JP2007020078A - Electronic still camera having positioning function and electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic still camera having a positioning function which can read movement track information in the same apparatus, easily retrieve movement track data for ervery movement step and improve the availability of a recording section for recording movement track data. <P>SOLUTION: In this electronic still camera 1 having the positioning function, an opened file 201a is converted into a closed file 201a in a predetermined timing by a control section 14 and if the opened file 201a does not exist in a tracking log recording section 20a, the opened file 201a is newly created in the tracking log recording section 20a. Thus, the opened file 201a is divided into an opened file 201a and a closed file 202a. Furthermore, the control section 14 is configured to compress the closed file 202a and record it in the tracking log recording section 20a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic still camera and an electronic apparatus having a positioning function.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, electronic devices having a positioning function that can acquire positioning data and efficiently record or use the acquired positioning data are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

  In Patent Document 1, the amount of data is reduced by converting the obtained positioning data into point index information that is movement history information using a map database provided in the apparatus, and the positioning data is efficiently recorded. An electronic device having a positioning function is described. In an electronic device having this positioning function, the point index information is directly recorded in a storage device provided in the same device, and is not recorded by being divided into files. Further, the point index information recorded in the storage device is transmitted to the external server by the communication device, and is stored and managed by the external server.

  Further, Patent Document 2 describes an electronic device having a positioning function capable of dividing positioning data into files in units of travel and compressing files. In the electronic device having this positioning function, the compressed file is transmitted to the external server by the communication device. The external server records the positioning data sent from multiple users and creates a database. The positioning data is not used as a tracking log (movement trajectory data), but is used for congestion information that can be used by multiple users. Used for provision.

  Patent Document 3 discloses an electronic device having a positioning function capable of compressing and recording acquired positioning data as needed. In the electronic device having this positioning function, the acquired positioning data is compressed for each data and directly recorded in the buffer. Further, the acquired positioning data is not transmitted to an external server, but is recorded and used in a recording unit in the same electronic device.

Conventionally, an electronic still camera having a positioning function capable of recording positioning data is known. In an electronic still camera having a conventional positioning function, positioning data is acquired at predetermined time intervals, and the acquired positioning data is accumulated and recorded in one file as a tracking log (movement trajectory data).
JP 2003-346274 A JP 2003-228788 A JP 2004-125544 A

However, the conventional electronic still camera having the positioning function has a disadvantage that all the positioning data is recorded in one file because the positioning data is accumulated in one file. For this reason, since it is difficult to divide and record the file for each movement process, there is a disadvantage that all the positioning data is read when the positioning data is read. As a result, in order to search the movement trajectory data for each movement stroke, there is a problem that the user needs to find out the positioning data at the start point and the end point of the predetermined movement stroke from all the read positioning data. There was a point. In addition, in the file that records positioning data,
Since the positioning data is recorded at a predetermined time interval, there is an inconvenience that it is difficult to compress the file while acquiring the positioning data. For this reason, since the capacity of the file becomes larger than when the file is compressed, there is a problem that the utilization efficiency of the recording unit is lowered.

  Further, in the electronic device having the positioning function described in Patent Document 1, the acquired point index information is transmitted to the external server by the communication device, so that there is a disadvantage that a separate communication device is necessary. In addition, since the transmitted point index information is stored and managed by an external server, there is a disadvantage that it is necessary to install an external server separately. Furthermore, since the point index information is recorded directly in the storage device in units of data, there is a disadvantage that no file exists. For this reason, since it is difficult to divide and record the file for each movement process, there is an inconvenience that all the positioning data is read when the positioning data is read. As a result, in order to search the movement trajectory data for each movement stroke, there is a problem that the user needs to find out the positioning data at the start point and the end point of the predetermined movement stroke from all the read positioning data. There is a point.

  Further, in the electronic device having the positioning function described in Patent Document 2, since the positioning data is divided into files in units of travel, it is easy to refer to the movement history information for each movement process and to compress the file. Therefore, the recording unit provided in the same device can be used efficiently. However, in the electronic device having the positioning function described in Patent Document 2, the file in which the positioning data is recorded is transmitted to the external server by the communication device in the same manner as the electronic device having the positioning function described in Patent Document 1. Therefore, there is an inconvenience that a separate communication device is required. Further, since the transmitted file is stored by the external server, there is a disadvantage that it is necessary to install a separate external server. Further, since the positioning data transmitted from a plurality of users is stored in a database as information for providing traffic jam information, etc., the external server reads out the tracking log (movement trajectory data) from the external server to the electronic device. There is a problem that it is difficult to use.

  In the electronic device having the positioning function described in Patent Document 3, the acquired positioning data is recorded and used in the recording unit in the same device without being transmitted to the external server. There is no need to provide a separate communication device and no separate external server. However, in the electronic device having the positioning function of Patent Document 3, the acquired positioning data is compressed in units of data and directly recorded in the buffer. Therefore, the file does not exist, and the file is divided for each movement process. There is an inconvenience that it is difficult to record. For this reason, since all the positioning data is read at the time of reading the positioning data, in order to search the movement trajectory data for each movement stroke, the positioning data at the start point of the predetermined movement stroke is searched from all the read positioning data. There is a problem that the user needs to find out the positioning data at the end point.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and one object of the present invention is to read movement trajectory data in the same device and to move trajectory data for each movement stroke. It is possible to provide an electronic still camera and an electronic apparatus having a positioning function that can easily search for and can improve the utilization efficiency of a recording unit that records movement trajectory data.

