Digital Camera Patent Abstract
In a digital camera, the state of copying is monitored and displayed
when image data stored in a main memory are copied to an auxiliary
memory, and data for preventing illegal copying are added thereto,
in order to improve operability and reliability. When a copying
mode is designated, the image data stored in the main memory MM
upon photographing are transferred and copied to a detachable auxiliary
memory MC by way of a bus B. During copying, the number of uncopied
image data in the main memory MM and the number of image data which
can be copied to the auxiliary memory MC are sequentially displayed
in a liquid crystal display section 30, while each image data is
copied with management data indicative of the date and time of copying
or the like added thereto. Also, flag data indicating that copying
is in progress and that copying has been completed are added thereto.
Further, when the auxiliary memory MC is attached to or detached
from the camera during copying or photographing, the system is forcibly
reset, thereby preventing abnormality from occurring beforehand.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A digital camera for photographing an object to obtain an image
signal, converting said image signal into digital image data, and
recording said image data, said digital camera comprising: a main
memory for storing said image data; a data bus connected to said
main memory and having a connector suitable for attaching and detaching
a detachable auxiliary memory to said data bus: a controller designates
a plurality of modes of operation and, in a copying mode, causes
the image data in said main memory to be transferred and copied
to said auxiliary memory, said controller further being capable
of detecting whether said auxiliary memory is detached from said
connector during a transfer of said image data to or from said main
memory and upon said detection forcibly initializing all elements
of said digital camera, said controller further including a microprocessor
capable of supplying a reset signal when said data bus is active
and further capable of storing said digital image data in a predetermined
shelter register when said data bus is inactive; and a display device
which, according to the mode of operation designated by said controller,
sequentially displays number of uncopied image data remaining in
said memory and number of image data which can be copied to said
auxiliary memory.
2. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein, while causing
the image data in said main memory to be transferred and copied
to said auxiliary memory, said controller adds management data indicating
fact of copying to each image data.
3. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said controller
adds, to each image data which is to be copied, a flag data indicating
that copying of each data is in progress, and adds, upon completion
of copying of each image data, a flag data indicating the completion
of copying to said image data which is to be copied.
4. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said controller
sequentially detects a free capacity of said auxiliary memory; upon
detection of shortage of the free capacity in said auxiliary memory
before the whole image data in said main memory is completely transferred
and copied, temporarily stops transferring and copying operations
in progress; and, after detecting that a new auxiliary memory is
attached to said connector, causes remaining image data to be transferred
and copied to said new auxiliary memory.
5. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said controller
sequentially monitors whether said auxiliary memory is attached
to or detached from said connector and, upon detection of attachment
or detachment of said auxiliary memory during transfer of said image
data to said main memory or said auxiliary memory when said object
is being photographed, forcibly initializes each element within
said digital camera.
6. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said controller
sequentially monitors whether said auxiliary memory is attached
to or detached from said connector and, upon detection of attachment
or detachment of said auxiliary memory during transfer of said image
data to said main memory or said auxiliary memory when the image
data in said main memory are being copied to said auxiliary memory,
forcibly initializes each element within said digital camera.
Digital Camera Patent Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital camera which digitally
records, into an electronic recording medium such as a semiconductor
memory, image data of an object obtained by photographing, for example.
2. Related Background Art
Digital cameras can photograph an object in a simple operation
similar to that of conventional silver halide cameras, while having
a function of converting an image of the object captured by a solid-state
imaging device or the like into digital image data and digitally
recording these data into a semiconductor memory or the like. Therefore,
they have been attracting much attention as a multimedia-aware photographing
device applicable to digital electronic devices such as microcomputer.
The digital cameras have excellent functions in that they can provide
a variety of forms of utilization to users. For example, they can
provide digital image data to various digital electronic devices
such that they are repeatedly reproduced and displayed, such that
the same image data are copied a number of times, such that the
image data are easily edited and processed, and such that unnecessary
image are erased while only the necessary image data are stored
and managed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital camera
which has a high degree of operability, facilitates data management,
and is highly reliable in terms of functions.
In order to achieve such an object, the present invention is a
digital camera having a main memory for storing image data obtained
by photographing and a connector means for attaching a detachable
auxiliary memory thereto, wherein further provided is a control
means which, upon detection of attachment of the auxiliary memory
to the connector means, causes the image data obtained by photographing
to be preemptively stored into the auxiliary memory.
Also, the present invention provides a digital camera having a
main memory for storing image data obtained by photographing and
a connector for attaching a detachable auxiliary memory thereto,
wherein further provided are a control means which causes the image
data in the main memory to be transferred and copied to the auxiliary
memory according to designation of a copy mode, and a display means
which, as designated by the control means, sequentially displays
the number of uncopied image data remaining in the main memory and
the number of image data which can be copied to the auxiliary memory.
Preferably, while causing the image data in the main memory to
be transferred and copied to the auxiliary memory, the control means
adds management data indicating fact of copying to each image data.
Preferably, the control means adds, to each image data which is
to be copied, a flag data indicating that copying of each data is
in progress, and adds, upon completion of copying of each image
data, a flag data indicating the completion of copying to each image
data which is to be copied.
Preferably, the control means sequentially detects the free capacity
of the auxiliary memory; upon detection of shortage of the free
capacity in the auxiliary memory before the whole image data in
the main memory is completely transferred and copied, temporarily
stops transferring and copying operations; and, after detecting
that a new auxiliary memory is attached to the connector means,
causes the remaining image data to be transferred and copied to
the new auxiliary memory.
