Imaging apparatus having automatic backup function and method for controlling the same

An imaging apparatus having an automatic backup function and a method for controlling the same are disclosed which can more securely store particular data, considered to be important by the user, in a memory of the imaging apparatus, and can automatically read out the particular data. The imaging apparatus includes a tuner which receives data containing at least one of audio data and video data, a main storage unit which stores data containing at least one of audio data and video data, and a controller which determines backup data, to be stored in a backup storage unit, from the data stored in the main storage unit, copies data determined as the backup data, and stores the copied data in the backup storage unit, whereby the imaging apparatus has an automatic data backup function.

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Applications No. 10-2005-00117510, filed on Dec. 5, 2005 and No. 10-2005-00117511, filed on Dec. 5, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus and a method for controlling the same, and more particularly, to an imaging apparatus having an automatic backup function and a method for controlling the same which can store important data in a backup storage unit in accordance with a user's selection or in an automatic manner, to cope with unexpected memory failure, thereby being capable of achieving an enhancement in the convenience of the user, considerably reducing the possibility of loss of data, and normally performing a data storing task even when there is a problem such as failure of power supply to a main storage unit or an insufficient memory capacity of the main storage unit.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Recently-developed imaging apparatuses have a variety of functions in pace with the current multimedia age.

In particular, such an imaging apparatus not only has a function for simply outputting particular data in real time, but also has a function for storing audio and video data desired by the user, and subsequently reproducing the audio and video data at the point of time when the user desires to hear and view the audio and video data.

For example, such an imaging apparatus may be a personal video recorder (PVR).

The PVR is an apparatus which can record digital broadcast data in a storage unit such as a hard disk drive (HDD). The PVR provides functions considerably improved over those of conventional video cassette recorders (VCRs). For example, the PVR not only provides a general recording function, but also provides a time shift function, an instant replay function that can be performed during viewing of live broadcast, and other various play functions.

Furthermore, the PVR provides advantages in that it can provide various additional services such as a function for recording high-quality digital broadcast data of a high-definition (HD) grade in a memory, and reproducing the recorded data when the user desires to view the data, and a function for storing an image taken by the user with a camera in the memory, and displaying the stored image on a screen when the user desires to view the image.

Meanwhile, the current tendency of such a PVR is not to independently use the PVR, but to incorporate the PVR in an HD set top box or a TV set. Recently-developed PVRs can freely record and play back digital broadcast data.

In addition, such a PVR can store, in a memory space thereof (for example, an HDD) audio/video (A/V), data input from an external device as well as input broadcast signals (for example, digital broadcast signals or analog broadcast signals), and can play back the stored data or signals.

In particular, the recently-developed PVRs have an electronic photo frame function for storing, in a memory, photograph images taken during a trip or in a celebration or condolence, and displaying the stored photograph images.

In accordance with the recent fast development of storage techniques, the capacity of HDDs equipped in PVRs has also been greatly increased. As a result, the quantity of broadcast program data continuously recordable by such a PVR is also greatly increased.

Of course, the memory space of the PVR is still limiting and unstable. For this reason, a technique enabling the memory space of the PVR to be efficiently used is in great demand.

Conventionally, pieces of data stored in an imaging apparatus such as a PVR are collectively managed. For this reason, there is a problem in that, when unexpected impact is applied to the imaging apparatus, most data stored in the imaging apparatus may be damaged.

In particular, the unexpected impact may be an external impact or vibration applied to the imaging apparatus. High voltage electric surges may also be applied to the imaging apparatus. In this case, supply of electric power to the imaging apparatus may be non-uniform.

Moreover, the conventional imaging apparatus has no function for automatically determining particular data to be more securely stored in a memory equipped in the imaging apparatus.

In addition, the conventional imaging apparatus has a problem in that, when unstable supply of power or shortage of memory space occur in the main storage unit of the imaging apparatus, it is impossible to store desired data in the imaging apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an imaging apparatus having an automatic backup function and a method for controlling the same that substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide an imaging apparatus having an automatic backup function and a method for controlling the same which can securely protect particular data stored in a memory of the imaging apparatus in spite of unexpected impact applied to the imaging apparatus.

Another object of the invention is to provide an imaging apparatus having an automatic backup function and a method for controlling the same which can automatically determine important data, to be more securely protected, without using a particular input signal entered by the user.

