JP2002049634A - Image processing device and image retrieval output method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device and an image retrieval processing method by which image information recorded on an information recording medium is read out and outputted. SOLUTION: A fixed disk device 36 in a computer device 12 stores the following: a print application program 302 which displays, depending on a file list 306, image information recorded on the information recording medium on a monitor, selects desired image information from displayed images and outputs the selected image information by printing; and a retrieval information file 304 used for retrieving image information corresponding to the pertinent directory structure from plural types of information recording media having different directory structures to display. The retrieval information file 304 is applied to the target information recording medium in order to produce a file list 306 including list data for outputting image list based on the image information within a directory specified by retrieval information. Images are displayed, depending on the file list 306, and when a desired image is selected, the corresponding image information is read out from the information recording medium and outputted by printing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for processing image information recorded on an information recording medium and an image retrieval and output method for outputting the image information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There has been known a digital camera which images a scene with a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD solid-state image sensor or a MOS image sensor, processes the image signal, and records the processed signal on an information storage medium such as a memory card. I have. The digital image data thus processed can be further processed and processed by a personal computer, and the processed image data can be printed out. For recording and storing such digital image data, various information storage media such as a memory card, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk are used, and various formats are also used for an image file recording system on the information storage medium. Adopted.

[0003] For example, in International Publication WO96 / 27258, a still image for reading an image from a film or a photograph, recording the image data on an optical disk, and reproducing the image data recorded on the optical disk in this manner. A filing system is described. This optical disk is
As described on page 29, page 14 to line 19, a magneto-optical disk having a diameter of 64 mm is employed, and four image directories are created in its recording area. Also, page 57
From line 19 to page 60, line 8, there are descriptions of the files recorded on the optical disc and the hierarchical directory structure.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. Hei 10-126724 and Hei 10-200839 disclose image data corresponding to a selected image according to an operation by inputting a thumbnail image from a storage medium such as a digital camera or a memory card. The document describes a direct print adapter that generates print data by reading a print data and outputs the print data to a printer.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-125867 discloses that when print target data and print order data are recorded on a recording medium, these data are read out and a list of print target images and print order data is obtained. A digital print order receiving apparatus that creates a reception index image to be printed, changes and adds print order data, and performs print order processing.

On the other hand, the Japan Electronic Industry Development Association (JEI)
Camera File System Standard (DCF;
The Design rule for Camera File system) defines a file system that specifies the state of data recorded on recording media and its recording and playback functions to enable file exchange between DCF-compatible devices. . According to this rule, the DCF image directory “DCIM” is placed in the root directory of the recording media,
Place multiple DCF directories that store DCF objects such as image files under "IM". With such a file system, a DCF-compatible device can read desired image data by searching for an image file in a directory defined in advance.

[0007] In this file system, non-DC
Although the existence of the F directory is permitted, conditions such as ignoring the directory or not displaying the directory number and the file number are defined for the reproduction of the files in the non-DCF directory. As described above, the image data recorded on the recording medium in accordance with the camera file system standard can be read out by a playback device conforming to the same file system, and data compatibility is maintained between different models. Dripping.

[0008] The image data stored in the information recording medium in this manner can be read out, displayed, or printed by a reproduction function of the camera that has taken the image or various application programs on a computer. Also, image data recorded on an information recording medium has been brought to a specialized laboratory or the like that prints out digital image data in a photographic print, and high-quality digital prints can be obtained.

[0009]

As described above, in the nonvolatile information recording medium for recording an image, various recording formats are determined, and each has its own file format and directory structure. Therefore, when an image to be processed is displayed and selected efficiently, it is necessary to know in advance information such as a directory name and a file name in which the image file is recorded. Therefore, the image processing apparatus searches for an image in a medium format supported by the apparatus in consideration of operability, and displays the image to an operator or prints out the image.

However, for media other than the format supported by the device, for example,
Since the specifications are different due to different arrangements of the image files, such display and print processing cannot be performed effectively. Further, as in the above-described conventional example, new image file arrangement formats are successively proposed. Therefore, when a display image is to be displayed and printed in accordance with the new format, the processing program is newly added. There is a problem that the user has to purchase and replace the system, or modify the processing program installed in the system according to the new format.

In a system for displaying or printing image data recorded on a recording medium in this way, it is necessary to always introduce a processing program corresponding to the latest file system. This has been an important issue in, for example, a print order receiving system for receiving prints of image data recorded on a recording medium and a system for printing images according to image data.

For example, when performing an image search in order to display a list of image data recorded on a recording medium, if all image data under the root directory is searched, an image unrelated to a desired image is obtained. Will be played. Specifically, when an application program is stored in the recording medium, even image data representing icons and the like used in the program is displayed when the list image is displayed. In this case, since unnecessary processing is performed, the processing load on the apparatus side also increases. In addition, in order for a general consumer to operate, it is desirable not to display unnecessary information.

In order to avoid such a situation, it is conceivable to newly create or modify a display processing program for displaying an image recorded on a recording medium. It is difficult to respond quickly to the system. In addition, replacing application programs and print processing programs for display processing stored in a computer or the like involves a great deal of redundant processing steps in consideration of the degree of the modification / change, and is therefore unsuitable. It was efficient.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, and even when a file system such as a directory arrangement on an information recording medium is changed or a new file system appears, a new processing device or processing program can be used. Provided is an image processing apparatus capable of searching for an image recorded on an information recording medium without any change, automatically selecting a desired image file, reading out the information from the information recording medium, and outputting the image file, and an image search and output method. With the goal.

