JP2003061035A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] To generate a child image for external transfer in an electronic camera and appropriately manage the child image together with the parent image of the generation source. An image capturing unit that captures a subject image to generate a parent image, a low-resolution or color-reduced parent image to generate a child image for transfer, and a parent image and a child image. And a transfer unit that transfers the child image recorded in the storage unit to an external transfer destination, to constitute an electronic camera.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an electronic camera. In particular, the present invention relates to image management technology for child images generated for external transfer in an electronic camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the number of image pickup pixels of electronic cameras has been increasing more and more. With such an increase in the number of image pickup pixels, the file size of the image generated in the electronic camera becomes 1 Mbytes or more even after compression.

[0003]

The image generated by the electronic camera is output to a personal computer, a printer, a large-capacity recording device, a mobile phone, an electronic album server on the Internet, etc. at any time. When, for example, an image of 1 Mbytes or more per frame is transferred to such an external transfer destination, there arises a problem that the transfer time is long.

Further, for example, a mobile phone or the like has an extremely small number of pixels of an image to be handled as compared with a personal computer or a printer. Therefore, when an image is transferred to a mobile phone with the same number of pixels as a personal computer or a printer, there is much waste such as the capacity of the mobile phone being exceeded. for that reason,
It is desirable to generate a child image in advance in the electronic camera for external transfer. In this case, in the recording unit in the electronic camera, the child image and the parent image that is the generation source thereof are mixed.

Due to the mixture of such parent-child images, the number of images to be managed by the electronic camera is doubled, and the image management of the electronic camera may become more complicated.
Further, since these parent-child images have the same pattern, it is difficult for the user to easily distinguish them on the screen, and there is a concern that the user may be confused when managing the images.
Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a technique for appropriately managing an image of a child image generated for external transfer.

[0006]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is configured as follows.

<Claim 1> According to the invention described in claim 1, an image pickup unit for picking up a subject image to generate a parent image, and a parent image having a lower resolution or a reduced color to generate a child image for transfer. And a recording unit that records the parent image and the child image in association with each other, and a transfer unit that transfers the child image recorded in the recording unit to an external transfer destination.

<Claim 2> According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first aspect, the recording unit specializes the child images for each image size under the hierarchy of the folder for recording the parent image. It is characterized in that a child folder for recording is provided, and parent images and child images are hierarchically managed.

<Claim 3> According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to any one of the first and second aspects, the transfer unit transfers the information of the external transfer destination to the external transfer destination. Alternatively, it is characterized in that the child image generation unit determines the image format corresponding to the information of the external transfer destination, and acquires the child image according to the image format obtained from the user.

<Claim 4> According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to any one of the first to third aspects, an erasing operation section is provided for receiving an erasing instruction for a parent image from a user. The recording unit erases the parent image according to the erasing instruction and retrieves and erases the child image recorded in association with the parent image.

<Claim 5> According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the recording unit has a child image whose external transfer is completed by the transfer unit. Is erased.

<Claim 6> According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the remaining capacity of the recording unit is determined and the remaining capacity is insufficient. The recording unit is characterized in that the recording unit erases all or a part of the child image when the remaining capacity monitoring unit detects an insufficient state of the remaining capacity.

<Claim 7> According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, a movement operation unit that receives a file movement instruction for a parent image from a user is provided. The recording unit moves the file of the parent image according to the file move instruction, and
It is characterized in that a child image recorded in association with the parent image is searched and a file is moved.

<Claim 8> The invention according to claim 8 is the electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a protect operation section for receiving a protect instruction for a parent image from a user. The recording unit sets the protect attribute on the parent image in accordance with the protect instruction, searches the child images recorded in association with the parent image, and sets the protect attribute.

<Claim 9> According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the electronic camera according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, a parent image erasing operation for receiving a parent image erasing instruction from a user. The recording unit is characterized by erasing the parent image according to the erasing instruction, retrieving a child image recorded in association with the parent image, and promoting the child image to the parent image.

