JP2004171461A - Method for updating program and electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program updating method and an electronic camera which can acquire a trouble correction file and an added function program without requiring a communication means for connection to a communication line or an external connection device such as a detachable memory device. <P>SOLUTION: A program (program codes) 14 expressed by two-dimensional codes is entered into the camera 10 as an image and the program codes (image format) are converted into data of a program by an image processing function and a decoding program which are built in the camera 10, so that the program can be installed in the camera 10. It is also available to record the program in an internal memory or an external recording medium if necessary. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a program update method and an electronic camera, and more particularly to a software control technique suitable for a digital camera.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, digital cameras tend to be multifunctional and high performance. In addition, corrections corresponding to defects are performed daily, and new functions may be added at the same time. It is convenient to fix bugs and add new functions by updating the software without changing the hardware, and update files for correcting bugs and adding functions are stored on recording media such as CD-ROM. Distributed or provided over a communication line.
[0003]
The peripheral device of the computer disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a communication unit for directly connecting the peripheral device to the communication line and an overwriting unit for overwriting the execution file provided from the external execution file storage unit via the communication unit. The executable file can be updated independently by the peripheral device regardless of the connected computer.
[0004]
Further, in the system and method for dynamically updating functions in the electronic image device disclosed in Patent Document 2, a removable memory device is configured to be connectable to the electronic image device, and the electronic image device is included in the removable memory device. It stores various function programs that are not supported by the basic application program. The electronic image apparatus scans the removable memory device and displays a necessary function program on a menu. The user selects a necessary function program from the menu, and the electronic image apparatus executes the selected function program.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 11-272634 A
[0006]
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-505492 A
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the computer peripheral device disclosed in Patent Document 1 requires a communication means connected to a communication line in order to obtain an update file.
[0008]
Further, in the system and method for dynamically updating functions in the electronic image apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, detachable memory means for storing function programs that are not supported by basic application software is required. Requires an external connector for connecting a removable memory device.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and a program update that can acquire a defect correction file or an additional function program without requiring an external connection device such as a communication means for connecting to a communication line or a removable memory device. It is an object to provide a method and an electronic camera.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a program update method according to the present invention is a program update method used for operation control of an electronic device having an imaging means for converting an optical image into an electrical signal, and is an optically readable information code. The step of imaging the program code formed on the image forming medium by the imaging unit, the step of restoring program data from the image data of the program code acquired through the imaging unit, and the restoration And a step of recording the data of the programmed program.
[0011]
According to the present invention, an information code (program code) of a program converted into an optically readable information code form is formed on the image forming medium. The program code is photographed using the imaging means of the electronic device, and the data of the program is restored by analyzing the obtained image data. The program data thus obtained is stored in the recording means. In this way, by restoring the program data from the image information using the imaging function of the electronic device, it is possible to obtain the update program and plug-in software without connecting to an external device such as a computer or a communication line become.
[0012]
Program update includes rewriting the entire control program, rewriting a part of the control program, or adding an additional program to the control program.
[0013]
Examples of electronic devices include electronic cameras such as digital cameras and video cameras, mobile phones with cameras, PDAs with cameras, mobile personal computers with cameras, scanners, copying machines, and fax machines.
[0014]
The term “with camera” is not limited to a mode in which the camera is built in the main body, but also includes a mode in which the camera is configured to be detachable from the main body (external attachment).
[0015]
An image forming medium means a medium on which a program code is formed, and includes paper, plates and other printing media on which the program code is printed, a CRT on which the program code is projected, a liquid crystal display, and other image display devices. To do.
[0016]
In order to achieve the above object, an electronic camera according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, and a program code formed on an image forming medium in the form of an optically readable information code. Program restoration means for restoring program data from image data obtained by imaging by the imaging means, program recording processing means for recording program data restored by the program restoration means in a program storage unit, and the program Control means for controlling the operation of the camera by executing a program recorded in the storage unit is provided.
[0017]
According to the present invention, the program code can be photographed by the imaging unit, the program data can be restored inside the electronic camera, and can be recorded in the program storage unit provided in the electronic camera via the program recording processing unit. Update programs, plug-in software, and the like can be recorded (installed) without requiring a removable recording medium, a computer, or a communication connection.
