JP2005252956A - Electronic camera - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic camera in which a photographer classifies and records for each folder under a desired classification condition when recording image data of a photographed image on a recording medium.
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attach a folder 202 when a photographer selects a desired folder 202 from one or a plurality of folders in a recording area 201 of a recording medium 200 mounted on an electronic camera body 100. The image data classification condition setting memory 58 in the electronic camera main body 100 stores the image data classification conditions that the folder information file 203 has. When photographing is performed, the image data of the photographed image is classified with respect to the image data classification conditions stored in the image data classification condition setting memory 58, and recorded in a folder that matches the classification result.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic camera that records image data obtained by capturing an object scene image in a folder in a recording area of a recording medium. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electronic camera that classifies image data according to a classification condition selected by a photographer and records the image data in a folder designated by the classification result.

  In an electronic camera, an image acquired by photographing through an image sensor is recorded as image data in a recording medium (removable medium) such as a memory inside the electronic camera or a removable IC card. The image thus recorded can be displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor, and can be transferred to an external device such as a personal computer for use.

  FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a folder hierarchical structure in a recording medium in a conventional electronic camera. In the formatted recording medium, a “DSC” folder is created under the root (ROOT), and 10 folders 100_A, 101_A, 102_A,... 109_A are virtually prepared under this folder. In order not to create an empty folder, folders 100_A, 101_A, 102_A,... 109_A are not actually created at the stage when the recording medium is initialized.

  When the photographer selects any folder from “100_A” to “109_A” and actually stores the image data in the folder, a substantial folder is created.

  Although 100_A is set by default, it can be freely selected by the folder selection means.

  Each folder can store 9999 images (9999 image data). The image data is automatically given a file name “DSC ***. JPG” according to the shooting order. The 4-digit number following “DSC” is the file number in the folder.

  As described above, in a conventional digital camera, a single folder is created on a recording medium, and image data is sequentially stored in this folder. In addition, there is a camera in which the next folder is automatically generated when the first created folder reaches the data recording limit (Full), and image data is recorded in the folder thereafter.

  In such a conventional recording method, image data is only stored in the order of shooting. For example, when a large number of shootings are performed at different shooting locations, or when shooting is performed with different shooting dates and subjects, recording media is used. It is difficult to classify and organize the image data stored in the later.

In this regard, in Patent Document 1, a folder is created for each shooting mode in order to organize the image data file so that it can be easily viewed, and only the image data file shot in the predetermined shooting mode is stored therein. ing. In addition, many proposals have been made to change folders according to shooting date / time, shooting location, subject, shooting conditions, etc., and classify and record image data on a recording medium.
JP-A-6-233225

  However, there are cases where image data classification conditions desired by the photographer are different for each photographing, and an electronic camera capable of easily selecting image data classification conditions has been desired. Also, with a conventional electronic camera, a folder to be recorded after image data classification must be prepared in the recording area of the recording medium in advance, and image data classification / recording is performed by the photographer on an inadvertent recording medium. It was inconvenient because it could not be performed as desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to make it easy for a photographer to select desired image data classification conditions and to capture image data of images photographed according to the classification conditions selected by the photographer. It is an object to provide an electronic camera capable of classifying images and recording them on a recording medium. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic camera capable of classifying and recording image data without preparing a predetermined folder in the recording area of the recording medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention firstly captures an object scene image projected by a photographing lens, converts it into an electric signal, and uses the photographed image as image data in a recording area of a recording medium. An electronic camera for recording in a folder has one or a plurality of image data classification conditions and an image data classification condition selection means for a photographer to select a desired image data classification condition, and the image data classification condition selection means selects The image data is classified according to the specified image data classification condition, the image data classification means for designating a folder for recording the image data, and the image to be recorded in the folder in the recording area of the recording medium designated by the image data classification means It has a data recording means.

  In such an electronic camera, a photographer selects a desired image data classification condition from one or a plurality of existing image data classification conditions, and classifies and records image data according to the selected image data classification conditions. The image data classification condition can be changed for each photographing, and the image data desired by the photographer can be classified and recorded.

  Secondly, a folder information file attached to one or more folders in the recording area of the recording medium stores the image data classification condition, and a folder selecting means for selecting a folder desired by the photographer. The electronic camera has a feature.

  In such an electronic camera, the image data classification condition is stored in the folder information file attached to the folder, so that the photographer can select the image data classification condition by selecting the folder. It becomes.

  Third, one or more solid-state memories are built in the electronic camera body, and an image data classification condition file storing the image data classification conditions exists in the solid-state memory.

  In such an electronic camera, there is an image data classification condition file that stores image data classification conditions in the electronic camera body, so a folder information file that stores the image data classification conditions is attached to the recording medium. Even if there is no existing folder, it is possible to select the image data classification condition.

