JPH11164234A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To relieve the load of arrangement of files that is to be conducted after transfer of the files to a personal computer or the like by eliminating troublesome operations such as revision of directory names in the case of copying image files from a recording medium of the electronic camera to a hard disk of, e.g. the personal computer and allowing the user to classify and record photographed images by its own intention. SOLUTION: This electronic camera is provided with a detection means 6 that detects a prescribed operation and a state change, and a directory generating means 4 generates a new directory in the case that the prescribed operation and the state change are detected. In this case, the directory generating means 4 acquires date and time information from a date and time management means 3 and generates a directory with a name including a date and a time (e.g. in the case that a data is November 18, 1997, the name of the directory is like 971118- 1).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an image recording function of an electronic camera, and more particularly to file management when recording an image on a recording medium for a camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An electronic camera is a camera that records a photographed image as digital data on a recording medium built in or attached to the camera. The recorded data is
Since it is used after being transferred to a personal computer, many electronic cameras make it easier to handle data during transfer.
A file system similar to a personal computer is formed on a recording medium, and each captured image is recorded as one image file. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, an image file having a name including a serial number is often recorded in a directory having a fixed name.

In recent years, as digital cameras have become widespread and their use has increased in frequency, large-capacity media have been increasingly used as image recording media for digital cameras. For example, as a memory card for a digital camera, a memory card of about 1 megabyte or 2 megabytes was mainly used before, but recently a memory card of 4 megabytes or more is increasing. In addition, P which has a capacity more than ten times that of a memory card
In some cases, a C card or the like is used as a recording medium for a camera.

[0004] When the media capacity is large, the number of files stored in one directory becomes very large in the method of FIG. 3, which is not preferable in file management.
For this reason, as shown in FIG. 4, the number of image files stored in one directory is limited to a predetermined number, and when the number of times of shooting exceeds the predetermined number, a new directory is created. A method of recording an image file in the new directory has also been proposed.

[0005]

However, according to the methods shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when an image file obtained by photographing is transferred to another system (for example, a personal computer), and then photographed again, a camera is required. A directory having the same name as that of the previous shooting is created in the memory of, and a file having the same name as that of the last shooting is recorded. If this is copied directly to the same system as the previous one, the file will be overwritten, so the user must prevent the file from being overwritten by changing the directory name every time the image file is copied.

Further, since the number of operation buttons is limited in an electronic camera (especially a small electronic camera), if an arbitrary directory name is to be made possible as in a personal computer,
The only alternative is to display selectable characters on an attached liquid crystal monitor and have the user select one character at a time. However, it is not preferable that such a complicated operation is required every time a directory is created. In the case of an electronic camera without a monitor, it is impossible to mount such a function.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and does not require complicated operations such as changing directory names when copying image files from a recording medium of an electronic camera to another system such as a hard disk of a personal computer. It is intended to make it better.

Further, according to the present invention, at the stage before the file is transferred to a personal computer or the like, that is, at the time of shooting, the user can classify and record the shot image by his / her own will and transfer the file. The purpose is to reduce the burden of file organization that must be performed later.

[0009]

An electronic camera according to the present invention comprises:
An imaging unit using an electronic imaging device such as a CCD, a recording medium for recording an image, a file system formed on the recording medium, and an image acquired by the imaging unit on the file system. In an electronic camera including a file storage unit that saves a file, a date and time management unit that manages a date and / or time, a detection unit that detects at least one type of operation and / or a state change, And / or directory creation means for, when a state change is detected, acquiring a date and / or time of the detection from the date / time management means and creating a directory including the acquired date and / or time as at least a part of a name. It is characterized by having.

As the "recording medium", there are two types, a memory built in the electronic camera and a removable medium detachable from the main body of the electronic camera. As removable media, for example, memory cards such as SSFDC, compact flash, PC card, or FD,
A magnetic (or magneto-optical) recording medium such as PictureMD is conceivable.