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention reads out image information from various information recording media on which image information is recorded in various directory structures, and outputs the read image information to a monitor. An image processing apparatus for selecting and outputting desired image information from output image information according to an operation, the apparatus includes a reading unit that reads image information from an information recording medium, and search information for searching image information , A search information reading means for reading the search information, a file specifying means for specifying image information according to the search information, and outputting the image information specified by the file specifying means. Creation means for creating a file list for use, and display of image information read from the information recording medium on the monitor based on the file list. Display processing means, a selection means for selecting image information corresponding to operation information generated by being operated in accordance with image information output from the display processing means, and information recording of the image information selected by the selection means. Image output means for reading from a medium, processing and outputting image information.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention reads out image information from various information recording media on which image information is recorded in various directory structures, outputs the image information to a monitor, and outputs the output image information. In an image search and output method for selecting and outputting desired image information from information according to an operation, this method specifies a directory in a specific range of an information recording medium and determines whether to register the image information in the specified directory range. Preparing a search information file instructing whether or not, according to the description of the search information file, creating a file list for outputting image information recorded on the target information recording medium; Reading image information specified from the information recording medium, displaying image information read from the information recording medium, From among the image information, characterized by comprising the steps of selecting a desired image information corresponding to the operation, and a step of outputting the image information selected by reading from the information recording medium.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown an example of the configuration of the image processing system according to the present embodiment. This image processing system 10
Image data recorded on various information recording media is read into the computer device 12, the images are displayed in a list on the display screen of the monitor device 14, a desired image is selected from the displayed image list, and the selected image is selected. Read the image data corresponding to the data from the information recording medium, and use the SCSI interface (I / F) 1
This is an image printing system that outputs the print data to a color printer 16 connected by a network 5 or a photographic print system 18 connected to a network, and prints out an image represented by the image data.

The image processing system 10 flexibly and promptly adapts to the recording structure of a file in various information recording media, when creating and displaying an image list, based on the description contents of a search information file described later. A file list for listing the image files is created, the image files are read from the information storage medium according to the file list, and the images recorded on the information recording medium are displayed as a list. Thereby, a desired image file is selected from a group of image files recorded on the information recording medium according to various information recording media without displaying unnecessary images while targeting various information recording media. be able to.
In addition, for information recording media recorded in a file system having various file structures, the description contents of the search information file correspond to each other, so that the application program stored in the computer device 12 can be modified or replaced. To accommodate new file systems without any changes.

As shown in detail in FIG. 1, a computer device 12 includes a scanner 20 for optically reading an image and outputting image data corresponding to the optical image, and a card reader for reading information stored in a memory card. 22, and even Zi
A Zip drive 24 for reading information recorded on a magnetic disk such as a p disk is daisy-chain connected to a SCSI interface 26. Also, a CD drive 28 and a floppy (registered trademark)
A disk drive (FDD) 30 is provided. The computer device 12 receives image data output from these image data reading devices, reads out image data recorded on various information recording media according to a file system in the recording media, and displays a list of images on a monitor. Then, in response to an operation on the touch panel 32 or the like placed on the monitor device 14, an image desired to be printed is specified, the specified image file is read from the information recording medium, converted into print data, and the print data is output. I do.

A central processing unit (CPU) 34 provided in the computer device 12 includes a microprocessor (MPU) (not shown),
It consists of memories such as ROM and RAM and MPU peripheral circuits.
As shown in FIG. 3, processing according to the general-purpose operating system (OS) 300 and the print application program 302 stored in the fixed disk device (HDD) 36 is performed.

Further, the computer device 12 includes a network interface card (NIC) 42 connected to a hub (HUB) 40 via a network cable, and a packet with a network connected via the hub 40 by a network protocol. It has the function of transmitting and receiving. The hub 40 in the present embodiment includes the computer device 12
In addition, the above-described photo print system 18, optical disk recording system 44, and dial-up router 46 are connected. The optical disc recording system 44 stores and stores a large number of image files, so that the stored image data can be read and sent to a desired device 12 for so-called additional printing processing or album image display processing. .
Further, the dial-up router 46 in the present embodiment is a network relay device for making a dial-up IP connection to the Internet via, for example, a public line, and connects the computer 12 and the network with each other by TCP /
Communicate by IP protocol.

Print application program 302
Is read from the fixed disk device 36, and the program
When 302 is stored in the RAM together with the OS 300, the central processing unit 34 is configured to implement a processing function of reading out and printing image data recorded on the information recording medium. This application program 302, under the control of OS 300,
Search information file 304 stored in fixed disk unit 36
Creates a file list 306 for reading image files stored in the information recording medium, reads the recorded image data according to the created file list 306, displays a list of recorded images, and displays the list of displayed images. And print processing is performed by selecting desired image data according to the operation.

The computer device 12 has an information input function for inputting information recorded on various information recording media which are detachably mounted on the image data reading device, respectively, and is provided with the above-mentioned memory card, floppy disk, Zip disk, etc. It is possible to access an optical disk such as a magnetic disk and a compact disk (CD). In the present embodiment, the memory card includes a PC card or smart media having a semiconductor memory such as an SRAM or a flash memory, and further includes an optical card. Optical discs are MO, DVD-RW, DVD-RA
Includes magneto-optical recording optical disks such as M.

The fixed disk device (HDD) 36 stores a plurality of information recording media and search information files respectively created corresponding to their file recording structures. FIG. 4 shows an example of a directory structure of a certain information recording medium 400. A directory “Pictures” 402 is arranged immediately below a root directory (Root) of the information recording medium 400, and the date and the like are stored in the directory “Pictures” 402. The directory “20000112” 404 having the name of 404 is formed. Under the directory “20000112” 404, a directory “HiRes” 406 in which high-resolution image data is stored and a “LowRes” 408 in which low-resolution image data is stored
Are formed in each of these directories, and the image files "Image0
001.jpg "410H, 410L," Image0002.jpg "412H, 412L
And “Image0003.jpg” 414H, 414L, etc. are recorded.

When reading image data recorded on such an information recording medium 400, since the same high-resolution image and low-resolution image exist on the information recording medium 400, only the high-resolution image or the low-resolution image is read. As a target, the retrieval information file 30 is read out from the information recording medium 400.
4 has been created. In the present embodiment, a search information file 304 for instructing to read high-resolution data is created. Each image file includes thumbnail image data as a reduced image for displaying a list and main image data as an original image.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a directory structure of another information recording medium 500. For example, a directory "Images" 502 is disposed immediately below a root directory (Root) of the information recording medium 500, and a directory "Images"" Five
A directory “20000112” 504 having a name such as the date of processing the image file is formed in 02. In this directory “20000112”, for example, image files “Image0001.jpg” 506, “Image0002.jpg” 50
8 and “Image0002.jpg” 510 are stored.

FIG. 6 shows another example of the directory structure of the information recording medium 600. Immediately below the root directory (Root) of the information recording medium 600, for example, the directory "Im
ages ”602, and image files“ Pic001.jpg ”604 and“ Pic001.jpg ”6 in the directory“ Images ”602.
06 and “Pic003.jpg” 608 are stored. The directory “Images” 602 also contains the directory “Apli” 6
10 are formed, and in the directory "Apli" 610,
Execution application file "Viewer.exe" 612,
The resource image file “resource.jpg” 614 is stored.