[0018]
The program storage unit includes a memory area built in a CPU that controls the camera, and a recording medium such as a ROM, a RAM, and a PC card provided in the camera.
[0019]
The program storage unit is suitably a non-volatile memory that does not lose the recorded contents when the power is turned off. Non-volatile memories include an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory) that can erase and write recorded data while the recording medium is mounted on a circuit, and electrically erases the recorded data.
[0020]
Recording in the program storage unit includes expanding and installing the program data into an executable format and recording it in the restored format.
[0021]
An electronic camera according to an aspect of the present invention includes a code photographing mode for photographing a program code in the optically readable information code format, and restoring program data from image data obtained by photographing, and data of the program It is characterized by comprising a mode switching means for switching between a normal photographing mode not accompanied by the restoration process.
[0022]
Mode switching means includes switching by hardware such as a switch and switching by software for selecting a shooting mode on a menu screen.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of a program update method and an electronic camera according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0024]
FIG. 1 shows how a program code recorded in an optically readable information code format is acquired by a camera.
[0025]
The camera 10 is a digital camera that converts an optical image of a subject into digital image data and records it.
[0026]
A two-dimensional code (hereinafter referred to as a program code) 14 is formed on an image forming medium (for example, paper) indicated by reference numeral 12 in which a camera control software program is encoded in an optically readable format.
[0027]
The program is an additional module or plug-in for adding a function to the camera, a correction program for countermeasures against troubles, or the like. Also included are parameters referred to by the control software of the camera 10 and data table change data.
[0028]
The format of the program code 14 includes a bar code, a dot code, etc., but the program code 14 may be any format such as an arbitrary character string and an arbitrary numeric string.
[0029]
The program code 14 of this example is color-printed on a sheet as the image forming medium 12, and in addition to the bar (colored part), the thickness of the space (white part) and the pattern, the color of the bar means ( Information).
[0030]
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the program code 14. The program code 14 is composed of an R program displayed in red, a G program displayed in green, and a B program displayed in blue. The R program, the G program, and the B program are different data and have the same encoding. It is in code form according to the rules.
[0031]
The program code 14 multiplex-records different programs R program, G program, and B program, color-prints on the image forming medium 12 as one image, and records the amount of information that can be recorded on one image forming medium (in this example, program data). Amount).
[0032]
Multiple recording includes a method of recording in the same area and a method of recording in the same area.
[0033]
In this embodiment, the RGB color image representation is used for the color representation of the program code 14, but the color representation of the program code 14 is not limited to the RGB color image representation, and CMY filters of cyan, magenta, and yellow are used as the color filters of the imaging system. Is used, the color expression of the program code 14 is preferably CMY color image expression. Therefore, the color expression of the program code 14 may be a color expression that matches the color recognition capability of the reading device and the display characteristics of the image forming medium.
[0034]
In general, a difference in color is expressed by hue, but in the present embodiment, one having at least one of the three elements of hue, saturation, and brightness can be handled as different colors.
[0035]
In addition to the program code 14, an area marker 16 indicating the area of the program code 14 and a centering marker (hereinafter referred to as a center marker) 18 are formed on the image forming medium 12. The area marker 16 and the center marker 18 have shapes, sizes, and colors that can be distinguished from the program code 14.
[0036]
The area marker 16 is used for angle-of-view adjustment at the time of shooting, and the center marker 18 is used for center-of-view angle alignment and focusing.
[0037]
The material of the image forming medium 12 is not limited to paper, and may be metal, resin, or the like as long as the program code 14, the area marker 16, and the center marker 18 can be photographed in color by the camera 10.
[0038]
3 to 7 are a front view, a rear view, a plan view, a bottom view, and a right side view showing the external appearance of the camera 10.
[0039]
A retractable photographing lens 20, a finder window 21, a strobe 22, a strobe light control sensor 23, a self-timer lamp 24, and a microphone 26 are provided on the front surface of the camera 10 shown in FIG.