  Fourth, the image forming apparatus includes a folder creation unit that creates a folder designated by the image data classification unit in a recording area of a recording medium.

  In such an electronic camera, even if the folder designated by the image data classification means does not exist in the recording area of the recording medium, it is possible to create a new folder and record the image data.

  Fifth, the image data classification condition storage unit stores image data classification conditions stored in the folder information file in the image data classification condition file.

  In such an electronic camera, image data classification conditions are stored in an image data classification condition file existing in the electronic camera body by storing the image data classification conditions included in the folder information file attached to the folder existing in the recording area of the recording medium. The image data classification conditions stored in the condition file increase, and the photographer can select a desired one from a larger number of image data classification conditions.

  As mentioned above, although the detail was demonstrated about this invention, if this was further summarized, the said subject could be solved with the following structure.

  (1) In an electronic camera that captures a scene image projected by a photographing lens, converts it into an electrical signal, and records the photographed image as image data in a folder in a recording area of a recording medium, one or more Image data classification conditions, image data classification condition selection means for the photographer to select desired image data classification conditions, electronic camera state detection means for detecting the shooting date and time, shooting location, and shooting conditions, The electronic camera state detection means, the image evaluation means, and the main subject each having an image evaluation means for evaluating an image, a main subject determination means, and a photographer recognition means, each of which is related to an image data classification condition Image data classification means for classifying image data according to a determination result of either the determination means or the photographer recognition means, and specifying a folder in which the image data is recorded; An electronic camera, characterized in that it comprises an image data recording means for recording a folder in the recording region of the recording medium designated by the image data classifying section.

  (2) A folder information file attached to one or more folders in the recording area of the recording medium stores the image data classification conditions, and includes a folder selection means for selecting a folder desired by the photographer. The electronic camera according to (1), which is included in the electronic camera.

  (3) The electronic camera main body includes one or more solid-state memories, and the image data classification condition file storing the image data classification conditions exists in the solid-state memory. The electronic camera according to 1).

  (4) The electronic camera according to (1), further including a folder creation unit that creates a folder designated by the image data classification unit in a recording area of a recording medium.

  (5) The electronic camera according to (1), further comprising image data classification condition storage means for storing the image data classification condition stored in the folder information file in the image data classification condition file.

  In the electronic camera according to the present invention, it is possible for the photographer to easily select desired image data classification conditions, and to classify and record the image data of the captured images according to the classification conditions selected by the photographer on a recording medium. is there. Further, it is possible to classify and record image data without preparing a predetermined folder in the recording area of the recording medium.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing an internal configuration of an electronic camera showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic camera of the present embodiment includes an electronic camera body 100 that constitutes the electronic camera body and a photographing optical system including a plurality of photographing lenses 310 (hereinafter simply referred to as a photographing lens 310 or a photographing optical system). And a photographic lens unit 300 configured by a driving means for driving the illuminating light and a light quantity limiting means for adjusting an incident light quantity of a light beam transmitted through the photographic lens 310. The photographic lens unit 300 is composed of an electronic camera body. It is detachably disposed with respect to 100.

  The electronic camera body 100 is configured as follows.

  Reference numeral 12 denotes a shutter for controlling the exposure amount to the image sensor 14, and reference numeral 14 denotes an image sensor that converts an optical image into an electric signal. The light beam incident on the photographic lens 310 is guided by the single-lens reflex system through the diaphragm 312 which is a light amount limiting unit, the lens mounts 306 and 106, the mirror 130, and the shutter 12, and is formed on the image sensor 14 as an optical image.

  Reference numerals 130 and 132 denote mirrors that guide the light incident on the photographing lens 310 to the optical viewfinder 104 by a single-lens reflex system. The mirror 130 may be either a quick return mirror or a half mirror.

  Reference numeral 16 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output from the image sensor 14 into a digital signal. A timing generation circuit 18 supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, and the D / A converter 26, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 50.

  An image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 16 or the data from the memory control circuit 22. Further, in the image processing circuit 20, predetermined calculation processing is performed using image data captured as necessary, and the system control circuit 50 performs exposure control means 40 and distance measurement control means 42 based on the obtained calculation results. TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure control) processing, and EF (strobe light control) processing are performed. Further, the image processing circuit 20 also performs WB (white balance) processing based on the calculation result obtained by the white balance control circuit 46.

  A memory control circuit 22 controls the A / D converter 16, the timing generation circuit 18, the image processing circuit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30, and the compression / decompression circuit 32. The data of the A / D converter 16 is written into the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or the data of the A / D converter 16 is directly passed through the memory control circuit 22. .

