JP2008092533A - Imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an imaging device that does not perform a predetermined backup operation when it is detected that a second recording medium is not mounted, and performs a predetermined backup when it is detected that the second recording medium is mounted. .
When a second recording medium is not loaded, backup is neither performed nor deleted even if there is a backup setting, as if nothing happened. Unlike the case of insufficient capacity, there is no display related to backup. A backup setting that meets the needs of the user is performed once, and the image is usually taken without backup, and a memory card is inserted and automatic backup shooting is performed before the really important shooting. Whether or not to change the setting depending on whether or not to perform backup, insert a memory card and process it when backup is necessary.
[Selection] Figure 4

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus having an imaging data backup mechanism.

  Nowadays, it has become common to store images taken with a digital camera or the like on a PC or the like, and storing image data on a memory card on a PC or storage device is the most common method. It has become established. Generally, data can be stored in a PC without installing communication software through mass storage connection via a card adapter. In addition, various storage devices have built-in memory card readers, and the environment is becoming easier to transfer data.

  It is also known that a large amount of image data can be recorded when a large-capacity storage medium such as an HDD is employed as the main recording medium of a digital camera. However, when storing image data in a storage medium such as a large-capacity HDD, there is a problem that the capacity is so large that it is vulnerable to impact and is not suitable for long-term storage. Therefore, a method for recording image data taken by a digital camera or the like using a plurality of recording media, an apparatus having a function of backing up automatically recorded image data, and the like have been proposed. The following is such a disclosure.

  Patent Document 1 removably stores or incorporates two recording media, records image data captured from a semiconductor image sensor at the time of shooting on the recording medium, and sets predetermined timing for the image data recorded on the recording medium. An electronic camera that automatically backs up to the other recording medium has been proposed.

  Patent Document 2 reads out the recording unit information of the header part recorded on the image recording medium, compares the read recording unit information with the recording unit information of the header part of the already saved image file, Synchronize data when backing up a PC, such as acquiring and storing a file with unacquired recording unit information that the storage device does not have from the image recording device to the recording device of the image storage device, An image file management system and an image file management program that transfer only existing files have been proposed.

  Patent Document 3 has a plurality of recording media for recording image data, and among the plurality of recording media, image data recorded on one recording medium is transferred to the other recording medium and deleted after the transfer, or Cameras that can be recorded and backed up have been proposed.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151867 discloses that a first recording medium that can be easily copied to a recording medium such as a disk from an image file that has been captured by a digital still camera and recorded on a PC card is transferred to a second recording medium that is connected as an external device. An image file copying apparatus, an imaging apparatus, an image file copying system, and a computer-readable recording medium for copying have been proposed.

Patent Document 5 is capable of backup recording in which image data obtained by one imaging is recorded on a plurality of recording media, and when the recording capacity on the backup side is insufficient, a subsequent shooting operation or main recording is performed. An imaging apparatus and a control method that prohibit storage (photographing) have been proposed.
JP 2002-190973 A JP 2004-7483 A JP 2005-31493 A JP 2001-346143 A JP 2005-354623 A

  However, when a large-capacity storage medium such as the HDD described above is employed, a large amount of image data can be recorded, but there is a problem that image data selection at the time of deletion becomes complicated when organizing the image data. .

  In addition, as described above, the HDD structure is not perfect as a long-term storage medium, such as crashing sometime and being vulnerable to shocks. As described above, periodic backups are necessary. It was very troublesome.

  Conventionally, a method for transmitting data by connecting a camera and a PC with a cable has been implemented. However, knowledge of the PC, installation and understanding of communication software are required, procedures are complicated, and communication time is increased. This is a psychological obstacle and is not used much.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, when it is detected that the second recording medium is not loaded, the predetermined recording operation is not performed even if the backup execution designation is performed in advance, and the second recording medium is loaded. An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus that performs a predetermined backup designated in advance when it is detected that the image is detected.

  In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an imaging apparatus having at least two recording media, and data to be recorded or recorded on the first recording medium is stored on the second recording medium. Backup means for backing up, and detection means for detecting that the second recording medium is attached to the apparatus body, and the detection means detects that the second recording medium is not attached. At that time, even if the backup execution designation is performed in advance, the predetermined backup operation by the backup unit is not performed, and when the detection unit detects that the second recording medium is loaded The image pickup apparatus performs predetermined backup specified in advance by the backup means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, the content of the predetermined backup specified in advance is a selection of whether or not to perform automatic backup.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the content of the predetermined backup specified in advance is any one of shooting, every specified number of sheets, from power ON to OFF, or only on the current day. Or a single backup.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, the timing of the predetermined backup specified in advance is when the camera power is turned off or the camera power is turned on after shooting. It is one of monitoring time and auto power-off time.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the automatic backup content and / or the automatic backup timing are selected in advance. .