Preferably, the control means sequentially monitors whether the
auxiliary memory is attached to or detached from the connector means
and, upon detection of attachment or detachment of the auxiliary
memory during transfer of the image data to the main memory or auxiliary
memory in a photographing or copying mode, forcibly initializes
the internal camera system.
The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed
description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings, which
are given by way of illustration only and are not to be considered
as limiting the present invention.
Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become
apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However,
it should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention,
are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and
modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will
be apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outer configuration of
a digital camera;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view further showing an outer configuration
of the digital camera;
FIG. 3 is a plan view mainly showing a liquid crystal display section
of the digital camera under magnification;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a circuit
accommodated in the digital camera;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart for explaining operations of the digital
camera;
FIGS. 6 and 7 are explanatory views for explaining contents displayed
on the liquid crystal display section at the time of photographing
by use of a main memory;
FIGS. 8 and 9 are explanatory views for explaining contents displayed
on the liquid crystal display section at the time of photographing
by use of an auxiliary memory;
FIG. 10 is a memory map for explaining operations of photographing
and copying modes;
FIG. 11 is an explanatory view for explaining contents displayed
on the liquid crystal display section at the time of the copying
mode; and
FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining the principle and operation
of an abnormality monitoring means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the following, embodiments of the digital camera in accordance
with the present invention will be explained with reference to drawings.
Here, FIG. 1 is an outer perspective view showing this digital camera
from the front face side where an image pickup optical system is
provided; FIG. 2 is an outer perspective view showing this digital
camera from the back face side where a liquid crystal display section
is provided; and FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing the liquid
crystal display section and the like provided at the back face of
the digital camera.
In FIG. 1, at the front face end of the camera body, disposed are
an image pickup optical system 2 which is directed to an object
at the time of photographing; an automatic focus detector 4 which
performs distance measurement and focus detection; an exposure detecting
sensor 6; a light-emitting device 8 which intermittently emits light
at the time of photographing by use of a timer; a view finder 10;
a slide cover 12 having a main switch which turns on and off a main
power source of the camera; and a flash 14 disposed at the slide
cover 12.
Here, the automatic focus detector 4 adopts so-called active technique
in which, at the time of photographing, its light-emitting device
emits light toward an object, and the light reflected by the object
is detected by a light-receiving device, whereby the distance to
the object and the in-focus state of the image pickup optical system
2 are detected.
Also, the slide cover 12 is disposed so as to be slidable in X.sub.1
-X.sub.2 directions in the drawing. As depicted, when it moves in
X.sub.2 direction, the above-mentioned main switch turns on the
main power source of the camera; whereas, when it moves in X.sub.1
direction, the above-mentioned main switch turns off the main power
source of the camera, while the exposure detecting sensor 6, the
light-emitting device 8, and the view finder 16 are blocked off.
At the upper end of the camera body, provided are a shutter release
button 16 and a zoom button 18. As the shutter release button 16
is pushed down, photographing is effected. The zoom button 18 has
a telephoto contact (TSW) and a wide-angle contact (WSW). During
a period in which the zoom button 18 is turned onto the telephoto
contact (TSW) side, so-called zoom-in state is continuously set;
whereas during a period in which the zoom button 18 is turned onto
the wide-angle contact (WSW) side, so-called zoom-out state is continuously
set.
On one side face of the camera body, provided are a serial port
20 for serially transmitting image data obtained by photographing
to an external electronic device such as a personal computer; a
connector 22 for connecting an external power source thereto; and
a cover 24 for blocking off the serial port 20 and the connector
22.
In FIG. 2, at the back face of the camera body, provided are a
view finder window 26 equipped with a light-emitting device 28 which
intermittently emits light at the time of automatic focus detection;
a liquid crystal display section 30 for displaying the state of
operation of the camera or various operation modes; a mode switch
32 and a select switch 34 which are operated in order to designate
the operation mode of the camera; and an erase switch 36 which is
operated in order to erase the image data already stored in a main
memory MM and an auxiliary memory MC which will be explained later.
In the lower portion of the back face of the camera body, provided
are a card slot 38 for detachably inserting a memory card, i.e.,
the auxiliary memory MC, thereinto and an eject button 40 which
is pushed when the memory card is to be removed from the card slot
38.
The other side end face (right-side end face in FIG. 2) is equipped
with a container 42 for accommodating a battery such as a dry cell,
and a strap belt 44 which is used when the camera body is held by
a hand of an operator.
In the following, displayed contents of the liquid crystal display
section 30 will be explained with reference to FIG. 3. In response
to operations of the mode switch 32, select switch 34, and erase
switch 36, a plurality of icon marks 46 to 66 are selectively displayed.
Though these icon marks are selectively displayed according to operation
modes, all the icon marks are shown in FIG. 3 in order to facilitate
explanation.
The icon mark 46 indicates the photographing resolution: "S"
indicates a state (referred to as "superfine mode") where
photographing can be effected with the maximum resolution; "F"
indicates a state (referred to as "fine mode") where photographing
can be effected with a predetermined resolution lower than the maximum
resolution; and "N" indicates a state (referred to as
"normal mode") where photographing can be effected with
a predetermined resolution lower than the fine-mode resolution.