<Claim 10> According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the image capturing section captures a moving image of a subject image. The mode is selectable, and for the parent image (that is, the moving image) captured in the moving image capturing mode, the child image generation unit lowers or reduces the resolution of one frame of the parent image to generate the child image. Characterize.

<Claim 11> The invention according to claim 11 is the electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the image pickup section picks up the subject image as a continuous still image. The continuous shooting mode is selectable, and the child image generation unit lowers or reduces the color of each frame of the parent image (that is, a plurality of still images) captured in the continuous shooting mode. It is characterized in that a child image (that is, a plurality of still images) is generated.

<Claim 12> According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, a thumbnail image for thumbnail display is generated from a parent image, It is characterized in that it is provided with a thumbnail creating unit to be added to the parent image, and the thumbnail creating unit does not add the thumbnail image to the parent image when the number of pixels of the thumbnail image is equal to or larger than the number of pixels of the child image.

<Claim 13> An electronic camera according to a thirteenth aspect of the invention includes an image pickup section for picking up a subject image to generate a parent image, and a parent image having a lower resolution or a reduced color to generate a child image for transfer. A child image generation unit, a recording unit that records a parent image and a child image, a transfer unit that transfers the child image recorded in the recording unit to an external transfer destination, and a child image that has been externally transferred by the transfer unit. And a control unit for erasing from the recording unit.

[0020]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<< First Embodiment >> A first embodiment is an embodiment of an electronic camera corresponding to the inventions of claims 1, 4, 5, 7 to 9, 12, and 13.

[Description of Configuration of Electronic Camera] FIG. 1 is an external view of an electronic camera 11 according to the first embodiment. Note that FIG. 1A is a top view of the electronic camera 11.
(B) is a rear view of the electronic camera 11. On the other hand, FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the electronic camera 11. Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronic camera 1 will be described.
The configuration of No. 1 will be described.

First, in the electronic camera 11, the photographing lens 1
2 is attached. An image sensor 13 is arranged in the image space of the taking lens 12. The image pickup device 13 is controlled by the timing generator 13a and picks up a subject image. The image captured by the image sensor 13 (that is, the parent image) is digitized via the image processing unit 14 and the A / D conversion unit 15, and then provided to a digital signal processor (hereinafter, DSP) 16. This DSP16
Exchanges pixel data in a predetermined processing unit with the buffer memory 18 via the data bus 17, and performs two-dimensional image processing and image compression on the parent image. The parent image processed by the DSP 16 is recorded in the memory card 19 in the EXIF file format.

On the other hand, the above-mentioned image processing unit 14 and DSP 1
6, the buffer memory 18 and the memory card 19 are connected to a microprocessor (hereinafter MPU) 21 via a control system bus 20. The MPU 21 includes a release button 22, a cross button 23, a menu button 24, a command dial 25, a zoom button 26, and a mode switching button 2
7. The transfer button 28 is connected. The cross button 2 described above
Reference numeral 3 is composed of four-direction keys including an up key 23a, a down key 23b, a left key 23c and a right key 23d.

A frame memory 30 is connected to the system bus 20 described above. This frame memory 3
The image data in 0 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 31 provided on the back surface of the electronic camera 11. Further, an interface 32 for transferring image data to an external transfer destination is connected to the system bus 20 described above.

[Correspondence Relationship with Invention] The correspondence relationship between the invention and the first embodiment will be described below. It should be noted that the correspondence relationship here is one interpretation for reference, and the present invention is not limited to these. The image pickup section described in the claims is an image pickup device 13 and a timing generator 1.
3a, image processing unit 14, A / D conversion unit 15, and DSP
Corresponds to 16. The child image generation unit according to the claims is an MPU.
21 (or DSP 16) "function of generating child image". The recording unit described in the claims corresponds to the “function of performing file management of the memory card 19” of the MPU 21. The transfer unit described in the claims corresponds to the interface 32. The erasing operation section described in the claims corresponds to the “function of receiving a parent image erasing instruction from the user operation of the cross button 23 or the like” of the MPU 21. The moving operation unit described in the claims corresponds to the “function of receiving a file moving instruction of the parent image from the user operation of the cross button 23 or the like” of the MPU 21. The protect operation unit described in the claims corresponds to the “function of receiving a protect instruction of the parent image from the user operation of the cross button 23 or the like” of the MPU 21. The parent image erasing operation unit described in the claims corresponds to the “function of receiving an instruction to erase only the parent image from the user operation of the cross button 23 or the like” of the MPU 21. The thumbnail creation unit described in the claims is M
"Function to generate thumbnail image and add it to file header of parent image" by PU21 (or DSP16)
Corresponding to. The control unit described in the claims corresponds to the “function of erasing the transferred child image from the memory card 19” of the MPU 21.