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the image data of the first storage medium that has been backed up after completion of the automatic backup by the prior designation. Whether to delete or not is selected.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, a selection mode of an image quality or an image size for determining a capacity of a photographed image, and a situation of the selection mode before photographing. And a free space estimation means for estimating the free space of the second recording medium necessary for backup, and if the free space is insufficient, the backup cannot be performed or the replacement of the second recording medium is urged. And warning display means for displaying a warning to the user.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging device according to the seventh aspect, even when the free space is insufficient, photographing is performed as usual, photographing data is recorded on a first recording medium, and the warning display means is displayed. , A warning is displayed indicating that the backup could not be performed.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the imaging device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the first recording medium is a hard disk, and the second recording medium is a memory card or an optical disk. It is characterized by being.

  According to the present invention, when it is detected that the second recording medium is not mounted, even if the backup execution designation is performed in advance, the backup unit does not perform a predetermined backup operation, When it is detected that the second recording medium is mounted, it is possible to provide an imaging apparatus that performs a predetermined backup designated in advance by the backup means.

  The present embodiment is for solving the problems based on the conventional situation described above, and backup setting is performed in advance, and usually a large capacity storage device such as an HDD or the like is not concerned about the capacity. When you need to back up images, you can store them in a memory card and take a picture while backing up, making the backup semi-automatic and creating what is always needed The purpose is to provide.

  The internal configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  The optical unit of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a lens 101, an aperture / shutter 102, an optical low-pass filter 103, and a CCD 104. The subject image input to the optical unit is converted into an electrical signal by the CCD 104 and input to the image processing unit 105. Optical elements such as a lens and a diaphragm, and the CCD 104 are driven via respective drivers.

  The image processing unit 105 performs AE processing, white balance processing, and the like. Thereafter, the recorded image processed by the image processing unit 105 is finally stored as a JPEG image on the first recording medium via the BUS line 106, the compression / decompression processing unit 108, and the second image recording I / F unit 109. The Further, the first image recording I / F unit 111 having the same configuration can be stored in a detachable second recording medium such as a memory card. The first recording medium and the second recording medium can be transferred to each other via the BUS line 106.

  The image processing unit 105 processes the input signal from the CCD 104 for monitoring during monitoring, and decompresses the read data from the recording medium via the compression / decompression processing unit 108 during image reproduction, and processes and displays the data for reproduction. This is output to the LCD panel 107 and displayed.

  The operation unit 116 shows a release SW, a zoom SW, a mode setting SW, a menu SW, a memory card insertion / removal detection SW, and the like. Push button type, lever type, menu display & selection using an LCD panel, selection by a decision button The input result is input to the control / arithmetic unit 117 and becomes a trigger for causing the control / arithmetic unit to perform a predetermined operation and detection.

  The image buffer memory (image buffer unit) 113 is a part for temporarily storing data before and after image processing, and in particular, in the case of continuous shooting, the shooting interval is extended due to the influence of a writing system that is slow in processing. It has the ability to temporarily store several images at the highest image quality.

  Prior settings in the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a backup preset image diagram of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  In the configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment, it is assumed that the setting is performed according to the flow shown in FIG. That is, by pressing the menu button from the normal monitoring mode before shooting, various setting items are read out, and backup setting items are read out therefrom. After that, select the settings according to the flow shown in FIG. 1 and set in the order of backup presence / absence settings → backup content settings → backup timing settings → delete settings after backup. Press to restore the normal monitoring mode.

  Since the set items are stored in a non-volatile storage element such as an EEPROM even when the camera is turned off, once the settings are made, the settings are maintained until the settings are changed thereafter. .

(First embodiment)
In the present embodiment, a description will be given assuming that there is backup setting in advance, the backup content is for each shooting, the backup timing is at the end of shooting, and the deletion setting after backup is set.

  In general digital cameras, when the power is turned on (starting up), the lens is prepared, the CCD is initialized, the storage medium is detected, the stored file is searched, the free space is calculated, and the like.

