JP4835224B2 - Imaging apparatus, image storage method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention creates information to reduce the input data the data, wherein the storing with the input data to the data, the image pickup apparatus, an image storing method, relates及beauty program.

  2. Description of the Related Art As in recent digital still cameras, for example, electronic devices that can be mounted with a recording medium such as a non-volatile memory or a microdrive that is an IC card with a built-in hard disk are known.

  Examples of the recording medium of such an electronic device include a nonvolatile memory, a hard disk, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). However, each recording medium has advantages and disadvantages in terms of reading speed, durability, easy loss, portability, storage capacity, cost, and the like.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-228561 discloses a digital still image in which a flexible disk and an IC card are combined to compensate for the shortcomings of both recording media, the captured image is stored on a flexible disk, and a confirmation image obtained by reducing the captured image is stored on an IC card. A camera invention is disclosed.

  The technique of Patent Document 1 does not take into consideration the fragility of the recording medium when the digital video camera or the like is dropped.

When a hard disk is used as a recording medium, there is a problem that the storage capacity is large but the loss is high, and if it is damaged, all data cannot be extracted.
Japanese Patent No. 3137107

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems , and provides an imaging apparatus, an image storage method, and a program that include a plurality of storage units and store image data in consideration of the fragility of the storage unit. Objective.

In order to achieve the above object, an imaging apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is more easily damaged than an imaging unit that captures an image, a first storage unit, and the first storage unit. Second storage means having a large capacity, data storage means for storing image data captured by the imaging means in the second storage means, and image data stored in the second storage means in stages. A photographed image evaluating means for evaluating, a data designating means for designating image data evaluated by the photographed image evaluating means at a predetermined level or more from the image data stored in the second storage means, and the data designation the image data specified by means and a specified data storage means for storing are copied to the first storage means, before Symbol data designation means, evaluated by the captured image evaluation unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined phase and Image data Both characterized by specifying the thumbnail images of all the image data captured by the imaging means.
The photographed image evaluation unit may evaluate the image data stored in the second storage unit stepwise by an operation of a viewer.
The designated data storage unit may delete the image data from the second storage unit after copying and storing the image data designated by the data designation unit in the first storage unit.
The photographed image evaluation means may include means for automatically evaluating the degree of reflection of a person's face included in the image data photographed by the photographing means.
The photographed image evaluation unit may include a unit that automatically evaluates how much the image data photographed by the photographing unit includes an approximate color of a specific color.

In addition, the imaging apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention has a high loss and a large capacity as compared with the photographing means for photographing an image, the first storage means, and the first storage means. A second storage unit; a data storage unit that stores the image data captured by the imaging unit in the second storage unit; and a captured image that evaluates the image data stored in the second storage unit stepwise. Specified by the data designating means, the data designating means for designating image data evaluated by the photographed image evaluating means at a predetermined level or higher from the image data stored in the second storage means, Designated data storage means for copying and storing image data in the first storage means, and the photographed image evaluation means measures how many approximate colors of the specific color the image data photographed by the photographing means is It is an image that contains a lot Or automatically, characterized in that it comprises means for phase evaluation.

In addition, the imaging apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention has a high capacity and a large capacity compared with the photographing means for photographing an image, the first storage means, and the first storage means. A second storage unit; a data storage unit that stores the image data captured by the imaging unit in the second storage unit; and a captured image that evaluates the image data stored in the second storage unit stepwise. Specified by the data designating means, the data designating means for designating image data evaluated by the photographed image evaluating means at a predetermined level or higher from the image data stored in the second storage means, Designated data storage means for copying and storing image data in the first storage means, and the photographed image evaluation means comprises means for automatically evaluating the number of continuous photographing by the photographing means. It is characterized by .

Further, the imaging apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is more easily lossy and has a larger capacity than the imaging means for taking an image, the first storage means, and the first storage means. A second storage unit; a data storage unit that stores the image data captured by the imaging unit in the second storage unit; and a captured image that evaluates the image data stored in the second storage unit stepwise. Specified by the data designating means, the data designating means for designating image data evaluated by the photographed image evaluating means at a predetermined level or higher from the image data stored in the second storage means, Designated data storage means for copying and storing image data in the first storage means, and the photographed image evaluation means is configured to generate image data stored in the second storage means from a moving image. Whether it is a still image Or a characterized in that it comprises means for automatically evaluated.
In addition, the image pickup apparatus stores, as a still image, an image after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of moving image shooting by the shooting unit, and stores the still image in the second storage unit separately from the moving image. Still image cutting means may be further provided.
In addition, the imaging apparatus uses, as a still image, an image when a change in the moving image for a predetermined time is small during moving image shooting by the shooting unit, and stores the still image separately from the moving image as the second storage unit. The image processing apparatus may further include a second still image cutout unit that stores the image.