  Reference numeral 24 denotes an image display memory, 26 denotes a D / A converter, and 28 denotes an image display unit including a TFT / LCD. Display image data written in the image display memory 24 is stored in the D / A converter 26. Via the image display unit 28. An electronic viewfinder function can be realized by sequentially displaying image data captured using the image display unit 28. The image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to an instruction from the system control circuit 50. When the display is turned off, the power consumption of the electronic camera body 100 can be greatly reduced. It is.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a memory for storing captured still images and moving images, and has a sufficient storage capacity to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined time of moving images. This makes it possible to write a large amount of images to the memory 30 at high speed even in continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot. The memory 30 can also be used as a work area for the system control circuit 50.

  A compression / decompression circuit 32 compresses and decompresses image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like, reads an image stored in the memory 30, performs compression processing or decompression processing, and stores the processed data in the memory 30. Write to.

  Reference numeral 40 denotes shutter control means for controlling the shutter 12 in cooperation with the aperture control means 340 for controlling the aperture 312 based on the photometric information from the photometry means 43.

  Reference numeral 42 denotes distance measuring means for performing AF (autofocus) processing. A light beam incident on the lens 310 is converted into a diaphragm 312, lens mounts 306 and 106, a mirror 130, and a distance measuring sub-mirror (not shown) by a single-lens reflex system. , The in-focus state of the image formed as an optical image can be measured.

  Reference numeral 43 denotes a photometric means for performing AE (automatic exposure) processing. A single-lens reflex system is used for a light ray incident on the photographing lens 310 to stop the aperture 312, lens mounts 306 and 106, mirrors 130 and 132, and a photometric lens (not shown) ) Through the light metering means 43, the exposure state of the image formed as an optical image can be measured. The photometry means 43 also has an EF (strobe light control) processing function in cooperation with the strobe 47.

  A white balance calculation circuit 45 calculates a color temperature using image data captured by the TTL method.

  A white balance control circuit 46 is white balance correction data necessary for the image processing circuit 20 to perform white balance processing according to a white balance adjustment gain set in advance according to the light source selection of the photographer and the color temperature input. Is calculated.

  A strobe 47 has an AF auxiliary light projecting function and a strobe dimming function. The system control circuit 50 controls the shutter control unit 40, the aperture control unit 340, and the distance measurement control unit 342 based on the calculation result obtained by calculating the image data captured by the image sensor 14 by the image processing circuit 20. It is also possible to perform exposure control and AF (autofocus) control using the video TTL system. Further, AF (autofocus) control may be performed using both the measurement result by the distance measuring means 42 and the calculation result obtained by calculating the image data captured by the image sensor 14 by the image processing circuit 20. Then, exposure control may be performed using both the measurement result by the photometry means 43 and the calculation result obtained by calculating the image data captured by the image sensor 14 by the image processing circuit 20.

  Reference numeral 50 denotes a system control circuit that controls the entire electronic camera main body 100, and reference numeral 52 denotes a memory that stores constants, variables, programs, and the like for operation of the system control circuit 50.

  An electronic camera setting memory 53 stores various settings related to the electronic camera, such as camera body settings, shooting conditions, and an image processing method for captured images.

  Reference numeral 54 denotes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device or a speaker that displays an operation state or a message using characters, images, sounds, or the like in accordance with execution of a program in the system control circuit 50, and an operation unit of the electronic camera main body 100. One or a plurality of such devices are installed in the vicinity where they are easily visible, and are configured by a combination of, for example, an LCD, an LED, and a sounding element. The display unit 54 is partially installed in the optical viewfinder 104. Among the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed on the LCD or the like includes single shot / continuous shooting display, self-timer display, compression rate display, number of recorded pixels, number of recorded pixels, number of remaining images, shutter Speed display, Aperture value display, Exposure compensation display, Flash display, Red-eye reduction display, Macro shooting display, Buzzer setting display, Clock battery level display, Battery level display, Error display, Multi-digit number information display and recording There are an attachment / detachment state display of the media 200 and 210, an attachment / detachment state display of the photographing lens unit 300, a communication I / F operation display, a date / time display, and a display showing a connection state with an external computer. Among the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 is in-focus display, shooting preparation completion display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, flash charge completion display, shutter speed display, aperture There are a value display, an exposure correction display, a recording medium writing operation display, and the like. Further, among the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed on the LED or the like includes focusing display, shooting preparation completion display, camera shake warning display, flash charging display, flash charging completion display, recording medium writing operation display, macro shooting. There are a setting notification display, a secondary battery charge state display, and the like. And what is displayed on a lamp etc. among the display contents of the display part 54 includes a self-timer notification lamp. This self-timer notification lamp may be used in common with the AF auxiliary light.

  Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM.

  An image data classification condition memory 57 stores one or a plurality of image data classification conditions.

  Reference numeral 58 denotes an image data classification condition setting memory which stores image data classification conditions used when classifying and recording image data of a currently taken image.