Another object of the invention is to provide an imaging apparatus having an automatic backup function and a method for controlling the same which can normally store desired data in the imaging apparatus even when unstable supply of power or shortage of memory space occur in a main storage unit of the imaging apparatus.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a method for controlling an imaging apparatus comprises the steps of: (a) storing data containing at least one of audio data and video data in a main storage unit or in an auxiliary storage unit; (b) determining backup data, to be stored in a backup storage unit, from the data stored in the main storage unit; (c) supplying drive power to the backup storage unit; and (d) copying the data determined as the backup data, and storing the copied data in the backup storage unit.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling an imaging apparatus including storage units, comprises the steps of: determining whether or not an error in a recording function of a main one of the storage units has occurred; and storing data, which contains at least one of audio data and video data, in an auxiliary one of the storage units when it is determined that an error in the recording function of the main storage unit has occurred.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling an imaging apparatus including storage units, comprising the steps of: determining whether or not a main one of the storage units has a memory space capable of sufficiently storing data containing at least one of audio data and video data; and storing the data, which contains at least one of audio data and video data, in an auxiliary one of the storage units when it is determined that the main storage unit does not has the memory space.

In another aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus comprises: a tuner which receives data containing at least one of audio data and video data; a main storage unit which stores data containing at least one of audio data and video data; and a controller which determines backup data, to be stored in a backup storage unit, from the data stored in the main storage unit, copies data determined as the backup data, and stores the copied data in the backup storage unit, whereby the imaging apparatus has an automatic data backup function.

In still another aspect of the present invention, an imaging apparatus comprises: a tuner which receives data containing at least one of audio data and video data; a main storage unit which stores data containing at least one of audio data and video data; and a controller which determines whether or not an error in a recording function of the main storage unit has occurred, and stores the data, which contains at least one of audio data and video data, in an auxiliary storage unit when it is determined that an error in the recording function of the main storage unit has occurred, whereby the imaging apparatus has an automatic data backup function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention can back up particular data desired by the user in a separately-added storage unit, and thus, can provide an effect capable of securely storing the particular data.

The present invention can also add, to an imaging apparatus, a function for automatically determining particular data desired by the user, and storing the determined data in a memory, and thus, can provide an effect capable of maximizing the convenience of the user.

In addition, the present invention can provide an effect capable of normally storing desired A/V data even when unexpected errors occur in a main storing unit.

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an imaging apparatus having an automatic backup function according to the present invention.

Hereinafter, control flows among blocks constituting the imaging apparatus which has an automatic backup function in accordance with the present invention will be described with reference toFIG. 1.

The imaging apparatus according to the present invention, which is designated by reference numeral101inFIG. 1, includes a memory card102, a main storage unit103, a backup storage unit104, a first switching unit105, a power supply unit106, a PVR controller107, an image signal processor108, a main controller109, a user input unit110, an auxiliary storage unit113, and a second switching unit115.

The imaging apparatus101includes a function for storing A/V data or other data in a particular memory, and subsequently reproducing the stored data. For example, the imaging apparatus101may be a PVR.

Each of the memory card102and main storage unit103may be an HDD, in which original A/V data may be stored, or a non-volatile memory.

In particular, the memory card102and main storage unit103copies A/V data transmitted as broadcast signals or A/V data supplied from an external input device.

Here, the A/V data may mean data including at least one of audio data and video data.

The power supply unit106receives commercial AC power, converts the received AC power to DC power, and supplies the DC power to each block of the imaging apparatus101.

For example, the DC power may have a voltage of 5 V or 12 V. Of course, the values are only illustrative.

In particular, the power supply unit106supplies drive power to the memory card102, main storage unit103, auxiliary storage unit113, and backup storage unit104.

The PVR controller107controls the memory card102, main storage unit103, auxiliary storage unit113, and backup storage unit104, to control tasks such as recording, storage, correction, and deletion of A/V data.

The PVR controller107also functions to store data, in the form of transport packets (TPs), in the main storage unit103, auxiliary storage unit113, and backup storage unit104. In order to implement the present invention, the PVR controller107may be configured to support at least three channels. In this case, it is preferred that one channel be used for the main storage unit103, one of the remaining channels be used for the backup storage unit104, and another one of the remaining channels be used for the auxiliary storage unit113.

Accordingly, the imaging apparatus101can normally operate during a backup operation carried out by the backup storage unit104. As a result, the backup operation can be implemented through a background task using multiple processes.

The image signal processor108receives a broadcast signal at the frequency of a channel selected by the user, demodulates the received broadcast signal, and decodes the broadcast signal demodulated in the form of a transport stream, so as to enable the broadcast signal to be reproduced and stored. The image signal processor108also performs a scaling process for the decoded data, in order to enable video data included in the decoded data to be displayed.