The front Stories second storage means may be a hard disk drive.

The front Symbol first storage unit may be a nonvolatile memory.

The image storage method according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is a high-capacity and high-capacity compared to the photographing means for photographing an image, the first storage means, and the first storage means. and second storage means, an image storing method of an imaging device having a data storage step of storing the image data taken by the imaging means to the second storage means, by the second storage means An evaluation step for evaluating the stored image data stepwise, a data specifying step for specifying image data that has been evaluated at a predetermined level or higher by the evaluation step, and image data specified in the data specifying step , and a specified data storage step of storing are copied to the first storage means, the data specifying step, together with the image data evaluation in the evaluation step is greater than or equal to a predetermined phase Specifying the thumbnail images of all the image data captured by the imaging means, characterized in that.
The image storage method according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is a high-capacity and high-capacity compared to the photographing means for photographing an image, the first storage means, and the first storage means. An image storage method for an imaging apparatus comprising: a storage unit configured to store image data captured by the imaging unit in the second storage unit; and a second storage unit. An evaluation step for evaluating the stored image data stepwise, a data specifying step for specifying image data that has been evaluated at a predetermined level or higher by the evaluation step, and image data specified in the data specifying step A designated data storing step for copying and storing the first data in the first storage means, wherein the evaluating step includes how many approximate colors of a specific color are included in the image data photographed by the photographing means. Comprising automatically out whether the image, characterized in that
The image storage method according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is a high-capacity and high-capacity compared to the photographing means for photographing an image, the first storage means, and the first storage means. An image storage method for an imaging apparatus comprising: a storage unit configured to store image data captured by the imaging unit in the second storage unit; and a second storage unit. An evaluation step for evaluating the stored image data stepwise, a data specifying step for specifying image data that has been evaluated at a predetermined level or higher by the evaluation step, and image data specified in the data specifying step A designated data storing step for copying and storing in the first storage means, and the evaluating step includes a step of automatically evaluating the number of continuous photographing by the photographing means, And wherein the door.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image storage method having a high capacity and a high capacity compared to the photographing means for photographing an image, the first storage means, and the first storage means. An image storage method for an imaging apparatus comprising: a storage unit configured to store image data captured by the imaging unit in the second storage unit; and a second storage unit. An evaluation step for evaluating the stored image data stepwise, a data specifying step for specifying image data that has been evaluated at a predetermined level or higher by the evaluation step, and image data specified in the data specifying step And a designated data storage step for copying and storing in the first storage means, wherein the evaluation step includes a still image in which the image data stored in the second storage means is generated from a moving image. Comprising the step of automatically assessing whether a is, characterized in that.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program having a high capacity and a large capacity compared to the photographing means for photographing an image, the first storage means, and the first storage means. storage means, a computer of an imaging apparatus including a data storage means for storing image data taken by the imaging means to the second storing means, wherein the image data stored by the data storage means stepwise Evaluation means for evaluating, data specifying means for specifying image data evaluated by the evaluation means at a predetermined level or higher, and image data specified by the data specifying means from the second storage means to the first storage are copied to the storage unit to function as specified data storage means for storing said data specifying means, together with the image data evaluation is greater than or equal to a predetermined phase by said evaluating means, said imaging means Specifying the thumbnail images of all the image data has been more photographed, characterized in that.
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a second program that is more easily lossy and has a larger capacity than an imaging unit that captures an image, a first storage unit, and the first storage unit. A storage unit, a data storage unit that stores the image data captured by the imaging unit in the second storage unit, and the image data stored by the data storage unit in stages. Evaluation means for evaluating, data specifying means for specifying image data evaluated by the evaluation means at a predetermined level or higher, and image data specified by the data specifying means from the second storage means to the first storage The evaluation means is an image including how many approximate colors of the specific color are captured by the photographing means. Comprises automatically means that out of, characterized in that.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program having a high capacity and a large capacity compared to the photographing means for photographing an image, the first storage means, and the first storage means. A storage unit, a data storage unit that stores the image data captured by the imaging unit in the second storage unit, and the image data stored by the data storage unit in stages. Evaluation means for evaluating, data specifying means for specifying image data evaluated by the evaluation means at a predetermined level or higher, and image data specified by the data specifying means from the second storage means to the first storage It is made to function as a designated data storage unit that is copied and stored in a storage unit, and the evaluation unit includes a unit that automatically evaluates the number of continuous shootings by the shooting unit. .
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a second program which is more easily lossy and has a larger capacity than a photographing unit for photographing an image, a first storage unit, and the first storage unit. A storage unit, a data storage unit that stores the image data captured by the imaging unit in the second storage unit, and the image data stored by the data storage unit in stages. Evaluation means for evaluating, data specifying means for specifying image data evaluated by the evaluation means at a predetermined level or higher, and image data specified by the data specifying means from the second storage means to the first storage It is made to function as a designated data storage unit that is copied and stored in a storage unit, and the evaluation unit determines whether the image data stored by the data storage unit is a still image generated from a moving image. Comprising means for automatically evaluating, characterized in that.

According to the present invention, it is possible to easily store highly important image data that satisfies a predetermined evaluation condition .

  An imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the imaging apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes an operation unit 110, a display unit 120, a photographing unit 130, a timing unit 140, a control unit 150, a hard disk 160, a flash memory 170, A ROM (Read Only Memory) 180 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 190 are included, and the respective components are connected to each other by a bus 200.

The operation unit 110, the imaging unit 130, and the control unit 150 constitute an imaging unit.
The flash memory 170 constitutes a first storage means.
The hard disk 160 constitutes second storage means.
The control unit 150 constitutes data storage means, data designation means, designated data storage means, first still image extraction means, and second still image extraction means.
The operation unit 110 and the control unit 150 constitute a captured image evaluation unit.

  The operation unit 110 receives user operations from buttons, keys, and the like configured on the outer surface of the imaging apparatus 100. The operation unit 110 inputs an input signal corresponding to a user operation to the control unit 150.

  The display unit 120 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and displays various images such as a predetermined menu screen in addition to displaying images captured by the imaging unit 130, captured images stored in the hard disk 160 and the flash memory 170, and the like. Display the screen.

  The imaging unit 130 captures a still image or a moving image in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 110.

  Under the instruction from the control unit 150, the time measuring unit 140 starts and ends time measurement and notifies the control unit 150 of the measurement time.

  The control unit 150 controls the operation of each unit of the wireless communication terminal 100. The control unit 150 executes each process based on a program stored in the ROM 180. Note that each configuration of the imaging apparatus 100 is connected to the control unit 150 via the bus 200, and data exchange or the like between the configurations is performed via the control unit 150.

  The hard disk 160 stores photographed image data photographed by the photographing unit 130. The hard disk 160 is cheaper and has a larger capacity than the flash memory 170, but has a feature that access is slow and fragility is high.

  Here, the fragility indicates how easily the imaging apparatus 100 is easily damaged when the imaging apparatus 100 is dropped and physically damaged. Moreover, not only this but the thing which shows whether it is easy to damage with respect to a heat | fever or electromagnetic waves may be shown.

  The hard disk 160 also stores various tables that will be described later.

  The flash memory 170 stores thumbnail image data of the photographed image as a confirmation image of the photographed image data photographed by the photographing unit 130. As will be described later, captured image data that satisfies a predetermined evaluation condition is copied from the hard disk 160 and stored. The image data copied to the flash memory 170 may be deleted from the hard disk 160. The flash memory 170 is characterized in that it is faster to access than the hard disk 160 and less easily lossy, but is expensive and has a small capacity.

  Since highly important image data satisfying a predetermined evaluation condition can be copied and stored in the flash memory 170, even if the hard disk 160 having high fragility is damaged, the highly important image data is not lost.

  When the image data stored in the hard disk 160 and the flash memory 170 is deleted by a predetermined operation of the operation unit 110, the thumbnail image is deleted in conjunction with the deletion of the main image, only the main image is deleted, only the thumbnail image is deleted. Any one of deletion may be selected.

  As the confirmation image stored in the flash memory 170, small-size image data in which the number of pixels of the captured image data is reduced may be stored instead of the thumbnail image data. Also, a plurality of confirmation images may be stored, and thumbnail image data and small size image data may be stored together.

  The ROM 180 stores a program executed by the control unit 150. The ROM 180 stores basic software (a so-called OS or the like) for controlling the operation of the entire imaging apparatus 100, application software for realizing various functions of the imaging apparatus 100, and the like.

  The RAM 190 functions as a work area for the control unit 150.

  The hard disk 160 stores a still image evaluation table 310, evaluation condition tables 320 to 340, and a still image copy condition table 350.

The still image evaluation table 310 is a table for recording evaluation for each image stored in the hard disk 160 as shown in FIG.
The types of evaluation include “browser evaluation”, “person's face”, “specific color”, “continuous shooting”, and “right total” (total of them). Record each evaluation numerically. In addition, “automatic moving image extraction flag” and “separate storage flag” are also recorded in association with images.

  In “browser evaluation”, a value manually evaluated while browsing still images taken by the user is recorded. Evaluation is made in five stages from “1” to “5”.

  In “human face”, a value automatically evaluated by the control unit 150 based on the size of the face in the captured image is recorded. Specifically, face recognition is performed from the image captured by the control unit 150, and it is determined whether or not a human face is reflected. If not, the value is “0”. When the image is shown, values of “1” to “5” are recorded depending on the ratio of the size of the face to the size of the captured image. The evaluation value is determined based on the conditions of an evaluation condition table (human face) 320 described later.

  In the “specific color”, a value automatically evaluated by the control unit 150 based on the average value of each of the RGB chromaticities of the entire captured image is recorded. Specifically, the control unit 150 determines whether the difference between the RGB chromaticity set in an evaluation condition table (specific color) 330 described later and the average value is within a set allowable value. . The allowable value is set in three stages, and the evaluation value is recorded as a value from “1” to “3” corresponding to the allowable value.

  In “continuous shooting”, a value automatically evaluated by the control unit 150 based on the shooting time of the shot image and the shooting time of an image shot in the past is recorded. Specifically, the control unit 150 determines whether or not a set number of images have been shot within a time set in an evaluation condition table (continuous shooting) 340 described later. Values from “1” to “3” are recorded as evaluation values.

The “automatic moving image cut flag” is set to “1” when the still image is cut out from the moving image.
The control unit 150 measures the time from the start of shooting at the time of moving image shooting, and cuts out a still image when a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) elapses. Then, the cut out still image is stored in the hard disk 160, and “1” is set in the “automatic video cutout flag”.
The predetermined time from the start of shooting is that the composition is not stable immediately after the start of shooting. If the video recording is less than the predetermined time, the still image is not cut out.
Further, an intermediate part image at a timing with little change in the image for a predetermined time may be cut out as a still image.

The “separate storage flag” is set to “1” when an image evaluated manually or automatically as described above satisfies an evaluation condition of a still image copying condition table 350 described later.
The control unit 150 copies “1” to the “separate storage flag” and simultaneously copies the still image from the hard disk 160 to the flash memory 170.
If the evaluation conditions in the still image copying condition table 350 are not satisfied by subsequent manual evaluation, the “separate save flag” may be reset to “0” and the image may be deleted from the flash memory 170 as well. .

As shown in FIG. 3A, the evaluation condition table (human face) 320 stores the ratio of the face image portion with respect to the entire still image in association with the evaluation value.
The control unit 150 refers to this table to determine the evaluation value of “human face”.

In the evaluation condition table (specific color) 330, as shown in FIG. 3B, the chromaticity of RGB (for example, R = 100, G = 50, B = 80) of the specific color (shown here in 256 steps). And the allowable value of the color difference from the specific color is stored in three stages.
The control unit 150 sets the difference between the chromaticity of the still image and the chromaticity of the specific color in this table to “1” if it is within “ΔE1”, within “2”, and within “ΔE3” if it is within “ΔE2”. If so, the evaluation value “3” is recorded in the still image evaluation table 310.

  Thereby, an image having a specific color can be extracted, and an image having a specific color such as the sea, the sky, and the forest can be easily extracted.

The evaluation condition table (continuous shooting) 340 stores time and the number of sheets as shown in FIG.
The controller 150 sets “1” when the number of shots is “1” or more within “time 1”, “2” when the number of shots is “2” or more within “time 2”, and “time 3”. When the number of shots is “3” or more, the evaluation value “3” is recorded in the still image evaluation table 310.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the still image copy condition table 350 is a table that stores conditions for copying a still image from the hard disk 160 to the flash memory 170 for each evaluation value. When any one of the evaluation values of the still image satisfies the condition, the control unit 150 copies the still image from the hard disk 160 to the flash memory 170.

  Next, the operation of the imaging apparatus 100 having the above configuration will be described.

  When the user captures a still image by operating the operation unit 110, the control unit 150 of the imaging apparatus 100 executes a still image capturing process illustrated in FIG.