  Reference numeral 59 denotes folder creation means for creating a folder with a folder information file having image data classification conditions stored in the image data classification condition setting memory 58 in the recording area of the recording medium.

  Reference numerals 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70 are operation means for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 50. A single unit such as a switch, a dial, a touch panel, a pointing by gaze detection, a voice recognition device, or the like Consists of multiple combinations.

  Here, a specific description of these operating means will be given. Reference numeral 60 denotes a mode dial switch, which is an automatic shooting mode, program shooting mode, shutter speed priority shooting mode, aperture priority shooting mode, manual shooting mode, depth of focus priority (depth) shooting mode, portrait shooting mode, landscape shooting mode, and close-up shooting. Each function shooting mode such as a mode, a sports shooting mode, a night scene shooting mode, and a panoramic shooting mode can be switched and set.

  Reference numeral 62 denotes a release switch SW1, which is turned on during the operation of a release button (not shown), and includes AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, WB (white balance) processing, EF (strobe light control) processing, and the like. Instruct the start of operation.

  Reference numeral 64 denotes a release switch SW2, which is turned on when a release button (not shown) is operated, and writes a signal read from the image sensor 12 to the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22. Exposure processing, development processing using computations in the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, reading out image data from the memory 30, compression in the compression / decompression circuit 32, and recording in which the image data is written to the recording medium 200 or 210 An instruction to start an operation of a series of processes called processes is given.

  Reference numeral 66 denotes an image data classification recording mode switch. When the switch is turned on, the image data of the photographed image is classified based on the image data classification condition stored in the image data classification condition setting memory 58, and designated by the classification result. The image data classification recording mode for recording image data in a folder is entered.

  Reference numeral 68 denotes a folder selection button, which is used when the photographer selects one folder from all folders in the recording medium attached to the electronic camera body. There is a + (plus) button and a-(minus) button. By operating the + (plus) button, select the folder immediately after the currently selected folder, and by operating the-(minus) button. Select the folder immediately before the currently selected folder.

  Reference numeral 70 denotes image data classification condition selection means, which classifies and records image data of captured images when the photographer stores one or a plurality of image data classification conditions stored in the image data classification condition memory 57. Used to select desired image data classification conditions from among them. There are a + (plus) button and a-(minus) button. By operating the + (plus) button, an image data classification condition stored immediately after the currently selected image data classification condition is selected, and- By operating the (minus) button, the image data classification condition stored immediately before the currently selected image data classification condition is selected.

  A white balance selection switch 72 calculates the color of external light from the output signal of the image sensor 14 and adjusts the white balance by the TTL method using the color temperature data, and the type of light source in the shooting environment ( For example, the photographer judges sunlight, a light bulb, a fluorescent light, etc., and selects the type of light source by a light source selection means (not shown), or the photographer measures the hue (color temperature) of the photographing environment, The color temperature of the shooting environment is input to the electronic camera by the temperature input means, and the gain of the red signal circuit and the gain of the blue signal circuit are set in advance according to the selection of the light source and the input of the color temperature. Select a manual white balance set to a specific fixed gain.

  74 is an operation unit composed of various buttons, a touch panel, and the like, a menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-page playback page break button, a flash setting button, a single shooting / continuous shooting / self-timer switching button, and menu movement + (plus). Button, menu navigation-(minus) button, shooting image quality selection button, exposure compensation button, date / time setting button, selection / switch button for setting selection and switching of various functions when shooting and playback such as panorama mode When performing shooting and playback in panorama mode, a determination / execution button for setting determination and execution of various functions, an image display ON / OFF switch for setting ON / OFF of the image display unit 28, shooting immediately after shooting Set the quick review function to automatically play back image data A review mode ON / OFF switch, a compression mode switch for selecting a compression rate for JPEG compression, or a CCD RAW mode for selecting a CCD RAW mode in which a signal from an image sensor is digitized and recorded on a recording medium. One-shot AF mode and release switch that can set each function mode such as connection mode, etc. When the release switch SW1 is pressed, the autofocus operation is started and once in focus, the focused state is maintained. There is an AF mode setting switch that can set a servo AF mode that continues the autofocus operation while SW1 is pressed.

  In addition, the functions of the plus button and the minus button can be selected more easily by providing a rotary dial switch.

  Reference numeral 76 denotes a power switch that can switch and set the power-on and power-off modes of the electronic camera body 100. In addition, the power-on and power-off settings of various accessory devices such as the photographing lens unit 300 connected to the electronic camera body 100, an external strobe (not shown), and the recording media 200 and 210 can also be switched. .

  Reference numeral 80 denotes a power control means, which includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, etc., and detects the presence / absence of a battery, the type of battery, the remaining battery level, and the detection result In addition, the DC-DC converter is controlled based on an instruction from the system control circuit 50, and a necessary voltage is supplied to each part including the recording medium for a necessary period.