The execution application file “Viewer.e
“xe” is a program file created in a playback device or the like created specifically for the information recording medium 600. This program uses “resource.jpg” 614 as a resource image, for example, for icon display. But,
In the application program 302 in this embodiment, “resource.jpg” 614 is not image data recorded by the user for reproduction, and is not intended to print the image itself. The image file does not need to be reproduced from the application program 302. For this reason, when the computer device 12 into which the application program 302 is installed reads out the image data recorded on the information recording medium 600 and creates an image list, the resource image file “resource.jpg” of the Viewer application is used. 614 is excluded from the file list 306 for displaying or printing images. In the application program 302 in the present embodiment, the reserved image data used in the processing program stored in such an information recording medium is excluded from the file list 306 based on the search information file 304, By registering the image data recorded in the file list 306 in the file list 306, for example, it is possible to prevent the user from displaying image data other than the image acquired and recorded on the recording medium. In other words, it is possible to display only desired image data according to the request or situation of the user, and to specify the image data desired to be printed from the images.

Next, the Camera File System Standard (DCF)
An example of the information recording medium 700 in which an image file is stored correspondingly will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, an information recording medium
In the DCF 700, a DCF image directory “DCIM” 710 is formed immediately below the root directory (ROOT), and under the DCF image directory “DCIM” 710, the directory “10
0ABCDE "712, directory" 101ABCDE "714, directory" 102BCDEF "716 and directory" 999BCDE "
F ”DCF directory such as 718 is formed. Each DCF directory contains an image file "ABCD0001.j
DCF basic file such as "pg" 720 is stored. As described above, in the Camera File System Standard (DCF), the recording position of image files in the directory structure is clearly specified, so that a device that supports DCF specifies the recording position of image files stored in each DCF directory. It can be directly specified and read. These image files include the DCF basic main image and the DCF basic thumbnail, and when displaying the image list, read and display the thumbnail image,
When printing the corresponding image data or displaying the original image, the main image is read.

The search information file 304 is an external parameter file referred to by the application program 302. The search information file 304 is created and stored in the magnetic disk device 36 for each of various information recording media adopting the above-described file systems having various directory structures. The search information file 30
4 also functions in an information recording medium of the same physical form so as to correspond to the recording form, that is, a plurality of file systems. This search information file 304 is, for example,
It is written in text format and stored in the fixed disk device 36 and loaded into the RAM, but it is modified by inputting from the keyboard 50 on the editor screen that edits the description contents according to the file system with a new directory structure In addition, a new search information file 304 can be created and stored in the fixed disk device 36.
As a result, the search method can be changed without changing the program 302.

As a specific information recording medium, ATA (AT Atta
chment) specification, the search information file for PCCARD drive has the file name "PCCARD_SERCH.ini"
Is stored in a predetermined directory in the fixed disk device 36 accessible from the application program 302. Also, the compact disc standard optical disc has a file name "CDROM_SERCH.ini".
Search information file for CD-ROM drive, and for Zip disk, has file name "Zip_SERCH.ini"
Search information files for Zip drives are stored in the same directory. The search information file 304 in this embodiment is stored in the fixed disk device 36 with its extension being "ini". Application program 30
2 creates a file list 306 by referring to the description contents of the search information file 304.

Here, the description structure of the search information file 304 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, at the beginning of the search information file 304, information on DCF
DCF information “[DCF_INFO]” is described. The DCF information "[DCF_INFO]" is an item for distinguishing whether or not to search the directory structure of the DCF specification, and the specification content is described on the next line. The description "SEARCH_FLA
“G = 1” specifies that the directory structure of the DCF is not targeted. Conversely, if “SEARCH_FLAG = 0” is described, the target is that the directory structure of the DCF is targeted. If “SEARCH_FLAG = 1” is described, the image search of the directory according to the DCF standard is not performed, and the search path “[SERCH_P
ATH] ”. Conversely, if "SEARCH_FLAG = 0" is described, in addition to the process of searching the directory for images in accordance with the DCF standard, if the search path is described in the following items, the search path "[ SERCH_PAT
H] ”, the file list 30 is processed.
Create 6.

It should be noted that not only the DCF but also whether or not the picture CD is targeted as information on the picture CD [P
icture_INFO] and Photo CD
Items such as [Photo_INFO] that specify whether or not to target the data, perform a search under the unique conditions corresponding to these information recording media, and then respond to the description contents of the search path “[SERCH_PATH]”. A search may be performed to create the file list 306.

As shown in an example in FIG. 9, when the content of “[DCF_INFO]” is described as “SEARCH_FLAG = 1”,
The application program 302 recognizes that it does not target the directory structure of the DCF specification. In this case, the application program 302 accesses the information recording medium according to the search procedure described in the following item in the search information file 304, and performs file listing. Create 306 and file list 306
Is read out according to. Conversely, when "SEARCH_FLAG = 0" is described, the application program
Numeral 302 recognizes that the directory structure conforms to the DCF specification, and executes a reading process of an image file recorded in a directory structure conforming to the DCF system.

The processing according to the above-described search path is processing for creating a file list 306 for displaying reproduction candidates of the image files recorded on the information recording medium based on the search information file 304. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the search path “[SERCH_PATH]” indicates the number of paths of the directory indicated by the current description content of the search information file 304, and in the example shown in FIG. Three search paths are provided as in "COUNT = 3". By providing a plurality of search paths in this way,
Each of the information recording media of the same physical form can also correspond to an information recording medium having a different directory configuration. Of course, even for information recording media having different physical forms, it is possible to deal with a plurality of different directory configurations without discriminating or referring to the media type. Therefore, the search information file 304 functions satisfactorily with only one file, and a plurality of search information files 304 for each information recording medium are prepared as shown in the present embodiment.
A search information file 304 corresponding to the information recording medium may be used. In this case, the application program 302
Can sequentially create the file list 306 according to the contents described in the plurality of search information files 304.