[Explanation of Child Image Creating Process] FIGS. 3 and 4 are flowcharts for explaining the child image creating process. It should be noted that this process is started as a part of the process associated with pressing the down key 23b. The process of creating a child image will be described below in the order of step numbers in FIGS. 3 and 4.

Step S1: The user operates the down key 23b.
When is pressed, the MPU 21 first determines the current operation mode of the electronic camera 11. Here, in the case of the quick review mode (the mode in which the image immediately after being captured is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 31) or the reproduction mode (the mode in which the image in the memory card 19 is reproduced and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 31), M
The PU 21 shifts the operation to step S2. On the other hand, in the case of other operation modes, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S14.

Step S2: The MPU 21 determines the current display state of the liquid crystal display section 31. Here, when the parent image is displayed on the full screen, the MPU 21 performs step S3.
Move to. On the other hand, in other display states (1/4 screen display, thumbnail display, child image display, etc.), M
The PU 21 shifts the operation to step S14.

Step S3: The MPU 21 obtains information on the remaining capacity of the memory card 19. If the current remaining capacity is low and a new child image cannot be stored, the MPU
21 gives up the new creation of the child image, and shifts the operation to step S14. On the other hand, when the current remaining capacity is sufficient to store the child image, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S4.

Step S4: The MPU 21 displays the following confirmation menu on the display image of the liquid crystal display section 31 in an overlapping manner. Heading "Do you want to generate a child image? ] Options Yes (default selection) Options No Options Change the reduced size.

Step S5: The MPU 21 uses the cross button 2
By monitoring the user operation No. 3, the above selections 1 to 3 are accepted. That is, when the user hits the right key 23d once, the option is confirmed. In this case, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S8. Also, after the user hits the down key 23b once, the right key 2
Hitting 3d once confirms the options. In this case, M
The PU 21 cancels the new creation of the child image and proceeds to step S14.
Move to. Meanwhile, the user presses the down key 23b
After hitting once, the right key 23d is hit once to confirm the option. In this case, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S6.

Step S6: The MPU 21 additionally displays the following confirmation menu on the display image of the liquid crystal display section 31. Heading "Change reduced size" Options 640x480 (default at shipping) Options 320x240 Options 160x120 Options 96x72

Step S7: The MPU 21 uses the cross button 2
By monitoring the user operation No. 3, the selection and confirmation of the image size (reduction size) of the child image is accepted. The MPU 21 sets the image size determined here to
It will be used as default later. After this behavior,
The MPU 21 returns the operation to step S4.

Step S8: The MPU 21 searches the file in the memory card 19 and determines whether or not the child image to be created already exists. Here, when the child image to be created already exists, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S9. On the other hand, when there is no child image to be created, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S11.

Step S9: The MPU 21 displays the following confirmation menu on the display image of the liquid crystal display section 31 in an overlapping manner. Headline "A child image has already been created. Do you want to overwrite? ”Options Yes Options No (default selection) Options Change the reduced size.

Step S10: The MPU 21 receives the user's operation of the cross button 23 to accept the selection of the above options 1 to. That is, when the user hits the right key 23d once, the option is confirmed. In this case, the MPU 21 stops the new creation of the child image and shifts the operation to step S14. The user can also use the down key 23
When the right key 23d is hit once after hitting b once, the option is fixed. In this case, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S6. On the other hand, when the user hits the up key 23a once and then the right key 23d once, the options are confirmed. In this case, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S11.

Step S11: In the reproduction mode,
The MPU 21 reads the compressed file of the parent image currently displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 31 from the memory card 19 and stores it in the buffer memory 18. The DSP 16 expands this compressed file and expands the parent image in the buffer memory 18. On the other hand, in the quick view mode, the MPU21
The parent image immediately after image capturing is expanded in the buffer memory 18. The MPU 21 (or DSP 16) converts the resolution of the parent image in the buffer memory 18 into a default image size and creates a child image. DSP1
6 compresses this child image to, for example, about 1/16 regardless of the compression ratio of the parent image. The MPU 21 copies the header information of the parent image and adds it to the compressed data of the child image,
Generates a compressed file in EXIF format. Furthermore, MP
U21 is the file name of the parent image “DSCN *****. J
The initials of "pg" are replaced with characters corresponding to the image size (for example, "S") to create the file name of the child image. According to such a file name rule, the parent image and the child image are associated with each other. The MPU 21 records the completed child image file in the same folder as the parent image of the memory card 19.

Step S12: The MPU 21 compares the pixel number of the thumbnail image added in the parent image file with the pixel number of the newly created child image. Here, when the number of pixels of the thumbnail image is equal to or larger than the number of pixels of the child image, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S13. On the other hand, when the number of pixels of the thumbnail image is less than the number of pixels of the child image, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S14.

Step S13: The MPU 21 deletes the thumbnail image in the parent image file to reduce the file size of the parent image. After that, when the thumbnail image of the parent image is required, the child image is used as a substitute for the thumbnail image.

Step S14: The MPU 21 calls another processing routine to be executed when the down key 23b is pressed. By the operation described above, the child image creation processing is completed.

[Explanation of Image File Operation] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a file operation processing routine. Less than,
Image file operations will be described in the order of step numbers shown in FIG.

Step S18: First, the user switches the electronic camera 11 to the reproduction mode and selects the parent image to be the file operation target on the liquid crystal display section 31.

Step S19: When the parent image to be operated is selected, the MPU 21 changes the initial letters from the file name of this parent image to create the file name of the child image. M
The PU 21 uses the file name of this child image as the memory card 1
It is searched from 9, and the presence or absence of the corresponding child image is determined.

Step S20: Next, the MPU 21
The user operation of the menu button 24 and the transfer button 28 is monitored. Here, when the transfer button 28 is pressed, the MPU 21
Shifts the operation to step S21. On the other hand, when the menu button 24 is pressed, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S22.

Step S21: When the parent image to be operated has a child image, the MPU 21 transfers this child image to a preset external transfer destination via the interface 32. When such transfer operation is completed, MPU2
In No. 1, the transferred child image is erased from the memory card 19, and the free space of the memory card 19 is increased. If the parent image to be operated does not have a child image, the parent image is directly transferred to the external transfer destination via the interface 32. After such a file operation, the MPU 21 ends the file operation processing routine.

Step S22: The MPU 21 displays the menu screen on the liquid crystal display section 31 in response to the pressing operation of the menu button 24. The user operates the cross button 23 while looking at the menu screen on the liquid crystal display unit 31, and inputs an instruction for a desired file operation.

Step S23: When the user's file operation instruction is to delete the parent image file, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to Step S24. In other cases, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S25.

Step S24: The MPU 21 erases the parent image to be operated from the memory card 19. If the parent image to be operated has child images, the MPU 21
This child image is also deleted. After such a file operation, the MPU 21 ends the file operation processing routine.

Step S25: When the user's file operation instruction is to move the parent image file, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to Step S26. In other cases, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S27.

Step S26: The MPU 21 moves the parent image to be operated to a file designated by the user. When the parent image to be operated has a child image, the MPU 21 also moves the file together with the child image. After such a file operation, the MPU 21 ends the file operation processing routine.

Step S27: When the user's file operation instruction is a parent image protect instruction, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S28. In other cases, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S29.