  Reference numerals 82 and 84 denote connectors, and 86 denotes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, NiMH battery, or Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like.

  90 and 94 are interfaces with a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk, 92 and 96 are connectors for connecting to a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk, and 98 is a recording medium 200 or 210 attached to the connectors 92 and 96. It is a recording medium attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting whether or not the recording medium is being used. In this embodiment, it is assumed that there are two interfaces and connectors for attaching the recording medium. Of course, one or a plurality of interfaces and connectors for attaching the recording medium may be provided. Moreover, it is good also as a structure provided with combining the interface and connector of a different standard. The interface and connector may be configured using a PCMCIA card, a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, or the like that conforms to a standard. Further, when the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96 are configured using a standard conforming to a PCMCIA card or a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, a LAN card, a modem card, a USB card, IEEE1394, and the like. By connecting various communication cards such as a card, P1284 card, SCSI card, and PHS communication card, image data and management information attached to the image data are transferred to and from other computers and peripheral devices such as a printer. I can do it.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes an optical viewfinder, which can guide a light beam incident on the photographing lens 310 through an aperture 312, lens mounts 306 and 106, and mirrors 130 and 132 and form an optical image as an optical image by a single lens reflex system. As a result, it is possible to perform shooting using only the optical viewfinder 104 without using the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28. In addition, some functions of the display unit 54 (focusing display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure correction display, etc.) are installed in the optical viewfinder 104.

  A communication unit 110 has various communication functions such as RS232C, USB, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, and wireless communication.

  Reference numeral 112 denotes a connector for connecting the electronic camera body 100 to another device by the communication unit 110 or an antenna in the case of wireless communication.

  Reference numeral 120 denotes an interface for connecting the electronic camera body 100 to the photographing lens unit 300 in the lens mount 106, 122 denotes a connector for electrically connecting the electronic camera body 100 to the photographing lens unit 300, and 124 denotes the lens mount 106 and Alternatively, it is lens attachment / detachment detection means for detecting whether or not the photographing lens unit 300 is attached to the connector 122.

  The connector 122 transmits a control signal, a status signal, a data signal, and the like between the electronic camera body 100 and the photographing lens unit 300 and also has a function of supplying currents of various voltages. Further, the connector 122 may be configured to transmit not only electrical communication but also optical communication, voice communication, and the like.

  Reference numeral 150 is a clock, and 151 is a GPS (Global Positioning System).

  Reference numeral 152 denotes photographer recognition means for recognizing the photographer by the iris of the photographer's eyeball.

  A photographer memory 153 stores the iris of the person's eyeball together with the name of one or more persons.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 200 includes a recording area 201 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, and the like, an interface 204 with the electronic camera body 100, and a connector 206 for connecting with the electronic camera body 100.

  The recording area 201 has one or a plurality of folders (202, etc.), and some of the folders are accompanied by folder information files (203, etc.) specific to each folder, and store image data classification conditions. Has been.

  Reference numeral 210 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium 210 includes a recording area 211 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, and the like, an interface 214 with the electronic camera body 100, and a connector 216 for connecting with the electronic camera body 100.

  The recording area 211 has one or a plurality of folders (212, etc.), and some of the folders are attached with folder information files (213, etc.) specific to each folder, and store image data classification conditions. Has been.

  Reference numeral 300 denotes an interchangeable lens type photographing lens unit, which is configured as follows.

  Reference numeral 306 denotes a lens mount that mechanically couples the photographing lens unit 300 to the electronic camera body 100. The lens mount 306 includes various functions for electrically connecting the photographing lens unit 300 to the electronic camera body 100.

  Reference numeral 310 denotes a photographing lens, and 312 denotes an aperture.

  Reference numeral 320 denotes an interface for connecting the photographing lens unit 300 to the electronic camera body 100 in the lens mount 306 and the accessory mount 324, and 322 denotes a connector for electrically connecting the photographing lens unit 300 to the electronic camera body 100. .

  The connector 322 transmits a control signal, a status signal, a data signal, and the like between the electronic camera body 100 and the lens unit 300, and also has a function of supplying or supplying a current of various voltages. The connector 322 may be configured to transmit not only electrical communication but also optical communication, voice communication, and the like.

  Reference numeral 340 denotes an aperture control unit that controls the aperture 312 in cooperation with the shutter control unit 40 that controls the shutter 12 based on photometry information from the photometry unit 43.

  Reference numeral 342 denotes distance measurement control means for controlling the focusing of the photographing lens 310, and reference numeral 344 denotes zoom control means for controlling zooming of the photographing lens 310.