Returning to FIG. 8, the search path "[SERCH_PATH_
“nnn]” are items that indicate paths for performing image search for information recording media having various directory structures. Each search path includes a directory name “DirName” to be searched and a search mode “SerchMode”
The details of the image search are indicated by the items of the image format "ImageFormat", the sort key "SortKey", and the sort direction "SortDir". In addition,
The three-digit number "nnn" attached to the search path item is "001"
The search order when creating the file list 306 is defined according to the value. In this embodiment, the search paths “[SERCH_PATH_nn
n] ”, the search paths are checked in order from the top.

The directory name "DirName" is "DirNam
e = “directory name” ”, for example,“ DirName = \ Pictures \ * \ HighRes ”as described in“ [SERCH_PATH_001] ”in FIG.
This “[SERCH_PATH_001]” is used for the information recording medium 400 having the directory structure shown in FIG. 4, and when the image is read, the read directory and the like are set according to the search mode “SerchMode = n” described next. The item to be instructed. "DirName = \ Pictures \ * \ HighRes" is replaced with "\ Picture
Specify the image file stored in "s \ * \ HighRes".
The symbols “*” and “?” Are wildcards for substituting one character and a plurality of arbitrary characters, respectively.

The search mode "SerchMode = n" determines whether or not image data in the specified directory specified by the directory name "DirName" is to be registered in the file list 306, and in what directory hierarchy range. This item indicates whether registration or deletion is performed.

Specifically, as shown in FIG.
In the case of "ode = 1", it is instructed to register the image data in the designated directory in the file list 306. Also,
In the case of "SerchMode = 2", it instructs that the image data in the designated directory is deleted from the file list 306 or not registered. If the specified directory is already specified in the file list 306, the specification of the directory is deleted from the file list 306. "Se
In the case of "rchMode = 3", it is instructed to register the image data in the designated directory and all the subdirectories under the designated directory in the file list 306. If “SerchMode = 4”, it indicates that the image data in the designated directory and all subdirectories under the designated directory are deleted from the file list 306 or not registered.

The image format "ImageFormat = image format" is an item for designating the image file format to be searched. For example, if "ImageFormat = Jpeg" is described, it indicates that the image file is in the JPEG compression format.If "ImageFormat = Tiff" is described, the tag image file format (TIFF) Is specified as the target image file. Also, "Im
ageFormat = BMP "indicates that a bitmap format image file is to be searched.

When a new image file format is to be supported, the image format is designated by the image format “ImageFormat = image format”, and the plug-in corresponding to the new image format is provided to the application program 302. Is created and stored in the fixed disk device 36 together with the application program 302.
Should be extended.

The sort key “SortKey = n” indicates whether or not to sort the image files and the description order when creating the file list 306, and the sort direction “SortDir = n”.
Indicates the sort direction for sorting. Specifically, when "SortKey = 0" is described, it is instructed not to sort, and when "SortKey = 1" is described, it is instructed to sort using the file name as a key. If "SortKey = 2" is described, it is instructed to sort according to date and time information indicating the time when the image file was recorded. Also, the sorting direction "SortDir = 0
Is described, it is instructed to sort in ascending order. Conversely, if "SortDir = 1" is described, it is instructed to sort in descending order. By determining the order of description of the image file name and its directory in the file list in accordance with these sort instructions, it is possible to specify the display order when displaying image data.

The search path description example of the search information file shown in FIG. 9 is based on the search information file 304 created to enable access to the information recording media 400, 500 and 600 having the directory structure shown in FIGS. This is an example.

To explain “[SERCH_PATH_001]”, the directory name is “DirName = \ Pictures \ * \ HighRes
", Search mode is" SerchMode = 1 ", image format is" ImageFormat = Jpeg ", sort key is" Sort
Key = 1 "and the sort direction is" SortDir = 0 ", so the contents are stored in the directory" \ Pictu
res \ * \ HighRes "is stored in" Jpe
Instructing to register the name and the path in the file list 306 in the ascending order of the file names of the image file “g” as search targets.

Similarly, in “[SERCH_PATH_002]”, the directory name is “DirName = \ Images \” and the search mode is “Se
rchMode = 3 "and the image format is" ImageFormat =
Jpeg ", the sort key is" SortKey = 1 ", and the sort direction is" SortDir = 0 ", so the contents are stored in the directory" \ Images \ "and all subdirectories under that directory. Instructed to register the name and the path in the file list 306 in the ascending order of the file names of the image files whose image format is “Jpeg” in the search order.

Similarly, “[SERCH_PATH_003]” has a directory name of “DirName = \ Images \ Apli”, a search mode of “SerchMode = 4”, and an image format of “ImageFor
mat = All ", the sort key is" SortKey = 1 ", and the sort direction is" SortDir = 0 ", so the contents are in the directory" \ Images \ Apli "and all subdirectories under that directory. All the image files of the image format stored in the file list 306 are excluded from the file list 306 so as not to be searched. In this case, if the corresponding image file is already registered in the file list 306, the description of the image file in the list is deleted. If the name and path of the corresponding image file are not described in the file list 306, the description about the image file is not registered in the file list 306 as it is.

Therefore, the information recording medium 400 shown in FIG.
Is attached to the computer device and the image reading device, the image files in the directory “HighRes” are searched according to the description content of “[SERCH_PATH_001]”, and the image file names and their paths are shown in FIG. As shown in the list data of file list 306
306a. In this case, when an information recording medium having another directory structure is mounted, there is no corresponding image file, and the file list 306 specifies an image file depending on the search path “[SERCH_PATH_001]”. It will not be done.

When the information recording medium 500 is mounted, the image file name and the path under the corresponding directory are changed from the description contents of “[SERCH_PATH_002]” to the list data of the file list 306 as shown in FIG. Registered as 306b.

When the information recording medium 600 is mounted, the image file "Resource.jpg" is deleted from the description contents of "[SERCH_PATH_003]" and recorded in other directories. The image file is shown in Figure 10
As shown in (1), it is registered as list data 306c in the file list 306 according to the sort key and the sort direction.

An image file specified by another search path can be registered in the file list 306.

Returning to FIG. 1, the computer device 12 in which the OS 300 and the application program 302 are introduced into the operating state has a functional configuration as shown in FIG. 1 as a part directly related to the present invention.