  First, the control unit 150 stores the still image (main image) captured by the imaging unit 130 in the hard disk 160, and stores a thumbnail image as a confirmation image in the flash memory 170 (step S101). At this time, a new image number item is added to the still image evaluation table 310.

  Then, the still image stored in the hard disk 160 is automatically evaluated using the evaluation condition table (steps S102 to S107).

  First, a face image is recognized from a still image. When a human face is included, the ratio of the size of the face image to the still image is calculated, and the numerical value is evaluated by the evaluation condition table (human face) 320 (step S102).

  Then, the evaluation result for the human face is recorded in the still image evaluation table 310 (step S103).

  Next, the average chromaticity of the photographed image is calculated, and the numerical value is evaluated by the evaluation condition table (specific color) 330 (step S104).

  Then, the evaluation result for the specific color is recorded in the still image evaluation table 310 (step S105).

  Subsequently, the photographing time of the photographed image and the photographing time of the image photographed in the past are compared, and the value is evaluated by the evaluation condition table (continuous photographing) 340 (step S106).

  Then, the evaluation result of continuous shooting is recorded in the still image evaluation table 310 (step S107).

  When the automatic evaluation (steps S102 to S107) is completed, it is determined whether or not the evaluation result recorded in the still image evaluation table 310 matches any condition in the still image copy condition table 350 (step S108).

  If any one of the conditions is met (step S108; Yes), “1” is set in the “separate storage flag” of the still image evaluation table 310, and the captured image is copied to the flash memory 170 (step S109). At this time, the still image may be deleted from the hard disk 160. Then, the still image shooting process ends.

  If none of the conditions is met (step S108; No), the captured image is not copied and the still image capturing process is terminated.

  As described above, the photographed image is automatically evaluated, and when the evaluation value satisfies the copy condition, the image is copied to the flash memory 170. As a result, only data with high importance can be copied to the flash memory 170 and prevented from being lost due to dropping or the like.

  When the user captures a moving image by operating the operation unit 110, the control unit 150 of the imaging apparatus 100 executes a moving image capturing process illustrated in FIG.

  First, the control unit 150 starts saving the moving image shot by the shooting unit 130 in the hard disk 160 (step S201).

  Then, at the time of moving image shooting, the control unit 150 measures the time from the start of shooting by using the timer unit 140, and determines whether or not 3 seconds have elapsed (step S202).

  When 3 seconds have elapsed from the start of shooting (step S202; Yes), a still image is cut out from the moving image to be shot and stored in the hard disk 160 (step S203). Further, the thumbnail image of the still image is stored in the flash memory 170. Then, a new image number item is added to the still image evaluation table 310, “1” is set in the “automatic video clipping flag”, and “1” is set in the “separate storage flag” in the still image evaluation table 310. set.

  If 3 seconds have not elapsed since the start of imaging (step S202; No), the process proceeds to step S207 described later.

  When the still image is cut out in step S203, the extracted still image is automatically evaluated by the same processing as the processing in steps S102 to S107 of the still image shooting processing, and the evaluation result is recorded in the still image evaluation table 310 (step S204). ).

  When the automatic evaluation is completed, it is determined whether or not the evaluation result recorded in the still image evaluation table 310 matches any condition in the still image copy condition table 350 (step S205).

  If any of the conditions is met (step S205; Yes), “1” is set in the “separate storage flag” of the still image evaluation table 310, and the captured image is copied to the flash memory 170 (step S206).

  If none of the conditions is met (step S205; No), the captured image is not copied, and the process proceeds to step S207 described later.

  When copying is completed in step S206, it is determined whether or not the user has finished shooting the moving image (step S207).

  If the user continues to capture a moving image (step S207; No), the process returns to step S202, and the determination of clipping a still image is continued.

  When the user finishes shooting the moving image (step S207; Yes), the moving image shooting process ends.

  As described above, a still image can be cut out from a moving image. In addition, when the cut image is automatically evaluated and the evaluation satisfies the copy condition, the still image can be copied to the flash memory 170.

In step S202 of the moving image shooting process, each frame of the moving image for a predetermined time is compared to determine a change in the image, and whether or not a numerical value indicating the change in the image is smaller than a predetermined value. You may do it.
If the numerical value indicating the image change is smaller than the predetermined value (step S202; Yes), the intermediate frame image of the predetermined time is cut out and stored in the hard disk 160 (step S203).

  In addition, the user can manually evaluate the captured image while browsing. The operation at this time will be described.

  When a user (viewer) displays a still image stored in the hard disk 160 on the display unit 120 by a predetermined operation of the operation unit 110 and evaluates the image, the control unit 150 of the imaging apparatus 100 The viewer evaluation process shown in FIG.

  First, the control unit 150 waits for an input of evaluation by the viewer (step S301).

  When the evaluation is input by the viewer, the evaluation result is recorded in the “viewer evaluation” of the still image browsed in the still image evaluation table 310 (step S302).

  When the recording of the evaluation result is completed, it is determined whether or not the evaluation result recorded in the still image evaluation table 310 matches any condition in the still image copy condition table 350 (step S303).

  If any one of the conditions is met (step S303; Yes), “1” is set in “another storage flag” of the still image evaluation table 310, and the captured image is copied to the flash memory 170 (step S304). Then, the browser evaluation process ends.

  If none of the conditions is met (step S108; No), the captured image is not copied, and the viewer evaluation process is terminated.

  As described above, a viewer can manually evaluate a still image. If the evaluation satisfies the copy condition, the still image can be copied to the flash memory 170.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention at the stage of implementation.

  Further, the functions executed in the above-described embodiments may be combined as appropriate as possible. The above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if several constituent elements are replaced from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, if the effect is obtained, a structure in which the constituent elements are replaced can be extracted as an invention.

  The evaluation of “continuous shooting” in the above-described embodiment is based on whether or not a predetermined number of images have been shot within a predetermined time. You may make it evaluate whether it is similar.

  Manual evaluation by the viewer may be performed comprehensively after subdividing categories such as preference, image, subject, and valuable.

  Further, the evaluation stage of manual evaluation or automatic evaluation may be 100 stages instead of the above-described 3 stages or 5 stages.

A specific shape may be stored in the hard disk 160 in advance, it may be determined whether or not the specific shape exists in the photographed image, and if the specific shape exists, it may be copied to the flash memory 170.
For example, at the time of face recognition, a person may be discriminated based on facial features and the like and copied only when a specific person is photographed.

The evaluation of the captured image may be performed based on EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) information.
Further, a list table of EXIF data of images stored in the hard disk 160 may be created and stored in the flash memory 170.
As a result, even if the hard disk 160 is damaged and only the thumbnail image of the flash memory 170 is present, the EXIF data such as the shooting date and time is not lost.
Also, a list of EXIF information of photographed images may be created and stored in the flash memory 170. As a result, even if the HDD is damaged and only thumbnail images are obtained, information such as shooting date and time and shooting conditions is not lost.

  As a condition for copying to the flash memory 170, the first image of the day, the last image of the day, the image with the highest luminance of the day, and the like may be set.

When the storage capacity of the hard disk 160 becomes full before the flash memory 170, all subsequent captured image data may be stored in the flash memory 170. Further, the reverse is also possible, and the storage capacities of the hard disk 160 and the flash memory 170 may be configured to complement each other.
By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to continue saving the image data even when either of the storage units has no free storage capacity.

  The flash memory 170 may be removable, and the hard disk 160 may also be removable. Thus, the user can freely configure the capacities of the flash memory 170 and the hard disk 160 while considering the balance between cost and function.

When data is lost from the flash memory 170, the control unit 150 may be configured to newly generate small-capacity input data from the input data stored in the hard disk 160 and re-save it in the flash memory 170. .
By doing so, for example, even if the user breaks down the flash memory 170 and replaces it with a new one, small-capacity input data can be recovered, and the user can easily check the input data.

  Although the still image evaluation table 310, the evaluation condition tables 320 to 340, and the still image copy condition table 350 are stored in the hard disk 160, the arrangement location of each table is arbitrary.

  In the above embodiment, an example in which the hard disk 160 is used as the second storage unit has been described. However, in addition to the hard disk 160, for example, an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), a magnetic tape, or a combination thereof may be used. .

  In the above embodiment, the flash memory 170 is used as the first storage unit and the hard disk 160 is used as the second storage unit. However, the second storage unit is more in comparison with the first storage unit. If the loss is high and the capacity is high, in addition to the flash memory 170 and the hard disk 160, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), flexible disk, DVD, holographic memory, three-dimensional memory Or a combination thereof.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an imaging device. It is a figure which shows the structure of a still image evaluation table. It is a figure which shows the structure of an evaluation condition table. It is a figure which shows the structure of a still image copy condition table. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of a still image shooting process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of a moving image shooting process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation | movement of a viewer evaluation process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Imaging device 110 ... Operation part 120 ... Display part 130 ... Image | photographing part 140 ... Time measuring part 150 ... Control part 160 ... Hard disk 170 ... Flash memory 180 ... ROM, 190 ... RAM, 200 ... Bus , 310 ... Still image evaluation table, 320 ... Evaluation condition table (human face), 330 ... Evaluation condition table (specific color), 340 ... Evaluation condition table (continuous shooting), 350 ... Still image copy condition table

Claims (20)

Photographing means for photographing an image;
First storage means;
A second storage means having a high capacity and a large capacity compared to the first storage means;
Data storage means for storing image data captured by the imaging means in the second storage means;
Photographed image evaluation means for stepwise evaluating image data stored in the second storage means;
Data designation means for designating image data evaluated by the photographed image evaluation means at a predetermined level or higher from the image data stored in the second storage means;
Designated data storage means for copying and saving the image data designated by the data designation means in the first storage means;
Equipped with a,
The data designating unit designates thumbnail images of all image data photographed by the photographing unit together with image data evaluated by the photographed image evaluating unit at a predetermined level or higher.
An imaging apparatus characterized by that. The photographed image evaluation means includes
The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data stored in the second storage unit is evaluated stepwise by an operation of a viewer. The designated data storage means includes
The image data specified by the data specifying means, after storage are copied to the first storage unit, to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that deleted from the second storing means the image data The imaging device described. The photographed image evaluation means includes
The imaging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising means for automatically stage-evaluating the appearance of a human face included in the image data photographed by the photographing means. The photographed image evaluation means includes
To any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises automatic means for out whether the captured image data is an image including much much the approximate color of a specific color by said photographing means The imaging device described. Photographing means for photographing an image;
First storage means;
A second storage means having a high capacity and a large capacity compared to the first storage means;
Data storage means for storing image data captured by the imaging means in the second storage means;
Photographed image evaluation means for stepwise evaluating image data stored in the second storage means;
Data designation means for designating image data evaluated by the photographed image evaluation means at a predetermined level or higher from the image data stored in the second storage means;
Designated data storage means for copying and saving the image data designated by the data designation means in the first storage means;
With
The captured image evaluation unit includes a unit that automatically evaluates how much the image data captured by the imaging unit includes an approximate color of a specific color.
An imaging apparatus characterized by that. Photographing means for photographing an image;
First storage means;
A second storage means having a high capacity and a large capacity compared to the first storage means;
Data storage means for storing image data captured by the imaging means in the second storage means;
Photographed image evaluation means for stepwise evaluating image data stored in the second storage means;
Data designation means for designating image data evaluated by the photographed image evaluation means at a predetermined level or higher from the image data stored in the second storage means;
Designated data storage means for copying and saving the image data designated by the data designation means in the first storage means;
With
The photographed image evaluation means includes means for automatically evaluating the number of continuous photographing by the photographing means .
It shall be the said imaging device. Photographing means for photographing an image;
First storage means;
A second storage means having a high capacity and a large capacity compared to the first storage means;
Data storage means for storing image data captured by the imaging means in the second storage means;
Photographed image evaluation means for stepwise evaluating image data stored in the second storage means;
Data designation means for designating image data evaluated by the photographed image evaluation means at a predetermined level or higher from the image data stored in the second storage means;
Designated data storage means for copying and saving the image data designated by the data designation means in the first storage means;
With
The photographed image evaluation means includes means for automatically evaluating whether or not the image data stored in the second storage means is a still image generated from a moving image .
It shall be the said imaging device. A first still image cutting means for storing, as a still image, an image after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of moving image shooting by the shooting means, and storing the still image in the second storage means separately from the moving image; The imaging apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising: A second still image is stored in the second storage unit separately from the moving image as an image when a moving image is captured for a predetermined time during the moving image shooting by the photographing unit as a still image. The imaging apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising an image cutting unit.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second storage unit is a hard disk drive. Said first storage means, the image pickup apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the non-volatile memory. Image storage of an imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging unit that captures an image; a first storage unit; and a second storage unit that is more easily damaged than the first storage unit and has a large capacity. A method,