The icon mark 48 indicates the flash photographing state. The icon
mark 50 indicates the automatic focus detection mode and the close-up
photographing mode. The icon mark 52 indicates the remaining capacity
of the battery. The icon mark 54 indicates the manual zoom mode
in which the zoom button 18 is operated so as to manually set zooming
and the automatic zoom mode in which the camera itself automatically
performs optimal zooming processing while automatically judging
in-focus conditions.
The icon mark 56 mainly displays, in terms of segment, the number
of so-called frame picture sheets which can be stored in the main
memory MM or auxiliary memory (memory card) MC which will be explained
later. In other words, the remaining storage capacity of the main
memory MM or auxiliary memory MC is displayed as the number of sheets
of images which can be recorded. The icon mark 58 indicates the
timer photographing mode.
As a segment display smaller than the icon mark 56, the icon mark
60 mainly indicates the number of sheets of so-called frame pictures
already stored in the main memory MM or auxiliary memory MC.
At the time of the copying mode which will be explained later,
the icon mark 62 is displayed, indicating that the image data already
stored in the main memory MM is being transferred and copied to
the auxiliary memory MC.
The icon mark 64 indicates the state where the auxiliary memory
(memory card) MC is attached to the card slot 38, whereas it is
not displayed in the state where the auxiliary memory (memory card)
MC is detached therefrom.
The icon mark 66 indicates a mode in which the image data already
stored in the main memory MM or auxiliary memory MC is erased.
As the operator appropriately operates the mode switch 32, select
switch 34, and erase switch 36, these icon marks 46 to 66 are selectively
displayed while being switched over. Further, when one of these
icon marks is designated so as to effect a deterministic operation,
the operation mode of the camera can be selected or set, and the
camera can be made to perform a desired operation corresponding
to the displayed icon mark.
In the following, the configuration of main parts of the electric
circuit accommodated in the camera body will be explained with reference
to FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, constituents identical to those shown in FIGS.
1 to 3 are referred to with marks identical thereto.
In FIG. 4, as a controller for integrated control of operations
of this digital camera, two pieces of microprocessors MPU1 and MPU2
are provided. These processors perform the integrated control by
executing an application program which has been prepared on the
basis of a predetermined algorithm and formed into firmware.
The microprocessor MPU1 detects the operations of the above-mentioned
various operation switches and buttons 12 to 18 and 32 to 36, and
controls the operation of the image pickup mechanism including the
image pickup optical system 2 as well as the display operation of
the liquid crystal display section 30 or the like. Also, the microprocessor
MPU1 detects the operation of the zoom button 18 at the time of
photographing mode, and drives, by way of a driving circuit 66,
a zoom motor 68 so as to continuously move a zoom lens in the image
pickup optical system 2 along the optical axis direction. Also,
it instructs the automatic focus detector 4, which includes an automatic
focus detecting unit 70, a driving circuit 72, and a focus motor
74, to perform distance-measuring and focusing processings. Further,
it performs such a processing as detection of whether the auxiliary
memory MC is attached to or detached from the camera.
In the photographing mode, the microprocessor MPU2 controls the
operation of a photoelectric converting mechanism for photoelectrically
converting an object light image transmitted through the image pickup
optical system 2, so as to form predetermined image data. Also,
it performs so-called data processing such as storing of these image
data into the main memory MM or auxiliary memory MC or transferring
and copying the image data from the main memory MM to the auxiliary
memory MC in the copying mode. Further, it controls the program
voltage supplied to the main memory MM and auxiliary memory MC.
Here, the above-mentioned photoelectric converting mechanism comprises
a color CCD solid-state imaging device 76 for photoelectrically
converting the object light image transmitted through the image
pickup optical system 2 into an image signal; a process circuit
78 which performs such a processing as white balance adjustment
with respect to the image signal output from the CCD solid-state
imaging device 76; an A/D converter 80 which digitally converts
the image signal output from the process circuit 78 into image data;
and a CCD driving circuit 82 which synchronously controls these
members according to instructions from the microprocessor MPU2.
Connected to a bus B of the microprocessor MPU2 are the A/D converter
80, a frame memory FM, the main memory MM, and a connector 84 for
attaching the auxiliary memory MC thereto.
Here, the connector 84 is attached to the interior of the card
slot 38 (see FIG. 2). The main memory MM is a permanent memory fixedly
attached to the inside of the digital camera beforehand. Adopted
as this memory is a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a
flush memory which is rewritable by so-called program voltage. It
has a storage capacity such that image data corresponding to a plurality
of sheets of so-called frame pictures can be stored therein. The
memory card, which is the auxiliary memory MC, has a large storage
capacity which can store image data corresponding to a number of
sheets of so-called frame pictures which is greater the number of
frame pictures which can be stored in the main memory MM.
In addition to so-called data bus and address bus and a control
bus or the like for memory resetting and the like, the bus B has
a power line for supplying the above-mentioned program voltage to
the main memory MM and auxiliary memory MC. By way of this power
line, the microprocessor MPU2 controls the supply of the program
voltage to the main memory MM and auxiliary memory MC. Namely, a
DC/DC converter 86 generates the above-mentioned program voltage
from the battery in the container 42 or the external power source
supplied by way of the connector 22, and the microprocessor MPU2
controls a switching circuit 88, whereby the program voltage is
supplied to the main memory MM and auxiliary memory MC by way of
the power line.
At the time of photographing, the microprocessor MPU2 causes the
image data corresponding to one frame picture output from the A/D
converter 80 to be temporarily stored into the frame memory FM and
then, while subjecting thus temporarily stored image data to an
image data compressing processing with a ratio of compression corresponding
to a designated resolution, causes the image data to be stored into
the main memory MM or auxiliary memory MC. Also, in the copying
mode, the microprocessor MPU2 performs transfer control in which
the image data is transferred from the main memory MM to the auxiliary
memory MC by way of the bus B.
Further, connected to the microprocessor MPU2 is a transmitter-receiver
circuit 90 for serially transmitting the image data to an external
electronic device connected to the serial port 20.
Thus, the microprocessors MPU1 and MPU2 share control functions
and synchronously operate so as to transfer various kinds of necessary
data to each other.
In the following, main operations of this digital camera will be
explained with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10.
In the flow chart of FIG. 5, when an operator moves the slide cover
12 and thereby turns on the main power source by way of the main
switch, the microprocessors MPU1 and MPU2 initialize the whole camera
system at step S2. Subsequently, at step S4, the microprocessors
MPU1 and MPU2 make the liquid crystal display section 30 display
the icon marks 46 to 66, thereby indicating the operation mode which
has been set and stored since the last time the main power source
was turned off after completion of photographing as well as the
current inner state of the camera.
In such a state of display, when the auxiliary memory MC is not
attached to the camera, the microprocessor MPU2 investigates number
n of image data already stored (i.e., the number of sheets already
photographed) in the main memory MM, divides the capacity of free
area remaining in the main memory MM by a quantity of image data
corresponding to one frame picture which is necessary when photographed
with the currently set resolution, so as to determine number N of
image data which can be stored (number of sheets which can be photographed),
and then transfer these data n and N to the microprocessor MPU1.
Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the microprocessor MPU1 displays, by means
of the icon mark 60, the number n of the image data already stored
in the main memory MM, while displaying, by means of the icon mark
56, the number N of the image data which can be stored (number of
sheets which can be photographed) in the main memory MM. Further,
by not displaying the icon mark 64, it also indicates that the camera
is in a mode for storing image data into the main memory MM.
By contrast, when the memory card MC, i.e., auxiliary memory, is
attached to the camera, the microprocessor MPU2 investigates number
m of image data already stored (i.e., the number of sheets already
photographed) in the auxiliary memory MC, divides the capacity of
free area remaining in the auxiliary memory MC by a quantity of
image data corresponding to one frame picture which is necessary
when photographed with the currently set resolution, so as to determine
number M of image data which can be stored (number of sheets which
can be photographed), and then transfer these data m and M to the
microprocessor MPU1. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the microprocessor
MPU1 displays, by means of the icon mark 60, the number m of the
image data already stored in the auxiliary memory MC, while displaying,
by means of the icon mark 56, the number M of the image data which
can be stored (number of sheets which can be photographed) in the
auxiliary memory MC. Further, by displaying the icon mark 64, it
also indicates that the camera is in a mode for storing image data
into the auxiliary memory MC.
Here, the microprocessor MPU1 electrically detects whether the
auxiliary memory MC is attached to or detached from the connector
84, and then instructs the microprocessor MPU2 to perform the corresponding
processing mentioned above.
Then, when the mode switch 32 is pushed, the microprocessor MPU1
detects it (step S6), and the operation proceeds to a mode changing
processing (step S8) for selecting and changing the operation mode
of the camera. This operation for changing and selecting the mode
is effected as the operator appropriately manipulates the mode switch
32 and the select switch 34.
By contrast, when the select switch 34 is pushed without any selecting
and changing of the operation mode being designated at step S6,
the microprocessor MPU1 detects it (step S10) and, simultaneously,
instructs the microprocessor MPU2 to perform a processing for a
copying mode (steps S42 to S68).
When neither the mode switch 32 nor the select switch 34 is pushed,
a normal photographing mode (steps S12 to S38) is taken.
Thus, as the operator arbitrarily manipulates the mode switch 32
and the select switch 34, various operation modes can be selected,
and the image pickup mode or copying mode can be set.
In the photographing mode, the microprocessor MPU1 detects the
pushing operation of the zoom switch 18 at steps S12, S14, and S16,
and performs so-called zoom-in and zoom-out operations respectively
according to the shifting of the zoom switch 18 toward the telephoto
contact (TSW) side and the wide-angle contact (WSW) side.
Also, when the operator pushes down the shutter release button
16, the microprocessor MPUL detects it (step S18) and performs a
photographing processing (step S20).
Namely, at step S20, the object image signal output from the color
CCD solid-state imaging device 76 is converted into digital image
data by the A/D converter 80, while thus obtained image data corresponding
to one frame picture are temporarily stored in the frame memory
FM.
Then, at step S22, the microprocessor MPU1 judges whether or not
the auxiliary memory (memory card) MC is attached to the connector
84. In the case where the auxiliary memory MC is not attached thereto,
the processing shifts to a storing mode (steps S24 to S30) for automatically
recording the image data into the main memory MM. In the case where
the auxiliary memory MC is attached to the camera, the processing
shifts to a recording mode (steps S32 to S38) for automatically
and preemptively recording the image data into the auxiliary memory
MC.
In the above-mentioned case where the auxiliary memory MC is not
attached to the camera, the microprocessor MPU2 investigates the
storage capacity of the free area in the main memory MM (step S24),
writes a predetermined management data FDATA into a predetermined
storage area from the start address (steps S26 and S28), and then
causes the image data in the frame memory 78 to be stored into the
free area subsequent to the management data, while subjecting the
image data to a data compressing processing corresponding to a designated
resolution (step S30). After the image data corresponding to one
frame picture are thus stored, one shot of photographing is completed.
During a period in which the main power source is not turned off
at step S40, the processing subsequent to step S4 is repeated so
as to enable the next photographing operation.
Here, as the above-mentioned management data FDATA, intrinsic data,
such as file name, for managing each image data in terms of file
as well as data representing the number of copying operations or
the like used in the copying mode which will be explained later
are defined.
The processing of steps S24 to S30 is repeated each time the photographing
operation is effected, whereby image data F0 to F5 and so on respectively
corresponding to designated resolutions are successively stored
together with their management data FDATA as indicated by a memory
map of the main memory MM shown in (a) of FIG. 10. Namely, at step
S30, since the image data are compressed with a data compression
ratio corresponding to the resolution designated by the operator,
and then stored in the above-mentioned free area of the main memory
MM, the capacity occupied by the image data corresponding to one
frame picture in the free area of the main memory MM is maximized
in the superfine mode, becomes the secondarily largest in the fine
mode, and is minimized in the normal mode.
Further, as the processing of step S4 is performed each time the
photographing operation is repeated, the displays of the number
of sheets photographed and the number of sheets which can be photographed
in the main memory MM are changed each time one shot of photographing
is completed. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, the number of sheets
photographed which is displayed by the icon mark 60 increases one
by one from n+1 to n+j, while the number of sheets which can be
photographed is displayed by the icon mark 56 as decreasing from
N1 to Nj.
Here, each value of the numbers N1 to Nj of sheets which can be
photographed corresponds to the ratio of the capacity of the free
area in the main memory MM to a designated resolution. Accordingly,
even when the capacity of the free area is held constant, the values
of the numbers N1 to Nj of sheets which can be photographed become
smaller as the photographing operation is performed at a higher
resolution (e.g., in the superfine mode), whereas these values become
greater as the photographing operation is performed at a lower resolution
(e.g., in the normal mode).
Therefore, each time one shot of photographing is completed, the
operator can be provided with secure and clear information about
the number of sheets which can be photographed in the main memory
MM.
In the case where the auxiliary memory MC is attached to the camera,
the microprocessor MPU2 investigates the storage capacity of the
free area in the auxiliary memory MC (step S32), writes a predetermined
management data FDATA into a predetermined storage area from the
start address (steps S34 and S36) in the free area of the auxiliary
memory MC, and then causes the image data in the frame memory 78
to be stored into the free area subsequent to the management data,
while subjecting the image data to a data compressing processing
corresponding to a designated resolution (step S38). After the image
data corresponding to one frame picture are thus stored, one shot
of photographing is completed. During a period in which the main
power source is not turned off at step S40, the processing subsequent
to step S4 is repeated so as to enable the next photographing operation
using the auxiliary memory MC.
The processing of steps S32 to S38 is repeated each time the photographing
operation is effected, whereby the image data F0 to F5 and so on
respectively corresponding to designated resolutions are successively
stored together with their management data FDATA as indicated by
the memory map shown in (a) of FIG. 10. Namely, at step S38, since
the image data are compressed with a data compression ratio corresponding
to the resolution designated by the operator, and then stored in
the above-mentioned free area of the auxiliary memory MC, the capacity
occupied by the image data corresponding to one frame picture in
the free area of the auxiliary memory MC is maximized in the superfine
mode, becomes the secondarily largest in the fine mode, and is minimized
in the normal mode.
Further, as the processing of step S4 is performed each time the
photographing operation is repeated, the displays of the number
of sheets photographed and the number of sheets which can be photographed
in the auxiliary memory MC are changed each time one shot of photographing
is completed. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9, the number of sheets
photographed which is displayed by the icon mark 60 increases one
by one from m+1 to m+k, while the number of sheets which can be
photographed is displayed by the icon mark 56 as decreasing from
M1 to Mk.
Here, each value of the numbers M1 to Mk of sheets which can be
photographed corresponds to the ratio of the capacity of the free
area in the auxiliary memory MC to a designated resolution. Accordingly,
even when the capacity of the free area is held constant, the values
of the numbers M1 to Mk of sheets which can be photographed become
smaller as the photographing operation is performed at a higher
resolution (e.g., in the superfine mode), whereas these values become
greater as the photographing operation is performed at a lower resolution
(e.g., in the normal mode).
Therefore, each time one shot of photographing is completed, the
operator can be provided with secure and clear information about
the number of sheets which can be photographed in the auxiliary
memory MC.
Thus, when the auxiliary memory MC is attached to the camera, image
data are automatically and preemptively stored not in the main memory
MM but in the auxiliary memory MC which has a larger storage capacity.
Accordingly, though no particular difference exists in terms of
operation for the operator between the case where image data are
stored into the main memory MM and the case where they are stored
into the auxiliary memory MC, the auxiliary memory MC with a larger
capacity is attached to the camera when photographing is to be effected
with a higher resolution or when a greater number of sheets are
to be photographed.
Also, when the photographing operation is performed while the auxiliary
memory MC is appropriately attached to or detached from the camera,
the image data storing modes for the main memory MM and auxiliary
memory MC are automatically switched over therebetween at step S22
according to whether the auxiliary memory MC is attached to the
camera or not. Accordingly, without any particular operation necessitated,
photographing with the main memory MM alone and photographing with
the auxiliary memory MC can be alternately effected.
In the following, the operation where the copying mode is selected
at the above-mentioned step S10 will be explained. Namely, when
the microprocessor MPU1 detects that the select switch 34 is pushed,
at step S42, it displays the icon mark 62 and, simultaneously, sends
this detection information to the microprocessor MPU2, thereby starting
the copying mode.
First, at step S44, the microprocessor MPU2 investigates number
a of image data already stored (number of sheets recorded) in the
main memory MM, investigates capacity AR of the free area remaining
in the auxiliary memory MC, and then estimates number .beta. which
can be transferred and copied to the auxiliary memory MC (number
of recordable sheets) at the currently set resolution. Here, since
the image data photographed with a variety of resolutions are stored
in the main memory MM, the remaining free capacity AR in the auxiliary
memory MC and these image data with a variety of resolutions may
be compared with each other so as to determine actual number .beta.,
of image data which can be copied. In order to shorten the processing
time and so on, however, the number .beta. of image data which can
be transferred and copied to the auxiliary memory MC is estimated
from the ratio of the currently set resolution to the free capacity
AR remaining in the auxiliary memory MC.
Next, at step S46, as shown in display example #1 in FIG. 11, the
microprocessor MPU1 makes the icon mark 56 display the number .alpha.
of image data already stored in the main memory MM, while making
the icon mark 60 display the estimated number .beta. which can be
copied to the auxiliary memory MC, and then waits till it is instructed
to start copying. Accordingly, for example, when six pieces of image
data F0 to F5 have already been stored in the main memory MM as
indicated by the memory map in (a) of FIG. 10, the value .alpha.
of the icon mark 56 becomes 6, whereas the value .alpha. of the
icon mark 60 becomes the above-mentioned estimated number.
Thus, since the values .alpha. and .beta. are displayed before
copying is actually started, the operator can confirm the remaining
capacity of the auxiliary memory MC or the like and, when this storage
capacity is insufficient, it is indicated, for example, that the
auxiliary memory MC should be replaced by another auxiliary memory
MC' with a sufficient storage capacity.
Next, when the mode switch 32 and the select switch 34 are pushed
together so as to instruct the camera to start copying, the microprocessors
MPU1 and MPU2 detect it (step S48) and then cause the above-mentioned
values .alpha. and .beta. to be stored into predetermined internal
registers (step S50). Subsequently, at step S52, as shown in display
example #2 in FIG. 11, while number B of image data which can be
copied to the auxiliary memory MC is displayed by the icon mark
56, number A of uncopied image data is displayed by the icon mark
60. Namely, the value B is equivalent to or greater than the value
.beta. shown in display example #1, while the value A is equivalent
to the value .alpha..
Next, the microprocessor MPU2 confirms the start address of the
image data in the main memory MM to be initially copied and the
start address of the free area in the auxiliary memory MC (step
S54), and then the management data FDATA in the image data of the
initial copying source is stored in the auxiliary memory MC as a
new management data CDATA for the copying destination (step S56).
Here, to the new management data CDATA, data TIME representing the
date and time of copying as well as flag data FG representing the
state of copying which will be explained later are added.
Then, the microprocessor MPU2 causes the first image data to be
transferred and copied in succession to the management data FDATA
(steps S58 and S60).
Here, the following operation should be noted in particular. At
step S58, simultaneously as copying of one piece of image data is
started, the microprocessor MPU2 simultaneously writes a flag data
FG (binary 01) indicating that the copying has been started and
is in progress; then, after image data for one picture sheet have
been completely transferred and copied, at step S60, writes a flag
data FG (binary 11) indicating that one sheet has been completely
copied; and further, while adding 1 to the copied number data in
the management data accompanying the image data in the main memory
MM (copying source), re-stores the copied number data together with
a data representing the date and time of copying.
Thus, the flag data FG indicative of the state during the copying
processing is stored. Accordingly, for example, when the auxiliary
memory MC is removed in the process of copying, the flag data FG=11
indicative of the completion of copying is not stored while only
the copying start flag data FG=01 is left as being stored. Therefore,
by investigating the contents of the flag data FG, the operator
can judge whether copying has been done securely or not.
Also, since so-called history information of the number of copying
and the date and time of copying is stored in the management data
FDATA in the image data of the copying source, this processing is
effective, for example, in preventing a third party from illegally
performing a copying operation.
Next, at step S62, by subtracting 1 from the number A held in the
above-mentioned predetermined internal register, the microprocessor
MPU2 calculates number A-1 of uncopied image data in the main memory
MM. Also, it reconfirms the free area capacity in the auxiliary
memory MC again and computes number BF1 of copiable sheets, which
is then stored in the above-mentioned inner register. Then, at step
S64, as shown in display example #3 in FIG. 11, the microprocessor
MPU2 makes the icon mark 56 display the number BF1 of the copiable
sheets and, simultaneously, makes the icon mark 60 display the number
A-1 of the remaining uncopied image data.
Here, the capacity of the copied image data varies in response
to the resolution set at the time of photographing, thereby occupying
a variable capacity in the auxiliary memory MC in response to a
difference in the resolution. Accordingly, the number BF1 of copiable
sheets decreases as the resolution is higher.
Next, the microprocessor MPU2 judges whether the remaining free
capacity in the auxiliary memory MC is sufficient for transferring
and copying the next image data thereto (step S66). Namely, when
the number of copiable sheets in the auxiliary memory MC becomes
zero while there remain image data to be copied, it is a state in
which the next image data cannot securely be transferred and copied,
whereby the operation shifts to the processing of step S72 which
will be explained later. By contrast, when the number of copiable
sheets is not zero, it is a state where the next image data can
be securely transferred and copied, whereby the operation shifts
to the processing of step S68.
Subsequently, at step S68, the microprocessor MPU2 confirms whether
or not there are remaining uncopied image data and, when it is judged
there are, repeats the processing subsequent to step S54 so as to
transfer and copy the remaining uncopied image data in a manner
similar to that mentioned above. After the whole image data is transferred
and copied, the copying mode is terminated (step S70).
Thus, each time the individual image data is transferred and copied,
the values of the icon marks 56 and 60 are changed as indicated
by display examples #2 to #5 in FIG. 11. After the whole image data
is transferred and copied, as indicated by display example #5 in
this drawing, the value of the icon mark 60 becomes zero, indicating
that the whole image data has been copied.
According to such a processing of copying mode, for example, when
six pieces of image data F0 to F5 have already been stored in the
main memory MM as indicated by the memory map in (a) of FIG. 10,
after the copying processing, all the image data F0 to F5 are copied
into the auxiliary memory MC in the same order with their respective
management data added thereto as indicated by a memory map of the
auxiliary memory MC shown in (b) of FIG. 10.
Thus, by simply seeing that the value of the icon mark 60 has become
zero, the operator can easily judge that the whole image data has
completely been copied.
Here, in the case where the capacity of the storable area in the
auxiliary memory MC has become insufficient before the whole image
data in the main memory MM is completely transferred and copied,
unlike display example #5 in FIG. 11, the value (copiable number)
in the icon mark 56 initially becomes zero, while the value of the
icon mark 60 indicates the number (.noteq.0) of uncopied image data.
At step S66, such a state where the free capacity in the auxiliary
memory MC is insufficient while there remain uncopied image data
(state where the next transferring and copying operation cannot
be effected) is detected, and the operation shifts to the processing
of step S72 so as to respond to this state.
First, the microprocessor MPU2 causes data such as the number of
uncopied image data remaining in the main memory MM (number of remaining
data to be copied) and the start address of the uncopied image data
to evacuate into a predetermined inner register (step S72) and,
with the current auxiliary memory (memory card) MC detached therefrom,
waits till another auxiliary memory (memory card) MC is attached
thereto (step S74). Then, when the microprocessor MPU1 detects attachment
of another auxiliary memory (memory card) MC (step S74), the microprocessor
MPU2 revives thus evacuated data (step S74) and then investigates
the capacity AR of the free area in the auxiliary memory MC newly
attached, thereby estimating the number P of image data which can
be transferred and copied to the auxiliary memory MC (number of
recordable sheets) at the currently set resolution (step S78).
Then, as the operation continues to the processing subsequent to
the above-mentioned step S46, the remaining image data in the main
memory MM are transferred and copied to the new auxiliary memory
MC.
Thus, even when the storage capacity of the auxiliary memory MC
becomes insufficient during copying, the operator can view such
a situation with the icon marks 56 and 60, and further can continue
copying to a new (another) auxiliary memory MC.
Here, even after such a copying processing is completed, the image
data in the main memory MM are held as they are unless the erase
switch 36 is operated.
After the copying mode is completed, the processing from step S4
is started again, whereby the above-mentioned setting of operation
mode as well as setting of photographing mode and copying mode,
again, can be effected. Also, when the auxiliary memory MC used
for copying is not detached from the camera and has a sufficient
storage capacity, the above-mentioned photographing mode (steps
S32 to S38) with the auxiliary memory MC is taken; whereas the above-mentioned
photographing mode (steps S24 to S30) with the main memory MM is
taken when the auxiliary memory MC used for copying is detached
therefrom.
As explained in the foregoing, this embodiment has a copying mode
in which image data stored in the main memory accommodated in the
camera can be copied, and sequentially displays the number of image
data in the main memory, i.e., copying source, and the number of
image data which can be copied to the auxiliary memory MC, i.e.,
copying destination. Accordingly, the operator can be provided with
information about the state of copying and the like, whereby a digital
camera with an excellent operability can be provided.
Also, while predetermined management data are added to individual
image data stored in the main memory MM or auxiliary memory MC in
the normal photographing mode, the management data in the main memory
MM are copied in conjunction with the individual image data to be
copied to the auxiliary memory MC. Accordingly, this embodiment
yields excellent effects in that the identity of the copied image
data can be improved, while so-called data management can be facilitated.
Further, in the copying mode, since the state of individual image
data being transferred and copied is managed by writing of the predetermined
flag data FG, it can be securely judged whether the individual image
data have been normally copied or not.
Also, this digital camera is provided with an abnormality monitoring
means which prevents the main memory MM, the auxiliary memory MC,
and the bus B from malfunctioning or being damaged not only at the
time of the above-mentioned copying mode but also when the auxiliary
memory MC is suddenly attached to or detached from the camera during
when various data are being transferred by way of the bus B.
This abnormality monitoring means is realized by the microprocessors
MPU1 and MPU2 in FIG. 4 as they execute an abnormality monitoring
program which has been prepared on the basis of a predetermined
algorithm indicated by a flow chart of FIG. 12 and formed into firmware.
Also, when such an abnormal state is generated, this abnormality
monitoring program is preemptively executed independently from the
processing operation indicated in the flow chart of FIG. 5.
With reference to FIG. 12, the principle and operation of the abnormality
monitoring process will be explained. At step S100, the microprocessor
MPU1 detects and monitors whether the auxiliary memory MC is attached
to or detached from the camera and the timing of the attaching or
detaching operation.