More specifically, the reading processing section 100 receives data output from the image data reading apparatus and outputs medium information indicating the type of the information recording medium to the type determining section 102. In response to the request from the file list designation processing unit 110, the reading processing unit 100 reads the directory structure of the information recording medium, and reads the directory structure into the file designation processing unit 11.
Output to 0. Further, in response to the read instruction from the file list creation processing unit 120, the read processing unit 100 reads an image file corresponding to the read instruction from the information recording medium, and outputs the image file to the display processing unit 122. further,
The read processing unit 100 reads an image file corresponding to the request information from the information recording medium based on the request information from the print processing unit 126, and outputs the read image file to the print processing unit 126.

The type determining unit 102 determines the type of the information recording medium based on the medium information notified from the reading processing unit 100. When the selection operation for selecting the input medium is performed on the touch panel 32, the keyboard 50, the mouse 52, and the like, the type determination unit 102 may detect this and select the type of the information recording medium according to the operation. The type information of these media is notified to the search information reading unit 104.

The search information reading unit 104 reads the search information file 304 corresponding to the type from the fixed disk device 36 in accordance with the type information output from the type determination unit 102. The search information reading unit 104 reads the description content of “[DCF INFO]”, which is the search information in the read search information file 304.
The information is output to the DCF determination unit 106 and the search information file 304
The description content regarding “[SERCH_PATH]”, which is the search information in, is output to search path management section 108.

The DCF determination unit 106 determines whether or not to perform a DCF search unique to the camera file system based on the DCF information [DCF_INFO] given from the search information reading unit 104 based on the content of the description. SEARCH_FLAG = 0] "is described, and a DCF search is performed, the DCF
The processing information is notified to the file list creation processing unit 120.
Conversely, when “[SEARCH_FLAG = 1]” is described and the DCF search is not performed, the DCF determination unit 106
The non-processing information is notified to the search path management unit 108.

The search path management unit 108 is a processing unit that manages a file designation process for each search path described in the search information file 304. Search path management unit 10
8 specifies the contents of each search path as [[SERCH_PATH_
nnn] ”in the order specified by the number information nnn
Send to 110 in order.

The file designation processing unit 110 determines whether or not the directory designated by the directory exists in the information recording medium in accordance with the designation contents for each search path given from the search path management unit 108. Judgment is made based on the read directory structure content, and if it exists, the description content of the search path (information on the search mode, image format, and sort) in the search information is output to the file list creation processing unit 120.

The file list creation processing section 120 is a functional section for creating a file list 306 based on information notified from the file designation processing section 110. The file list creation processing unit 120 outputs the list data of the created file list 306 to the display processing unit 122, and also outputs a read instruction for reading an image file corresponding to the list data to the reading processing unit 100. In this case, when the target file is an image file including a reduced image such as a thumbnail, the file list creation processing unit 120 may generate a read instruction to read only the reduced image data.

According to the search information described in the search information file 304 shown in FIG. 9, the information recording media 400, 500 and 60 having the directory structures shown in FIGS.
0, the contents of the file list when the file list 306 was created, that is, list data 306a, 306b
And 306c are shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the list data 306a of the file list 306 created for the information recording medium 400 is a directory "\ Pictures \ * \ HighRes".
Image files "Image0001.jpg" and "Ima
ge0002.jpg "and" Image0003.jpg "are sorted and listed in ascending order by file name. The list data 306b of the file list 306 created for the information recording medium 500 has file names such as image files "Images \ 2000112 \ Image0001.jpg" stored in the directory "\ Images \" and all subdirectories under this directory. Are listed in ascending order.
File list 306 created for the information recording medium 600
List data of 306c, the directory "\ Images \ Ap
The image files "\ Images \ Pic001.jpg" and the like recorded in the directory, excluding the files in "li", are listed in ascending order by file name.

Referring back to FIG. 1, a file list creation processing unit
The display processing unit 122 connected to the output of the read processing unit 120
An image list is generated by inputting the image data output from the device 100, and the list image is displayed on the display screen of the monitor device. Further, based on the selection information provided from the print designation unit 124, the display processing unit 122 composites and displays an image corresponding to the operation state on an image list or the like. Display processing unit 122
Performs, for example, a cursor display according to the operation state or a selection display for distinguishing a selected image from a non-selected image. The display processing unit 122 displays many image files that can not be displayed in the image list so that many image files can be browsed by processing such as screen scrolling or page turning. As described above, the display processing unit 122 displays only the image files designated by the file list 306 from the group of image files recorded on the information recording medium on the display screen of the monitor device 14. The operator can check the presented image display, perform an operation of selecting an image file, and input printing conditions such as the number of prints and the print size for the selected image file. When the list data of the file list 306 is input from the file list creation processing unit 120, the display processing unit 122 has a list display function of displaying the image file name and its path in a character display, a tree display, or an icon display. And a list display of the image files is indicated by the file name. The list display by the thumbnail image and the list display by the file name can be switched by the operation information according to the operation of the operator.

The print designation section 124 generates selection information for selecting an image file to be printed, based on operation information generated in response to operations on input devices such as the touch panel 32, the keyboard 50, and the mouse 52. Print designation section
The output unit 124 outputs the generated selection information to the display processing unit 122 and the print processing unit 126, respectively. The selection information includes information indicating an operation state for instructing print execution after the image selection operation is completed. The print designation unit 124 outputs the generated selection information to the display processing unit 122 and the print processing unit 126.

The print processing unit 126 includes a print designation unit 12
Request information indicating a read instruction to read the image file specified by the selection information notified from the control unit 4 is output to the reading processing unit 100, and in response to this, the image file supplied from the reading processing unit 100 is converted into a printing condition. Is a processing unit that processes the print data according to. The print processing unit 126 performs correction processing functions such as gamma correction and color correction, and processes RGB data.
A conversion processing function for converting the data into YMCK data, and outputs the processed print data.

The print processing unit 126 may generate print data representing an image obtained by reducing and arranging a plurality of images of the same frame in accordance with the selection information. In this case, a plurality of stickers of the same image can be created simultaneously. As described above, it is possible to specify the output destination of the print data according to the operation information and the printing mode.

The print processing unit 126 is provided for the color printer 1
6. Print data can be output to the photo print system 18. Further, such print data and its image data can also be transferred to a Web server 60 connected via a dial-up router 46 connected to a network. In this case, processing such as image printing can be performed at the transfer destination of these data. Conversely, when the list image data is transferred to the terminal device connected to the network, the image list is displayed, and the image selection is performed on the terminal device side, the designation information sent from the terminal side is used. The image data may be input to the print processing unit 126, and the selected image data may be converted into print data and output.