Although not shown inFIG. 1, the image signal processor108includes an audio signal processor which performs a signal processing operation for the decoded data, in order to output audio data included in the decoded data.

The first switching unit105selectively supplies the drive power to the backup storage unit104under the control of the main controller109.

The first switching unit105may comprise an FET switch.

The second switching unit115functions to selectively supply A/V data sent via the PVR controller107to the main storage unit103or to the auxiliary storage unit113under the control of the main controller109.

The second switching unit115may comprise an FET switch.

Hereinafter, the second switching unit115and auxiliary storage unit113will be described in detail.

When an error causing impossibility of A/V data recording occurs in the main storage unit103, the main controller109controls the power supply unit106to supply drive power to the auxiliary storage unit113, and then controls the auxiliary storage unit113to store the A/V data.

Although not shown, it may be possible to implement a design for supplying the drive power to a selected one of the main storage unit103and auxiliary storage unit113by connecting the power supply unit106to the main storage unit103and auxiliary storage unit113via a switch.

The error of the main storage unit103may be a hardware error in power supply. The auxiliary storage unit113may be an HDD, a memory card, or a storage drive compatible with the IEEE 1394 standard.

Where the memory space of the main storage unit103is rendered insufficient during recording of particular A/V data, the main controller109controls the PVR controller107to subsequently record the particular A/V data in the auxiliary storage unit113.

For example, if the particular A/V data is stored in the auxiliary storage unit113before the memory space of the main storage unit103is completely used, it is possible to store the particular A/V data without being cut.

The user input unit110receives a particular command signal entered by the user, and sends the received command signal to the main controller109.

The user input unit110may include a remote controller or at least one of local keys provided at the imaging apparatus101.

The main controller109collectively controls the image signal processor108, PVR controller107, power supply unit106, first switching unit105, memory card102, main storage unit103, backup storage unit104, second switching unit115, and auxiliary storage unit113.

For example, the main controller109performs a control operation to store the image processed by the image signal processor108in the memory card102, main storage unit103, or backup storage unit104via the PVR controller107, or to output the A/V data stored in the memory card102, main storage unit103, or backup storage unit104via the image signal processor108or audio signal processor (not shown).

In particular, the main controller109performs a control operation to back up, in the backup storage unit104, a copy of the A/V data stored in the main storage unit103in accordance with a particular command signal entered by the user via the user input unit110.

Of course, the main controller109may be designed to perform a control operation for automatically backing up a copy of particular A/V data in the backup storage unit104even when there is no command signal entered by the user via the user input unit110.

The method for automatically backing up particular A/V data in the backup storage unit104will be later described in detail.

Meanwhile, the main controller109may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a micro processing unit (MPU).

The backup storage unit104stores a copy of the A/V data stored in the main controller103, as backup data, under the control of the main controller109.

Under the control of the main controller109, no drive power is supplied to the backup storage unit104in a normal mode. During a backup task, however, drive power is supplied to the backup storage unit104via the first switching unit105under the control of the main controller109.

The main controller109may set a reserved time at which the first switching unit105and backup storage unit104have to operate. Accordingly, it is possible to conveniently back up desired particular data at a desired time.

FIG. 2is a schematic view illustrating a first embodiment of a menu picture displayed on the screen of the imaging apparatus having an automatic backup function.

FIG. 3is a schematic view illustrating a second embodiment of the menu picture displayed on the screen of the imaging apparatus having an automatic backup function.

FIG. 4Ais a schematic view illustrating a third embodiment of the menu picture displayed on the screen of the imaging apparatus having an automatic backup function.

FIG. 4Bis a schematic view illustrating a fourth embodiment of the menu picture displayed on the screen of the imaging apparatus having an automatic backup function.

Hereinafter, a method for automatically or manually backing up data to be stored in the backup storage unit, and examples of the menu picture provided to the user of the imaging apparatus will be described with reference toFIGS. 2,3,4A, and4B, together withFIG. 1.

The embodiments of the menu picture according to the present invention shown inFIGS. 2,3,4A, and4B are only illustrative without limiting the protection scope of the present invention thereto.

One aspect of the present invention is to greatly reduce a possibility of loss of particular data considered to be important by the user of the imaging apparatus101, by storing the particular data in the backup storage unit104, and controlling supply of drive power to the backup storage unit104in such a manner that the drive power is supplied to the backup storage unit104in a backup mode, but is not supplied to the backup storage unit104in a normal mode.