An electronic still camera having a positioning function according to the first aspect of the present invention is the same as an imaging unit for photographing a subject, a position detection unit that receives a signal from the outside and acquires positioning data, and a position detection unit Can be added to an electronic still camera with a positioning function that is installed in the main body of the camera and includes a recording unit that records the positioning data acquired by the position detection unit in a file that can be additionally recorded as movement trajectory data. A conversion means for converting a simple file into a file that cannot be written at a predetermined timing, a compression means for compressing a non-writeable file converted by the conversion means, and a file that can be added to the recording unit does not exist , A file creation means for creating a file that can be newly added to the recording unit, and the same electronic still camera body as the position detection unit and the recording unit And a reading means for reading the movement trajectory data recorded in the writable file and the writable file recorded in the recording unit by the same electronic still camera body, and the same electronic still as the position detecting unit and the recording unit A display unit that is installed in the camera body and displays the movement trajectory data read by the reading unit; and a predetermined timing when the writable file is converted into a file that cannot be writable by the converting unit Is the time when the capacity of the data recorded in a recordable file reaches the specified capacity, the timing when the positioning function of the position detector stops, and the satellite data cannot be used by the position detector. A file that is at least one of the timings and cannot be appended is converted by the conversion means. When additional recording impossible files to be associated files of continuity, continuity is recorded in the recording unit to be identified.

  In the electronic still camera having the positioning function according to the first aspect, as described above, there are conversion means for converting a file that can be additionally written into a file that cannot be additionally written at a predetermined timing, and a file that can be additionally written to the recording unit. If not, by providing a file creation means for creating a file that can be additionally written to the recording unit, the file that can be additionally written, a file that cannot be added to which positioning data is recorded, and a file that can be additionally written Therefore, a part of the accumulated positioning data can be divided and recorded as movement trajectory data. As a result, for example, if the movement trajectory data for each predetermined travel process is converted into a file that cannot be added, a file in which the travel trajectory data is recorded for each predetermined travel process can be created. A file of movement trajectory data for each predetermined movement process can be easily managed. In addition, by providing a compression unit that compresses a file that cannot be added, which has been converted by the conversion unit, the data capacity of the file that cannot be written to can be reduced. For this reason, since the capacity of the file recorded in the recording unit can be reduced, the utilization efficiency of the recording unit can be improved. In addition, it is installed in the same electronic still camera body as the position detection unit and the recording unit, and provided with a reading means for reading the movement trajectory data from the recording unit in the same electronic still camera body, the electronic still camera having a positioning function The acquired movement trajectory data can be used only by exchanging data on the server. Unlike the devices that send the acquired positioning data to the external server and record it on the external server, the external server or external server There is no need to install a communication device for transmitting data. Further, by configuring the reading means so as to be able to read the movement trajectory data recorded in the recordable file and the file that cannot be recorded recorded in the recording unit, the movement trajectory data for each movement stroke is obtained. If it is recorded in the file, it is possible to read out only the movement trajectory data of the predetermined movement process by searching and reading the file corresponding to the predetermined movement process, so that the predetermined data can be read from all the read positioning data. Compared to the case where the user searches for the positioning data at the start point and the end point of the movement process, the movement trajectory data of the predetermined movement process can be easily searched. Further, a predetermined timing when the file that can be additionally written is converted into a file that cannot be additionally written by the conversion means is a timing when the capacity of the data that is accumulated in the file that can be additionally written reaches the predetermined capacity. By doing so, the data capacity of the converted file that cannot be additionally written can be set to a predetermined amount, so that the data capacity of each file can be prevented from increasing.

Further, in the first aspect, if the predetermined timing when the file that can be additionally written is converted into the file that cannot be additionally written by the conversion means is the timing at which the positioning function of the position detection unit is stopped, The timing when the positioning function is stopped is the timing when the user turns off the power, and since it can be determined that it is the timing when one movement stroke is completed, the file in which the movement locus data of one movement stroke is recorded. Can be easily created. In addition, if the conversion unit converts the file that can be added to a file that cannot be added to the predetermined timing when the position detection unit can no longer use the satellite operation data, the position detection unit uses the satellite operation data. Can be determined that the user has moved from one travel process to another, such as when the travel distance is far away due to poor reception of radio waves. A file in which movement trajectory data of the movement process is recorded can be easily created. In addition, when the file that cannot be added is converted by the conversion means and is a related file having continuity with other files that cannot be added, the file is recorded in the recording unit so that the continuity can be identified. By configuring, even if the movement trajectory data of one movement process is divided and recorded in a plurality of files, the continuity of the divided files is managed, so the files for each movement process can be easily managed. can do. In addition, it is installed in the same electronic still camera body as the position detection unit and the recording unit, and further includes a display unit that displays the movement trajectory data read by the reading unit, so that the data in the electronic still camera alone Only by the exchange, the movement trajectory data recorded in the recording unit can be displayed on the display unit.

  An electronic device having a positioning function according to the second aspect of the present invention is installed in the same device as a position detection unit that receives a signal from the outside and acquires positioning data, and the position detection unit. A recording unit for accumulating recorded positioning data in a recordable file as movement trajectory data, a conversion unit for converting a recordable file into a file that cannot be recorded at a predetermined timing, and conversion by the conversion unit A compression unit that compresses the file that cannot be added, a file creation unit that creates a new recordable file in the recording unit, and a position detection unit and recording And a reading unit that is installed in the same device as the unit or in a device that is combined and integrated, and that reads movement trajectory data from the recording unit in the device.

  In the electronic apparatus having the positioning function according to the second aspect, as described above, there is no conversion means for converting a file that can be additionally written into a file that cannot be additionally written at a predetermined timing, and a file that can be additionally written to the recording unit. In this case, by providing a file creation means for creating a file that can be additionally written to the recording unit, the file that can be additionally written is classified into a file in which positioning data is recorded and a file that can be additionally written. Since it can be divided, a part of the positioning data recorded cumulatively can be divided and recorded as movement trajectory data. As a result, for example, if the movement trajectory data for each predetermined travel process is converted into a file that cannot be added, a file in which the travel trajectory data is recorded for each predetermined travel process can be created. A file of movement trajectory data for each predetermined movement stroke can be easily managed. In addition, by providing a compression unit that compresses a file that cannot be added, which has been converted by the conversion unit, the data capacity of the file that cannot be written to can be reduced. For this reason, since the capacity of the file recorded in the recording unit can be reduced, the utilization efficiency of the recording unit can be improved. An electronic device having a positioning function is provided in the same device as the position detection unit and the recording unit or in a device integrated with the position detection unit, and provided with reading means for reading movement trajectory data from the recording unit in the device. The acquired movement trajectory data can be used only by exchanging data within the network, so the acquired positioning data is sent to an external server and recorded on the external server. There is no need to install a communication device for transmitting data to the server.

In the electronic apparatus having the positioning function according to the second aspect, preferably, the reading unit is configured to be able to read the movement track data recorded in the recordable file and the file that cannot be recorded in the recording unit. ing. With this configuration, if the movement trajectory data for each movement stroke is recorded in a file, only the movement trajectory data of the predetermined movement stroke is read by searching and reading the file corresponding to the predetermined movement stroke. Therefore, it is easier to search the movement trajectory data of the predetermined movement process than when the user searches for the positioning data of the starting point and the end point of the predetermined movement process from all the read positioning data. be able to.

  In the electronic device having the positioning function according to the second aspect, preferably, the conversion unit records the predetermined timing when the writable file is converted into the writable file in an accumulative manner. This is the timing when the capacity of the data thus reached has reached a predetermined capacity. With this configuration, the data capacity of the converted file that cannot be written to can be set to a predetermined amount, so that the data capacity of each file can be prevented from increasing.

  In the electronic device having the positioning function according to the second aspect, preferably, the positioning function of the position detection unit is stopped at a predetermined timing when the file that can be additionally written is converted to the file that cannot be additionally written by the conversion unit. It is timing. According to this configuration, the timing at which the positioning function of the position detection unit is stopped is the timing at which the user turns off the power, and it can be determined that the timing at which one movement process is completed. A file in which movement trajectory data of the movement process is recorded can be easily created.

  In the electronic apparatus having the positioning function according to the second aspect, preferably, the position detection unit uses the satellite operation data at a predetermined timing when the file that can be additionally written is converted into the file that cannot be additionally written by the conversion unit. This is the timing when it is no longer possible. With this configuration, when the position detection unit can no longer use the satellite operation data, the user can move from one travel process to another, such as when the travel distance is greatly increased due to poor reception of radio waves. Therefore, it is possible to easily create a file in which movement trajectory data of one movement stroke is recorded.

  In the electronic device having the positioning function according to the second aspect, preferably, the file that cannot be added, which is converted by the conversion unit, is a related file having continuity with other files that cannot be added. The continuity is recorded in the recording unit so as to be identifiable. With this configuration, even when the movement trajectory data of one movement process is divided and recorded in a plurality of files, the continuity of the divided files is managed, so that the file for each movement process can be easily obtained. Can be managed.

  In the electronic device having a positioning function according to the second aspect, preferably, the electronic device is installed in the same device as the position detection unit and the recording unit or in a device integrated in a complex manner and read by the reading unit. A display unit for displaying the movement trajectory data is further provided. If comprised in this way, the movement locus data currently recorded on the recording part can be displayed on a display part only by the exchange of data within an electronic device.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an electronic still camera having a positioning function according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front side. 2 is an overall perspective view of the electronic still camera having a positioning function according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the back side. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the electronic still camera having a positioning function according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. First, the structure of an electronic still camera 1 having a positioning function according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, a lens 2 and a strobe 3 are arranged in front of the electronic still camera 1 having a positioning function according to the present embodiment. In addition, an antenna 4 and a shutter button 5 are provided on the top of the electronic still camera 1 having a positioning function. On the back of the electronic still camera 1 having a positioning function, as shown in FIG. 2, a power switch 6, a viewfinder 7, a liquid crystal display unit 8, a liquid crystal operation button 9, a log display switch 10, and various switches. 11 and 12 are provided. The liquid crystal display unit 8 is an example of the “display unit” in the present invention. In addition, an insertion portion 13 into which an external memory 13a is inserted is provided on the right side when viewed from the back surface of the electronic still camera 1 having a positioning function. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the electronic still camera 1 having a positioning function includes a control unit 14, an imaging unit 15, a signal processing unit 16, a timer 17, a display video memory 18, and a position. A detection unit 19, a recording unit 20 that records the acquired positioning data, and a power supply unit 21 are provided.

  The strobe 3 has a function of emitting light during shooting. The antenna 4 is provided for receiving a signal from a GPS satellite. Further, the signal received by the antenna 4 is configured to be transmitted to the position detector 19 as shown in FIG. The shutter button 5 is configured to perform shooting by the imaging unit 15 when pressed during shooting. The power switch 6 is configured to supply power from the power supply unit 21 to each circuit when the user presses the switch. The viewfinder 7 is configured such that the user of the electronic still camera 1 having a positioning function can determine the shooting range while viewing the subject through the viewfinder 7. The liquid crystal display unit 8 is provided for displaying captured images, tracking logs, and the like. The tracking log is an example of the “movement trajectory data” in the present invention. The liquid crystal operation button 9 is provided for performing operations such as setting change according to a menu screen displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8. In addition, the external memory 13a inserted into the insertion unit 13 (see FIG. 2) is configured to be able to record photographic image data 201b and the like. The control unit 14 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and has a function of performing various operations, data processing, and file processing control of the electronic still camera 1 having a positioning function. The control unit 14 is an example of the “conversion unit”, “compression unit”, “file creation unit”, and “read unit” of the present invention. The imaging unit 15 is provided to capture an image of a subject captured through the lens 2. The signal processing unit 16 is provided to convert an image taken by the imaging unit 15 into an image signal by an imaging element such as a CCD (not shown). In addition, the timer 17 is configured to measure a time interval for acquiring positioning data by the position detection unit 19. Further, the position detector 19 amplifies and demodulates the radio wave received from the GPS satellite received by the antenna 4, and then decodes the acquired data from the GPS satellite and uses an electronic still having a positioning function based on the decoded data. The camera 1 has a function of positioning. The recording unit 20 is provided for recording the positioning data acquired by the position detection unit 19. Further, inside the recording unit 20, a tracking log recording unit 20 a that records the positioning data acquired from the GPS satellites by the position detection unit 19 as a tracking log, and photographic image data taken by the imaging unit 15. 201b and a photo data recording unit 20b for recording data 202b such as a date corresponding to an image, and a development buffer area 20c for developing a tracking log. The tracking log recording unit 20a records a recordable open file 201a for accumulatively recording positioning data. As will be described later, when the controllable unit 14 converts the openable file 201a that can be additionally written into a closed file 202a that cannot be additionally recorded, the converted closed file 202a is also stored in the tracking log recording unit 20a. To be recorded. The power supply unit 21 is configured to supply power to the electronic still camera 1 having a positioning function by the power switch 6.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the electronic still camera having the positioning function according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Next, a basic operation of the electronic still camera 1 having a positioning function according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S1 of FIG. 4, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the power switch 6 of the electronic still camera 1 having a positioning function is in an ON state. In step S1, when the control unit 14 determines that the power switch 6 is not in the ON state, the determination as to whether or not the power switch 6 in the step S1 is in the ON state is repeated. On the other hand, when the control unit 14 determines in step S1 that the power switch 6 is in the ON state, in step S2, the control unit 14 determines whether satellite operation data is available. The satellite operation data refers to almanac data or ephemeris data. Then, by using these data, a GPS satellite that can be used for positioning is captured, and positioning is performed by receiving radio waves from the GPS satellite. Also, almanac data is orbit information regarding all GPS satellites in the orbit of GPS satellites, and once acquired, it can be used for about one week. The ephemeris data is accurate position information of each satellite and time information when the signal is emitted, and is more accurate information about the position of the GPS satellite than the almanac data. Once acquired, it is about one and a half hours. It can be used. For this reason, in step S2, it is determined whether almanac data or ephemeris data, which is satellite operation data, is acquired in advance, and if almanac data or ephemeris data is acquired in advance, It is determined whether the data is within the above usage period.

  In step S2, when the control unit 14 determines that the satellite operation data is not available, the control unit 14 performs initial positioning of the satellite operation data in step S3. In step S4, the control unit 14 determines whether the radio wave reception state is good. If the control unit 14 determines in step S4 that the radio wave reception state is good, in step S5, if the positioning failure switch is ON, the positioning failure switch is turned OFF. The positioning failure switch is a software switch for executing re-positioning when the almanac data cannot be used. In step S6, the control unit 14 starts capturing a GPS satellite. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step S4 that the reception state is not good, in step S7, an operation of a temporary shooting operation routine that is a normal shooting operation without a positioning function is performed. In addition, when the control unit 14 determines in step S2 that satellite operation data is available, acquisition of GPS satellites is started in step S6. In step S8, the timer 17 is started and measurement of the positioning interval is started. In step S9, the control unit 14 executes a new tracking log file creation routine. The new tracking log file creation routine is for creating a newly recordable open file 201a when there is no recordable open file 201a in the tracking log recording unit 20a of the recording unit 20. . The opened file 201a is an example of the “file that can be additionally written” in the present invention.

In step S9, after the operation of the new tracking log creation routine is performed, in step S10, the control unit 14 determines whether or not there is an interruption in the tracking log display mode. This tracking log display mode is performed when the user presses the log display switch 10. If it is determined in step S10 that there is an interruption in the tracking log display mode, the tracking log display mode is executed by the control unit 14 in step S11. When the tracking log display mode ends in step S11, positioning is executed at predetermined time intervals by the control unit 14 in step S12. On the other hand, even when it is determined in step S10 that there is no interruption in the tracking log display mode, in step S12, the control unit 14 performs positioning at predetermined time intervals. Thereafter, in step S13, the control unit 14 accumulates and records the positioning data as a tracking log in the tracking log recording unit 20a of the recording unit 20. In step S14, it is determined whether or not the shutter button 5 of the electronic still camera 1 is half-pressed. If the control unit 14 determines in step S14 that the shutter button 5 has been half-pressed, the shooting operation routine is performed in step S15. In this photographing operation routine, photography is performed, and when the tracking log is read and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8, the photographing location is displayed so that the photographing location can be recognized. Further, in the shooting operation routine, the user selects the displayed shooting location, thereby causing the liquid crystal display unit 8 to display the photographic image data 201b taken at the selected shooting location. Thereafter, the process returns to the determination of whether or not there is an interruption in the tracking log display mode in step S10. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step S14 that the shutter button 5 has not been half-pressed, the tracking log file termination process routine is performed in step S16.