In response to the selection information instructing the completion of the selection, the print processing unit 126 sequentially outputs the created print data to these output destination printing apparatuses.

The operation of the image processing system 10 according to the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 11, in step 1100, an input medium selection image for selecting a type of an information recording medium from which an image file is to be read from among a plurality of types of information recording media is displayed on the monitor device 14, and the operator When a selection operation is performed on the touch panel 32, the type is determined by the type determination unit 102 according to the operation state. In this type determination process, the type may be determined based on the medium information detected from the information recording medium when the information recording medium is mounted. The determined type information is sent to the search information reading unit 104.
Will be notified. In the search information reading unit 104, based on the type information, an information recording medium of a type desired to output an image is specified, and the search information file 304 corresponding to the specified information recording medium, for example, as shown in FIG. Is specified.

Next, at step 1110, an output form selection image for selecting a print output form is displayed on the monitor device 14. Here, the user selects whether to print the image data of the image file to be selected, register it in the optical disk recording system 44, or register it in the Web server 60 in accordance with the operation information by the operator. In this embodiment, an image output mode in which the selected image is printed out by the color printer 16 or the photographic print system 18 is selected.

When the input / output mode is determined in this way, the process proceeds to step 1120, where a message instructing the user to mount the information recording medium on the corresponding image data reading device is displayed on the monitor device 14. When the information recording medium is mounted on the corresponding image data reading apparatus in accordance therewith, the completion state of the mounting is recognized, and the directory structure is read out by the reading processing unit 100 and stored.

In the following step 1130, processing for displaying the image of the image file recorded on the information recording medium on the monitor device 14 is performed. In this image display processing, based on the search information file 304 corresponding to the information recording medium,
A file list 306 for displaying the image list is created, and according to the list data of the file list 306,
The image data is read from the information recording medium, and a list image corresponding to the plurality of read image data is displayed on the monitor device 14.

Here, the process of creating the file list 306 in step 1130 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. If the file list 306 has been created in step 1200, the list data is deleted. Is done. In the following step 1210, the search information file 304 specified in step 1100 is read from the fixed disk device 36, and the search information is stored and held in the search information reading unit 104.

In step 1220, when the DCF information in the search information is notified from the search information reading unit 104 to the DCF determination unit 106, the DCF information [DCF_INFO] is described as "SEARCH_FLAG = 1". From the judgment unit 106 to the search path management unit
108, the DCF non-processing information is notified.
From 30 proceed to step 1250. Conversely, DCF information [DCF_INFO]
Is described as "SEARCH_FLAG = 1", the DCF
The processing information is notified to the file list creation processing unit 120, and the process proceeds from step 1230 to step 1240.

The DCF information is stored in the file list creation processing unit 120.
In step 1240, the image files on the directory structure recorded based on the DCF standard are specified for the directory structure stored in the reading processing unit 100, and the paths and files of the image files are specified. The name is additionally recorded as list data in the file list 306, and the process proceeds to step 1250.

In step 1250 following step 1230 or step 1240, the value “001” is set to the register nnn in the search path management unit 108, and the following step 1260
Then, the number of directory paths indicated by [SERCH_PATH] included in the DCF non-processing information is confirmed. In this case "COUNT = 3"
Therefore, the value "3" is set in the register COUNT, and the flow advances to step 1270.

In step 1270, it is determined whether or not the value held in the register COUNT exceeds the value "0". If the value is exceeded, the process proceeds to step 1300 shown in FIG. If the value does not exceed the value "0", and if the held value is the value "0", the processing for all search paths has been completed, and the file list creation processing ends.

At step 1300, the search path management unit 108 checks the description contents of the search path corresponding to the value held in the register nnn. In this case, when the held value of the register nnn is the value "001", the description content of [SERCH_PATH_001] is referred to. When the held value is the value "002",
The description of [SERCH_PATH_002] is referenced, and the held value is the value "0"
In the case of "03", the description content of [SERCH_PATH_003] is referred to.

At step 1310, it is determined whether or not the search mode in the referenced search path is the value "1". If the value is "1", the process proceeds to step 1320, where the directory The image file name and the path in the directory specified by the name [DirName] are additionally written in the file list 306.

If it is determined in step 1310 that the search mode is not "1", the flow advances to step 1330 to determine whether or not the search mode is "2". Value "2"
If this is the case, the process proceeds to step 1340, where the image file name in the directory specified by the directory name [DirName] and its path are deleted as candidates for entry in the file list, and registered in the file list 306. Not done.

If it is determined in step 1330 that the search mode is not the value "2", the flow advances to step 1350 to determine whether the search mode is the value "3". Value "3"
If this is the case, the flow advances to step 1360 to add the image file name and its path in the directory specified by the directory name [DirName] and all its subdirectories to the file list 306.

If the search mode is not "3" in step 1350, the process proceeds to step 1370, where the image file names in the directory specified by the directory name [DirName] and all its subdirectories And the path is deleted as a candidate for entry in the file list, and is not registered in the file list 306.

When the process of designating and deleting image files for a group of search paths is completed, the process proceeds to step 1380, where the value "1" is added to the value held in the register nnn, and the value held in the register COUNT is held. Value to value "
1 "is subtracted.

When the updating process for each register is completed, the process returns to step 1270 shown in FIG.
The registration and deletion of the file list 306 are performed in accordance with the contents described in the search path corresponding to the held value of nnn.

When the process of creating the file list 306 is completed for all search paths described in the search information file, the file lists 306a, 306b or 306c are created according to the information recording medium as shown in FIG. Is done.

When a plurality of search information files 306 are recorded, each search information file 304
The file list 306 is further created on the basis of the search information in.

Returning to FIG. 11, in the image display processing in step 1130, the image files corresponding to the list data are sequentially read out to the reading processing unit 100 in accordance with the file list 306 created as described above. The read image data is transferred to the display processing unit 122. The image data input to the display processing unit 122 is subjected to reduction processing as necessary, is converted into display data for displaying an image list, and is then output to the monitor device 14.