Another aspect of the present invention is to design the imaging apparatus101such that the imaging apparatus101can automatically determine particular data, which is considered to be important by the user of the imaging apparatus101, even when there is no command signal entered by the user of the imaging apparatus101.

For example, as shown inFIG. 2, the method for setting backup data to be stored in the backup storage unit104may be carried out in a manual mode or in an automatic mode.

The user of the imaging apparatus101can select a desired mode via the user input unit110while viewing a menu picture as shown inFIG. 2.

Of course, the imaging apparatus101may be designed such that only one of the manual mode and automatic mode is set, without display of the menu picture as shown inFIG. 2, for more rapid processing.

Taking into consideration the convenience of users and diverse tastes of users, it is preferred that the imaging apparatus101be designed to enable users to select one of the manual mode and automatic mode for setting of backup data, as shown inFIG. 2.

If the user of the imaging apparatus101selects the manual mode via the user input unit110, the main controller109controls the image signal processor108to display the menu picture shown inFIG. 3.

In this case, a list of A/V data stored in the memory card102and main storage unit103is displayed, as shown inFIG. 3.

The user of the imaging apparatus101can select backup data, to be stored in the backup storage unit104, via the user input unit110while viewing the displayed A/V data.

For example, when the user of the imaging apparatus101selects data “Sports 2” as backup data to be stored in the backup storage unit104, the main controller109backs up, in the backup storage unit104, the data “Sports 2” stored in the main storage unit103.

On the other hand, if the user of the imaging apparatus101selects the automatic mode via the user input unit110, the main controller109automatically extracts particular data considered to be important by the user, based on a predetermined reference.

The automatic extraction of the particular data considered to be important by the user of the imaging apparatus101may be achieved using various methods.

In accordance with a first method, the main controller109can determine whether or not the particular data is important data, based on the period of time for which the data has been stored in the main storage unit103.

This method uses the fact that the data which has been stored in the main storage unit103for a longer period of time has a possibility that the user considers the data to be more important.

For example, the main controller109may store information about the point of time when particular data is initially stored in the main storage unit103, and may determine the particular data to be backup data when a predetermined storage period, for example, about one month, elapses for the particular data.

In accordance with a second method, the main controller109can determine whether or not the particular data is important data, based on the number of times at which the particular data is output through a display or speaker.

This method uses the fact that the data which has a larger number of access times has a possibility that the user considers the data to be more important.

For example, when the number of times at which particular data was output through the screen of the imaging apparatus101exceeds a predetermined value, for example, 10, the main controller109may determine the particular data to be backup data.

The main controller109may be set to store the particular data in the backup storage unit104immediately after automatically determining whether or not the particular data is important data (backup data). However, it may also be possible to allow the user to determine whether or not particular data automatically determined as important data is to be stored in the backup storage unit104. To this end, the main controller109may be designed to be set in one of the above-descried two modes, namely, the mode “immediately store” and the mode “identify automatically-retrieved backup data, and determine whether or not backup data is to be stored”, as shown inFIG. 4A.

The menu pictures shown inFIGS. 4A and 4Bare provided to take into consideration the fact that the user may not desire to store the automatically-retrieved backup data in the backup storage unit104.

When the user of the imaging apparatus101sets the mode “identify automatically-retrieved backup data, and determine whether or not backup data is to be stored”, the menu picture shown inFIG. 4Bis displayed.

In this case, accordingly, the user of the imaging apparatus101can identify information about the automatically-retrieved backup data (for example, “Sports 2”), and can determine whether or not the automatically-retrieved backup data is to be stored. Thus, it is possible to store backup data in the backup storage unit104, if the user desires to store the backup data.

FIG. 5is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for controlling the imaging apparatus having an automatic backup function in accordance with the present invention.

Hereinafter, the control method will be described in the order of a time sequence with reference toFIG. 5, together withFIGS. 1 to 4B.

In accordance with the control method, a task for initializing the imaging apparatus101is executed (S501). In this case, the imaging apparatus101may be, for example, a PVR.

A/V data transmitted to the imaging apparatus101as a broadcast signal, or A/V data applied to the imaging apparatus101from an external input device is copied in the main storage unit103of the imaging apparatus101(S502).

The A/V data may be data containing both audio data and video date, or data containing audio data or video data alone.

The copied data is stored in the main storage unit103(S503).