In the present embodiment, since the second storage medium is particularly detachable, it is configured as having a mechanical SW for detecting the mounting. Even if there is no mechanical detection SW, a method of electrically detecting the presence or absence by electrically writing to or reading from the second storage medium or measuring a terminal voltage may be used. When the second storage medium (memory card in this embodiment) is detected at startup, the control / calculation unit 117 (see FIG. 2) does not detect that the power is turned off or there is no electrical signal at the time of writing. As long as it is recognized that the second storage medium is mounted.

  A series of processing at the time of shooting by the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a first flowchart illustrating a description of processing at the time of imaging in the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment.

  When the photographing release button is pressed, photometry and distance measurement are performed (step S201). Then, photographing is performed (step S202), and the photographed image is processed and compressed (step S203). The processed and compressed image is stored in the recording medium (step S204). It is confirmed whether there is a backup setting (step S205). If there is no backup setting (step S205 / NO), shooting is terminated. If there is a backup setting (step S205 / YES), it is confirmed whether there is a second recording medium (step S206). If there is no second recording medium (step S206 / NO), shooting is terminated. If there is a second recording medium (step S206 / YES), it is confirmed whether the backup content and the timing check match the current settings (step S207). When the backup settings match (step S207 / YES), the backup is performed from the buffer memory to the first recording medium or the second recording medium (step S208). If there is no backup setting (step S207 / NO), shooting is terminated. Next, it is confirmed whether or not deletion setting after backup is performed (step S209). If the setting is not to delete (step S209 / NO), the operation is terminated. When performing deletion setting after backup (step S209 / YES), the image recorded on the first recording medium is deleted (step S210).

  The process from pressing the release button for shooting described above to recording of a captured image (first recording medium: recording in HDD in the present embodiment) is the same as that of a general camera. After that, various checks of backup settings and presence confirmation of the second recording medium (memory card in the present embodiment) (confirmation of results confirmed at start-up) are performed as described in the flow described above. If there is backup, backup after shooting, backup after shooting, deletion setting after backup, and a memory card exists, the shooting data is additionally recorded on the memory card, and the image data recorded on the HDD is recorded after recording. delete.

  The monitoring time before photographing in the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a first flowchart showing an explanation at the time of monitoring in the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment.

  First, LCD image update is performed from image capture (step S401). Next, it is confirmed whether there is a backup setting (step S402). When there is a backup setting (step S402 / YES), it is confirmed whether there is free space (step S403). If there is not enough free space (step S403 / YES), a message such as “Cannot back up due to insufficient space. Replace the memory card. (Step S404). When there is no backup setting (step S402 / NO), when there is not a sufficient free space (step S403 / NO), it is confirmed whether there are various SW operation inputs (step S405). When there are various SW operation inputs (step S405 / YES), the process proceeds to various operations. When there is no various SW operation input (step S405 / NO), image capture is performed again (step S401).

  As described above, at the time of monitoring before shooting, it is determined whether backup is possible based on the presence / absence status of backup settings, the backup content setting status, the free space of the memory card checked at startup, the image quality of the camera, and the image size setting status. When backup in the next shooting is impossible, the fact is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor. As the display, it may be displayed that backup cannot be performed, or a display prompting replacement of the memory card.

  The warning display of the image pickup apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 shows an example of a warning display when the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment cannot be backed up. FIG. 5 is a first flowchart illustrating a description when performing backup in the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, first, it is confirmed whether or not the free space of the shooting data is sufficient (step S301). When the free space is insufficient (step S301 / NO), a warning is displayed (step S303). If the free space is sufficient (step S301 / YES), recording is performed using the buffer memory, the first recording medium, or the second recording medium (step S302).

(Example of warning display)
As shown in FIG. 3, the backup capacity check is also performed at the time of backup. At that time, if backup is not possible due to the backup content setting status and the availability of the memory card, backup is not performed and shooting is terminated. In this case, the fact that backup could not be performed is displayed on the LCD on the spot or after shooting. When backup is not performed, subsequent deletion is not performed even if the deletion setting is set.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the second recording medium is not loaded, even if the backup setting is present, no backup is performed and no deletion is performed as if nothing happened. Unlike the case of insufficient capacity, there is no display related to backup. Therefore, backup settings that meet the user's requirements should be made once, and shooting is usually performed without backup, and automatic backup shooting is performed by attaching a memory card before shooting that is really important. The operability is very simple and the backup operation is easy to understand. You don't have to backup, you don't have to change settings each time, and when you need backup, you can insert a memory card and the rest will be processed automatically (see Shooting and Backup Implementation Flow).

  In the present embodiment, the second recording medium is configured by a memory card. However, a recordable optical disk such as a DVD or a next-generation DVD may be used, or a flash memory series USB memory or the like can of course be configured. In such a case, re-transfer of data to the PC becomes easier. What is necessary is just to determine suitably by recording speed, the magnitude | size including I / F, etc.

  The deletion setting is also configured so that a final inquiry is made to the user before deletion, and it is safe to verify the file (the contents of the first recording medium and the contents of the second recording medium are verified) before deletion. However, it may be configured to delete after confirmation, or may be configured to reassign the HDD file number, file name, etc. after deletion, or to perform configuration such as HDD defragmentation or check for bad sectors. Is also possible.

(Second Embodiment)
Processing at the time of shooting by the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a second flowchart illustrating the processing at the time of shooting in the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment.

  When the release button of the image pickup apparatus of the present embodiment is pressed, photometry and distance measurement are performed (step S502). Next, shooting is started (step S502). After shooting, image processing and image compression of the captured image are performed (step S503). Next, the image processed and image-compressed image is stored in a recording medium (step S504). Next, it is confirmed whether there is a backup setting (step S505). If there is a backup setting (step S505 / YES), it is confirmed whether there is a second recording medium (memory card) (step S506). If there is no backup setting (step S505 / NO), shooting is terminated. Even when there is no second recording medium (step S506 / NO), photographing is terminated. When there is a second recording medium (step S506 / YES), it is confirmed whether the backup contents match (step S507). If the backup contents match (step S507 / YES), backup is performed (step S508). If the backup contents do not match (step S507 / NO), the shooting is terminated. After performing the backup, it is determined whether or not to perform the deletion setting after the backup (step S509). If it is determined that the backup deletion setting is to be performed (step S509 / YES), the image on the first recording medium is deleted (step S510). If it is determined that the backup deletion setting is not performed (step S509 / NO), the photographing is terminated. After deleting the image on the first recording medium, it is determined whether or not the final shooting button is pressed (step S511). When the final shooting button is pressed (step S511 / YES), the final shooting flag is set (step S512). If it is determined that the final shooting button is not pressed (step S511 / NO), shooting is terminated.

  Although the flowchart of the second embodiment is shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the backup-related pre-setting is backup, the backup content is backup for the current day shooting, and the backup timing is set to when the power is OFF. Shall. Next, a backup execution flow will be described.

  The processing at the time of backup of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8 as in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a second flowchart illustrating the explanation at the time of backup in the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, it is confirmed whether or not the free space of the shooting data is sufficient (step S601). If the free space is insufficient (step S601 / NO), a warning message “Backup failed” is displayed (step S603). If the free space is sufficient (step S601 / YES), recording is performed using the buffer memory, the first recording medium, or the second recording medium (step S602).

  Next, when the power is turned off in the backup process of the imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a second flowchart illustrating a description when the power is turned off in the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the power is turned off, normal processing such as zoom storage and turning off the LCD is performed (step S701). It is determined whether there is a backup setting (step S702). If there is a backup setting (step S702 / YES), it is determined whether there is a second recording medium (step S703). If it is determined that there is no backup setting (step S702 / NO), it is suspended. If it is determined that the second recording medium is present (step S703 / YES), it is determined whether the backup contents match (step S704). If it is determined that there is no second recording medium (step S703 / NO), the process is paused. If it is determined that the backup contents match (step S704 / YES), it is determined whether there is a final shooting flag (step S705). When it is determined that the final shooting flag is present (step S705 / YES), backup is performed (step S706). At this time, all shooting data of the current date is designated as backup data. If it is determined that there is no final flag (step S705 / NO), the process stops. After performing the backup, it is determined whether or not the deletion setting after the backup is performed (step S707). If it is determined that the deletion setting after backup is to be performed (step S707 / YES), the image on the first recording medium is deleted (step S708). If it is determined not to perform the deletion setting after the backup (step S707 / NO), the process pauses.

  For the settings, refer to the setting image diagram of FIG.

  In the present embodiment, when the backup contents are determined in relation to the number of shots, such as every 5 shots, the backup timing is monitored after shooting or monitoring. In the case of shooting only on the day and for shooting on the day, the embodiment is configured as a simple structure to some extent, such as setting only after power-off.

  The parts such as the recording of the photographed image, the recording of the photographed image, the backup judgment, etc. are the same as in the embodiment, but the backup operation is not performed at the time of photographing.