When the image list is displayed, the images that cannot be displayed on the screen are switched by the page feed or the screen switching operation from the images displayed so far, and are displayed. In the display processing unit 122, an image frame indicating that an image is selected, image data indicating a selection button, and the like are created, and are recorded along with the frame number of the image, the file name, and the image file. Information such as a time stamp and shooting information is displayed.

Further, on the monitor screen, a designation window for designating the number of prints of the selected frame, the print size, etc., and an increase / decrease operation button and a print execution button are displayed.

Further, when the list data is notified from the file list creation processing section 120 to the display processing section 122, display data representing a character image representing the list data is created and displayed on the monitor. The display mode of these information can be changed by selecting or switching desired information according to the operation.

When the images of each frame of the image file recorded on the information recording medium are automatically selected and displayed according to the file list 306 created based on the search information file 304, the process proceeds to step 1140. Advance,
The frame for which you want to print an image is selected according to the operation,
The image file of the selected frame is specified.

When a desired image is designated from many image files in this manner, the process proceeds to step 1150 in response to the operation of the print execution button, and the image files corresponding to the selected images are sequentially read into the print processing unit. The output and read image data is converted into print data. The generated print data is output to an output device such as a designated color printer 16 or a photographic print system 18.

In this case, image data or print data may be output to the optical disk recording system or Web server according to the operation information. For example, when display data or the like is sent to the Web server 60, a print image can be selected by another device 12 or the like that can access the network. In this case, by arranging a plurality of computer devices 12 in a desired area, it is possible to print the selected images collectively by, for example, the photo print system 18.

When all the designated images are printed out, the display processing section 122 displays a message indicating the completion of printing, returns to the initial screen for selecting an input recording medium, and waits for processing on another information recording medium. Becomes

As described above, the image files recorded in the specific directory of the information recording medium are displayed on the screen in accordance with the description contents of the search information file 304, and a desired image file is selected from the image files and printed. Can be specified. The search information in the search information file 304 includes a description of a plurality of search modes and directory designation in each search mode, and the computer apparatus 12 stores a target image in a file list based on the content of the search information. , The images from which unnecessary images have been excluded can be displayed as recorded images in the information recording medium. Since this search information is created as an external parameter file of the print application program 302, the description of the search information can be easily corrected even when an information recording medium adopting a file system with a different directory structure appears. Can be
By using the changed or newly created search information file, a desired image can be output even on a recording medium having a new structure. In this case, there is no need to modify the print application program 302 by applying a patch or the like, and it is not necessary to purchase a new one.

The search information file 304 may be recorded on an information recording medium on which an image file is recorded. In this case, the computer 12 searches for the presence or absence of the search information file 304 before the search. , File list 306
Is performed to display the image list. Also, the search information file 304 is connected via a network.
It is stored in a web server or in the photo print system 18, and is read out from these files each time it is used, and the
306 may be created. Thus, the search information file
The storage location of 304 can be stored in any storage medium.

The image search in the above embodiment is not limited to the case where printing is designated. For example, a desired file among image files recorded on the information recording medium is automatically selected according to the description of the search information file 304, and is selected. The group of image files can be copied or moved to another information recording medium at once. Further, the present invention is not limited to such processing. For example, even when an image file format is collectively converted to another file format, the target image file can be easily selected.

In these cases, a search information file corresponding to the processing is created, and an image file recorded in a specific layer can be arbitrarily selected automatically. Therefore, unnecessary image files are selected and displayed. Is prevented.

Although the above embodiment uses half-width alphanumeric characters and symbols, the search information file 304 may be created using kana characters and katakana. Of course, the same applies to the case where double-byte characters are used for a directory name or the like.

In the above embodiment, an image list displaying a plurality of reduced images is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an image for each frame is sequentially switched to the next frame for display. The presence or absence of printing may be designated for each frame.

Further, without generating print data in the computer device 12, the selected image data is transferred from the computer device 12 to, for example, a photographic print system 18 via a network, and the transfer destination print system 18 transmits the selected image data. The print data can be converted into print data and a print image can be output. In this case, the computer device 12 functions as a print order receiving device for receiving a print order and performing collective printing at a print output destination. Therefore, the computer device 12 and its connection device
The print order system receives a print order and sends a designated image file or the like to the print processing system. In this case, the computer device 12 can be installed in a store, and the photographic print system 18 can be installed in a lab, for example. Prints (photos) created in the lab can be delivered to print reception shops and customers using existing photo delivery routes and courier services.

When processing is performed on an information recording medium having an unknown directory structure, it is needless to say that a function of displaying a list of file names recorded in all directories and selecting a desired image file is provided. In this case, the computer device 12 can create search information for the directory configuration of the information recording medium and accumulate the search information file. In this case, the created search information file can be distributed to other computer devices 12 connected to the network. As a result, it is possible to quickly cope with a new type of information recording medium.

[0100]

As described above, according to the present invention, the image display is performed for the image files listed according to the search information file created according to the directory structure of various recording media. Can be done automatically. Even when a plurality of image files having different image sizes are recorded for the same image, it is possible to prevent the same image from being repeatedly read. In addition, since the description in the search information file can be easily edited, it is possible to add a directory structure in a recording format of a new information recording medium to cope with the problem. At this time, there is no need to modify the processing program itself.

Since a file list is created based on the search information file and the image file is read out based on the list data, the image file is read out by a processing program created specifically for the file format of each information recording medium. The same processing as the processing can be automatically performed. Therefore, a dedicated processing program does not read image files unnecessary for the processing, but the application program and the search information file can prevent the unnecessary image file from being read, similarly to the dedicated processing program. it can. In addition to having a function of preventing unnecessary image reading, it also effectively copes with active reading of required image files.