[0011] In this specification, a "file system" means a structure system composed of management information for managing the location of a file and a file entity.
The `` file storage means '' is for recording an image on the premise of such a structural system, and creates management information and the like in accordance with the rules of the file system for data representing only a captured image obtained by the imaging means. After one file is composed, the file is recorded on a recording medium.

"Date and time management means" refers to a date function and a clock function provided in a conventional camera. In a conventional electronic camera, this function was used to print the photographing date at the end of a photograph. In the digital camera of the present invention, this function is used to determine a directory name.

The "detecting means" detects a signal generated when the user presses a button attached to the camera or a signal generated by another means in the camera, and thereby detects the signal from the electronic camera. It detects the operation performed and a change in the state of the electronic camera, and notifies the directory creation means of the detection.

In this case, the detecting means may detect only one operation or state change, or may detect two or more kinds of operations or state changes.

When two or more types of operations or state changes are detected, the directory creation means may be notified each time one operation or state change is detected.
When a plurality of operations or state changes are detected, the directory creation means may be notified. That is, for example, when it is detected that a predetermined state change has occurred and a predetermined operation has been performed, a notification of the detection may be sent to the directory creation means.

The "directory creating means" creates a directory on the basis of the above-mentioned structural system, similarly to the file storing means. At this time, including the date and / or time "at least as part" of the name means
For example, if the detection date is November 18, 1997, "9711
18 "or a name such as" IM971118 "or" 971118_1 "combined with characters other than the date and time and the serial number.

As for the timing of creating a directory, that is, the operation or state change detected by the detection means, for example, the following can be considered. First, as the operation, it is conceivable to mount a detachable recording medium, format the recording medium, instruct a user to create a directory, turn on the electronic camera, and the like. Further, as the state change, a change in the date managed by the date and time management means can be considered. In addition, it is possible to create a directory in association with all functions provided in the electronic camera.

At this time, the type of operation or state change detected by one electronic camera is not necessarily limited to one type. For example, a directory is created at the time of formatting, and a directory is created even when an instruction is given from a user. For example, a directory may be created at a plurality of types of timings.

Further, the directory creation timing may be determined by a combination of a plurality of types of operations or state changes, such as "when the date changes and the power is turned on".

If a directory is created at the timing described above, a plurality of directories exist as a result in the recording medium. At this time, the file storage means uses the latest created latest directory. It is preferable to store the image file in the directory. That is, it is preferable that the file storage unit stores an image acquired between the time of the detection and the next detection as an image file in a directory created at the time of the detection of the operation or the state change. However, the present invention does not exclude a method of allowing a user to select and record a plurality of directories.

If the file storage means always stores the image file in the latest directory, it is detected that the number of images stored in the directory created at the time of the previous detection has reached a predetermined number, and a new directory is detected. May be created. Such a function can be realized by, for example, a method in which the file storage means has a counter and counts up each time an image file is stored in the directory.

If the directory name is different, there is no need to worry about the file being overwritten when the file is transferred to a personal computer or the like. Therefore, the file name may be duplicated between different directories. However, in many cases, the concept of a frame number is introduced in an electronic camera so that a user familiar with a conventional camera using a film can easily use the camera.

Some electronic cameras have a function of outputting a photographed image to a printer. An electronic camera having a function of creating print order information for requesting output from a laboratory has also been proposed. In such a function, it is better that the print target can be specified as easily as possible.

Therefore, the directory name is determined depending on the date and time, and the name of the image file is not duplicated between the directories, so that the image file can be specified without specifying the directory. It is desirable. That is, it is preferable that the file storage unit stores the image file with a file name that does not overlap with any other image file recorded on the recording medium.

[0025]

According to the electronic camera of the present invention, a directory for storing image files is created at a predetermined timing, and the name of the directory is determined based on the date and time. A directory is not created, and there is no fear that the image file will be overwritten when the image file is transferred to a personal computer or the like. Since the date and time are included in the name of the directory, it is easy to imagine what image file is stored in the directory.