Step S28: The MPU 21 adds a protect attribute to the file of the parent image to be operated. If the parent image to be operated has child images, MPU2
1 also adds a protect attribute to this child image file. After such a file operation, the MPU 21 ends the file operation processing routine.

Step S29: When the user's file operation instruction is an instruction to delete only the parent image, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S30. In other cases, the MPU 21 ends the file operation processing routine.

Step S30: The MPU 21 deletes the file of the parent image to be operated from the memory card 19. If the parent image to be operated has child images, M
The PU 21 changes the file name of the child image to the file name of the parent image and promotes the child image to the parent image. After such a file operation, the MPU 21 ends the file operation processing routine. With the operation described above, the file operation processing is completed.

[Effects etc. of the First Embodiment] As described above, in the first embodiment, the resolution of the parent image is reduced,
Create a new child image for transfer. The MPU 21 generates the file name of the child image by changing the initial “D” of the file name of the parent image to the initial “S” of the child image. According to such a file name rule, the parent image and the child image are associated with each other and recorded in the memory card 19.

Therefore, by tracing the association of the file name rules later, it becomes possible to automatically propagate the file operation for the parent image to the child images. As a result, it is not necessary for the user to separately operate the file for the parent image and the child image, and the image management for the child image can be saved. In particular, in the first embodiment, as the parent image is deleted, the corresponding child image is also deleted. Therefore, after the parent image is deleted, the unnecessary child image remains in the memory card 19 forever, and the harmful effect of occupying the memory space is eliminated.

Further, in the first embodiment, the child image is erased when the external transfer of the child image is completed. Therefore,
The transferred child images remain in the electronic camera forever and the harmful effect of occupying the memory space of the memory card 19 is eliminated. Further, in the first embodiment, as the parent image file is moved, the corresponding child image is also moved together with the file. Therefore, after the parent image file is moved, the problem that the child image exists apart from the parent image is eliminated.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the corresponding child image is also protected according to the protect setting (erasure prevention setting) of the parent image. Therefore, it is not necessary to individually set the protect settings for the parent image and the child image, and the user's labor can be reduced.

In the first embodiment, when only the parent image is deleted, the corresponding child image is promoted to the parent image. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the adverse effect that the child image without the parent image remains in the memory card 19, is forgotten by the user, and is left unprocessed.

Further, in the first embodiment, when the number of pixels of the thumbnail image exceeds the number of pixels of the child image, the thumbnail image is deleted from the file of the parent image. Therefore, the file size of the parent image can be suppressed by the amount corresponding to the thumbnail image. Next, another embodiment will be described.

<Second Embodiment> The second embodiment is an embodiment of an electronic camera corresponding to the inventions of claims 1 to 13. The configuration of the electronic camera according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2).
The description of the configuration here is omitted. Also, for the same operations as those in the first embodiment (image file operation, stop of addition of thumbnail images, etc.), description thereof is omitted here to avoid redundant description.

[Correspondence Relationship with Invention] The correspondence relationship between the invention and the second embodiment will be described below. It should be noted that the correspondence relationship here is one interpretation for reference, and the present invention is not limited to these. The image pickup section described in the claims is an image pickup device 13 and a timing generator 1.
3a, image processing unit 14, A / D conversion unit 15, and DSP
Corresponds to 16. The child image generation unit according to the claims is an MPU.
21 (or DSP 16) "function of generating child image". The recording unit described in the claims corresponds to the “function of performing file management of the memory card 19” of the MPU 21. The transfer unit described in the claims corresponds to the interface 32. The remaining capacity monitoring unit described in the claims corresponds to the “function of monitoring the remaining capacity of the memory card 19” of the MPU 21. The control unit described in the claims corresponds to the “function of erasing the transferred child image from the memory card 19” of the MPU 21.

[Explanation of Child Image Creation Processing] FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing a process of creating a child image, which is a feature of the embodiment of FIG. The process of creating a child image will be described below in the order of step numbers shown in FIG.

Step S40: First, similarly to the first embodiment, the user operates the cross button 23 to give the MPU 21 an instruction to create a child image.