As described above, desired image information can be selected from the image information selected and narrowed down in advance and displayed according to the description contents of the search information file, and necessary image information can be output. In this case, since the image information can be converted into print data and an image corresponding to the image information can be printed out, a print order can be efficiently received. Also, the selected image information can be sent to a desired destination.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a computer processing device illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an image processing system to which the present invention has been applied.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing information stored in a fixed disk device.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a directory configuration and an example of image file arrangement on a specific information recording medium.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a directory configuration and an example of image file arrangement on a specific information recording medium.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a directory configuration and an example of an image file arrangement in a specific information recording medium.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a directory configuration example and image file arrangement corresponding to the camera file system standard.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing designated contents described in a search information file.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a search information file.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of a file list created for each information recording medium.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image processing system in the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a file list creation operation in the image display processing.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a file list creation operation in the image display processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Image processing system 12 Computer device 14 Monitor device 16 Color printer 18 Photo print system 36 Fixed disk device (HDD) 100 Reading processing unit 104 Search information reading unit 108 Search path management unit 110 File designation processing unit 120 File list creation processing unit 122 Display processing unit 124 Print designation unit 126 Print processing unit 302 Print application program 304 Search information file 306 File list

Claims (32)

[Claims] 1. Image information is read from various information recording media on which image information is recorded in various directory structures and output to a monitor, and desired image information is output from the output image information according to an operation. In the image processing apparatus for selecting and outputting, the apparatus includes: a reading unit configured to read the image information from the information recording medium; a storage unit configured to store a search information file including search information for searching the image information; Search information reading means for reading the search information; file designating means for designating image information according to the search information; list creation for creating a file list for outputting the image information designated by the file designating means Means for displaying image information read from the information recording medium based on the file list so as to be displayed on a monitor. Selecting means for selecting image information corresponding to operation information generated by being operated according to the image information output from the display processing means; and storing the image information selected by the selecting means in the information recording medium. And an image output means for processing the image information and outputting the processed image information. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit describes a first mode for designating a directory on the information recording medium and a second mode for designating a directory to be excluded. Search information including a search path is stored, and the list creation unit confirms the record information of the information recording medium corresponding to the description content of the search path, and creates a file list according to the confirmation result. Image processing apparatus. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the description of the first mode is search information for specifying image information in a directory specified by the search path. Processing equipment. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the description of the first mode is a search that specifies image information in a directory specified by the search path and in all subdirectories under the directory. An image processing apparatus characterized by being information. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the description of the second mode is search information for specifying image information in a directory specified by the search path. Processing equipment. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the description of the second mode is a search that specifies image information in a directory specified by the search path and in all subdirectories under the directory. An image processing apparatus characterized by being information. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the search information file includes search information describing a plurality of search paths respectively corresponding to a plurality of information recording media; An image processing apparatus for designating image information based on each of the search paths. 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the search information file is a plurality of search information files in which search paths corresponding to respective types of a plurality of information recording media are described. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said file designating means designates image information based on a plurality of search information files. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the search information is described in a text format. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a unit that edits the search information. 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus recognizes recording information on an information recording medium formed in a directory having a specific structure, and stores the information under a directory having the specific structure. An image processing apparatus for outputting recorded image information to a monitor. 12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the apparatus displays image information on an information recording medium formed in a directory having a specific structure,
An image processing apparatus, wherein image information corresponding to a file list created according to the search information is read from the information recording medium and output to a monitor. 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the directory having the specific structure has a directory structure based on a standardized file system. 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus outputs, on a monitor, thumbnail images included in image information corresponding to the contents of the file list. 15. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus outputs a list image of a file name according to the contents of the file list on a monitor. 16. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus switches between a list display with a thumbnail image according to the contents of the file list and a list display with a file name according to an operation. An image processing apparatus characterized in that the image is output to a monitor. 17. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image output means prints out image information selected and confirmed by monitor output. 18. An image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image output means transfers image information confirmed and selected by monitor output to another processing system via a network. Image processing device. 19. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the search information is divided by number information that specifies the order in which the image information is listed in the file list, and each search information is a plurality of search information. Each of the plurality of search items includes a directory name for specifying a target directory, a plurality of search modes for defining a range of the directory, and an image for specifying an image file format of the image information. An image processing apparatus, wherein the file designating means designates image information matching the image format by a combination of the directory name and the search mode. 20. The image processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of search items further include a sort specification that defines an output order of the specified image information, and the list creation unit includes the sort specification. An image processing apparatus that lists the designated image information in a file list in an order according to the content of the file list, and wherein the display processing unit outputs the image information in the order described in the file list. 21. The image processing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the sort designation indicates a file name order of the image information. 22. The image processing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the sort designation indicates an order of date and time information of the image information. 23. Image information is read from various information recording media on which image information is recorded in various directory structures and output to a monitor, and desired image information is output from the output image information according to an operation. In an image search and output method of selecting and outputting, the method includes specifying a directory in a specific range of the information recording medium,
Preparing a search information file instructing whether or not to register the image information in the specified directory range; and outputting the image information recorded on the target information recording medium according to the description of the search information file. Creating a file list for causing the file list to be read; reading image information specified by the file list from an information recording medium; displaying image information read from the information recording medium; and displaying the image information. A step of selecting desired image information in accordance with an operation from among the above, and a step of reading and outputting the selected image information from the information recording medium, and outputting the image information. 24. The image search and output method according to claim 23, wherein the search information file is divided by number information that specifies the order in which the image information is listed in the file list, and each search information is a plurality of pieces. Each of the plurality of search items specifies a directory name for specifying a target directory, a plurality of search modes for defining a range of the directory, and an image file format of the image information. And generating a file list that specifies image information that matches the image format, based on a combination of the directory name and the search mode. 25. The image search and output method according to claim 24, wherein the plurality of search items further include a sort specification that defines an output order of the specified image information, and the plurality of search items correspond to contents of the sort specification. An image search and output method, wherein the specified image information is listed in a file list in order, and the image information is output in the order described in the file list. 26. The image search and output method according to claim 25, wherein the sort designation indicates a file name order of the image information. 27. The image search and output method according to claim 25, wherein the sort designation indicates an order of date and time information of the image information. 28. The image search and output method according to claim 23, wherein the search information file has a first mode for designating a directory on the information recording medium and a second mode for designating a directory to be excluded. An image search and output method, wherein a search path describing the search path is described, and record information of the information recording medium corresponding to the description content of the search path is confirmed, and a file list is created according to the confirmation result. 29. The image search and output method according to claim 28, wherein the description of the first mode specifies image information in a directory specified by the search path. . 30. The image search and output method according to claim 28, wherein the description of the first mode specifies image information in a directory specified by the search path and in all subdirectories under the directory. An image search and output method, characterized in that: 31. The image search and output method according to claim 28, wherein the description of the second mode specifies image information in a directory specified by the search path. . 32. The image search and output method according to claim 28, wherein the description of the second mode specifies image information in a directory specified by the search path and in all subdirectories under the directory. An image search and output method, characterized in that: