Electronic camera that reduces processing time by performing different processes in parallel

Abstract

An electronic camera includes: an image-capturing device that captures an image of a subject and generates image data; a first bus to which the image data generated by the image capturing device are output; an image memory that is connected to the first bus and temporarily stores the image data on the first bus; a plurality of image data conversion devices connected to the first bus that individually convert the image data on the first bus; a second bus through which conversion outputs from the plurality of image data conversion devices are provided to individual output destinations; and an adjustment device that performs timing adjustment or multiplexing of a plurality of conversion outputs to ensure that the plurality of conversion outputs do not collide on the second bus.

Description

[0001] This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 333,243 filed on Jan. 18, 2006, which is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 505,281 filed on Feb. 16, 2000. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 11-275232, filed Sep. 28, 1999 and Japanese Patent Application No. 11-334586, filed Nov. 25, 1999. The entire disclosure of the prior applications is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a technology that my be adopted to reduce the required length of processing time in an electronic camera [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art STRUCTURAL EXAMPLE OF PRIOR ART [0005]FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the structure of an electronic camera 60 in the prior art. [0006] In FIG. 6, a taking lens 61 is mounted at the electronic camera 60. An image-capturing element 62 is provided in the image space of th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an electronic camera with improved processing speed by reducing the time required for image data conversion. This is achieved by using a plurality of image data conversion devices that individually convert image data without colliding on a single bus. The image data conversions can be performed in parallel by the image processing device, image compression device, and image size conversion device, resulting in faster processing. Additionally, the invention provides an output destination setting device that can selectively return image data to the first or second bus, allowing for flexible adjustment of processing loads. A transmission device can also be added to enable various signal processing routes and reduce loads on the bus. Overall, the invention improves the speed and efficiency of electronic cameras.

Problems solved by technology

For this reason, the timing adjustment implemented to avoid data collisions becomes extremely complicated.

Thus, a problem arises in that the processing performed in the electronic camera 60 consumes a great deal of time.

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