, and the like.

The photographing lens 14 is composed of one or a plurality of lenses, and may be a lens having a single focal length (fixed focus) or a focal length such as a zoom lens or a telephoto / wide-angle bifocal switchable lens. It may be variable.

The subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 90 via the photographing lens 14 is converted by each sensor into signal charges of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light. The signal charges thus accumulated are read out by a CCD drive pulse applied from a CCD drive circuit (not shown), and sequentially read as a voltage signal (analog image pickup signal) corresponding to the signal charge.
Output from 0.

The CCD 90 is provided with a shutter drain via a shutter gate. By driving the shutter gate with a shutter gate pulse, accumulated signal charges can be swept out to the shutter drain. That is, the CCD 90 has a so-called electronic shutter function of controlling the accumulation time (shutter speed) of the electric charge accumulated in each sensor by the shutter gate pulse.

The signal read from the CCD 90 is applied to an analog signal processor 92. The analog signal processing unit 92 includes a sampling hold circuit and a gain adjustment circuit, and the imaging signal of the CCD 90 is
In the above, a correlated double sampling (CDS) process and a color separation process for each of the R, G, B color signals are performed, and the signal level of each color signal is adjusted (pre-white balance process).

The signal output from the analog signal processing section 92 is converted into R, G, and B digital signals by an A / D converter 94 and then stored in an image memory 98 via a memory controller 96. .

The data stored in the image memory 98 is transmitted via the memory controller 96 to the digital signal processor 10.
Sent to 0. The digital signal processing unit 100 includes a luminance / color difference signal conversion circuit, a gamma correction circuit, and the like. The RGB data input to the digital signal processing unit 100 is converted into a luminance signal (Y signal) and a color difference signal (Cr, Cb signal), and is subjected to predetermined processing such as gamma correction. The data is written back to the memory 98.

The luminance / color difference signals (abbreviated as YC signals) stored in the image memory 98 are stored in the memory controller 9.
6 and supplied to the VRAM 104.
A character generator 106 is connected to the VRAM 104, and data of characters and symbols generated by the character generator 106 is added to image data to generate a VRA.
It is stored in M104.

The data stored in the VRAM 104 is converted into a signal (for example, N
After being converted to a TSC color composite video signal)
The signal is externally output from the video output terminal 34 via the / A converter 108 and is also output to the liquid crystal monitor 50. The display means is not limited to the liquid crystal display, and another display device capable of color display may be applied.

The image data is periodically rewritten by an image pickup signal output from the CCD 90, and a video signal generated from the image data is supplied to the liquid crystal monitor 50. The image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 50 as a live image) or as an almost continuous image, though not in real time.

The liquid crystal monitor 50 can be used as an electronic view finder, and the photographer can confirm the photographing angle of view with the display image on the liquid crystal monitor 50 or the finder 52. In response to a predetermined recording instruction (imaging start instruction) operation such as a press operation of the release button 26 included in the operation unit 116, the capture of the image data for recording is started.

When the photographer inputs a photographing / recording instruction from the operation unit 116, the CPU 110 sends a command to the compression / expansion circuit 102 as necessary, thereby
02 compresses the image data on the image memory 98 in accordance with JPEG or another predetermined format. The compressed image data is recorded on the memory card 88 via the media slot 76.

When a mode for recording uncompressed image data (non-compression mode) is selected, the compression processing by the compression / expansion circuit 102 is not performed, and the image data is stored in the memory card 88 without compression. Will be recorded.

In the digital camera 10 of this embodiment, a memory card 88 is used as recording means for storing image data. Specifically, for example, smart media (Solid-
State Floppy Disk Card) is applied. The form of the recording medium is not limited to the above, and various forms such as a PC card, a micro drive, a multimedia card (MMC), a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, and a memory stick are possible. Appropriate signal processing means and interfaces are applied.

In the camera 10 of this embodiment, a DPOF (Digital
Print Order Format)
In addition to recording the image data of each frame shot at 90 as an image file, print information of the image of each frame is recorded as a print information file (DPOF file). The print information is referred to when an image recorded on the memory card 88 is printed. For example, information on the number of prints, trimming, and the like, information on whether or not printing has been performed, and the like can be recorded. The information is described in one print information file in a text file format.

In the reproduction mode, the image data read from the memory card 88 is expanded by the compression / expansion circuit 102 and output to the liquid crystal monitor 50 via the VRAM 104 and the D / A converter 108.

The CPU 110 is a control section (control means) for controlling each circuit of the camera 10. The memory controller 96, the ROM 112, and the RA
M114 and so on. The ROM 112 stores a control program for the camera 10 and various setting data necessary for control. The CPU 110 can use the RO
The information of M112 is read and the camera 10 is controlled.
The RAM 114 is used as a work memory when the CPU 110 performs various arithmetic processing and the like.

The CPU 110 controls the operation of the corresponding circuit based on the input signal received from the operation unit 116, and also controls the display on the liquid crystal monitor 50 and the character liquid crystal 28. Further, the CPU 110 controls a zooming operation and a focus adjustment (AF) operation of the photographing lens 14, and controls an automatic exposure adjustment (AE). That is, CP
U110 performs various calculations such as a focus evaluation calculation and an AE calculation based on the image pickup signal output from the CCD 90, and controls a focus lens driving motor (not shown) based on the calculations to move the focus lens to the in-focus position. And the charge accumulation time of the CCD 90 is controlled.

Therefore, the photographing lens 14 of the camera 10
By simply pointing the camera at the subject, optimal exposure adjustment is performed and focusing is performed automatically. Note that A
For E and AF, besides a method of controlling based on an image pickup signal acquired from the CCD 90, a well-known photometric sensor or a distance measuring sensor including an AF light emitting / receiving sensor may be used.

The operation unit 116 is a block including various input means such as the release button 26 for giving an instruction to start recording an image, the cross button 58, the display button 60, and the menu / execute button 62 described with reference to FIG. The input means is not limited to a form such as a switch button, a dial, or a slide-type knob. There is also a mode in which a setting menu or a selection item is displayed on a screen of a touch panel or the liquid crystal monitor 50 and a desired item is selected by a cursor.

In the camera 10 of this embodiment, the operation section 116 is provided on the body 12, but a portion corresponding to the operation section 116 may be separated from the camera body as a remote control transmitter.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a folder hierarchical structure of a memory card. In the formatted memory card 88, a “DSC” folder is created under the root (ROOT), and under this folder, 100_FUJI, 101_FUJI, 102_FUJI
... Ten folders named 109_FUJI are virtually prepared. At the stage when the memory card 88 is initialized in order not to create an empty folder, 100_FUJI, 101_FUJI
The folder I, 102_FUJI ... 109_FUJI is not actually created.

When the user selects “100_FUJI” to “109_FUJI”
When any folder is selected from “I” and the image data is actually stored in the folder, a substantial folder is created.

Although 100_FUJI is set by default, pressing the cancel / folder selection button 56 displays a folder switching menu on the LCD monitor 50. After switching folders using the up / down cursor buttons 66, the menu / execute button 62 is pressed. The folder can be freely selected by the operation procedure of pressing and confirming.

Each folder contains 9999 images (99
99 image files). The image data is automatically given a file name “DSCF ****. JPG” by the CPU 110 according to the shooting order. "DSC
The four-digit number following "F" is the file number in the folder.

Each of the folders (Nos. 100 to 109) that can be selected by the camera 10 of this embodiment has a “frame No. memory function”. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of the frame number memory function.
As shown in the figure, when the frame No. memory function is set to "OFF", shooting starts from file No. 0001 for each memory card. Therefore, in this case, when the memory card A is removed from the camera 10 and another memory card B is inserted, a file No. is assigned to the memory card B independently of the memory card A before replacement.

On the other hand, the frame number memory function is turned “ON”.
When set to, even if multiple memory cards are used, file numbers are assigned so that file numbers are consecutive in folders with the same number. Set the frame number memory function to "O
If "N" is set, the file numbers will be consecutive in the folders of the same number even if the memory card is replaced, so that the file names will not be duplicated when images are imported to a personal computer or the like, which is convenient for file management.

The frame number memory function “ON” /
Regardless of the “OFF” setting, the stored “Last File No.
If an image with a file number larger than "" exists in the folder, the file number is assigned from the continuation of the larger file number.

When the image in the memory card 88 is reproduced in the reproduction mode, as shown in FIG.
A seven-digit number (frame No.) is displayed at the upper right of the 0 screen.
Of the seven digits, the first three digits indicate the folder number, and the last four digits from the hyphen (-) indicate the file number.

The file number can be assigned from "0001" to "9999", and cannot be recorded beyond "9999". As shown in FIG. 11, when the file number in the folder reaches “9999”, in order to newly record image data in the folder, all the images in the folder are deleted, and the frame number memory function is set to “OFF”. ", It becomes possible to record sequentially from file No. 0001.

FIGS. 12 and 13 are explanatory diagrams showing the procedure of file selection in the camera 10 of this embodiment. The outline of the file selection procedure will be described with reference to these figures. When the cancel / file selection button 56 is pressed in the shooting mode or the playback mode as shown in FIG. 12A, as shown in FIG. The selected folder screen is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 50, and the selected folder number display flashes on the character liquid crystal 28 as shown in FIG. Note that, even when the liquid crystal monitor 50 is off (in the power saving shooting mode), the liquid crystal monitor 50 is turned on in response to the pressing of the cancel / folder selection button 56.

In this state, when the up / down cursor button 66 is pressed as shown in FIG. 13A, the folder is switched. As shown in FIG.
Is pressed, the folder numbers "100" to "109"
The folder is switched inside. Then, with the desired folder number displayed, FIG.
As shown in (2), when the menu / execute button 62 is pressed, the selected folder is determined.

Next, the operation of the camera 10 configured as described above will be described.

FIG. 14 is a mode transition diagram when the camera 10 is set to the photographing mode. Power / mode lever 54
Is in the "OFF" position, the camera 10 is in the power-off state (# 400), and when the power / mode lever 54 is set to the "shooting mode", the power is turned on and the flash unit is turned on. The state shifts to the charging state (# 402).

When the charging is completed, the liquid crystal monitor 50 enters a movie mode (# 404) for displaying an OSD and a movie (through image). However, if the LCD monitor is set to OFF at startup in the shooting menu, a still mode in which no monitor display is performed (# 408)
Becomes

Movie mode with OSD on (# 404)
When the display button 60 is depressed, the OSD is turned off and the mode shifts to the movie mode (# 406) in which only the movie display is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 50. When the display button 60 is further pressed in the movie mode (# 406) with the OSD off, the mode shifts to the still mode (# 408).

Movie mode with OSD ON (# 40
4) When the menu / execute button 62 is pressed in any one of the OSD-off movie mode (# 406) and the still mode (# 408), the menu is displayed (# 410), and the menu display is performed (# 410). # 41
When the menu / execute button 62 is pressed again at 0), the mode returns to the immediately previous mode (the mode before transition to the menu display state).

When the item of "setup" is selected from the menu screen in the menu display state (# 410), the display transits to the setup menu display state (# 412). The setup menu includes sub menu setting items such as LCD setting, frame number memory setting, beep sound setting, and calendar setting. The item is moved by the up / down cursor button 66, and the left / right cursor button (67,
68), the setting contents can be changed.

After the setting is completed or when moving to another submenu, the left / right cursor buttons (67, 68) or the menu / execute button 62 is pressed. The contents set in the menu are stored in a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM, and are held when the power is turned on / off. The settings are retained even if the power is turned off or the battery is removed after the menu ends. However, if the battery is removed during menu setting, data may be written to the EEPROM, and data cannot be guaranteed. In this case, it returns to the initial value.

Cross button 5 for submenu contents
A desired item is selected at 8 and the menu / execute button 62 is used to confirm the selection. Cancel on the setup menu screen /
Pressing the folder selection button 56 returns to the menu screen. After returning to the shooting menu, when the menu / execute button 62 is further pressed, a predetermined shooting mode (# 404, # 40) is pressed.
6 or # 408).

Movie mode with OSD ON (# 40
4) When the cancel // folder selection button 56 is pressed in any one of the OSD-off movie mode (# 406) and still mode (# 408),
The screen shifts to a folder selection screen (# 414). In this state, the up / down cursor button 66 and the menu / execute button 62
Use to select a folder. Cancel / Folder Select Button 56 on Folder Switching Screen
When is pressed, the mode returns to the original predetermined shooting mode.

When the power / mode lever 54 is set to the playback mode, the camera 10 enters the playback mode. At the time of transition to the reproduction mode, the reproduction is started from the image recorded last in the folder selected in the shooting mode. Even in the playback mode, the folder can be changed.

When the power / mode lever 54 is returned from the reproduction mode to the "photographing mode", the strobe charging state (# 40)
The operation proceeds to 2), and after charging is completed, the mode is shifted to either the OSD-on movie mode (# 404) or the still mode (# 408) according to the LCD setting set in the shooting menu.

If the charging has already been completed when the power / mode lever 54 is returned to the "photographing mode",
The charging process is omitted, and the mode immediately transitions to either the OSD-on movie mode (# 404) or the still mode (# 408).

Next, an operation procedure in the photographing mode will be described.

When the power / mode lever 54 is set to the photographing mode position, the camera 10 enters the photographing mode. If LCD ON is set in the shooting menu,
The character liquid crystal 28 and the liquid crystal monitor 50 display as shown in FIG. The character liquid crystal 28 displays the folder number, the standard number of recordable images, the remaining battery level, and the date for the current selection.

On the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 50, a through image (live image) captured by the CCD 90 is displayed.
Depending on the situation, mode information 120 indicating the shooting mode is displayed at the upper left of the screen, a camera shake warning mark 122, a file number at the upper right of the screen, a macro mark 126, flash mode information 128, an AF target mark 130 at the center, and a lower part of the screen at the bottom. Displays a date, a time, a battery remaining amount warning 132, and the like.

When the cancel / folder selection button 56 is pressed in this state, the screen shifts to a folder switching screen as shown in FIG. At this time, the folder number display section 44 of the character liquid crystal 28 flashes, and a folder mark 134 in which a folder is designed is displayed at the center of the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 50, and the folder number currently selected (in FIG. “100”) is displayed.

Under the folder mark 134, an explanatory character “folder” and a description “confirmation → confirmation” indicating that the menu / execute button 62 should be pressed at the time of confirmation.
[Execute]] is displayed. In this screen, the folder is moved with the up and down cursor buttons 66.

When the upper cursor button 66A is pressed once, the folder number is displayed as "10" as shown in FIG.
"1". Thereafter, each time the upper cursor button 66A is pressed once, the folder number is incremented by one, and can be changed to the folder number "109" as shown in FIG. Each time the down cursor button 66B is pressed once, the folder number is decreased by one.

When the up cursor button 66A is pressed when the current is "109", the folder becomes "100". When the down cursor button 66B is pressed when the current is "100", the folder becomes "109". In addition,
When the up cursor button 66A or the down cursor button 66B is pressed for more than one second, folders that can be selected are continuously switched.

When the menu / execute button 62 is pressed while the desired folder number is displayed, the selected folder is determined, and the folder switching screen is switched to the original shooting mode screen as shown in FIG. It returns, the blinking display of the folder information on the character LCD 28 returns to the normal display,
The folder number related to the selection is displayed.

If no more data can be recorded in the currently selected folder, the subsequent photographing operation is prohibited, and an error is displayed on the character liquid crystal 28 as shown in FIG. The display is turned off, and “FL1” is displayed on the frame number / information display section 45, and a warning message “! FILE NO.FULL” is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 50 as shown in FIG. It is.

If no more data can be recorded in the selected folder, the files in the
9 or a case where the memory capacity of the memory card is full. In the case of, “! FILE NO.F” is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 50.
Below the warning message "ULL",
0 "is displayed.

In order to cancel the prohibition of the photographing operation in the case, it is necessary to select another folder or to delete a part or all of the files in the current folder. However, when the file number is deleted, the image is stored using the deleted file number.

On the other hand, in order to cancel the prohibition of the photographing operation in the above case, it is necessary to delete some or all of the files in the current folder or to record the files in another recording medium (memory card). .

Further, as described above, the camera 10 of this example has a frame number memory function for recording a frame number.
Frame No. When the memory function is turned on, the file number is 9 even if it is replaced with another recording medium (memory card).
If it reaches 999, it cannot be recorded on another exchanged recording medium. However, in such a case,
No. If the memory function is changed from ON to OFF, recording on another recording medium becomes possible.

After selecting the folder, the AE and AF controls are operated by half-pressing the release button 26 (S1 on), and the fetching of the image for recording, data compression and recording processing are performed by the full-pressing operation (S2 on). Start and create an image file. In the case of the movie mode in which a through image is output to the liquid crystal monitor 50, the captured still image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 50 for a fixed time (freeze image display).

If no image file is stored in the selected folder, a folder is actually created at the time of data recording (first recording), and the image file is stored in the folder. . Thereafter, unless the folder is changed, the file of the captured image is stored in the same folder.

In the photographing mode, the selected folder is stored even if the power is turned off by the power-off operation or the auto power-off function. When the photographing mode is set next time, the setting of the folder selected by the previous selection is maintained. Have been. If the folder having the same folder number as the selected folder number does not exist due to the exchange of the memory card 88, the folder having the sequentially larger folder number is automatically selected as a substitute.

Next, the reproduction mode will be described.

When the power / mode lever 54 is set to the reproduction mode position, the camera 10 is set to the reproduction mode.
When the playback mode is turned on or the shooting mode is changed to the playback mode, the last recorded image (the file with the largest file number) in the folder selected in the shooting mode is played.

FIG. 17A shows a display example of the character liquid crystal 28 and the liquid crystal monitor 50 in the reproduction mode. The character liquid crystal 28 displays the currently selected folder number (“100” in FIG. 11A), a mode display “Pb” indicating the playback (playback) mode, and the remaining battery level. Is done. The mode information 1 indicating the playback mode is displayed on the LCD monitor 50 at the upper left of the screen as necessary.
36, a frame number display 138, a file name display 140, a protect (erroneous erasure prevention) setting mark 142 at the upper right of the screen,
A print information (DPOF information) setting mark 144, date and time, a remaining battery level warning, and the like are displayed at the bottom of the screen.

In this reproduction screen, the right cursor button 6
By pressing the button 7, one frame is forwarded, and the left cursor button 68 is used to perform one frame reverse playback.

When the right cursor button 67 or the left cursor button 68 is pressed for more than one second, the mode shifts to the direct frame number designation mode. In the direct frame number designation mode, the frame number display is a display indicating the frame number of the jump destination, and the right cursor button 67 or the left cursor button 68
While the button is kept pressed, the frame number continuously counts up by +1 or -1. Then, when the right cursor button 67 or the left cursor button 68 is released, the frame jumps to the displayed frame number and the frame is reproduced.

When the cancel / folder selection button 56 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 17A, the screen shifts to a folder switching screen as shown in FIG. 17B. At this time,
The folder number display section 44 of the character liquid crystal 28 flashes, and the folder mark 13 is displayed at the center of the screen of the liquid crystal monitor 50.
4 and the currently selected folder number ((b) in FIG.
"100") is displayed.

Under the folder mark 134, an explanatory character “Folder” and a description suggesting that the menu / execute button 62 should be pressed at the time of confirmation “Confirmation →
[Execute]] is displayed. In this screen, the folder is moved with the up and down cursor buttons 66.

The operation for selecting a folder is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 15. When the upper cursor button 66A is pressed once, the display of the folder number is increased by +1 as shown in FIG. 101 ". Since then
Each time the upper cursor button 66A is pressed once, the folder number increases by +1 and can be moved to the folder number “109” as shown in FIG. Each time the down cursor button 66B is pressed once, the folder number is decreased by -1.

When the upper cursor button 66A is pressed when the current is "109", the folder becomes "100", and when the lower cursor button 66B is pressed when the current is "100", the folder becomes "109". When the up cursor button 66A or the down cursor button 66B is pressed for more than one second, folders that can be selected are continuously switched.

When the menu / execute button 62 is pressed while the desired folder number is displayed, the selected folder is determined, and the display returns to the normal reproduction screen as shown in FIG. The blinking display of the folder information returns to the normal display, and the folder number related to the selection is displayed. After the folder is determined, the last recorded frame in the folder is played.

If the folder to be reproduced does not exist in the memory card 88 attached to the camera 10, the display of the folder number display section 44 is displayed on the character liquid crystal 28 as shown in FIG. Is displayed, and “Pb” is displayed on the frame number / information display section 45, and “00000000.000” is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 50 by the OSD.

In the camera 10 of the present embodiment, a plurality of folders “100” to “109” are prepared in advance, and a predetermined folder is selected and images are recorded and reproduced in that folder. A plurality of folders can be used for different purposes (by shooting location, by shooting day, by subject, etc.), which facilitates data organization when transferring image data to a personal computer or the like later.

To perform reproduction and recording processing in another folder, the folder cannot be used unless the used folder is closed. The number of folders or folder names (numbers) prepared in advance is not limited to the example in the above embodiment, the number of folders may be two or more, and the folder name (number) may be freely defined.