A data storage step of storing image data captured by the imaging unit in the second storage unit;
An evaluation step for stepwise evaluating the image data stored by the second storage means;
A data designating step for designating image data that has been evaluated at or above a predetermined stage by the evaluation step;
A designated data storing step of copying and storing the image data specified in the data specifying step in the first storage means ,
The data designating step designates thumbnail images of all image data photographed by the photographing means together with image data evaluated in the evaluation step at a predetermined stage or more.
An image storage method characterized by the above. Image storage of an imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging unit that captures an image; a first storage unit; and a second storage unit that is more easily damaged than the first storage unit and has a large capacity. A method,
A data storage step of storing image data captured by the imaging unit in the second storage unit;
An evaluation step for stepwise evaluating the image data stored by the second storage means;
A data designating step for designating image data that has been evaluated at or above a predetermined stage by the evaluation step;
A designated data storing step of copying and storing the image data specified in the data specifying step in the first storage means,
The evaluation step includes a step of automatically evaluating how much the image data captured by the imaging unit includes an approximate color of a specific color.
An image storage method characterized by the above. Image storage of an imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging unit that captures an image; a first storage unit; and a second storage unit that is more easily damaged than the first storage unit and has a large capacity. A method,
A data storage step of storing image data captured by the imaging unit in the second storage unit;
An evaluation step for stepwise evaluating the image data stored by the second storage means;
A data designating step for designating image data that has been evaluated at or above a predetermined stage by the evaluation step;
A designated data storing step of copying and storing the image data specified in the data specifying step in the first storage means,
The evaluation step includes a step of automatically evaluating the number of continuous shootings by the shooting unit.
An image storage method characterized by the above. Image storage of an imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging unit that captures an image; a first storage unit; and a second storage unit that is more easily damaged than the first storage unit and has a large capacity. A method,
A data storage step of storing image data captured by the imaging unit in the second storage unit;
An evaluation step for stepwise evaluating the image data stored by the second storage means;
A data designating step for designating image data that has been evaluated at or above a predetermined stage by the evaluation step;
A designated data storing step of copying and storing the image data specified in the data specifying step in the first storage means,
The evaluation step includes a step of automatically evaluating whether or not the image data stored by the second storage means is a still image generated from a moving image.
An image storage method characterized by the above. A computer of an imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging unit that captures an image; a first storage unit; and a second storage unit that has a high loss and a large capacity compared to the first storage unit. ,
Data storage means for storing image data photographed by the photographing means in the second storage means;
Evaluation means for stepwise evaluating the image data stored by the data storage means;
Data designating means for designating image data evaluated by the evaluating means at a predetermined level or higher;
The image data designated by the data designation means is caused to function as designated data storage means for copying and saving from the second storage means to the first storage means ,
The data designating unit designates thumbnail images of all the image data photographed by the photographing unit together with the image data evaluated by the evaluation unit at a predetermined level or higher.
A program characterized by that. A computer of an imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging unit that captures an image; a first storage unit; and a second storage unit that has a high loss and a large capacity compared to the first storage unit. ,
Data storage means for storing image data photographed by the photographing means in the second storage means;
Evaluation means for stepwise evaluating the image data stored by the data storage means;
Data designating means for designating image data evaluated by the evaluating means at a predetermined level or higher;
Designated data storage means for copying and storing the image data designated by the data designation means from the second storage means to the first storage means
Function as
The evaluation unit includes a unit that automatically evaluates how much the image data captured by the imaging unit includes an approximate color of a specific color.
A program characterized by that. A computer of an imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging unit that captures an image; a first storage unit; and a second storage unit that has a high loss and a large capacity compared to the first storage unit. ,
Data storage means for storing image data photographed by the photographing means in the second storage means;
Evaluation means for stepwise evaluating the image data stored by the data storage means;
Data designating means for designating image data evaluated by the evaluating means at a predetermined level or higher;
Designated data storage means for copying and storing the image data designated by the data designation means from the second storage means to the first storage means
Function as
The evaluation means comprises means for automatically evaluating the number of continuous shootings by the shooting means.
A program characterized by that. A computer of an imaging apparatus comprising: an imaging unit that captures an image; a first storage unit; and a second storage unit that has a high loss and a large capacity compared to the first storage unit. ,
Data storage means for storing image data photographed by the photographing means in the second storage means;
Evaluation means for stepwise evaluating the image data stored by the data storage means;
Data designating means for designating image data evaluated by the evaluating means at a predetermined level or higher;
Designated data storage means for copying and storing the image data designated by the data designation means from the second storage means to the first storage means
Function as
The evaluation unit includes a unit that automatically evaluates whether the image data stored by the data storage unit is a still image generated from a moving image.
A program characterized by that.

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