  However, since it is a backup for the current day's shooting, it is necessary to determine whether or not the last shooting of the day has been performed when the power is turned off. In this embodiment, the last shot button (power It is also possible to define a button for performing backup at OFF, and a button having this role is installed on the camera.) If this button is pressed between the time when the power is turned on and the time when the power is turned off, the control unit recognizes that the final photographing has been performed, and sets the final photographing flag (flag reset is OK at the time of starting or the like).

  As described in the flow of the power-off unit, after completion of predetermined processing such as storing the zoom lens and turning off the LCD when the power is turned off, the presence / absence of backup, contents, timing, presence / absence of the second recording medium are confirmed, and the final shooting flag If the flag is set, backup is performed from the first recording medium to the second recording medium with all files with the same shooting date as the latest one as the backup target (the backup target is the one shot immediately before shooting) (Several continuous shots can be transferred from the image buffer. In this case, the first recording medium is copied to the second recording medium via the BUS).

  Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the second recording medium is not loaded, the backup setting is not performed and no warning is displayed. When the capacity is insufficient, a message to that effect is displayed.

  In this configuration, the backup capacity is expected to be quite large, so if the capacity is insufficient, you can select whether to end without backup as it is or to prompt for replacement and retry after replacement. Good.

(Example of warning display)
After that, the file on the first recording medium side is deleted according to the deletion setting, and the original hibernation state is entered.

  As with the case of the first embodiment, the LCD may be configured to be erased after the backup process is completed in order to cope with the capacity shortage, or the zoom lens storage process may be brought to the end. (To prevent this, if the zoom is retracted and the LCD is turned off, the battery may be removed during the backup operation as all processing has been completed.)

  In this embodiment as well, the second recording medium is constituted by a memory card, but it may be a recordable optical disc such as a DVD or a next-generation DVD, or a flash memory series USB memory or the like. In such a case, re-transfer of data to the PC becomes easier. What is necessary is just to determine suitably by recording speed, the magnitude | size including I / F, etc.

  As in the first embodiment, the deletion setting is also configured such that a final inquiry is made to the user before the deletion, and it is safe to verify the file (the contents of the first recording medium and the second recording medium before the deletion). It is good also as a structure which deletes after confirmation, the structure which re-assigns the HDD file number, a file name, etc., and the structure which checks a HDD defragmentation, a bad sector, etc. Various applications such as taking pictures are also possible.

  Compared to the first embodiment, in this embodiment, since backup is not performed after shooting, there is no unnatural operation after shooting, and there is no influence on the next shooting due to writing or the like (the effect of using a buffer or the like). It can also be eliminated). Also, in this embodiment, a button for recognizing that it is the final shooting is installed, but when the user wants to back up the day (a certain group), by pressing and holding the power OFF button, It is good also as a structure which notifies a camera that it is the last imaging | photography.

  In addition, using the date information of the camera, backup may be performed by turning off the power after the date is changed, or the configuration is different from the present embodiment, but the date change is automatically detected in the background. The backup may be configured to be performed.

  For each shooting that needs to be backed up, perform a complicated backup setting, or search for and select the data that needs to be backed up after shooting, and greatly improve the conventional technology that required a complicated procedure of performing backup. Therefore, if a backup memory card is installed at the time of purchase, the shooting data can be automatically backed up to a large-capacity recording medium such as HDD as a main recording medium and a memory card without complicated procedures and consciousness. .

  In order to be able to select a usage method that saves different data on two recording media and increases the storage capacity, it is possible to set in advance whether or not to use automatic backup.

  In order to prevent a sense of incongruity associated with backup, the backup content can be set to any one of the shooting dates, the designated number of sheets, the power ON to OFF, and only the designated date. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which can select these contents.

  To prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable with the backup and waiting for the next operation, monitor the backup execution timing after shooting, when the camera power is turned off, when the camera is turned off, when the camera is turned on (startup), and without any release operation. At the timing of auto power off (power consumption reduction). Moreover, it is good also as a structure which can select these contents.

  By adopting a configuration in which the original data (in the first recording medium having the first capacity) can be deleted after the backup, it is possible to search and select the deleted image again and effectively use the presence or absence of the backup.

  In the setting with backup, when the designated backup is impossible (insufficient capacity), it is possible to warn the photographer in advance and prevent the next shooting from being performed without recognizing that the backup cannot be performed.