[0040]
Further, a lens barrier 28 (see FIG. 8) that is opened and closed via a lens barrier driving unit 27 at the retracted position of the photographing lens 20 is provided on the front surface of the camera 10. FIG. 3 shows a state where the lens barrier 28 is opened.
[0041]
On the rear surface of the camera 10 shown in FIG. 4, a finder 30, a mode dial 32, a right key 34, a left key 36, an up / down lever 37, a menu / execute key 38, a cancel / return key 40, a display key 42 and a liquid crystal monitor 44 are provided. Is provided.
[0042]
The mode dial 32 is a means for changing the function (mode) of the camera. By rotating the mode dial 32, a shooting mode for shooting a still image, a playback mode for playing back the shot image, and a moving image shooting with sound are recorded. Can be set to a movie mode for performing voice recording, a voice recorder mode for performing voice recording without an image, and a code mode for photographing a voice data code in an information code format.
[0043]
The right key 34 and the left key 36 function as a one-frame backward button and a one-frame forward button, respectively, in the playback mode, or function as buttons for moving the cursor to the right and left on the menu screen.
[0044]
The up / down lever 37 functions as a zoom key for magnification adjustment in a reproduction function or a zoom function at the time of shooting, or is used as means for moving the cursor up and down on the menu screen.
[0045]
The menu / execution key 38 is used when transitioning from the normal screen to the menu screen in each mode, or when confirming the selection contents or instructing execution (confirmation) of processing.
[0046]
The cancel / return key 40 is used when canceling (cancelling) an item selected from the menu or returning to the previous operation state.
[0047]
The display key 42 is an operating means for turning on / off the liquid crystal monitor 44 and switching between display / non-display of the playback method and the frame number being played back.
[0048]
The liquid crystal monitor 44 can be used as an electronic viewfinder, and can display captured images, reproduced images read from a memory card loaded in the camera, and the like. The liquid crystal monitor 44 also displays information such as the number of frames that can be shot and the number of playback frames, the presence / absence of flash emission, macro mode display, recording image quality (quality) display, and pixel number display.
[0049]
A mode setting switch 46 that also serves as a power switch and a release button 48 are provided on the upper surface of the camera 10 shown in FIG.
[0050]
The mode setting switch 46 is a slide switch that is locked when the knob moves to the right in FIG. 5 and is not locked when the knob moves to the left. When the knob moves to the right and is locked, An audio mode is set, and each time the knob moves to the left, a camera mode and an OFF mode in which the power in the camera is turned off are alternately set.
[0051]
The release button 48 is configured in a two-stage manner, and automatic focusing (hereinafter referred to as AF) and automatic exposure control (hereinafter referred to as AE) are performed in a state where the release button 48 is lightly pressed and stopped halfway (S1 = ON). It operates to lock AF and AE, and photographing is executed in a state of “full press (S2 = ON)” in which the AF and AE are pushed further from “half press”. The release button 48 is a means for giving an instruction to start recording a still image, and is also used as a video recording button (recording start / stop button) and a recording button (recording start / stop button) under the voice recorder mode. .
[0052]
A battery cover 50 that also serves as a slot cover for the memory card and a tripod screw hole 52 are provided on the bottom surface of the camera 10 shown in FIG.
[0053]
An audio / video output terminal (line OUT) 54, a remote control terminal 56, a digital (USB) terminal 58, a power input terminal 60, and a speaker 62 are provided on the right side (the side opposite to the grip) of the camera 10 shown in FIG. Is provided.
[0054]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the camera 10.
[0055]
In the figure, a central processing unit (CPU) 70 is a control unit that performs overall control of the camera system. The CPU 70 controls the operation of each circuit in the camera 10 based on input of instruction signals from the mode dial 32, the mode setting switch 46, the release button 48, and the like.
[0056]
The flash memory 71 has a program area in which a program processed by the CPU 70 is stored and a data area in which various data necessary for control are stored. The flash memory 71 is an EEPROM capable of on-board writing and capable of electrically erasing data.