Then, when the microprocessor MPU1 judges that there has been an
attaching or detaching operation of the auxiliary memory MC (step
S102), it is investigated whether the bus B is in an active state
or not (step S104). Namely, when the bus B is in so-called in-use
state, such as the case where image data are being transmitted to
the frame memory 72, the main memory MM, or the auxiliary memory
MC by way of the bus B at the time of image pickup mode, the case
where image data are being transmitted from the main memory MM to
the auxiliary memory MC in the copying mode, and the case where
supply of the above-mentioned program power source is being controlled,
it is judged that the bus active state is established.
Then, when the microprocessor MPU1 judges that the bus is in the
active state, it supplies a reset signal RESET to the microprocessor
MPU2, thereby making the microprocessor MPU2 stop the foregoing
processing operation, while forcibly making the microprocessor MPU2
perform a reset (initializing) processing (step S106). Accordingly,
the processing subsequent to step S2 shown in FIG. 5 is restarted.
By contrast, when it is judged that the bus in not in the active
state, from step S104, the processing of steps S108 to S114 is executed.
Namely, when the auxiliary memory MC is attached to or detached
from the camera when the bus B is not in the active state, without
the forcible reset processing at step S106 being performed, the
microprocessors MPU1 and MPU2 perform a known interrupt processing
at step S108, thereby holding, in a predetermined shelter register,
various kinds of data indicative of the inner state of the camera.
Then, at steps S110 and S112, when the microprocessor MPU1 judges
that the attachment or detachment of the auxiliary memory MC has
been completed, i.e., that the auxiliary memory MC is in a state
where it is continuously detached from or attached to the camera,
the processing shifts to step S114, at which a known interrupt return
processing is performed, whereby the control operation is started
from the state before the auxiliary memory MC is attached or detached.
Namely, even in the case where attachment or detachment of the
auxiliary memory MC occurs, when the bus B is not in the active
state, there is no problem such as noise being superposed onto image
data or the like. Also, since no high-speed data transmission is
effected, there is a margin in terms of time. Accordingly, a normal
interrupt processing is effected.
When a forcible reset processing is performed when attachment or
detachment of the auxiliary memory MC has occurred where the bus
B is in the active state, the following effects are attained.
When attachment or detachment of the auxiliary memory MC occurs
where the bus B is in the active state, there may be problems such
as lowering of reliability due to noises superposed onto image data
and the like which are being transmitted. Since initialization is
made by resetting, these problems can be eliminated.
When such problems are to be eliminated by so-called interrupt
processing, the state before the interrupt processing is regained
after various data are evacuated, thereby making it impossible to
realize a fast eliminating processing. By contrast, as the reset
processing is performed in this embodiment, a fast eliminating processing
can be realized.
Here, though the data on the bus B disappear upon such a forcible
reset processing, the image data once stored in the main memory
MM or auxiliary memory MC made of a non-volatile semiconductor memory
do not disappear. Accordingly, so-called accidental information
breakdown does not occur.
Also, when attachment or detachment of the auxiliary memory MC
occurs where the bus B is in the active state, the program sequence
(writing sequence) of the main memory MM and auxiliary memory MC
can be forcibly and easily initialized. In particular, it becomes
unnecessary for the power line or the like in the bus B, which is
used for supplying the program voltage or the like to the main memory
MM and auxiliary memory MC, to be switched over in order to perform
an eliminating processing. Accordingly, while the system for switching
the bus can be omitted, it becomes unnecessary for the disorder
of the bus or the like to be taken into consideration.
Further, as the above-mentioned reset processing and the normal
processing are selectively executed, effects such as those explained
in the following can be obtained.
In a typical system adopting a microprocessor, in order to connect
constituents such as connectors and I/O ports or external devices
to a bus, these constituents are always connected to the bus by
way of an I/O buffer circuit (bidirectional tristate buffer circuit),
while unused I/O buffers are controlled so as to be in their off
state (high-impedance state), whereby only necessary constituents
are substantially connected to the bus so as to prevent intrusion
of external noise and interference beforehand.
In the digital camera of the present invention, however, the number
of parts should be reduced as much as possible in order to attain
a smaller size and lighter weight as well as a lower power consumption.
Accordingly, great effects can be attained even when the I/O buffer,
which has been considered essential in general, is omitted.
Therefore, in this embodiment, without the above-mentioned I/O
buffer being provided, the microprocessor MPU2, the frame memory
FM, and the main memory MM as well as the A/D converter 80 and the
connector 84 are directly connected to the bus B.
When the auxiliary memory MC is attached to or detached from the
connector 84, a certain fluctuation is clearly rendered to the bus
B. When the bus B is not in the active state, the normal interrupt
processing is performed so as to cope with this situation, since
no abnormality is generated in the camera system. When the bus B
is in the active state, it becomes an obvious cause for superposing
noise onto the image data being transmitted or the like. Accordingly,
the reset processing is forcibly effected.
As a result, while generation of abnormality such as malfunctioning
of the camera can be skillfully eliminated, the number of parts
such as the I/O buffer and the bus switching system, at least, can
be greatly reduced, whereby the camera can attain a small size and
light weight as well as a low power consumption.
From the invention thus described, it will be obvious that the
invention may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to
be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention,
and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in
the art are intended for inclusion within the scope of the following
claims.
The basic Japanese Application No. 228114/1995 filed on Sep. 5,
1995 is hereby incorporated by reference. |