In particular, in an electronic camera that records an image on a removable recording medium, a file is not always transferred to a personal computer or the like immediately after photographing is completed. May be retained. In such a case, in a conventional electronic camera, a directory and a file having the same name are recorded on all recording media, so that file management is difficult. On the other hand, in the present invention, since the date is included in the directory name, the contents of the photographing can be estimated from the directory name, which is convenient for organizing the files at a later date.

Also, if the directory is performed in synchronization with a user's intentional operation, such as mounting of a removable recording medium, formatting of the recording medium, an instruction to create a directory by the user, and turning on the power of the electronic camera, A new directory can be created according to the user's will.

On the other hand, if a directory is created according to a change in date or time regardless of the user's intention,
The image file is always stored in a directory whose name includes the date or time when the image file was acquired, which is convenient when it is desired to manage the image file according to the shooting date and time.

When a plurality of directories are created, if the image file is always stored in the latest directory created last, the directory for storing the file is uniquely determined. A photographed image can be recorded without performing a troublesome operation such as the above. In this case, the user is, for example, athletic meet,
If an operation is performed such that a directory is created for each event such as a presentation before shooting the event, images can be classified and recorded for each event.

Further, if the number of images stored in the directory exceeds a predetermined number, a new directory is created, and if the user does not perform any operation for creating the directory. However, the number of files in one directory does not increase, which is convenient when transferring files to another system such as a personal computer.

Also, if the directory name is determined depending on the date and time, and if the names of the image files are not duplicated between the directories, the concept of the "camera frame" of the conventional camera will become familiar. Does not confuse the user. Also, when an image is designated by an electronic camera having a print designation function, if there is a duplicate file name between directories, the image must be designated by a path name including the directory, but the image recorded on the recording medium has to be recorded. If the image files all have different names, the file can be easily specified by the image file name or frame number.

[0032]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an electronic camera of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the digital camera of the present invention includes an imaging unit 1, a recording medium 2, a date and time management unit 3, a directory creation unit 4, a file storage unit 5, and a detection unit 6.

The imaging means 1 includes a lens, a shutter, a CCD
These are means provided in a known digital camera for acquiring image data representing a shooting scene. The recording medium 2 is a removable medium such as a memory card or a magnetic recording medium, or a memory built in a camera. The date and time management means 3 is a means for managing the date and time based on the date and time set initially, and is a function conventionally provided in the camera as a date function or a clock function.

The directory creating means 4 is a means for creating a directory having a predetermined name on the recording medium 2. The directory creation means of the conventional digital camera is a means for creating one or a plurality of directories having a fixed name for each medium. However, the directory creation means 4 in the present invention transmits date and time information from the date and time management means 3. It is characterized in that a directory which is obtained and includes a number representing a date and time as a name or as a part of the name is created.

The file saving means 5 is means for adding management information to data representing a photographed image to form one file and then recording the file on a recording medium. For example, in Exif which is an image file format for a digital camera, two formats, an uncompressed format and a compressed format, are defined. Generation and addition are performed by the file storage unit 5. At this time, the file storage unit of the conventional digital camera stores the image file in a directory having a predetermined fixed name, and the storage location is stored in the file storage unit in advance.
On the other hand, in the present invention, since the directory name is determined depending on the date and time, the file storage unit 5 does not store the storage location in a fixed manner. Determine the location.

Next, the detecting means 6 which is a function unique to the present invention.
Is a means for detecting an electric signal generated when a user performs a predetermined operation, for example, when an operation button is pressed. Specifically, it detects signals generated when the power of the electronic camera is turned on, when the memory card is formatted, when a directory creation is instructed, when the memory card is inserted into the slot, and the like. .
Further, the change of the date managed by the date and time management means 3 may be detected by a notification signal from the date and time management means 3. Further, when the number of image files stored in one directory is stored in the file storage means 5, the fact that the number exceeds a predetermined number may be detected by a notification from the file storage means 5. .

The detecting means 6 instructs the directory creating means 4 to create a directory when detecting a predetermined operation or change in state. In response to the instruction, the directory creation unit 4 obtains information about the date and time from the date and time management unit 3, determines the name of the directory, and creates a new directory on the recording medium 2.