Step S41: The MPU 21 obtains information on the remaining capacity of the memory card 19.

Step S42: The MPU 21 determines whether or not the remaining capacity of the memory card 19 is sufficient to store the child image. Here, when the remaining capacity is insufficient to store the child image, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S42. On the other hand, when the remaining capacity is sufficient to store the child image, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S43.

Step S43: The MPU 21 secures a memory space in the memory card 19 by deleting a part or all of the existing child image from the memory card 19.

Step S44: The MPU 21 communicates with the external transfer destination via the interface 32 and acquires information on the external transfer destination. (Note that information such as the type of external transfer destination may be acquired by user input.)

Step S45: The MPU 21 determines the image format (eg, image size, screen aspect ratio, number of colors, etc.) of the child image suitable for the external transfer destination according to the information of the external transfer destination.

Step S46: The MPU 21 discriminates the type of the parent image from which the child image is generated. Here, when the parent image is the image of one frame shot in the single shooting mode, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S47.
If the parent image is a moving image captured in the moving image capturing mode, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S48. On the other hand, when the parent image is a group of still images captured in the continuous shooting mode, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S49.

Step S47: The MPU 21 converts the parent image (here, one frame of still image) into the image format determined in step S45, and generates a child image. After such an operation, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S50.

Step S48: The MPU 21 extracts the first frame of the parent image (moving image in this case). MPU21
Converts the first frame into the image format determined in step S45 to generate a child image. After such an operation, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S50.

Step S49: The MPU 21 performs step S4 on each frame of the parent image (here, a plurality of still images).
The plurality of child images are generated by converting into the image format determined in 5. After such operation, the MPU 21 performs the step S50.
Move to.

Step S50: The MPU 21 determines whether or not a child folder corresponding to the image size of the child image exists in the parent image folder. Here, when the child folder does not exist, the MPU 21 performs step S51.
Move to. On the other hand, when the child folder exists, the MPU 21 shifts the operation to step S52.

Step S51: The MPU 21 creates a child folder dedicated to the image size of the child image under the hierarchy of the parent image folder of the memory card 19.

Step S52: The MPU 21 stores the child image file in the child folder dedicated to the image size. By the operation described above, the child image creation processing is completed.

[Effects etc. of the Second Embodiment] As described above, the same effects as the first embodiment can be obtained in the second embodiment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment,
A child folder is created for each image size of the child images in the parent image folder, and the child images are sorted according to the image size and stored. Therefore, it becomes possible to efficiently manage the images of the parent image and the child images based on the hierarchical folders.

In the second embodiment, the image format suitable for the external transfer destination is determined from the information about the external transfer destination,
A child image is generated so as to match the image format. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the need for the user to change the image format for each external transfer destination as needed. Further, it is possible to reliably generate a child image suitable for the external transfer destination.

Further, in the second embodiment, when the remaining capacity of the memory card 19 is insufficient, all or part of the child image is erased. In this case, it is possible to increase the number of recordable frames of the electronic camera without waste by compensating for the shortage of the remaining capacity by the capacity of the deleted child image.

When the remaining capacity of the memory card 19 is insufficient to store the captured parent image, part or all of the child image may be deleted. In this case, it is possible to secure a storage space for the parent image.

<< Supplementary Items of Embodiment >> In the above-described embodiment, the parent image is reduced in resolution to generate the child image. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the parent image may be reduced in color to generate a child image.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the parent image and the child image are associated with each other by using the file name rule and the hierarchical folder. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the association between the parent image and the child image may be stored using data such as file header information and file management information in the recording medium.

[0084]

EFFECT OF THE INVENTION <Claim 1> According to the invention of claim 1, by reducing the resolution or reducing the color of the captured parent image,
Generate a child image for transfer. The recording unit in the electronic camera
These parent image and child image are recorded in association with each other. Therefore, by tracing the association of the records, it becomes easy to spread the image management of the parent image (or the child image) and to manage the child image (or the parent image) almost automatically. As a result, it is possible to reduce the trouble of separately handling the parent image and the child image relating to the same pattern, and appropriately manage the child image generated for external transfer.