[0057]
The flash memory 71 is not limited to an EEPROM, and may be a read-only memory such as PROM or EPROM (ultraviolet erasable PROM). A plurality of different memories may be provided so as to include both an EEPROM and a PROM, or a microcomputer (one-chip microcomputer) in which peripheral circuits such as a CPU and a flash memory are made into one chip may be provided instead of the CPU 70. .
[0058]
The flash memory 71 is suitably a non-volatile memory in which recorded data is not lost when the power is turned off.
[0059]
In addition to the image processing area, the RAM 73 has a work area where the CPU 70 performs various arithmetic processes. The work area includes a system area used by the operating system.
[0060]
The light that has passed through the photographing lens 20 is incident on a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 74 after the amount of light is adjusted by a diaphragm (not shown). A large number of photosensors are arranged in a plane on the light receiving surface of the CCD 74, and a subject image formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 74 via the photographing lens 20 has an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light by each photosensor. Converted to signal charge. The CCD 74 has a so-called electronic shutter function that controls the charge accumulation time (shutter speed) of each photosensor according to the timing of the shutter gate pulse.
[0061]
The signal charges accumulated in this manner are sequentially read out as voltage signals corresponding to the signal charges. The voltage signal sequentially read from the CCD 74 is applied to a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS circuit) 76, where the R, G and B signals for each pixel are sampled and held and amplified for A / D conversion. Added to vessel 78. The A / D converter 78 converts the R, G, and B signals sequentially added from the CDS circuit 76 into digital signals and outputs them to the image signal processing circuit 80.
[0062]
The image signal processing circuit 80 performs simultaneous processing, white balance adjustment, gamma correction, luminance / color difference signal processing (YC processing) for converting the dot sequential R, G, B signals applied from the A / D converter 78 into simultaneous equations. ) And the like are performed. The image data processed by the image signal processing circuit 80 is stored in the RAM 73. In the case of displaying and outputting a photographed image, image data is read from the RAM 73 and this data is transferred to the image reproduction processing circuit 86 via the internal bus 85.
[0063]
The data sent to the image reproduction processing circuit 86 is converted into a predetermined display signal (for example, an NTSC color composite video signal) via the image reproduction processing circuit 86 and the video encoding circuit 88, and then the liquid crystal. In addition to being output to the monitor 44, it is output to the audio / video output terminal 54. The image data in the RAM 73 is periodically rewritten by the image signal output from the CCD 74, and the image signal generated from the image data is supplied to the liquid crystal monitor 44, whereby the image input via the CCD 74 is real-time. It is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 44. The photographer can check the angle of view by using the image (through image) displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 44 or the viewfinder 30.
[0064]
When the shooting mode is set by the mode dial 32 and the release button 48 is pressed (S2 = ON), a shooting start instruction (release ON) signal is issued. In response to the reception of this instruction signal, the CPU 70 starts taking in image data for recording. Prior to the photographing operation, the CPU 70 performs AF control and AE control in response to half-pressing of the release button 48 (S1 = ON).
[0065]
That is, the CPU 70 performs various calculations such as a focus evaluation calculation and an AE calculation based on the image data obtained from the CCD 74, controls the driver 92 of the lens driving motor 90 based on the calculation results, and focuses the taking lens 20 on the focus. While moving to a position, the iris drive unit (not shown) is controlled to set the aperture to an appropriate aperture value, and the charge accumulation time of the CCD 74 is controlled. Further, the CPU 70 performs strobe light emission control as necessary.
[0066]
The image data captured in response to the release button 48 being fully pressed (S2 = ON) is stored in the RAM 73 through YC processing and other predetermined signal processing. The CPU 70 sends a command to the compression / decompression processing circuit 94, whereby the compression / decompression processing circuit 94 converts the image data (luminance signal Y and chroma signals Cr, Cb) taken in the RAM 73 into a predetermined format (for example, JPEG format). Compress according to The compressed data is recorded on the memory card 98 via the media control circuit 96.
[0067]
In the camera 10 of this example, for example, an xD-picture card is applied as means for storing image data. The form of the recording medium is not limited to this, and may be a PC card, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a memory stick (registered trademark), etc., and read / write according to a method based on electronic, magnetic, optical, or a combination thereof. Various possible media can be used. A signal processing means and an interface corresponding to the medium to be used are applied. A configuration in which a plurality of media can be mounted regardless of different types or the same type of recording media may be adopted. The recording medium (internal memory) built in the camera 10 is not limited to the removable medium.
[0068]
The camera 10 is provided with a function (preview function) that displays a photographing result on the liquid crystal monitor 44 after photographing (before recording) and allows the user to select whether or not to record the photographed image. The user can specify enable / disable of the preview function on the setup menu screen. When the preview function is “valid”, a shot image is displayed immediately after shooting, and when recording of the image is permitted, the user presses the menu / execution key 38 and inputs an instruction of “recording OK”. In response to this instruction input, the photographed image is written into the memory card 98. If the user does not wish to record the photographed image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 44, the user presses the cancel / return key 40 and inputs a “record cancel” instruction. In response to this instruction input, the recorded image recording process is canceled.
[0069]
When the camera 10 is set to the movie mode, moving image recording with sound becomes possible. When the release button 48 is pressed (S2 = ON), the recording operation starts. When the release button 48 is pressed again (S1 = ON), the recording operation is stopped. The recording operation may be performed while the release button 48 is continuously pressed, and the recording may be stopped by releasing the press. The moving image data is recorded on the memory card 98 in the motion JPEG format, for example.
[0070]
When the camera 10 is set to the voice recorder mode, voice recording is possible. Recording is started when the release button 48 is fully pressed (S2 = ON), and then recording is stopped when the release button 48 is pressed halfway (S1 = ON). An audio signal input via the microphone 26 is input to the audio processing circuit 100. The audio processing circuit 100 converts the input audio signal into a digital signal and converts it into a predetermined file format (for example, WAVE format). The audio data thus obtained is recorded on the memory card 98 via the media control circuit 96.
[0071]
When the camera mode is set by the mode setting switch 46 and the playback mode is selected by the mode dial 32, the last frame file recorded on the memory card 98 is read through the media control circuit 96. When the file of the last frame is a still image file, the compressed data of the read image file is expanded into an uncompressed YC signal via the compression / decompression processing circuit 94.
[0072]
The expanded YC signal is converted into a display signal via the image reproduction processing circuit 86 and the video encoding circuit 88, and is output to the liquid crystal monitor 44 and also to the audio / video output terminal 54.
[0073]
As a result, the frame image of the last frame recorded on the memory card 98 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 44, and when a television receiver (not shown) is connected to the audio / video output terminal 54, The last frame image is displayed on the television receiver.
[0074]
Thereafter, when the right key 34 is pressed, the frame is advanced in the forward direction, and when the left key 36 is pressed, the frame is advanced in the reverse direction. Then, the frame-positioned image file at the frame position is read from the memory card 98, and the frame image is reproduced on the liquid crystal monitor 44 in the same manner as described above. When the last frame image is displayed, when the frame is advanced in the forward direction, the first frame image file recorded on the memory card 98 is read, and the first frame image is displayed on the LCD monitor. 44 or a television receiver or other image display device.
[0075]
When the reproduction target file is a moving image file, the first frame of the moving image is displayed as a representative image, and a screen for accepting an instruction to start moving image reproduction is displayed. When the file to be reproduced is an audio file, a predetermined image indicating that the file is an audio file is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 44, and a screen for receiving an instruction to start audio reproduction is displayed. When an audio playback start instruction is input, an audio file is read from the memory card 98, converted into an audio signal by the audio processing circuit 100, and then connected to the speaker 62 or headphones (not shown) connected to the remote control terminal 56. Is output as audio.
[0076]
When the code mode is set by the mode dial 32, program code photographing in the information code format is performed.
[0077]
9 and 10 are flowcharts showing the control of the code mode.
[0078]
When the code mode is set by the mode dial 32 (step S10 in FIG. 9), the CPU 70 activates the decoding program stored in the program area of the flash memory 71 (step S12).
[0079]
When the decoding program is started, as shown in FIG. 11, a “code” display 110 indicating a code mode state, a field angle alignment frame 112, and a stop alignment mark 114 are displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 44 (FIG. 9). Step S14).
[0080]
When the release button 48 is half-pressed (S1 = ON) (step S16), AE, AF, and AWB (auto white balance) are performed (step S18), and the process proceeds to step S20.
[0081]
In step S20, color-specific data (R image, G image, B image) is extracted from the image data of the program code, and each is stored in the temporary RAM 73 as an image format file (step S22).
[0082]
Next, the angle of view (marker detection) of the subject (image forming medium 12) is performed (step S24). In the marker detection, it is detected whether the field angle alignment frame 122 displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 44 and the area marker 16 formed on the image forming medium 12 overlap. When the angle-of-view matching frame 122 and the area marker 16 do not overlap (NO determination), the marker warning display 130 shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 44 (step S26 in FIG. 9), and the control of the camera 10 is performed. The release button 48 is half-pressed (S1 = ON).
[0083]
When the field angle alignment frame 122 of the photographic lens and the area marker 16 overlap in step S24 (when YES is determined), focus detection of the photographic lens 20 is performed (step S28).
[0084]
In focus detection, the frame is aligned so that the center marker 18 formed at the approximate center of the surface of the image forming medium 12 and the center alignment mark 114 displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 44 overlap, and the photographing lens 20 is focused on the center marker 18. To detect.
[0085]
When the focus of the photographic lens 20 is not detected (NO determination), the focus warning display 150 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 44 (step S30 in FIG. 9), and the camera is controlled by pressing the release button 48 halfway. (S1 = ON) Transition to a wait state.
[0086]
When focus is detected in step S28 (YES determination), program data is restored from the R image, G image, and B image stored in the RAM 73 by pressing the release button 48 fully (S2 = ON) (step S32). It is determined whether it is possible (step S34).
[0087]
If it is determined that the image cannot be restored (NO determination), the image data is deleted (step S36), and the control of the camera 10 shifts to a state where the release button 48 is half-pressed (S1 = ON).
[0088]
If it is determined in step 34 that the program data can be restored (YES judgment), the program data is restored from the image data of the program code (step S38). Program data R program, G program, and B program are restored from the R image, G image, and B image, and temporarily stored in the RAM 73 (step S40).
[0089]
In the present embodiment, the marker warning and the focus warning are exemplified as a warning display on the liquid crystal monitor 44. However, the marker warning and the focus warning can be in the form of a warning sound such as a buzzer or sound. Furthermore, a screen display and a warning sound may be used in combination.
[0090]
Here, the installation screen 160 shown in FIG. 14 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 44, and it is selected whether the restored program data is to be installed in the camera 10 or not (step S50 in FIG. 10).
[0091]
When “No” (NO, installation is not performed) is selected on the installation screen 160, a save selection screen for selecting whether to restore the data of the restored program or not to save is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 44 ( Step S52). FIG. 15 shows a save selection screen.
[0092]
If “No” (NO, not saved) is selected on the save selection screen 170, the program data is erased from the RAM 73 (step S54 in FIG. 10), and the control of the camera 10 waits for the release button 48 half-pressed (S1 = ON). The state is changed (step S16 in FIG. 9).
[0093]
When "Yes" (YES, save) is selected on the save selection screen 170, a save means selection screen 180 for selecting save means (whether or not to save to a memory card) is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 44 (FIG. 10). Step S56). FIG. 16 shows a storage means selection screen.
[0094]
If “No” (NO, not stored in the memory card) is selected on the storage means selection screen 180, the data of the program is stored in the data area of the flash memory 71 (step S58 in FIG. 10). Thereafter, the control of the camera 10 shifts to a state where the release button 48 is half-pressed (S1 = ON) (step S16 in FIG. 9).
[0095]
When “Yes” (YES, save to memory card) is selected on the saving means selection screen 180, processing for saving the data of the program to the memory card 98 is executed.
[0096]
The program data is compressed into a predetermined format (step S60 in FIG. 10), and a file name is automatically given to the compressed program data by the CPU 70 (step S62). Thereafter, it is stored in the memory card 98 via the media control circuit 96 (step S64).
[0097]
The file name of the program data and the directory structure in the memory card when storing the program data in the memory card will be described later.
[0098]
When the data of the program is stored in the memory card 96, the control of the camera 10 shifts to a waiting state for the release button 48 half-pressed (S1 = ON) (step S16 in FIG. 9).
[0099]
If “Yes” (YES, installation is performed) is selected in step S44, an installation program (installer) stored in the flash memory 71 is activated (step S70 in FIG. 10).
[0100]
When the installer is activated, the program data temporarily stored in the RAM 73 is expanded in the work area of the RAM 73 (step S72).
[0101]
The files expanded in the RAM include a program file and a data file that constitute a control program. The data file includes control parameters used by the control program and data referred to by the control program.
[0102]
The program file expanded in the RAM 73 and the program file in the program area of the flash memory 71 are collated, and a necessary program file of the program files in the RAM 73 is copied from the RAM 73 to the program area of the flash memory 71 (step S74). .
[0103]
In step S74, unnecessary program files are deleted from the program files in the program area of the flash memory 71 as necessary.
[0104]
When copying of the program file is completed in step S74, the data file in the RAM 73 and the data file in the data area of the flash memory 71 are collated. A necessary data file among the data files in the RAM 73 is copied to the data area of the flash memory 71 according to the result of the collation (step S76).
[0105]
In step S76, unnecessary data files are deleted from the data files in the data area of the flash memory 71 as necessary.
[0106]
When the update of the program file and the data file is completed, the settings and parameters of the control program of the camera 10 are updated according to the updated file (step S78), and the installation is completed (step S80).
[0107]
When the installation is completed, the control of the camera 10 shifts to a wait state for the release button 48 half-pressed (S1 = ON) (step S16 in FIG. 9).
[0108]
In this embodiment, the mode dial 32 switches between the code mode and another mode. However, the mode switching is not limited to switching by the mode dial 32, and mode switching by software is possible.
[0109]
An example of mode switching by software is a mode in which a mode switching (menu) screen is displayed in the photographing mode and the mode is switched to the code mode on the menu screen.
[0110]
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a directory (folder) structure of the memory card 98. The directory names and file names shown in FIG. 17 are examples and can be changed as appropriate.
[0111]
Under the root directory, a data storage directory (PROG) and an image file storage directory (DCIM) of the program acquired in the code photographing mode are formed.
[0112]
A file name of “******. Aaa” is given to the compressed program data in a predetermined format. ****** is a character string composed of alphabets and numbers composed of arbitrary eight characters, and aaa is a character string composed of arbitrary three characters. The aaa is called an extension and can indicate a file format or a compression format.
[0113]
The data of the program given the file name is stored in the program data storage directory (PROG).
[0114]
A plurality of subdirectories “100_fuji”, “101_fuji”,... Are formed below the image file storage directory (DCIM), and image files can be stored by classification for each directory.
[0115]
The recorded data is automatically given a file name according to the recording format. For example, a still image file recorded in the JPEG format is recorded with a file name “DSCF ******. Jpg” (where ****** is a 4-digit number string).
[0116]
The file name is automatically given by the CPU 70 at the time of recording. As a general rule, the 4-digit number of the file name is assigned with a serial number without duplication.
[0117]
In the camera 10 configured as described above, a two-dimensionally coded program is loaded into the camera 10 as an image, and the program code (image format) is converted into program data by an image processing function and a decoding program provided in the camera 10. Then, the program can be installed in the camera 10. Furthermore, the program can be recorded in either an internal memory or an external recording medium as necessary. Therefore, the camera control program can be updated without the need for an externally connectable communication line or a detachable memory device.
[0118]
FIG. 18 shows an application example of the embodiment according to the present invention. FIG. 18 shows a state where a program code attached to a camera magazine is acquired by a digital camera. The program code is a two-dimensional code in which the program is encoded in an optically readable format, and is an update program for a digital camera control program.
[0119]
The camera 200 is a digital camera having the code mode disclosed in the above embodiment. The camera magazine 202 contains various information related to the camera 200 in addition to an article 204 introducing an introduction article of the camera 200 and performance comparison with other cameras. The information regarding the camera 200 includes defect information and function addition information.
[0120]
In the camera magazine 202, a two-dimensional code in which an update program corresponding to the defect information and function addition information is information-coded is posted, and a method for handling the update program is posted.
[0121]
The user can read the camera magazine 202, photograph the program code 206 with the camera 200 according to the handling method of the update program, and restore the update program from the image data of the update program inside the camera 200. In addition, the restored update program can be installed in the camera 200.
[0122]
In this application example, the program code 206 is published in the magazine 202. However, the program code 206 is recorded on an arbitrary paper medium (pamphlet or the like), and is attached to the camera magazine 202, or an arbitrary paper medium is distributed alone. Is also possible.
[0123]
In the camera 200 configured as described above, the user obtains a magazine or a pamphlet in which a two-dimensionally encoded update program is recorded. The update program recorded in the previous camera magazine or pamphlet is shot by the camera 200, the program data is restored from the image data of the update program inside the camera 200, and the update program can be installed in the camera 200. Trouble countermeasures and function additions are possible. Therefore, the function program of the camera can be updated without requiring a removable medium or communication connection.
[0124]
The two-dimensional program code medium can be distributed by converting the update program into an optically readable image format information code and recording it on the image forming medium.
[0125]
Furthermore, if the update program is recorded on a printed matter on a paper medium, the portability is very good, and there is no need to prepare an external communication device and update the software separately.
[0126]
Compared to carrying a removable memory device for program updates, the portability is comparable, but removable memory devices are more expensive than printed paper products. It is more advantageous than a removable memory device.
[0127]
Although an example of handling a camera control program has been illustrated, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, two-dimensional coded audio information is acquired, and audio data is restored and recorded. If the camera has a playback function, audio playback can also be performed.
[0128]
In the embodiment of the present invention, the embodiment of the digital camera has been disclosed. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the digital camera, and can be widely applied to a movie camera and other electronic devices having an electronic imaging function. is there.
[0129]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, an operation control program such as an update program is converted into an optically readable image format information code form and recorded on the image forming medium, and this two-dimensional program code medium is recorded by the imaging means. Since the program data is restored from the image data obtained by shooting, there is no need for an external connection device such as a communication means for connecting to a communication line or a removable memory device, and a program for controlling an electronic device Can be updated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which an optically readable program code is photographed by a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a program recorded in an optically readable information code format
FIG. 3 is a front view of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a rear view of the camera according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a top view of a camera according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the camera according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a right side view of the camera according to the embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the camera according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing data acquisition control in code mode imaging;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing control of program installation and data storage in code mode shooting.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display on a liquid crystal monitor showing a code mode shooting state;
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a marker warning screen in the code mode shooting state;
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an in-focus warning screen in the code mode shooting state.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an installation screen in the code mode shooting state;
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a save selection screen in the code mode shooting state;
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a storage means selection screen in the code mode shooting state;
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a directory concept of a memory card
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an application example according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,200 ... Camera, 12,202 ... Image forming medium, 14,206 ... Program code, 20 ... Shooting lens, 32 ... Mode dial, 70 ... CPU, 71 ... Flash memory, 73 ... RAM, 80 ... Image signal processing circuit 98 ... Memory card

Claims (3)

An update method of a program used for operation control of an electronic device provided with an imaging means for converting an optical image into an electrical signal,
Imaging the program code formed on the image forming medium in the form of an optically readable information code by the imaging means;
Restoring the program data from the image data of the program code acquired via the imaging means;
Recording the restored program data;
A program update method comprising: Imaging means for converting an optical image into an electrical signal;
Program restoring means for restoring program data from image data obtained by imaging the program code formed on the image forming medium in the form of an optically readable information code by the imaging means;
Program recording processing means for recording data of the program restored by the program restoring means in a program storage unit;
Control means for controlling the operation of the camera by executing a program recorded in the program storage unit;
An electronic camera characterized by comprising: A code photographing mode for photographing the program code in the optically readable information code format, restoring the program data from the image data obtained by photographing, and a normal photographing mode not involving the restoration processing of the program data 3. The electronic camera according to claim 2, further comprising mode switching means for switching between the two.

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