The method for determining backup data considered to be important by the user from the data stored in the main storage unit103is determined (S504). For this determination, the menu picture ofFIG. 2may be displayed.

When it is determined, based on the result of the determination (S504), that the method for determining the backup data considered to be important by the user is a manual mode, it is determined whether or not there is particular data set as backup data by the user (S505).

When it is determined, based on the result of the determination (S505), that there is particular data set as backup data by the user, the power supply unit106supplies drive power to the backup storage unit104(S506).

The main controller109then copies the particular data set as the backup data in the backup storage unit104(S507). Thus, the particular data is backed up in the backup storage unit104.

Thereafter, the main controller109determines whether or not the backup process has been completed (S508).

When it is determined, based on the result of the determination (S508), that the backup process has been completed, the backup storage unit104is set to standby (S509).

The backup storage unit104is then turned off (S510).

Thus, the backup storage unit104(for example, an HDD or the like) is designed such that no drive power is supplied to the backup storage unit104in a non-operation state of the backup storage unit104, in order to maintain the backup storage unit104in a most stable state, differently from the main storage unit103.

On the other hand, when it is determined, based on the result of the determination (S504), that the method for determining the backup data considered to be important by the user is an automatic mode, it is determined whether or not a setting has been made to immediately store the automatically-retrieved backup data in the backup storage unit104(S511).

In this case, the menu picture for setting whether or not the automatically-retrieved backup data has to be immediately stored in the backup storage unit104may be provided as shown inFIG. 4A.

When it is determined, based on the result of the determination (S511), that an automatic storage mode has been set to immediately store the automatically-retrieved backup data in the backup storage unit104, the main controller109retrieves backup data in accordance with a predetermined reference (S515).

In this case, the predetermined reference may be the storage period of the backup data or the number of display times of the backup data. This has been described in detail hereinbefore.

On the other hand, when it is determined, based on the result of the determination (S511) that the automatic storage mode for immediately storing the automatically-retrieved backup data in the backup storage unit104has not been set, the main controller109retrieves backup data in accordance with a predetermined reference (S512).

When particular data is retrieved as backup data in a retrieving process (S512), information about the particular data retrieved as backup data is displayed (S513). For example, the menu picture shown inFIG. 4Bmay be displayed.

After identifying the information about the particular data retrieved as backup data, the user enters a command signal for storage of the particular data in the backup storage unit104, via the user input unit110(S514).

FIG. 6is a flow chart illustrating another example of the method for controlling the imaging apparatus having an automatic backup function in accordance with the present invention.

Hereinafter, the control method will be described in the order of a time sequence with reference toFIG. 6, together withFIG. 1.

In accordance with the control method, the imaging apparatus of the present invention starts a function for recording particular A/V data (S601).

Here, the imaging apparatus means an imaging apparatus for storing A/V data. For example, the imaging apparatus101may be a PVR.

Drive power is supplied to the main storage unit of the imaging apparatus (S602).

Accordingly, the main storage unit operates to execute a process for storing particular A/V data or the like (S603).

In this case, it is determined whether or not there is an error occurring in the main storage unit, or there is no memory space capable of sufficiently storing the particular A/V data (S604).

Here, the error of the main storage unit may be a hardware error in the supply of drive power to the main storage unit.

When it is determined, based on the result of the determination (S604), that there is no error occurring in the main storage unit, and there is a memory space capable of sufficiently storing the particular A/V data, the routine is repeatedly executed from step S602.

On the other hand, when it is determined, based on the result of the determination (S604), that there is an error occurring in the main storage unit, or there is no memory space capable of sufficiently storing the particular A/V data, the power switching unit is operated (S605).

In accordance with the operation of the power switching unit, the supply of drive power is switched from the main storage unit to the auxiliary storage unit.

That is, drive power is supplied to the auxiliary storage unit (S606).

As a result, the auxiliary storage unit operates to store the particular A/V data (S607).

As apparent from the above description, the imaging apparatus having an automatic backup function and the method for controlling the imaging apparatus in accordance with the present invention can provide an effect capable of more securely storing particular data desired by the user by backing up the particular data in a separate auxiliary storage unit.

Furthermore, the imaging apparatus can have a function for automatically determining particular data desired by the user, and storing the determined particular data in a memory in accordance the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention can provide an effect capable of maximizing the convenience of the user.

In addition, the present invention provides an advantage in that it is possible to completely securely record data desired by the user because desired A/V data can be stored in an auxiliary memory when a problem such as a hardware error or shortage of memory capacity occurs in the main memory.