  Even if backup is not possible, shooting can be performed to ensure consistency with cases where shooting cannot be performed in an emergency or when there is no memory card. When there is no card with backup setting, it is possible to shoot without displaying, and when there is backup setting and the card capacity is insufficient, it is possible to shoot with warning display.

  By setting the backup content and timing according to the situation of shooting, automatic backup setting is possible without missing a sense of incongruity and shooting opportunities.

  By using a general HDD as a large-capacity storage device and a memory card or optical disk that is sufficiently used as a relatively small-capacity storage device, a system that can be realized easily at low cost can be obtained. .

  By adopting a configuration that is the reverse of the normal idea (backing up data in a large-capacity recording medium with a small-capacity medium), it is customary to back up only the necessary amount when necessary. be able to. Also, when copying data to a PC, etc., the capacity is not large, and a popular mass storage type card reader, PC card slot, etc. can be used. Therefore, a complicated wired connection is unnecessary, and even if it is left as it is, it is established as a backup. (Because it is stored on a memory card, it is non-volatile and resistant to impact). The same applies when an optical disk or a USB memory is used. In other words, using a device that is easy to handle, the backup cycle can be successfully performed.

  According to the present embodiment, since it is possible to automatically delete the backed up data, the main storage area can be secured without troublesome image selection and deletion procedures. The memory capacity and storage stability of data storage and optical disks are used as backup media, and the effect of prompting regular backup preparation before the capacity becomes too large, and simple operability It is possible to provide an imaging device capable of obtaining the above.

  If the present invention is used, it can be applied to a photographing data backup mechanism of a portable device (mobile phone with camera, PDA, etc.).

It is an image figure which shows the backup preset in the imaging device of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure in the imaging device of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the warning display screen when the backup cannot be performed in the imaging device of this embodiment. It is a 1st flowchart figure which shows the description about the process at the time of imaging | photography in the imaging device of this embodiment. It is a 1st flowchart figure which shows the description at the time of backup implementation in the imaging device of this embodiment. It is a 1st flowchart figure which shows the description at the time of monitoring in the imaging device of this embodiment. It is a 2nd flowchart figure which shows the description about the process at the time of imaging | photography in the imaging device of this embodiment. It is a 2nd flowchart figure which shows the description at the time of backup implementation in the imaging device of this embodiment. It is a 2nd flowchart figure which shows the description at the time of the power supply OFF in the imaging device of this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

101 Lens 102 Shutter 103 Optical Low Pass Filter 104 CCD
105 Image processing unit 106 BUS
107 Display unit LCD panel 108 Compression / decompression processing unit 109 Second image recording I / F
110 First recording medium 111 First image recording I / F
112 Second Recording Medium 113 Image Buffer Memory 116 Operation Unit 117 Control / Calculation Unit 118 Optical System Driver 119 CCD Driver

Claims (9)

An imaging device having at least two recording media,
Backup means for backing up data scheduled or recorded on the first recording medium to the second recording medium;
Detecting means for detecting that the second recording medium is mounted on the apparatus main body,
When the detection unit detects that the second recording medium is not mounted, the backup unit does not perform a predetermined backup operation even if backup execution designation is performed in advance.
An imaging apparatus, wherein when the detection unit detects that the second recording medium is mounted, the backup unit performs a predetermined backup specified in advance.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the content of the predetermined backup specified in advance is selection of whether to perform automatic backup.   3. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the content of the predetermined backup specified in advance is any one of backups for each day of shooting, for each specified number of sheets, from power ON to OFF. .   4. The predetermined backup timing specified in advance is any one of a camera power-off state, a camera power-on state, a monitoring state, and an auto power-off state after photographing. The imaging device according to any one of the above.   5. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein either or both of automatic backup content and automatic backup timing are selected in advance.   6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whether or not to delete the image data of the first storage medium that has been backed up is selected after completion of the automatic backup by the prior designation. Imaging device. Image quality or image size selection mode that determines the capacity of the captured image,
Free space estimation means for estimating the free space of the second recording medium necessary for backup from the state of the selection mode before shooting;
7. A warning display means for displaying a warning to the user that backup is not possible or that replacement of the second recording medium is urged when the free space is insufficient. The imaging device according to any one of the above.   8. The photographing is performed as usual even when the free space is insufficient, the photographing data is recorded on the first recording medium, and a warning is displayed on the warning display means that the backup could not be performed. The imaging device described in 1.   The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first recording medium is a hard disk, and the second recording medium is a memory card or an optical disk.

Images