As a method of determining the directory name, for example, when the date is November 18, 1997, a method of naming the date as it is 971118 can be considered. Further, when there is a possibility that a plurality of directories may be created on the same day, a method of combining the date and the serial number so that the first created directory is 9711118_1 and the second created directory is 9711118_2 is also considered. Can be In addition, 9
A method like 71118_1325 (13:25), combining the alphabet and date, IM9711
Various methods such as the method shown in FIG.

It should be noted that the image obtained by the photographing after the directory is created is stored in the new directory by the file storage means 5.

The following example relates to an electronic camera that creates a new directory at three timings when the memory card is formatted and the number of files in the directory being recorded exceeds 50 when specified by the user.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operation performed on such a digital camera, and directories and image files created on the recording medium 2 when such an operation is performed. . In the present embodiment, the directory name is determined by a combination of a date and a serial number.

As shown in the figure, November 1, 1997
971 when the memory card is formatted on the 8th
A directory named 118_1 is created. Here, it is assumed that 30 pictures were taken on November 18, and in this case, all 30 image files are stored in this directory.

Next, assuming that the user instructs directory creation on November 25, 9711 is newly added at that time.
A directory named 25_1 is created. Assuming that the user has photographed 75 images, the directory is full at the time when the 50th photograph is taken, and a new directory 971125_2 is created when the 51st photograph is taken. The 25 photos from the 51st to the 75th are stored in a directory named 9711125_2.

In the example of FIG. 2, the name of the image file is obtained by adding a 5-digit serial number after the three-character alphabet "DSC", and the serial number is counted as it is even when a new directory is created. Will be up. This prevents an image file having a duplicate name from existing in one medium.

As described above, according to the electronic camera of the present invention, since the names of directories do not overlap, there is no fear that files will be overwritten when transferring image files to another system such as a personal computer. . Furthermore, since the directory name includes the date and time, it is easy to imagine the contents of the image recorded from the directory name, and the user can classify and record the image shot by his own will.

Further, if the names of the image files are assigned a serial number corresponding to the frame number so that the names are not duplicated, for example, when the print designation is made by the frame number, the serial numbers are not classified. If it is more convenient to manage the file, the processing can be performed using the file name.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an electronic camera of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an operation example and an example of a directory created by the operation;

FIG. 3 shows an example of a directory in a conventional electronic camera.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a directory in a conventional electronic camera.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Hiroshi Tanaka 3-11-46 Izumi, Asaka-shi, Saitama Prefecture Inside Fujisha Shin Film Co., Ltd.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup device using an electronic image pickup device, a recording medium for recording an image, a file system formed on the recording medium, and an image acquired by the image pickup device on the file system. An electronic camera provided with a file storage means for storing the image file as an image file, a date and time management means for managing a date and / or time, a detection means for detecting at least one type of operation and / or a state change, A directory for acquiring, when an operation and / or a change in state is detected, the date and / or time of the detection from the date / time management means and creating a directory including the acquired date and / or time as at least a part of the name. An electronic camera, comprising: a creation unit. 2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the directory creation unit creates the directory when two or more types of operations and / or state changes are detected. 3. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is a recording medium detachable from a main body of the electronic camera. 4. The electronic camera according to claim 3, wherein the detection unit detects an operation of mounting the removable recording medium on the electronic camera. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means detects a format operation of said recording medium.
An electronic camera according to any one of the preceding claims. 6. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means detects a change in a date managed by said date and time managing means. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said detecting means detects a directory creation instruction operation by a user.
The electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein 8. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit detects a power-on operation of the electronic camera. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the file storage unit stores an image acquired between the time of the detection and the next detection as an image file in a directory created when the operation or the state change is detected. The electronic camera according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein 10. The electronic camera according to claim 9, wherein said detection means detects that the number of images stored in the directory created at the time of the previous detection has reached a predetermined number. 11. The file storage device according to claim 1, wherein the file storage unit stores the image file with a file name that does not overlap with any other image file recorded on the recording medium. 2. The electronic camera according to claim 1.