In the above-described camera 10, only ten folders from "100" to "109" can be used, and a folder with a folder number of "110" or more cannot be used. A memory card taken by another type of camera may have a folder number of 110 or more, but in this case, the camera 10 of this example cannot reproduce a folder of 110 or more.

In the above embodiment, a digital camera for recording a still image has been described as an example. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to a camera for recording a still image, but a camera for recording a moving image, or a camera for recording a moving image and a still image. The present invention can be applied to a camera having both recording functions.

In the above embodiment, an external recording medium (removable medium) that is detachable from the camera body is used as a recording medium. However, one or both of the recording media is used as an internal memory (or a built-in hard disk) built in the camera. Is also possible. In this case, the image data stored in the internal memory is output to the outside via a wired or wireless communication means (interface).

[0128]

As described above, according to the electronic camera of the present invention, the recording medium is provided with a plurality of folders, and the user selects a desired folder by the folder selecting means, and among the folders, Data recording,
Since playback can be performed, folders can be used for different purposes, making it easier to organize and search for images after shooting.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of folders are virtually prepared in advance, and the folder is actually created when image data is recorded in the selected folder. Is not created,
File management is easy.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a digital camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the camera shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a liquid crystal display panel (character liquid crystal) of the camera.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the camera shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the camera shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main part around a media slot at the bottom of the camera according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the camera of the present example.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a folder hierarchy structure of a memory card.

FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram of a frame number memory function provided in the camera of this example.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a liquid crystal monitor in a reproduction mode.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of resetting a file management function in a folder.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure of a folder selection operation.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure of a folder selection operation.

FIG. 14 is a mode transition diagram in a photographing mode.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example of a character liquid crystal and a liquid crystal monitor when a folder is selected in a shooting mode.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a warning display indicating that no more data can be recorded in the selected folder.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display example of a character liquid crystal and a liquid crystal monitor when a folder is selected in a reproduction mode.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a warning display when there is no folder that can be selected in the playback mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 camera (electronic camera), 28 liquid crystal display panel (information display means), 50 liquid crystal monitor (display means), 5
4: Power / mode lever (mode selection means), 56: Cancel / folder selection button (folder selection means), 58: Cross button (folder selection means), 62
... menu / execute button (folder selection means), 76
... Media slot (recording means), 88 ... Memory card (recording medium), 90 ... CCD (imaging element), 110 ... C
PU (folder creation means, recording control means, automatic file name assignment means, playback control means, prohibition means)

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Minoru Arai 2-26-30 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo Fujisha Shin Film Co., Ltd. F-term (reference) 5B082 AA13 EA01 EA09 GC05 5C052 AA01 AA17 CC11 DD02 GA02 GA06 GB06 GB09 GC05 GE04 GE08

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An electronic camera having an image sensor and recording means for recording image data acquired via the image sensor on a recording medium, wherein the electronic camera stores a plurality of folders in a recording area of the recording medium. A camera comprising: a folder creating unit that can be created; a folder selecting unit that selects a desired folder from the plurality of folders; and a recording control unit that stores the image data in the folder selected by the folder selecting unit. An electronic camera, wherein a plurality of folders are virtually prepared in advance, and when the image data is recorded in the folder selected by the folder selecting means, the selected folder is actually created. . 2. A file name automatic assigning means for automatically assigning a file name indicating a recording order when image data is recorded in a folder selected by the folder selecting means, and a folder selected by the folder selecting means. 2. An electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising: information display means for displaying folder information representing the following. 3. A prohibition unit for prohibiting a photographing operation of the electronic camera when the number of files in the folder selected by the folder selection unit reaches a predetermined number and a file cannot be created in the folder. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera displays an image based on image data stored in the recording medium; Mode selection means for selecting a shooting mode for acquiring the image and a reproduction mode for outputting an image by the display means; and displaying the image data stored in the folder selected by the folder selection means in the reproduction mode. An electronic camera, comprising: a playback control unit that outputs the selected folder by using the display unit; and wherein the display unit displays folder information indicating a selected folder. 5. The electronic camera according to claim 4, wherein in the reproduction mode, among the image data in the folder selected by the folder selecting means, the image data recorded last is reproduced in order from the last recorded image data.