  In step S17, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the end switch is in the ON state. Note that the end switch is a switch on software for determining whether or not to end the operation of the device. In step S17, when the control unit 14 determines that the end switch is not in the ON state, in step S18, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the positioning failure switch is in the ON state. . In step S18, when the control unit 14 determines that the positioning failure switch, which is a software switch for executing re-positioning, is not in the ON state when the almanac data is not available, the process proceeds to step S10. Return to determining whether there is an interrupt in the tracking log display mode. On the other hand, when the controller 14 determines in step S18 that the positioning failure switch is in the ON state, the process returns to the determination in step S2 as to whether or not the satellite operation data is available.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the temporary photographing operation routine in step S7 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the operation of the temporary photographing operation routine in step S7 of FIG. 4 will be described. First, stop of the positioning function is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8 in step S17. In step S20, the user performs a temporary shooting operation that is a normal shooting operation without a positioning function. Thereafter, in step S21, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the user has turned off the power switch 6. If the control unit 14 determines in step S21 that the user has not turned off the power switch 6, the process returns to the determination of whether or not the satellite operation data in step S2 shown in FIG. 4 is available. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step S21 that the user has turned off the power switch 6, the process proceeds to “END” in the flowchart shown in FIG. The operation of is terminated.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the new tracking log file creation routine in step S9 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Next, the operation of the new tracking log file creation routine in step S9 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S22, the control unit 14 determines whether or not there is a tracking log file that can be additionally recorded in the tracking log recording unit 20a of the recording unit 20. In step S22, when the control unit 14 determines that there is a tracking log file that can be additionally recorded in the tracking log recording unit 20a of the recording unit 20, the new tracking log file creation routine in step S9 ends. On the other hand, when the control unit 14 determines in step S22 that there is no tracking log file that can be additionally recorded in the tracking log recording unit 20a of the recording unit 20, in step S23, the control unit 14 causes the recording unit 20 to A new tracking log file is created in the tracking log recording unit 20a. Then, the new tracking log creation routine in step S9 shown in FIG. 4 ends. The additionally recordable tracking log file is an example of the “addable recordable file” in the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the tracking log display mode in step S11 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. Next, the operation in the tracking log display mode in step S11 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S <b> 24, a readable tracking log file name is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8 by the control unit 14.

  Here, in the electronic still camera 1 having the positioning function according to the present embodiment, the control unit 14 opens the file 201a that is not in the compressed state recorded in the tracking log recording unit 20a of the recording unit 20 and the closed in the compressed state. The file 202a has a function of reading out both files. If the file name is not described in the tracking log file, the date and time of the recorded period is described as the file name and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8.

  In step S25, the control unit 14 determines whether the user has selected a tracking log file to be read. In step S25, if the control unit 14 determines that the user has not selected the tracking log file to be read, this determination is repeated. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step S25 that the user has selected the tracking log file to be read, in step S26, the control unit 14 copies the read target file to the expansion buffer area 20c. Alternatively, the read target file is decompressed. When the user selects the open file 201a recorded in the tracking log recording unit 20a of the recording unit 20, the selected open file 201a is copied to the development buffer area 20c (see FIG. 3). The When the user selects the compressed closed file 202a recorded in the tracking log recording unit 20a of the recording unit 20, the selected closed file 202a is copied to the expansion buffer area 20c. Thereafter, the file is decompressed or the same file as the decompressed file is created in the expansion buffer area 20c while referring to the selected original closed file 202a. The expanded data is overwritten and recorded in the expansion buffer area 20c, and the open file 201a and the closed file 202a recorded in the tracking log recording unit 20a of the recording unit 20 as the original file are not changed. In step S27, the control unit 14 converts the data expanded in the expansion buffer area 20c into image data. This image data is recorded in the display video memory 18. In step S27, the image data recorded in the display video memory 18 is read by the control unit 14 and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8 in step S28. At this time, by inserting the external memory 13a in which the map data is recorded into the insertion unit 13 of the electronic still camera 1, the control unit 14 displays the map data in the external memory 13a as a map image on the liquid crystal display unit 8, and displays the map data. The track of the tracking log is displayed on the map. Then, the tracking log display mode in step S11 shown in FIG. 4 ends.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the tracking log file end processing routine in step S16 of the embodiment shown in FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the operation of the tracking log file end process routine of step S16 shown in FIG. 4 will be described. In the tracking log file end processing routine of step S16, the open file 201a in which the tracking log is recorded is converted into the closed file 202a, and then the closed file 202a is compressed by the control unit 14. Thereafter, the control unit 14 creates a newly opened file 201a. Thereby, in the tracking log recording unit 20a of the recording unit 20, the closed file 202a in the compressed state in which the tracking log is recorded and the open file 201a not in the compressed state are recorded. . The closed file 202a is an example of the “file that cannot be added” according to the present invention. First, in step S29, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the capacity of the open file 201a that can be additionally written is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

  Here, in the electronic still camera 1 having the positioning function according to the present embodiment, when the control unit 14 determines in step S29 that the capacity of the open file 201a that can be additionally written is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, In step S30, the tracking log file that can be additionally written is closed by the control unit 14 and converted into a closed file 202a that cannot be additionally written. That is, when the capacity of the data recorded in the recordable open file 201a reaches a predetermined capacity, the recordable tracking log file is closed and the recordable record file 202a cannot be appended. Converted. This is because, even if it is the same travel process, if all the positioning data is recorded in one additional open file 201a that can be additionally written, the data capacity increases, and the tracking log is expanded in the expansion buffer area 20c. This is because the capacity of the development buffer area 20c may be exceeded. For this reason, by closing the file with a fixed data capacity and dividing it into separate files, the data capacity does not exceed the recording capacity of the development buffer area 20c. In step S31, the control unit 14 compresses the converted closed file 202a that cannot be added by the control unit 14, and in step S32, the control unit 14 indicates that the split log switch is in the OFF state. It is determined whether or not. As a result, the recording area of the recording unit 20 can be used effectively (efficiently). The division log switch is a software switch for determining whether or not the tracking log file is being divided and recorded. In the initial state, the split log switch is in the OFF state.

  In step S32, if the control unit 14 determines that the split log switch is in the OFF state, in step S33, the control unit 14 adds a character example indicating “split log” to the file name. Is done. Since the divided log switch is OFF in the initial state, in step S33, the first log file becomes the first tracking log file. Therefore, a character string indicating the first tracking log file of a series of divided log files is added to the converted closed file 202a. For example, a hyphen (-) and "1" indicating the first character of the serial number are added to the end of the file name, such as "file name-1". In step S34, the divided log switch is turned on by the control unit 14, and in step S35, the control unit 14 performs an operation of a new tracking log file creation routine. In the new tracking log file creation routine in step S35, the same operation (see FIG. 6) as the tracking log file new creation routine in step S9 is performed. When the operation of the new tracking log file creation routine ends in step S35, the operation of the tracking log file end processing routine of step S16 shown in FIG. 4 ends.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step S32 that the split log switch is not in the OFF state, in step S36, the control unit 14 determines that it is a continuation of the closed file 202a created immediately before. The indicated string is added to the file name. In step S36, the split log switch is not in the initial state because it is in the ON state. Therefore, the converted closed file 202a becomes the second and subsequent files in the series of divided files, and a character string indicating that it is a continuation of the closed file 202a created immediately before is added. For example, a hyphen (-) and a serial number are added to the end of the file name, such as "file name-2" and "file name-3". Thereby, even when the tracking log of one movement process is divided into a plurality of files and recorded, the continuity of the divided files is managed. In step S35, the control unit 14 performs the operation of the new tracking log file creation routine. When the new tracking log file creation routine is completed, the operation of the tracking log file end processing routine in step S16 shown in FIG. finish.

On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines in step S29 that the data capacity of the opened file 201a is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, in step S37, whether the positioning function is in the ON state. It is determined whether or not. In step S37, when the control unit 14 determines that the positioning function is not in the ON state (in the OFF state), in step S38, the control unit 14 closes the file and performs file compression or the like. At the timing when the routine operation is performed and the positioning function is turned off, the additionally recordable tracking log file is converted into a closed file 202a that cannot be additionally recorded. The case where the positioning function is not in the ON state (in the OFF state) is a case where the user turns off the power switch 6. In step S39, the control unit 14 turns on an end switch that is a software switch for determining whether or not to end the operation of the device. In step S40, the control unit 14 causes the timer 17 to Measurement of the positioning interval by is stopped. In step S35, the control unit 14 performs an operation of a new tracking log file creation routine. When the new tracking log file creation routine of step S35 is completed, the operation of the tracking log file termination processing routine of step S16 shown in FIG. 4 is completed.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 14 determines that the positioning function is in the ON state in step S37, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the almanac data is available in step S41. Almanac data can be used for about a week once acquired, but within the above usable period when the location has moved greatly due to poor reception of radio waves from GPS satellites. Also difficult to use. Also, since the usage time of the ephemeris data is about one and a half hours after acquisition, the ephemeris data cannot be used when the almanac data cannot be used. Therefore, in step S38, it is determined whether or not only the almanac data can be used. If the control unit 14 determines in step S41 that the almanac data is available, the control unit 14 performs an operation of a new tracking log file creation routine in step S35. When the operation of the new tracking log file creation routine in step S35 is finished, the operation of the tracking log file end processing routine in step S16 shown in FIG. 4 is finished. On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines that the almanac data cannot be used in step S41, the control unit 14 performs the same file processing routine operation as in step S38 in step S42, and the almanac data is displayed. At a timing when it is determined that the data is not usable, the tracking log file that can be additionally written is converted into a closed file 202a that cannot be additionally written. The timing when it is determined that the almanac data cannot be used is an example of “the timing when the satellite operation data cannot be used” in the present invention. In step S43, the positioning failure switch is turned on by the control unit 14, and in step S35, the control unit 14 performs an operation of a new tracking log file creation routine. When the operation of the new tracking log creation routine in step S35 is finished, the operation of the tracking log file end processing routine in step S16 shown in FIG. 4 is finished.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the file processing routine in steps S38 and S42 of the embodiment shown in FIG. Next, the operation of the file processing routine in steps S38 and S42 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S44, the tracking log file that can be additionally written is closed by the control unit 14 and converted into a closed file 202a that cannot be additionally written. In step S <b> 45, the control unit 14 compresses the converted closed file 202 a that cannot be additionally written by the control unit 14. Thereby, the recording area of the recording unit 20 is used effectively (efficiently). Next, in step S46, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the split log switch is in an OFF state. The division log switch is a software switch for determining whether or not the tracking log file is being divided and recorded. If the control unit 14 determines in step S46 that the split log switch is in the OFF state, the file processing routine of steps S38 and S43 shown in FIG. 8 ends.

  On the other hand, if the control unit 14 determines that the split log switch is in the ON state in step S46, it is a continuation of the closed file 202a created immediately before by the control unit 14 in step S47. Is added to the file name. That is, when the division log switch is in the ON state, the data capacity of the open file 201a that can be additionally written exceeds a predetermined capacity, and thus one movement process is divided by a plurality of files. Therefore, the converted closed file 202a becomes the second and subsequent files in the series of divided files, and a character string indicating that it is a continuation of the closed file 202a created immediately before is added. For example, a hyphen (-) and a serial number are added to the end of the file name, such as "file name-2" and "file name-3". In step S48, the control unit 14 turns the divided log switch to the initial OFF state, and the file processing routine of steps S38 and S43 shown in FIG. 8 ends.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the photographing operation routine in step S15 of the embodiment shown in FIG. Next, the operation of the photographing operation routine in step S15 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S49, at the timing when the shutter button 5 in step S14 shown in FIG. 4 is half-pressed, the controller 14 performs shooting preparation processing such as autofocus. In step S50, acquisition of positioning data is temporarily stopped. This is to avoid the simultaneous shooting and positioning. That is, if imaging and positioning are performed simultaneously, the power required for imaging and the power required for positioning are required at the same time, current consumption increases, and a problem due to voltage drop occurs. Next, in step S51, the control unit 14 determines whether or not the shutter button 5 has been fully pressed. In step S51, if the control unit 14 determines that the shutter button 5 has been fully pressed, in step S52, the control unit 14 performs photographic image processing, strobe charging, and the like, together with photographic image data 201b (FIG. 3). Is recorded in the photo data recording unit 20b in the recording unit 20 as a photo file together with data 202b such as date corresponding to the image data. Further, at the timing when the shutter button 5 is fully pressed, an identification character is recorded in the positioning data 203a immediately before the shutter button 5 is fully recorded, which is recorded in the file 201a opened in the tracking log recording unit 20a. A column is added. For example, “p”, which is an arbitrary alphabet, is added to the end of the positioning data 203a acquired immediately before the shutter button 5 is fully pressed, such as “positioning data, p”. The positioning data to which the identification character is added is recorded in the tracking log recording unit 20a of the recording unit 20 as the positioning data of the place where the photograph was taken. Then, when displaying the tracking log on the liquid crystal display unit 8, the positioning data to which the identification character string is added is displayed as a shooting position on the map displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8. In addition, when the user selects a place where the photograph is displayed displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8, a photograph image taken at the place selected by the user is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8. Next, in step S53, the control unit 14 releases the temporary suspension of positioning, and the photographing operation routine ends. On the other hand, when the control unit 14 determines in step S51 that the shutter button 5 has not been fully pressed, in step S53, the control unit 14 cancels the positioning pause, and the photographing operation routine is executed. finish.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 14 converts the open file 201a that can be additionally written into a closed file 202a that cannot be additionally written at a predetermined timing, and opens the additional file that can be added to the tracking log recording unit 20a. When the file 201a does not exist, by configuring the tracking log recording unit 20a to create a newly openable file 201a that can be additionally written, the openable file 201a that can be additionally written is additionally recorded with positioning data recorded therein. Since it is possible to divide into an impossible closed file 202a and an additionally writable open file 201a, it is possible to divide and record a part of the accumulated recording data as a tracking log. . As a result, for example, if the tracking log for each predetermined travel process is converted into a closed file 202a that cannot be added, a file in which the tracking log is recorded for each predetermined travel process can be created. The tracking log file for each predetermined travel process can be easily managed.

  In the present embodiment, the data capacity of the closed file 202a that cannot be additionally written can be reduced by compressing the converted closed file 202a that cannot be additionally written. For this reason, since the capacity of the file recorded in the tracking log recording unit 20a can be reduced, the utilization efficiency of the tracking log recording unit 20a can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the positioning function is installed in the same electronic still camera 1 body as the position detection unit 19 and the recording unit 20, and the tracking log is read from the tracking log recording unit 20a by the same electronic still camera 1 body. Since the acquired tracking log can be used only by exchanging data within the single electronic still camera 1 having the function, the acquired positioning data is transmitted to an external server and is different from a device that records it in the external server. There is no need to install a separate communication device for transmitting data to an external server or external server.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the tracking log recorded in the tracking log recording unit 20a and the tracking log recorded in the recordable open file 201a and the recordable closed file 202a that cannot be recorded are read out, so that the tracking log for each movement process is obtained. If it is recorded in the file, it is possible to read only the tracking log of the predetermined movement process by searching and reading the file corresponding to the predetermined movement process. Compared to the case where the user searches for the positioning data at the start point and the end point of the travel process, the tracking log of the predetermined travel process can be easily searched.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a predetermined timing when the openable file 201a that can be additionally written is converted into the closed file 202a that cannot be additionally written, the capacity of the data that is accumulated in the openable file 201a that can be additionally written is stored. However, if the timing reaches the predetermined capacity, the data capacity of the closed file 202a to be converted that cannot be added can be set to a predetermined amount, so that the data capacity of each file increases. Can be prevented.

  Further, in this embodiment, if the predetermined timing when the open file 201a that can be additionally written is converted into the closed file 202a that cannot be additionally written is the timing when the positioning function of the position detector 19 is stopped, the position detection is performed. The timing at which the positioning function of the unit 19 is stopped is the timing at which the user turns off the power, and it can be determined that it is the timing at which one movement process is completed, so a tracking log of one movement process is recorded. Files can be created easily.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the position detection unit 19 cannot use the almanac data at a predetermined timing when the open unit 201a that can be additionally written is converted into the closed file 202a that cannot be additionally written by the conversion unit. In terms of timing, the timing at which the position detection unit 19 can no longer use the almanac data is the case where the user moves from one travel process to another, such as when the travel distance is greatly increased due to poor reception of radio waves. Since it can be determined that the file has moved, it is possible to easily create a file in which a tracking log of one movement process is recorded.

In this embodiment, if the converted closed file 202a that cannot be added is a related file having continuity with another closed file 202a that cannot be added, continuity can be identified. By configuring the tracking log recording unit 20a to record the tracking log, the tracking log of one movement process is divided into a plurality of files so that the continuity of the divided files is managed. The file for each travel process can be easily managed.

  In the present embodiment, the electronic still camera 1 is installed in the same main body of the electronic still camera 1 as the position detection unit 19 and the recording unit 20, and further includes a liquid crystal display unit 8 that displays the read tracking log. The tracking log recorded in the tracking log recording unit 20a can be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 8 only by exchanging data within the camera 1 alone.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the device having the positioning function of the present invention is applied to an electronic still camera has been described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the device having the positioning function is not limited to an electronic still camera. It may be used for equipment. For example, the present invention may be applied to an imaging device having a positioning function other than an electronic still camera, a communication device, a guidance device, or a toy. In addition, the electronic device having a positioning function includes a positioning device alone.

  Further, in the above embodiment, as a predetermined timing when an openable file that can be additionally written is converted into a closed file that cannot be additionally written, the capacity of the data that is cumulatively recorded in the openable file that can be additionally written is predetermined. Although the example using three timings of the timing when the capacity is reached, the timing when the position detection unit cannot use the almanac data, and the timing when the positioning function of the position detection unit is stopped is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, at least one of these three timings may be used. Further, an open file that can be additionally written may be converted into a closed file that cannot be additionally written at a timing other than these three timings. For example, an open file that can be additionally written may be converted into a closed file that cannot be additionally written at a timing when a predetermined time elapses after the power switch is turned on.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the development buffer area is provided in the recording unit of the electronic still camera has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other than the recording unit of the electronic still camera as long as data can be recorded. The recording section (recording area) may be provided. For example, a development buffer area may be provided in a part of a removable removable media recording unit or a recording unit separately provided in the position detection unit.

In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which “p”, which is an arbitrary alphabet, is added to the end of the previous positioning data acquired immediately before the shutter button is fully pressed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as it is not confused with the positioning data, other alphabets, symbols and numbers may be used. Further, the number of characters is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the additional position of the identification character may be a position other than the end of the positioning data.

In the above embodiment, the tracking log is read by the control unit provided in the electronic still camera body. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the electronic still camera body (device having a positioning function) A control unit may be provided in a device that is configured to be integrated into a single unit, thereby reading the tracking log.

In the above embodiment, the example in which the liquid crystal display unit for displaying the tracking log is provided in the same electronic still camera as the position detection unit and the recording unit. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electronic still camera is not limited thereto. You may make it provide the liquid crystal display part which displays a tracking log in the apparatus comprised so that it might integrate with a main body (apparatus which has a positioning function).

It is the whole perspective view of the state which looked at the electronic still camera which has a positioning function by one embodiment of the present invention from the front side. It is the whole perspective view of the state which looked at the electronic still camera which has a positioning function by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 from the back surface side. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure of the electronic still camera which has a positioning function by one Embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of the electronic still camera having a positioning function according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of a temporary photographing operation routine in step S7 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a new tracking log file creation routine in step S9 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in a tracking log display mode in step S11 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an operation of a tracking log file end processing routine in step S16 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4; FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of the file processing routine of step S38 and S42 of one Embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a photographing operation routine in step S15 of the embodiment shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic still camera 5 Shutter button 14 Control part 15 Image pick-up part 16 Signal processing part 17 Timer 18 Video memory for display 19 Position detection part 20 Recording part 20a Tracking log recording part 201a Open file (file which can be added)
202a Closed file (file that cannot be appended)
20c Development buffer area 21 Power supply

Claims (8)

An image pickup unit for photographing a subject, a position detection unit that receives external signals and acquires positioning data, and is installed in the same electronic still camera body as the position detection unit, and is acquired by the position detection unit In addition, in an electronic still camera having a positioning function including a recording unit that records the positioning data as movement trajectory data in a file that can be additionally recorded,
Conversion means for converting the additionally writable file into a file that cannot be written at a predetermined timing;
Compression means for compressing the non-recordable file converted by the conversion means;
When there is no file that can be added to the recording unit, a file creation unit that creates a file that can be additionally written to the recording unit;
It is installed in the same electronic still camera body as the position detection unit and the recording unit, and is recorded in the recordable file and the non-recordable file recorded in the recording unit by the same electronic still camera body. Reading means for reading the movement trajectory data;
A display unit that is installed in the same electronic still camera body as the position detection unit and the recording unit, and that displays the movement trajectory data read by the reading unit;
The conversion means converts the additionally writable file into the unwritable file at the predetermined timing when the capacity of the data recorded in the additional writable file reaches a predetermined capacity. Timing, at least one of timing when the positioning function of the position detection unit is stopped, and timing when the position detection unit can no longer use satellite operation data,
When the file that cannot be added is converted by the conversion means and is a related file having continuity with the other files that cannot be added, continuity is recorded in the recording unit in an identifiable manner. Electronic still camera with positioning function. A position detector that receives external signals and obtains positioning data;
A recording unit that is installed in the same device as the position detection unit and that records the positioning data acquired by the position detection unit in a file that can be additionally written as movement trajectory data;
Conversion means for converting the additionally writable file into a file that cannot be written at a predetermined timing;
Compression means for compressing the non-recordable file converted by the conversion means;
When there is no file that can be added to the recording unit, a file creation unit that creates a file that can be additionally written to the recording unit;
A positioning function provided in the same device as the position detection unit and the recording unit or in a device that is combined and integrated with a reading unit that reads the movement trajectory data from the recording unit in the device. Electronic equipment that has.   The positioning function according to claim 2, wherein the reading unit is configured to be able to read the movement track data recorded in the additionally writable file and the unwritable file recorded in the recording unit. Electronic equipment that has.   The conversion means converts the additionally writable file into the unwritable file at the predetermined timing when the capacity of data accumulated in the additional writable file reaches a predetermined capacity. The electronic device having the positioning function according to claim 2, wherein the electronic device has a positioning function.   The said predetermined | prescribed timing at the time of converting the said writable file into the said file which cannot be added by the said conversion means is a timing when the positioning function of the said position detection part stopped. An electronic device with a positioning function.   The said predetermined timing at the time of converting the file which can be added by the said conversion means into the file which cannot be added is a timing when the said position detection part became unable to use satellite operation data. An electronic device having the positioning function described in 1.   When the file that cannot be added is converted by the conversion means and is a related file having continuity with the other files that cannot be added, continuity is recorded in the recording unit in an identifiable manner. The electronic device which has a positioning function of any one of Claims 2-6. The display device further includes a display unit that is installed in the same device as the position detection unit and the recording unit or in a device that is combined and integrated, and that displays the movement trajectory data read by the reading unit. The electronic device which has a positioning function of any one of claim | item 2 -7.

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