  A lens system control circuit 350 controls the entire photographing lens unit 300. The lens system control circuit 350 includes identification information such as a memory that stores constants, variables, and programs for operation, numbers unique to the photographing lens unit 300, management information, function information such as an open aperture value, a minimum aperture value, and a focal length. Also, it has a function of a non-volatile memory that holds each setting value of the present and past.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a series of photographing operations in an image data classification and recording mode in which image data of captured images is automatically classified and recorded in a folder in a recording area of a recording medium.

  When the image data classification / recording mode switch 66 is turned ON to set the image data classification / recording mode in which the image data of the captured image is automatically classified and recorded in the folder in the recording area of the recording medium (step 100), the recording medium is attached / detached The detecting means 98 detects whether the recording media 200 and 210 are attached to the connectors 92 and 96 (step 101).

  If neither of the recording media 200 or 210 is attached (NO side of step 101), the recording medium attachment / detachment detecting means 98 repeats the detection of attachment of the recording medium until at least one of them is attached.

  When the recording medium attachment / detachment detecting means 98 detects the attachment of at least one of the recording medium 200 or 210 (YES in step 101), the recording medium currently attached by the system control circuit 50 (this book) In the embodiment, it is determined whether one or more folders exist in the recording area 201 of the recording medium 200 (step 102).

  If no folder exists in the recording area 201 of the recording medium 200 (NO side of step 102), one or more images stored in the image data classification condition memory 57 in the electronic camera body 100 are displayed. It is assumed that the image data classification condition for classifying the captured image data is selected from the data classification conditions, and the process proceeds to step 104.

  One or more folders exist in the recording area 201 of the recording medium 200 (YES side of step 102), but the folder information file 203 attached to the folder existing in the recording area 201 of the recording medium 200 has. Even when the image data classification condition for classifying the image data of the photographed image is not selected from the image data classification conditions (NO in step 103), the process proceeds to step 104. Details of the case of selecting an image data classification condition for classifying captured image data from the classification conditions stored in the image data classification condition memory 57 in the electronic camera main body 100 after step 104 are shown in FIG. This will be described later with reference to FIG.

  There is one or more folders in the recording area 201 of the recording medium 200 (YES side of step 102), and the folder information file attached to the folder existing in the recording area 201 of the recording medium 200 has When selecting the image data classification condition for classifying the image data of the photographed image from the image data classification conditions (YES side of step 103), the folder selection means 68 is operated, and one or a plurality of folders exist. The photographer selects a folder (referred to as folder 202 in the present embodiment) attached with a folder information file having desired image data classification conditions (step 105).

  Subsequently, the system control circuit 50 stores the image data classification condition of the folder information file 203 attached to the folder selected by the folder selection unit 68 in the image data classification condition setting memory 58 in the electronic camera body 100. (Step 106).

  Next, when the release switch SW1 (62) is turned on by half-pressing a release button (not shown), the system control circuit 50 performs AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and AWB (auto white). Balance) processing. These three processes are repeatedly executed until the release switch SW2 (64) is turned on by fully pressing a release button (not shown).

  When the release switch SW2 (64) is turned on, the shutter control unit 40 controls and drives the shutter 12 based on the exposure time determined by the system control circuit 50 in the exposure calculation from the photometric result of the photometric unit 43, and the image sensor 14 A light beam transmitted through the photographic lens unit 310 attached is received, and signal charges are accumulated. The analog signal output from the image sensor 14 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 16, and the image data converted into the digital signal is subjected to predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing by the image processing circuit 20. A series of operations relating to imaging in which the image data of the A / D converter 16 is directly written into the image memory 24 or the memory 30 via the memory control circuit 22 or the memory control circuit 22 is started (step 107).

  The system control circuit 50 classifies the captured image with respect to the image data classification conditions stored in the image data classification condition setting memory 58, and designates a folder in which the image data of the captured image is to be recorded (step 108). At this time, it is determined whether or not the folder specified by the classification result exists in the recording area 201 of the recording medium 200 currently mounted on the electronic camera body 100 (step 109). If there is no folder in which image data is to be recorded based on the determination result (NO side of step 109), the folder creating unit 59 has the image data classification condition stored in the image data classification condition setting memory 58. A folder attached with the information file is created in the recording area 201 of the recording medium 200 (step 110).

  The compression / decompression circuit 32 reads the image stored in the memory 30 and performs compression processing, writes the processed data to the memory 30, and the image data written in the memory 30 is determined in step 108. Record in a folder (step 111).

  When the photographer continues photographing in the image data classification recording mode (NO side of step 112), it is selected whether or not to change the image data classification condition of the photographed image (step 113). When the image data classification condition of the photographed image is not changed (NO side of step 113), the process returns to step 107, and a series of operations relating to the photographing of the object scene is performed.

  When changing the image data classification condition (YES side of step 113), the folder information file attached to the folder existing in the recording area 201 of the recording medium 200 currently mounted on the electronic camera body 100 is selected. When selecting the image data classification condition (NO side of step 114), the process returns to step 105, and the photographer performs again from the selection of the folder attached with the folder information file having the desired image data classification condition.

  When selecting from one or a plurality of image data classification conditions stored in the image data classification condition memory 57 in the electronic camera main body 100 (YES side of step 114), the process proceeds to step 115.

  In step 112, when the photographer finishes photographing in the photographed image data classification record mode (NO side of step 112), the photographer uses the operation unit 74 to record that is currently attached to the electronic camera body 100. Whether the image data classification condition memory 57 in the electronic camera body 100 stores one or a plurality of image data classification conditions included in one or more folders existing in the recording area 201 of the medium 200 Whether or not is selected (step 116).

  When the image data classification condition of the attached folder information file is not stored in the image data classification condition memory 57 in the folder existing in the recording area 201 of the recording medium 200 (NO side of step 116), the photographed image data classification record is recorded as it is. The shooting in the mode ends (step 117).

  When the image data classification conditions of the attached folder information file are stored in the image data classification condition memory 57 in a folder existing in the recording area 201 of the recording medium 200 (YES side of step 116), the folder selection means 68 is operated. Then, the photographer selects a folder attached with a folder information file having desired image data classification conditions from one or a plurality of existing folders (step 118).

  Subsequently, the system control circuit 50 causes the image data classification condition memory 57 to store the image data classification conditions included in the folder information file attached to the folder selected by the folder selection unit 68 (step 119).

  When continuing the operation of storing the image data classification conditions of the accompanying folder information file in the folder existing in the recording area 201 of the recording medium 200 in the image data classification condition memory 57 (YES side of step 120), step Returning to 118, the folder selection means 68 is operated to select a folder accompanied by a folder information file having a desired image data classification condition.

  When the image data classification condition storage operation is finished, the photographing in the photographed image data classification recording mode is finished as it is (step 121).

  FIG. 3 shows an image data classification condition memory 57 in the electronic camera main body 100 in a photographed image data classification and recording mode in which image data of a photographed image is automatically classified and recorded in a folder in the recording area of the recording medium. 10 is a flowchart for selecting an image data classification condition for classifying photographed image data from among the classified conditions.

  The image data classification condition selection means 70 is operated, the photographer selects a desired image data classification condition from the image data classification condition memory 57 (step a01), and the system control circuit 50 uses the image data classification condition selection means 70. The selected image data classification condition is stored in the image data classification condition setting memory 58 (step a02).

  Next, when the release switch SW1 (62) is turned on by half-pressing a release button (not shown), the system control circuit 50 performs AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and AWB (auto white). Balance) processing. These three processes are repeatedly executed until the release switch SW2 (64) is turned on by fully pressing a release button (not shown).

  When the release switch SW2 (64) is turned on, the shutter control unit 40 controls and drives the shutter 12 based on the exposure time determined by the system control circuit 50 in the exposure calculation from the photometric result of the photometric unit 43, and the image sensor 14 A light beam transmitted through the photographic lens unit 310 attached is received, and signal charges are accumulated. The analog signal output from the image sensor 14 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 16, and the image data converted into the digital signal is subjected to predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing by the image processing circuit 20. A series of operations relating to imaging in which the image data of the A / D converter 16 is directly written into the image memory 24 or the memory 30 via the memory control circuit 22 or the memory control circuit 22 is started (step a03).

  The system control circuit 50 classifies the captured image with respect to the image data classification conditions stored in the image data classification condition setting memory 58, and designates a folder in which the image data of the captured image is to be recorded (step a04). At this time, it is determined whether or not the folder in which the image data designated by the classification result is to be recorded exists in the recording area 201 of the recording medium 200 currently mounted on the electronic camera body 100 (step a05). If the determination result indicates that there is no folder in which image data is to be recorded (NO side of step a05), the folder creating unit 59 has the image data classification condition stored in the image data classification condition setting memory 58. A folder attached with the information file is created in the recording area 201 of the recording medium 200 (step a06).

  The compression / decompression circuit 32 reads the image stored in the memory 30 and performs compression processing, writes the processed data to the memory 30, and the image data written to the memory 30 is determined in step a04. Record in a folder (step a07).

  When the photographer continues photographing in the photographed image data classification recording mode (NO side of step a08), it is selected whether to change the image data classification condition of the photographed image (step a10).

  When the image data classification condition of the photographed image is not changed (NO side of step a10), the process returns to step a03, and a series of operations relating to the photographing of the above-mentioned scene is performed.

  When changing the image data classification conditions (YES side of step a10), when selecting from one or more image data classification conditions stored in the image data classification condition memory 57 in the electronic camera body 100 (YES side of step a11), returning to step a01, the photographer selects a desired image data classification condition from one or a plurality of image data classification conditions stored in the image data classification condition memory 57, and again. Do.

  When selecting an image data classification condition from among the folder information files included in the recording area 201 of the recording medium 200 currently attached to the electronic camera body 100 (NO side of step a11), Proceeding to step 105 in FIG. 2, the photographer selects a folder attached with a folder information file having a desired image data classification condition.

  In step a08, when the photographer finishes photographing in the photographed image data classification and recording mode (NO side of step a08), the process proceeds to step 116 in FIG. 2, and the recording medium 200 currently mounted on the electronic camera body 100 is displayed. A series of operations for storing the image data classification condition of the folder information file of the folder existing in the recording area 201 in the image data classification condition memory is performed (step a09).

  (A), (b), (c), (d), and (e) in FIGS. 4A and 4B are examples of folders specified by the image data classification condition and the image data classification condition. FIG. 4A shows a case where the image data classification condition selected by the folder selection unit 68 in step 105 of FIG. The system control circuit 50 recognizes the subject of the photographed image and records the image data in the “person” folder if the main subject is a person, and in the “flower” folder if it is a flower. To do.

  FIG. 4B shows a case where the image data classification condition selected by the folder selection unit 68 in step 105 of FIG. 2 is “date”. The date at the time of imaging is determined by the clock 150, and the system control circuit 50 records the image data by dividing folders every day.

  FIG. 4C shows the case where the image data classification condition selected by the folder selection means 68 in step 105 of FIG. The shooting location of the image is determined by the GPS 151, and the system control circuit 50 records the image data by dividing the folder for each shooting location.

  FIG. 4D shows a case where the image data classification condition selected by the folder selection unit 68 in step 105 in FIG. 2 is “image evaluation”. The system control circuit 50 discriminates whether the photographed image is good or not from the viewpoint of exposure, camera shake, focus, etc., and records the good image and the bad image separately in folders.

  FIG. 4E shows a case where the image data classification condition selected by the folder selection unit 68 in step 105 of FIG. Since each human eyeball has a different iris, the photographer memory 153 registers the photographer's name and its iris in advance, and the photographer recognition means 152 recognizes the iris of the photographer at the time of photographing, and the photographer memory 153. It is possible to determine who is the photographer of the image. The system control circuit 50 divides folders for each photographer and records image data.

It is a block block diagram which shows the internal structure of the electronic camera which shows the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart of a series of photographing operations in an image data classification and recording mode in which image data of a photographed image is automatically classified and recorded in a folder in a recording area of a recording medium. The classification stored in the image data classification condition memory 57 in the electronic camera body 100 in the captured image data classification recording mode in which the image data of the captured image is automatically classified and recorded in a folder in the recording area of the recording medium. It is a flowchart in the case of selecting image data classification conditions for classifying photographed image data from conditions. (A), (b), and (c) are examples of folders specified by image data classification conditions and image data classification conditions. (D) and (e) are examples of folders specified by the image data classification condition and the image data classification condition. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the folder hierarchical structure in the recording medium in the conventional electronic camera.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Electronic camera main body 300 Shooting lens unit 14 Image pick-up element 16 A / D converter 20 Image processing circuit 24 Image display memory 28 Image display part 50 System control circuit 57 Image data classification condition memory 58 Image data classification condition setting memory 59 Folder creation means 68 Folder selection means 70 Image data classification condition selection means 200, 210 Recording medium 202, 212 Folder 203, 213 Folder information file

Claims (5)

  One or a plurality of image data in an electronic camera that captures a scene image projected by a photographing lens, converts the image into an electric signal, and records the captured image as image data in a folder in a recording area of a recording medium An image data classification condition selecting means for selecting a desired image data classification condition by a photographer for a classification condition, an electronic camera state detecting means for detecting a shooting date and time, a shooting location, and a shooting condition, and evaluating a shot image The electronic camera state detection means, the image evaluation means, the main subject determination means, each of which has an image evaluation means, a main subject determination means, and a photographer recognition means, each of which is related to an image data classification condition, Image data classification means for classifying image data according to a determination result of any one of the photographer recognition means and designating a folder for recording the image data; An electronic camera, characterized in that it comprises an image data recording means for recording a folder in the recording area of the designated recording medium by the data classification means.   The folder information file attached to one or more folders in the recording area of the recording medium stores the image data classification conditions, and the electronic camera provides folder selection means for selecting a folder desired by the photographer. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising:   2. The electronic camera main body includes one or more solid-state memories, and an image data classification condition file storing the image data classification conditions exists in the solid-state memory. Electronic camera.   The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising a folder creation unit that creates a folder designated by the image data classification unit in a recording area of a recording medium.   2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, further comprising image data classification condition storage means for storing the image data classification condition stored in the folder information file in the image data classification condition file.

Images