<Claim 2> In the invention of claim 2, a child folder for a child image is created in the folder of the parent image, and the parent image and the child image relating to the same picture are hierarchically managed. Such hierarchical management makes it possible to appropriately manage the parent image and the child image. In particular, by making such a child folder dedicated to storing child images, it is possible to eliminate mistakes such as mixing parent images into child folders, and to manage images by accurately distinguishing parent images and child images. .

<Claim 3> In the invention of claim 3, the image format is determined from the information of the external transfer destination, and the child image is created in accordance with this image format. Therefore, it is possible to definitely create a child image in an image format suitable for the external transfer destination. Further, it is possible to save the user the trouble of manually changing the image format of the child image each time the external transfer destination changes.

<Claim 4> In the invention of claim 4, as the parent image is erased, the corresponding child image is also erased. Therefore, there is no problem that the child image is forgotten due to the deletion of the parent image and remains in the electronic camera. Also,
The user only needs to be aware of erasing the parent image, and does not need the trouble of erasing the parent image and the child image separately.

<Claims 5 and 13> According to the invention of claim 5 or 13, when the external transfer of the child image is completed, the child image is erased. Therefore, there is no problem that the transferred child images remain in the electronic camera forever.

<Claim 6> According to the invention of claim 6, when the remaining capacity of the recording portion is insufficient, all or part of the child image is erased. In this case, it becomes possible to automatically solve the shortage of the remaining capacity due to the child image.

<Claim 7> According to the invention of claim 7, as the file of the parent image is moved, the corresponding child image is also moved. Therefore, by moving the parent image file,
The problem that the remaining child image is isolated from the parent image is eliminated. Further, the user only needs to be aware of the file movement of the parent image, and the trouble of separately moving the parent image and the child image to the file becomes unnecessary.

<Claim 8> According to the invention of claim 8, the corresponding child image is also protected according to the protect setting (erasure prevention setting) of the parent image. Therefore, there is no problem that the child image is erroneously erased without being protected even though the parent image is protected. Further, the user need only be aware of the protect setting of the parent image, and the trouble of separately setting the protect settings of the parent image and the child image becomes unnecessary.

<Claim 9> According to the invention of claim 9, when the user erases only the parent image, the corresponding child image is promoted to the parent image. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a problem that a child image without a parent image remains in the electronic camera, is forgotten by the user, and is left unprocessed.
If there are multiple corresponding child images, the recording unit
It is preferable to promote the child image having the largest image size to the parent image. Furthermore, the recording unit preferably newly associates the promoted parent image with the remaining child images.

<Claim 10> In the invention of claim 10, a child image is generated from one frame of a moving image. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the processing load of generating a child image for a moving image. Further, after capturing a moving image, it is possible to transfer only one child image frame for trial.

<Claim 11> According to the invention of claim 11, a plurality of child images are uniformly generated by reducing the resolution or reducing the color of the continuously shot still images one by one. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to separately generate child images frame by frame for the continuously shot still images.

<Claim 12> According to the invention of claim 12, when the number of pixels of the thumbnail image is equal to or larger than the number of pixels of the child image, the thumbnail image is not added to the parent image. By not adding the thumbnail image in this way, the file size of the parent image can be suppressed. When the thumbnail image is not added to the parent image, it is preferable to use the child image instead of the thumbnail image.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an electronic camera 11.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic camera 11.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process of creating a child image (1/2)
Is.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart (2/2) illustrating a child image creation process.
Is.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing routine for file operation.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a process of creating a child image in the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 electronic camera 12 Shooting lens 13 Image sensor 13a Timing generator 14 Image processing unit 15 A / D converter 16 DSP 17 data bus 18 buffer memory 19 memory card 20 system bus 21 MPU 22 Release button 23 cross button 23a Up key 23b Down key 23c Left key 23d right key 24 Menu button 25 command dial 26 Zoom button 27 Mode switching button 28 Transfer button 30 frame memory 31 LCD display 32 interfaces

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04N 5/225 H04N 5/907 B 5/765 101: 00 5/907 5/91 J // H04N 101: 00 L (72) Inventor Hirogo Nozaki 3 2-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo Nikon Corporation (72) Inventor Tomoaki Kawamura 3 2-3 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo F Nikon F Term (reference) 5B082 CA04 CA09 CA14 GA11 5C022 AA13 AC18 AC69 5C052 GA02 GA06 GA07 GB01 GC03 GE08 GF06 5C053 FA08 FA27 GA20 GB01 GB05 GB17 GB28 HA29 KA04 KA26 LA01 LA20

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An imaging unit that captures a subject image to generate a parent image; a child image generation unit that lowers or reduces the resolution of the parent image to generate a child image for transfer; and the parent image. An electronic camera comprising: a recording unit that records the child images in association with each other; and a transfer unit that transfers the child images recorded in the recording unit to an external transfer destination. 2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit provides a child folder for recording the child images for each image size under a layer of the folder for recording the parent image, An electronic camera characterized by hierarchically managing a parent image and the child image. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit acquires information on the external transfer destination from the external transfer destination or a user, and the child image. An electronic camera, wherein the generation unit determines an image format corresponding to the information of the external transfer destination and generates the child image according to the image format. 4. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising an erasing operation unit that receives an erasing instruction for the parent image from a user, and the recording unit is configured to perform the erasing instruction according to the erasing instruction. An electronic camera characterized by erasing a parent image and searching for and erasing the child image recorded in association with the parent image. 5. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the recording unit erases the child image that has been externally transferred by the transfer unit. camera. 6. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising: a remaining capacity monitoring unit that determines a remaining capacity of the recording unit and detects an insufficient state of the remaining capacity. The electronic camera, wherein the recording unit erases all or a part of the child image when the remaining capacity monitoring unit detects an insufficient state of the remaining capacity. 7. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising a movement operation unit that receives a file movement instruction with respect to the parent image from a user, and the recording unit has the file movement instruction. The electronic camera is characterized in that the parent image is moved to a file in accordance with the above, and the child image recorded in association with the parent image is searched to move the file. 8. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising a protect operation unit that receives a protect instruction for the parent image from a user, and the recording unit is configured to perform the protect operation according to the protect instruction. An electronic camera, wherein a protect attribute is set for a parent image, and the child image recorded in association with the parent image is searched to set the protect attribute. 9. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising a parent image erasing operation unit that receives an instruction to erase only the parent image from a user, and the recording unit includes the erasing unit. An electronic camera, which erases the parent image according to an instruction, searches for the child image recorded in association with the parent image, and promotes the child image to the parent image. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.
In the electronic camera described in the item 1, the image capturing unit is provided so that a moving image capturing mode that captures a subject image as a moving image can be selected, and the child image generating unit includes the parent image captured in the moving image capturing mode (that is, For a moving image), an electronic camera is characterized in that one frame of the parent image is reduced in resolution or reduced in color to generate the child image. 11. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the image pickup unit is provided with a selectable continuous shooting mode for shooting a subject image as a continuous still image, For the parent image (that is, a plurality of still images) captured in the continuous shooting mode, the child image generation unit reduces the resolution of or reduces the color of the parent image one frame at a time, and the child image (that is, a plurality of still images). An electronic camera characterized by generating a still image). 12. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising a thumbnail creating unit that creates a thumbnail image for thumbnail display from the parent image and adds the thumbnail image to the parent image. The electronic camera, wherein the thumbnail creating unit does not add the thumbnail image to the parent image when the number of pixels of the thumbnail image is equal to or larger than the number of pixels of the child image. 13. An imaging unit that captures a subject image to generate a parent image, a child image generation unit that lowers or reduces the resolution of the parent image to generate a child image for transfer, and the parent image. A recording unit that records the child image, a transfer unit that transfers the child image recorded in the recording unit to an external transfer destination, and erases the child image that has been externally transferred by the transfer unit from the recording unit. An electronic camera, comprising: