JP2002149458A - Information processor and image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor which can execute information processing by efficiently extracting a file of a specific file format stored in a memory card by various kinds of writer equipments. SOLUTION: At the time of executing a prescribed information processing by reading a file from a portable storage medium having at least one directory for storing a file of a specific file format and a directory 9 for storing a file of an arbitrary file format, a file having the specific file format is extracted form both of the directory for storing the specific format file and the directory 9 for storing the arbitrary format file.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an image processing apparatus for reading digital data stored in a portable storage medium such as a memory card and performing predetermined processing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A digital still camera (hereinafter, referred to as "DSC") capable of taking a still image and a digital video camera (hereinafter, "DV") capable of taking a still image and a moving image.
With the rapid spread of digital photographing devices such as C), small memory cards have been widely used. The same type of memory card is also used for a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as "PC"), and data can be shared between the DSC, DVC, and PC. Since the memory card is used by both the digital photographing device and the PC as described above, the memory card includes the DOS (DISK OPERATION SYS) of the PC.
(TEM).

Recently, not only the above-mentioned DSC and DVC, but also contents such as music data and image data distributed via the Internet using a PC are stored in a memory card, and these are reproduced by a reproduction device dedicated to each content. It is possible to read and play music, images, and print.

In response to the increase in the types of contents stored in the memory card as described above, it is desired that content files having various formats be efficiently stored in the memory card and used effectively.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a directory structure of a memory card. Hereinafter, the directory structure of the memory card and the operation of the conventional information processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 12, 1 is a root directory, 2 is a directory for storing a file in a text file format such as a text format, and 3 is a directory for storing a file in a still image file format such as an Exif format. .

[0007] These directories are operated based on the rule that only files having a predetermined specific file format must be stored, and constitute a specific format file storage directory group 4.

These directories are devices having a function of writing files (hereinafter referred to as "writer devices").
Is generated by the writer device when a directory does not exist when a specific format file is written to the memory card.

For example, if the writer device is an e-mail terminal, when storing the received e-mail document file in a memory card, a FAT (File Allocation) is used.
Table), a text file storage directory 2 which is one of the specific format file storage directory group 4 is generated.

[0010] Similarly, if the writer device is a DSC or a DVC, when the Exif format file is stored in the memory card, if the corresponding directory does not exist, it is one of the specific format file storage directory group 4. A still image file storage directory 3 is generated.

[0011] Further, for example, M distributed by an application running on a PC via the Internet.
When music data such as P3 is stored in the memory card, a music file storage directory is generated (not shown).

A writer device such as a DSC, a DVC, an E-mail terminal, or a PC does not create a new directory if a directory for storing a file already exists.

Each writer device assigns a file name to the file based on a predetermined rule, and stores the file in an existing or newly created directory.

On the other hand, a file stored in the memory card is extracted and, for example, an information processing apparatus for performing image processing and audio processing (hereinafter referred to as a "reader apparatus" in order to correspond to the above-mentioned "writer apparatus"). ) Accesses a specific directory of the specific format file storage directory group 4, extracts a file of a specific file format that can be handled by the reader device, and executes predetermined information processing.

For example, if the reader device is an information processing device suitable for reproducing a binary image, such as a thermal printer, the text file storage directory 2 which is one of the specific format file storage directories 4 is stored in the text format. Take out the file and print it.

If the reader device is an information processing device suitable for forming a multi-valued image such as a video printer, a still image file storage directory 3 which is one of a specific format file storage directory group 4 is used. Extract and print an Exif format file.

If the reader device is an information processing device suitable for music reproduction, such as an audio player, a music file storage directory (not shown), which is one of the specific format file storage directories 4, is read from the MP3. Extract music files and play music.

[0018]

As described above, a writer device that generates a file in a specific format only needs to store a file in a specific format in a directory for storing a specific format file corresponding to each content.

However, for example, mobile phones and PHS (Per
Sonal Handy phone System)
And other portable terminals (hereinafter, collectively referred to as "portable devices"), which can obtain various contents via the Internet, for example, can store content files received as e-mail attachments. In order to store the received file in a directory corresponding to the specific file format, the file format of the received file must be determined and stored in a directory for each specific format file such as text, still image, and music. This is extremely difficult in terms of processing time and resources required for discrimination in consideration of hardware and software resources that can be mounted on a portable device at present.

When a file in a new format is transmitted / received in the future, there is no directory to be stored (because the file format is unknown, a directory for storing a specific format file may be newly generated). No), the mobile device has to discard the received content file.

In view of such a situation, an arbitrary format file storage directory for storing files of an arbitrary file format is provided in the same hierarchy as the specific format file storage directory shown in FIG. For example, a method has been proposed in which a writer device whose received file format is unspecified stores the received file in this arbitrary format file storage directory.

However, even if a directory capable of storing a file in an arbitrary file format is provided on the memory card, a reader device that reads the file from the memory card and performs predetermined information processing will not be able to store the file in the arbitrary format. Since a file of a specific file format cannot be read from the directory, there is a problem that a content file such as an attached file received by the mobile device cannot be effectively used.

[0023]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, the present invention provides at least one specific format file storage directory for storing files of a specific file format, and an optional format for storing files of an arbitrary file format. From a portable storage medium having a file storage directory,
When a file is read and predetermined information processing is performed, a file having a specific file format is extracted from both the directory for storing a specific format file and the directory for storing an arbitrary format file.

Thus, for example, a writer device such as a DSC or DVC in which the file format of the output file is specified can specify the Exif format file stored in the specific format file storage directory and the file format of the received file. Writer devices such as mobile phones, PHSs, and other mobile terminals, for both Exif format files stored in the arbitrary format file storage directory,
For example, the attached file received by the portable device can be effectively used, for example, the file is reproduced and printed out by a reader device such as a video printer.

[0025]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention according to claim 1 is for storing at least one specific format file storage directory for storing a file of a specific file format, and for storing an arbitrary format file for storing a file of an arbitrary file format. An information processing apparatus which reads a file from a portable storage medium having a directory for performing predetermined information processing and reads a file from both a directory for storing a specific format file and a directory for storing an arbitrary format file. It has a file extracting means for extracting a file having the file. Thus, the content stored in the memory card can be effectively used regardless of the type of the writer device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, predetermined processing is performed on a file having a specific file format extracted by the file extracting means, based on the file format of the extracted file. As a result, the file of the specific file format extracted from the memory card can be printed by, for example, a printer or played by an audio player.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the file extracting means extracts a file of a specific file format based on a file extension. This makes it possible to easily extract file candidates that can be reproduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the file extracting means extracts a file of a specific file format based on the internal structure of the file. This makes it possible to accurately extract playable file candidates.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the extraction means extracts a file of a specific file format through a plurality of extraction steps. As a result, it is possible to narrow down the candidates at a high speed and accurately determine whether or not the narrowed down candidates can be reproduced.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input means for inputting an extraction condition of a file, and the file extraction means selects an extraction condition among files of a specific file format based on the extraction condition input by the input means. Is extracted. By setting the date and time when the file was created as an extraction condition,
The target file can be efficiently extracted.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an input means for inputting a file extraction condition, and the file extraction means selects, based on the extraction condition input by the input means, an extraction condition of a file of a specific file format. Is extracted, and a predetermined process is performed based on the file format of the extracted file. Thus, for example, by setting the date and time when the file was generated as an extraction condition, a target file is efficiently extracted, and information processing for printing and information processing for music playback are automatically performed. be able to.

According to the invention described in claim 8, the file extracting means performs primary extraction based on the file extension, and performs the extraction process again based on the internal structure of the file extracted in the primary extraction. It is characterized in that a file of a specific file format is extracted, and the load on the CPU involved in the file extraction process can be reduced by performing the file extraction process in a plurality of stages.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, at least one directory for storing a file of a specific file format for storing a file of a specific file format and a directory for storing a file of an arbitrary format for storing a file of an arbitrary file format are provided. An image processing apparatus that reads a file from a portable storage medium and performs predetermined information processing, from both a file storage directory having a file format dedicated to image information and an arbitrary format file storage directory,
An image processing apparatus comprising a file extracting means for extracting a file having a file format of image information, wherein an image capable of effectively utilizing contents stored in a memory card, as in the invention according to claim 1. A processing device can be provided.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the file extension is set to JP from a directory for storing an arbitrary format file.
An image processing apparatus comprising: a file extracting unit that extracts a G or jpg file, checks the internal structure of the extracted file, and extracts an Exif format file. , The load on the CPU involved in the processing can be reduced.

The eleventh aspect of the present invention relates to the extracted E
This is an image processing apparatus provided with a means for printing a file in xif format based on input from an operator, and can take out only an image desired by the operator from a memory card and print out the image.

(Embodiment 1) An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Directory Structure of Memory Card> FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a directory structure of a memory card in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, 5 is a root directory, 6 is a text file storage directory for storing text format files such as TEXT format, and 7 is a still image file storage for storing still image file format such as Exif format. Directory. The directory 6 for storing the text file and the directory 7 for storing the still image file, and the directory for storing other files of a specific file format which are not explicitly shown, constitute a directory group 8 for storing a specific format file. On the other hand, 9
Is an arbitrary format file storage directory capable of storing files of an arbitrary file format.

A directory group 8 for storing a specific format such as a directory 6 for storing a text file and a directory 7 for storing a still image file, and a directory 9 for storing an arbitrary format file are provided immediately below the root directory 5. However, this is because FAT (File Al
This is a measure for minimizing the overhead of following a pointer when accessing a file stored in each directory with reference to a location table, and improving the efficiency of file search and the like.

Further, when the content of the content stored in the memory card mounted on the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment is to be confirmed using a PC or the like, a specific format provided for each type of content is used. File storage directory group 8 and arbitrary format file storage directory 9
Can be quickly opened on the monitor screen.

Further, a directory group 8 for storing a specific format including a directory 6 for storing a text file and a directory 7 for storing a still image file, and a directory 9 for storing an arbitrary format file are arranged in the same hierarchy. Has become. This also has the effect of improving the operability of the user, because when the directory contents are checked using a PC or the like, the directories at the same hierarchy are displayed simultaneously in the same window.

The specific format file storage directory group 8 corresponds to various contents whose file formats are predetermined. In FIG. 1, a text file storage directory 6 and a still image file storage directory 7 are stored. Although explicitly shown, other music files such as MP3 format, moving image files such as MPEG format, TIF
A directory for storing a print document file such as the F format, a sound source file such as the MIDI format, a sound file such as the ADPCM format, and the like can be provided independently (not shown).

On the other hand, the arbitrary format file storage directory 9 cannot be stored in all the file formats that can be stored in the specific format file storage directory group 8 and the specific format file storage directory group 8 (non-standard). ) Stores a file in an arbitrary file format.

<Storing Files in Directory for Storing Specific Format Files> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the DSC, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a file storage state in a memory card by the DSC. There are various types of writer devices that store files in the memory card, but for simplicity of description, a DSC is assumed to be a writer device, and the DSC is identified using FIG. 2 and FIG. A process of storing a file in the still image file storage directory 7 which is one of the format file storage directories 8 will be described.

First, the configuration and operation of the DSC will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 denotes a DSC main body.
Reference numeral 11 denotes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), which converts an optical image formed on the surface of the CCD via a lens unit (not shown) or the like into an analog level signal. Reference numeral 12 denotes an A / D converter, which converts an analog level signal output from the CCD into a digital image signal.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a digital signal processing circuit.
The digital image signal output from the / D converter 12 is separated into a luminance signal and a color difference signal, and dynamic range adjustment, color correction, pre-processing of image compression / decompression, and the like are performed. 14 is compression /
A decompression circuit that performs DCT / inverse DCT operation and Huffman encoding / decoding in order to perform JPEG-compliant compression / decompression.

Reference numeral 15 denotes a CPU, which is a flash memory 1
6. The operation of each part of the DSC is controlled according to the program stored in 6. 17 is a DRAM, which is a compression / expansion circuit 1
The image data compressed in step 4 is temporarily stored. Also D
Part of the area of the RAM 17 is allocated as a work area of the CPU 15.

Reference numeral 18 denotes a group of operation buttons including a shutter. The pressed state of the operation button 18 by the user is detected by the CPU 15, and based on the pressed state, the CPU 15 executes each operation of the DSC according to a predetermined sequence. Control.

Reference numeral 19 denotes an LCD driver, which outputs a signal for driving the display panel 20 and also outputs the CCD 1
1 to monitor an optical image input thereto and display an image stored in a memory card 25 described below.

Reference numeral 24 denotes a memory card slot, into which a removable memory card 25 can be inserted.
Reference numeral 26 denotes a memory card controller which controls the memory card 25 inserted in the memory card slot 24.
The access from the CPU 15 is controlled, and the image file converted into the Exif format which is the standard of the image file is stored in the still image file storage directory 7 of the memory card 25.

Next, the process of storing image data captured by the DSC in the memory card 25 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG.

First, an optical image formed on the surface of the CCD 11 through an optical system such as a lens (not shown)
After being converted into an analog level signal in step 1, the signal is input to the A / D converter 12 and converted into a digital image signal.

The converted digital image signal is subjected to various corrections such as white balance adjustment and color correction by a digital signal processing circuit 13 and then converted into a YCbCr signal, which is a luminance / color difference separation signal, via a main bus. And stored in the DRAM 17 once.

The YCbCr signal stored in the DRAM 17 is transferred to the compression / expansion circuit 14 via the main bus and is compressed according to a JPEG sequence. On the other hand, the CPU 15 samples the original image to generate a thumbnail image of a predetermined size, which is also transferred to the image compression / decompression circuit via the main bus, and
It is compressed by a G-system sequence. The image data obtained by compressing the original image and the thumbnail image is stored in the DRAM again.
17 is stored.

Next, the CPU 15 executes the JPE on the DRAM 17
For G-compressed files, thumbnail images, shooting date and time information, camera model information,
Information such as shooting conditions is added together with a tag to generate an Exif format file.

Next, the CPU 15 accesses the memory card 25 via the memory card controller 26, and determines a predetermined area (memory management area) of the memory card 25.
(File Allocation)
Table 100A, a directory 100A provided under the still image file storage directory 7 is referred to.
Search BCDE (30).

At this point, the still image file storage directory 7 and / or the directory 100 ABCD
If E (30) does not exist, a new directory 7 for storing still image files and / or a new directory 1
00ABCDE (30) is newly generated. The directory 100ABCDE (30) is a directory having a name unique to each DSC maker, and the DSC stores an Exif format file 31 to which a file name is added in the order of photographing under the directory 100ABCDE (30). I will do it.

That is, every time the user presses the shutter button of the DSC, the ABCD000 of the Exif format file is
1. JPG (31a), ABCD0002. JPG (3
1b) to ABCDnnnn. The JPG (31f) is sequentially stored in the directory 100ABCDE (30) under the still image file storage directory 7.

<Storing Files in Directory for Storing Files of Arbitrary Format>
There are many writer devices, such as HSs and mobile terminals, whose file formats of files to be handled (output) are unspecified. Hereinafter, a process in which such a writer device stores a file in a memory card will be described with reference to FIGS.
For the sake of simplicity, the following description will continue on the assumption of a mobile phone.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the mobile phone, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the mobile phone stores a file in a memory card.

First, the configuration and operation of the mobile phone will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 40 denotes a portable telephone body.
Reference numeral 41 denotes a CPU, which controls the entire system of the mobile phone according to a program stored in the flash memory A46a. The flash memory A46a stores permanent data such as character fonts for display and animation data of display characters in addition to programs. The flash memory B46b stores received e-mail data, received attached file data, and updatable data based on personal management such as a telephone number book and a memo book.

Reference numeral 42 denotes an antenna, which has an expandable and contractable structure for efficiently transmitting and receiving radio waves to and from the base station.
Reference numeral 43 denotes a radio unit, which performs impedance matching and transmission / reception switching for efficiently performing transmission / reception to the antenna 42, converts a received signal from the base station into a signal of a local transmission frequency, and then demodulates the signal. It has a reception function of outputting a demodulated signal to the CPU 41 and a transmission function of modulating a signal output from the CPU 41, converting the signal to a predetermined radio frequency, and transmitting the signal to the base station via the antenna 42.

Reference numeral 44 denotes a microphone, which converts sound into a sound signal. Reference numeral 45 denotes a receiver which converts a received audio signal into a sound using an earphone, a speaker, or the like, and outputs the sound. Reference numeral 47 denotes a ringer / vibe, which notifies the user that a voice call or an e-mail from another person transmitted via the base station has been received.

Reference numeral 48 denotes a serial port, which is used, for example, when exchanging an e-mail transmission / reception history with an external PC (not shown).

Reference numeral 49 denotes an operation button including a power switch. The operation button 49 has function keys such as a kana key, an alphanumeric key, and a symbol, and performs operations at the time of calling and registration / editing of a telephone number.

An SRAM 50 is used as a work area of the CPU 41.

Reference numeral 51 denotes an LCD driver.
The display panel 52 displays various information such as a telephone number, an e-mail document, an image received as an attached file, and the like stored in the flash memory B46b based on the display instruction of.
To control the display.

Reference numeral 53 denotes a memory card slot, into which a removable memory card 54 can be inserted.
Reference numeral 55 denotes a memory card controller which controls the memory card 54 inserted into the memory card slot 53.
The access from the CPU 41 is controlled.

Hereinafter, the process of storing the file received by the mobile phone as an attached file of E-mail in the memory card 54 will be described with reference to FIGS.

While waiting for an e-mail to be received,
When an e-mail transmitted from the provider arrives via the base station, the ringer / vibe 47 notifies the user that the e-mail has arrived. The user operates the operation button 49 to perform an e-mail receiving operation from the caller. By this operation, the e-mail data and the attached file are received by the CPU 41, and the CPU 41 stores them in the flash memory B4.
6b.

Next, based on the operation of the operation button 49 by the user, the CPU 41 interprets the e-mail data stored in the flash memory B 46b, expands the character font stored in the flash memory A 46a together with the Transfer to the driver 51. Thus, the content of the e-mail is displayed on the display panel 52, and the user can check the content of the e-mail.

Further, based on the operation of the operation button 49,
The CPU 41 expands the attached file data stored in the flash memory B 46b and transfers it to the LCD driver 51. Here, if the file format of the attached file is not a predetermined file format that can be expanded by the mobile phone, a message such as “not displayable” is displayed on the display panel 52. If the attached file is a file format that can be expanded by the mobile phone (for example, BMP format), the CPU 4
1 is transferred to the LCD driver 51 and displayed on the display panel 52. Thus, the user can check the content of the attached file transmitted from the other person.

Here, when the user attempts to store the received attached file data in the memory card 54, the CP
U41 accesses the memory card 54 via the memory card controller 55 based on the instruction of the operation button 49 by the user, and the FAT (FiN) arranged in a predetermined area (memory management area) of the memory card 54.
The directory 100_IMEX (60) provided under the arbitrary format file storage directory 9 is searched for with reference to the “le Allocation Table” area.

At this point, the directory 9 for storing an arbitrary format file and / or the directory 100_IM
If the EX (60) does not exist, a directory 9 for storing an arbitrary format file and / or a directory 100_IMEX (60) is newly generated.

The CPU 41 stores a directory 100_IMEX under the directory 9 for storing an arbitrary format file.
(60), EFGH0032. JPG (61
a), Toyomura. GIF (61b), Suga
uchi. Like the TIF (61c), the received attached file is written without changing the file name.
If a file having the same file name already exists in the directory 100_IMEX (60), the CP
U41 indicates "the file having the same name exists" on the display panel 52.
Is displayed, and the user selects whether to overwrite or change the file name of the newly written file.

When the storage of the file in the memory card 54 is completed, the CPU 41 sets the flash memory B 46 in accordance with the sequence set in advance by the user.
The original file on b is left as it is or deleted.

When deleting the attached file stored in the flash memory B46b, the E-mail document file to which the file is attached may be deleted at the same time, or after a warning message is issued to the user. Only the attached file may be deleted. Of course, these operation designations can be stored in the flash memory B 46b as user setting parameters.

In general, hardware resources and software resources of a mobile phone are limited by power supply capacity and size, and it is difficult to provide a performance equivalent to that of a PC, for example. Therefore, it is difficult to interpret all the file formats of the attached file received by the mobile phone and to reliably store the file format in a specific format file storage directory group 8 such as a still image file storage directory 7 and a text file storage directory 6. Furthermore, considering that new file formats are increasing recently, it can be said that it is hopeless to determine all the file formats of the received attached file.

Until now, when an unplayable file was attached to a mobile phone, the user had to delete it.
By storing the file in the arbitrary format file storage directory 9 formed on the memory card 54, even if the file cannot be reproduced by the mobile phone, the file can be transferred via the memory card 54 to, for example, a PC or another reader device. It becomes possible to reproduce.

In this case, if the reader device searches only the directory 9 for storing an arbitrary format file in addition to the directory group 8 for storing a specific format file in which files of the file format that can be reproduced by the reader device are stored, From the files stored in the memory card 54, all files that can be played by the reader device can be extracted. This eliminates the need for the reader device to search all the directories on the memory card, so that it is possible to efficiently extract reproducible files.

<Extraction of Files from Specific Format File Storage Directory and Arbitrary Format File Storage Directory> As described above, a file of a predetermined specific file format such as DSC is generated, and this is stored in a memory card. The writer device that stores the generated file in the specific format file storage directory.

A writer device, such as a mobile phone, which receives a file of an unspecified file format as an attached file and stores the file in a memory card stores the received file in a directory for storing a file of an arbitrary format.

As described above, since there are two types of writer devices, for example, a DS
In some cases, an Exif format file whose root is C exists in a specific format file storage directory, and an Exif format file transmitted as an attached file by another person exists in an arbitrary format file storage directory.

Hereinafter, the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described in detail using a printer as an example.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a printer suitable for applying the information processing apparatus according to the present invention.

In FIG. 6, the printer main body 70 includes a power supply board, a control board, a printer engine, and the like. The printer body 70 has a memory card 71.
Can be attached and detached, and image data stored in the memory card 71 can be read and printed.

Display panel 72 provided in printer body 70
Displays image data read from the memory card 71 attached to the printer main body 70 and various setting items of the printer main body 70 (for example, image quality adjustment and designation of the number of prints).

The printer main body 70 has an item switching button 73a, 73b to be pressed when switching various setting items of the printer main body 70, and a directory switching button 73 for changing a search directory of the memory card 71.
c, an input switch button 73d for switching a device for capturing image data, a print instruction button 73e pressed when printing image data displayed on the display panel 72, and turning on / off the power of the printer body 70.
A power switch 73f for FF is provided.

The interface 74 is a connector for electrically connecting the printer body 70 to an external device such as a PC. The printer main body 70 can receive image data from a PC or the like via the interface 74 and can transmit the operation state of the printer to the PC.

The paper passing guide 75 is used to feed recording paper (not shown) as a recording medium for performing image recording to the printer body 7.
0 is guided inside. The recording paper is inserted into a paper feed port of the printer main body 70 that cannot be seen from the angle shown in FIG. 6, and when performing color printing, reciprocates inside the printer main body 70 a plurality of times through the paper passing guide 75.

<Hardware Configuration of Printer> FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the printer.

Hereinafter, the hardware configuration and operation of the printer will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 7, a CPU 80 controls each component of the printer main body 70 based on a program stored in a flash memory 81. Reference numeral 82 denotes a DRAM which is used as a work area of the CPU 80 and is mainly used for temporarily storing image data read from the memory card 71. The DMA controller 83 is used when transferring the image data stored in the DRAM 82 to another hardware module.

An LCD driver 84 drives the display panel 72, and includes a CPU 80 and a DMA.
The image data transferred from the DRAM 82 by the controller 83 is displayed on the display panel 72.

Reference numeral 85 denotes a printer engine. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is equipped with a thermal transfer type color printer. Reference numeral 86 denotes a printer interface. The CPU 80 or the DMA controller 83 transmits, via the printer interface 86, a single plane of image data for a plurality of planes to the printer engine 85.
Transfer to

The printer engine 85 forms a color image based on the image data received via the printer interface 86. Conversely, information such as sensors arranged in the printer engine 85 is transmitted to the printer interface 8.
6 to the CPU 80.

The CPU 80 controls a drive source (not shown) mounted on the printer engine 85 via the printer interface 86. More specifically, the CPU 80 outputs, via a printer interface 86, an excitation signal for driving a stepping motor (not shown) as a drive source mounted on the printer engine 85.

The operation buttons 73 collectively include the item switching buttons 73a and 73b, the directory switching button 73c, the input switching button 73d, the printer instruction button 73e, and the power switch 73d which have already been described with reference to FIG. The state of these operation buttons 73 (O
N / OFF) is directly input to an I / O port (not shown) of the CPU 80, and the CPU 80 can check the pressed state of the operation button 73 at any time.

Reference numeral 87 denotes a power supply unit, which includes a battery, a DC / DC converter, and the like (both are not shown).
0 is supplied to each module. The information processing apparatus (printer) according to the present embodiment can be driven by a battery, and the power supply unit 87 is configured to be controllable by the CPU 80. The CPU 80 is a module that does not require power supply based on the function used by the user. By stopping power supply, power saving is achieved.

Reference numeral 88 denotes a memory card slot into which a removable memory card 71 is mounted. Reference numeral 89 denotes a memory card controller which controls access from the CPU 80 to the memory card 71 inserted in the memory card slot 88. Specifically, the memory card 71
Can be accessed and read out.

Further, the CPU 80 can detect via the memory card controller 89 whether or not the memory card 71 is mounted in the memory card slot 88.

Extraction of Exif Format File Stored in Memory Card The CPU 80 controls the memory card controller 89 to place the file in a specific area of the memory card when accessing the memory card 71 inserted in the memory card slot 88. FAT (File Allocation)
It is possible to read a desired file from a plurality of directories in the memory card by referring to the (Table) area, but since the information processing apparatus of the present embodiment, that is, the printer is intended for printout, the printout is performed. It has a function to extract only image files that can be used.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the contents of a directory created by the DSC and the portable telephone. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a file search process when the memory card 71 is mounted on the printer body 70.
Hereinafter, the extraction process of the Exif format file will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9.

The CPU 80 has a memory card slot 88
When it is detected that the memory card 71 is attached to the
The variable Flg_Exif_Exist stored in the RAM 82 (work area of the CPU) is cleared to 0 (ST
EP1000). This Flg_Exif_Exist
Is a directory 7 for storing a still image file and a directory 9 for storing an arbitrary format file in the memory card 71.
Is a flag indicating whether or not there is an Exif format file that can be printed.

Next, the CPU 80 refers to the FAT of the memory card, accesses the still image file storage directory 7 of the memory card 71 (STEP 1001), accesses the first directory 100ABCDE (30) (STEP 1002), and further accesses the directory. 100ABC
First file ABCD00 stored in DE (30)
01. Access JPG (31a) (STEP 10
03).

When the file is accessed, first the CPU 8
0 is ABCD0001. Check whether the extension of the JPG (31a) is “.JPG” (STEP 10).
04). This check is to determine whether the character string consisting of the last four characters of the file name matches ".JPG" or ".jpg". Since this check is a simple comparison operation, it can be performed at high speed. it can. Thus the CPU
In step 1004, the program 80 roughly checks whether the file is a printable file.

If the extension is “.JPG” or “.jp”
g ", the CPU 80 accesses the entity of the file, searches for tags included in the file, and determines whether or not the file satisfies the Exif format (STEP
1005).

In general, an Exif format file is a standard format of an image file photographed by DSC, and includes JPEG-compressed main image data and a J-size image having a specified size.
PEG compressed thumbnail data, data relating to the image data itself such as image size, data relating to shooting conditions such as exposure conditions, etc. are included, and a tag of a predetermined value is added to the head of each of these attached information. .

The information processing apparatus of this embodiment, that is, the printer, stores the TIFF Rev. 6.
It is determined whether or not the file is an Exif format file, based on the accessory information essential to 0 and the accessory information of the Exif IFD in which the accessory information specific to Exif is described. By checking the tags in detail in this manner, a file that can be printed by the printer can be accurately extracted.

By combining the determination based on the tag with the rough determination based on the extension described above, it is possible to achieve both high speed and reliability.

As described above, the extension of the file is “.JPG” or “.jpg”, and
If the if format is satisfied, the CPU 80 determines whether or not the directory currently being searched is the still image file storage directory 7 (STEP 1006). If the directory currently being searched is the still image file storage directory 7, the directory name and the file name are written in a predetermined area of the DRAM 82 (STEP 1007).
Flg_Exif_Ex which is a flag indicating whether or not an Exif format file is stored in the memory card.
An OR operation is performed between ist and 00000001 (Binary), and the flag is turned ON (STEP 1008). This flag is stored in the directory 7 for storing still image files.
This means that an xif format file exists.

On the other hand, in step 1006, if the directory currently being searched is not the still image file storage directory 7 (this means that the currently searched directory is the arbitrary format file storage directory 9), the CPU 80 Write a directory name and a file name to a predetermined area of the DRAM 82 (STEP 10).
09). The area of the DRAM 82 in which these are written is ST ST
The area is set to a different area from that described in EP1007. Next, Flg_Exif which is a flag indicating whether or not an Exif format file is stored in the memory card.
_Exist and O of 00000010 (Binary)
Perform R calculation and turn on flag (STEP 101)
0). This flag means that the Exif format file exists in the arbitrary format file storage directory 9.

Now, in STEP1004, the extension is ".J".
PG ”or“. If the file is determined not to be “.jpg”, or if the file does not satisfy the Exif format in STEP 1005, STEP 1006 to S100
The processing of TEP1011 is not performed.

As described above, STEP1007 and STEP1
The information of the directory name and the file name in which the Exif format file is stored in the DRAM 82 at 009 is hereinafter referred to as an Exif format file list.

Next, the CPU 80 checks the directory currently being checked (here, it points to 100ABCDE (30)).
Then, it is determined whether or not the check of all the files in is completed (STEP 1011). If there is a file that has not been checked, the next file (here, ABCD0
002. JPG (31b)) (ST
(EP1012), and return to STEP1004.

When all files stored in the directory 100ABCDE (30) have been checked,
All directories (here, directories 100 ABCD existing under the still image file storage directory 7)
For E (30) and 100FGHIJ (32)), it is determined whether the checks in STEP1004 to STEP1008 have been completed (STEP1013). If there is any unchecked directory, the next directory (here, directory 100FGHIJ (3
2)) (STEP 1014), and ST
It returns to EP1003.

When all the directories under the still image file storage directory 7 have been checked for files included in the directories, the CPU 80 next proceeds to the storage of the still image file storage directory 7 and the arbitrary format file storage directory 9. It is determined whether the check has been completed for both (STEP 1015). If the check of the directory 9 for storing an arbitrary format file is not completed, the directory 9 for storing an arbitrary format file is accessed (STEP 1016), and the process returns to STEP 1002.
Thereafter, the same processing as that for the still image file storage directory 7 described above is performed on the arbitrary format file storage directory 9, and if the Exif format file is stored, the directory name and the file name are changed to Exi.
The data is written to the DRAM 82 as an f-format file list, and the corresponding flag of Flg_Exif_Exist is controlled.

The process of extracting the Exif format file stored in the memory card has been described above with reference to the flowchart. In particular, the directory 9 for storing an arbitrary format file stores files having various formats by a portable device such as a cellular phone. Is stored.

Next, the process of extracting the Exif format file from the files stored in the arbitrary format file storage directory 9 will be described more specifically.

In accessing the arbitrary format file storage directory 9, the CPU 80 first accesses a file stored in the directory 100_IMEX (60).

Since the arbitrary format file storage directory 9 is a directory which is assumed to store files of an arbitrary file format, the CPU 80 sets the EFGH0032. The extension of the JPG (61a) is checked to determine whether the file can be printed.

In this case, since the extension is “.JPG”, the CPU 80 determines that there is a high possibility that the file can be read and printed, and then checks whether the file has the Exif-specific information. Then, it is determined whether the file satisfies the Exif format.

If the file extension is not “.JPG”, or if the file extension is “.JPG” but does not satisfy the Exif format, the CPU 80 executes the next file “Toyomura. Move on to GIF (61b) check. On the other hand, when it is determined that the file satisfies the Exif format, the directory name and the file name to which the file belongs are added to the Exif format file list described above.

The CPU 80 sends the file Toyomura.
An attempt is made to access the GIF (61b), but since the extension is ".GIF" (GIF file), the next file S is checked without checking the attached information of the file.
ugauchi. Check the extension of TIF (61c). This file also has the extension “.TIF” (TIFF
File), the attached information is not checked, and thereafter, Ikeguchi. THM
(61d: thumbnail file), Fukusige.
WMA (61e: Windows Media Aud)
io file), but none of the files has the extension “.JPG”, so that the attached information is not checked.

The CPU 80 is finally IJKL000
1. JPG (61f), file EFGH0
032. If the file satisfies the Exif format through the same determination as described for the JPG (61a), the file is added to the Exif format file list.

As described above, in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, for example, an Exif format file generated by DSC is extracted from the still image file storage directory 7 of the specific format file storage directory group 8. On the other hand, an Exif-format file received by a device such as a mobile phone which cannot identify a file to be received is extracted from the arbitrary format file storage directory 9. As described above, by extracting files of a specific file format from both the predetermined directory (the still image file storage directory 7 in the embodiment) of the specific format file storage directory group 8 and the arbitrary format file storage directory 9. , And the Exif format file output by the DSC and the Exif format file transferred via the mobile phone can be equally extracted.

As described above, the primary sorting is performed based on the extension of the file, and the file rejected by the primary sorting is not checked for the attached information (the internal structure of the file). The burden of is also reduced.

Reading of Exif Format File FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process in which a printer, which is an example of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, reads an Exif format file. Hereinafter, the process in which the printer reads an Exif format file will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7, 8, and 10.

In order to simplify the following description, the directories 100ABCDE (30) and 100FG below the still image file storage directory 7 in FIG.
All files stored in HIJ (32) are DS
It is assumed that the file is an Exif format file photographed in C, and a directory 1 under a directory 9 for storing an arbitrary format file
00_IMEX (60) and 200_IMEX (6
Of the files stored in 2), EFGH003
2. JPG (61a) and IJKL0001. JPG
It is assumed that only (61f) is an Exif format file.

First, the CPU 80 sets Flg_Exif_E
With reference to the xist, it is determined whether or not an Exif format file is stored in the still image file storage directory 7 (STEP 2000). As already described in detail in the process of extracting the Exif format file, if Flg
If the first bit of _Exif_Exist is ON,
Since the still image file storage directory 7 includes the Exif format file, the CPU 80 accesses the still image file storage directory 7 and (ST
EP2001), Exif stored in DRAM 82
Referring to the format file list, the first directory 100ABCDE in which the Exif format file is stored
(30) is accessed (STEP 2002), and the first E
xif format file ABCD0001. JPG (31
a) is accessed (STEP 2003).

On the other hand, if the Exif format file is not stored in the still image file storage directory 7 in STEP 2000, the Exif format file is stored in the arbitrary format file storage directory 9 by referring to the second bit of Flg_Exif_Exist. Is determined (STEP 2004). If the Exif format file is stored in the arbitrary format file storage directory 9, the process accesses the arbitrary format file storage directory 9 and shifts the processing to STEP 2002.

If the Exif format file is not stored in the arbitrary format file storage directory 9 in STEP 2004, the display panel 72 displays "No printable image file" (STEP 2).
006), and terminate the process. By the way, the first Exif format file ABCD0001. JPG
The CPU 80 accessing (31a) extracts a thumbnail image from the application marker segment (APP1) included in the Exif format file. Since the thumbnail images are also compressed by the JPEG method, the CPU
80 decompresses the compressed file according to the JPEG image decompression process, and finally YCbCr of 160 × 120 pixels.
The data is stored in the DRAM 82. Next, the CPU 80
By accessing the DRAM 82, the YCbCr data is read, converted into RGB data, and the converted data is converted into the DR data again.
Writing to the AM 82 (STEP 2007).

When the write operation to the DRAM 82 is completed, the CPU 80 controls the DMA controller 83 to
The data on the DRAM 82 is transferred to the LCD in a burst transfer mode.
The data is transferred to the driver 84 and displayed on the display panel 72 (S
TEP 2008). During the burst transfer, the CPU 80 cannot use the bus system, so that the CPU 80 is practically stopped (except for the operation of the built-in timer, etc.). It is possible to give the impression that the image is switched instantly.

The file ABCD0001. JPG (31
When the display of the thumbnail image of a) is completed, the CPU 80
Checks the pressing status of the operation button 73 (STEP 2).
009) When the operation button 73 is not operated,
Returning to STEP 2009, an infinite loop is formed.

When the operation button 73 is operated by the user, it is checked which of the operation buttons 73 has been pressed, and if the item switching buttons 73a and 73b (see FIG. 6) have been pressed, the same It is determined that an image switching instruction has been issued in the directory (directory 100ABCDE (30)) (STEP 201).
0), and the currently displayed image is the last image ABCDnnnn. JPG (31f) is determined (STEP 2011). If the currently displayed image is not the last image in the directory, the image is displayed based on the file name stored in the DRAM 82.
The next Exif format file ABCD0002. JPG
(31b) is accessed (STEP 2012)
Return to 2007.

After returning to STEP 2007, the next Ex
if format file ABCD0002. JPG (31b)
(STEP0007), and file ABCD
0001. As described with respect to the JPG (31a), the compressed thumbnail image included in the file is expanded and displayed on the display panel 72.

In STEP 2011, the image currently displayed is the last image ABCDnn in the directory.
nn. JPG (31f), then the DRAM
With reference to the Exif format file list stored in the file 82, it is checked whether there is any other directory in which the Exif format file is stored (STEP 2013).
Other directory where format files are stored (for example,
If there is a directory 100FGHIJ (32)), access this (STEP 2014) and STEP 200
Return to 3.

On the other hand, if it is determined in STEP 2013 that there is no other directory in which the Exif format file is stored, the process returns to STEP 2002.

If it is determined in STEP 2010 that the item switching buttons 73a and 73b (see FIG. 6) have not been pressed, the CPU 80 checks whether or not the directory switching button 73c (see FIG. 6) has been pressed (see FIG. 6). (STEP 2015).

When the CPU 80 determines that the directory switch button 73c has been pressed and a directory change instruction has been issued, the directory in which the Exif format file displaying the current image is stored is included in the still image file storage directory 7. It is checked whether or not (STEP 2016). If the directory in which the Exif format file displaying the current image is stored is included in the still image file storage directory 7, the second bit of Flg_Exif_Exist is next.
Referring to the table (STEP 2017), this is ON (that is, Exi is stored in the arbitrary format file storage directory 9).
If the f-format file is stored), the directory 9 for storing the arbitrary-format file is accessed (STEP 20).
18) Then, the flow returns to STEP 2002.

On the other hand, in STEP 2016, the directory in which the Exif file displaying the current image is stored is not included in the still image file storage directory 7 (that is, the arbitrary format file storage directory 9).
Is stored in STEP 20).
Return to 00.

In step 2017, Flg_Ex
If the second bit of if_Exist is OFF (that is, Ex.
if format file is not stored)
Returning to 001, the still image file storage directory 7 is accessed again.

Next, if it is determined in STEP 2015 that the pressed operation button 73 is not the directory switching button 73c, the CPU 80 determines whether or not the print instruction button 73e (see FIG. 6) has been pressed (see FIG. 6). (STEP 2019). Here the print instruction button 73
If e is pressed, the printer prints the image being displayed (STEP 2020). When the printing operation is completed, the process returns to STEP 2009 and waits for the operation button 73 to be pressed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in STEP 2019 that the print instruction button 73e has not been pressed, it is checked whether or not the input switch button 73d (see FIG. 6) has been pressed (STEP 2021). When pressed, for example, when image data input from an external PC is designated, the process is terminated, and an image data input sequence not shown in FIG. 10 is executed. CP
When determining that the input switch button 73d has not been pressed, the U80 executes another sequence such as a filter function for an Exif format file to be extracted (STEP2022), and returns to STEP2009 to wait for the operation button 73 to be pressed. State.

Next, the Exi performed in STEP 2022
The filter function for the f-format file will be described.

The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment can select and print an Exif format file photographed by DSC, but the number of files is limited only by the above-described Exif format file reading function. When the number of images increases, it takes a lot of time to display and select images only.
Format files can be stored).

Therefore, in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, a tag (tag number: 9003Hex) indicating the generation date and time of the original image data, which is the additional information of the Exif format file,
Based on the information, at the date and time specified by the user, the extracted E
xif format files can be filtered.

More specifically, in STEP 2022,
The user uses the operation buttons 73 to specify the specific date and time, for example, “START: 2000.10.16”. Based on the Exif format file list created in the DRAM 82, the CPU 80 executes STEP 2003 and ST
When accessing the Exif format file in EP2012, the generation date and time of the original image data is extracted from the Exif attached information and compared with the specific date and time information input by the user.
Only the Exif format file that matches this comparison result
The image is decompressed in STEP 2007, and a thumbnail image is displayed in STEP 2008.

Normally, photographing results (photographic paper and digital data) are often managed by the photographing date and time, regardless of whether the camera is a silver halide camera or a DSC. By extracting,
The usability of the user can be greatly improved.

In the above-described example, the pinpoint specific date and time are specified. For example, “START: 200
0.10.16 "," END: 200.12.10 "
, A filtering period may be specified, and only the Exif format files included in this period may be extracted.

The Exif format file also has additional information related to GPS. Applying this, for example, specifying the north latitude range and the east longitude range, the Exi that meets this condition
Only f-format files can be extracted. By doing so, for example, an Exif format file (stored in an arbitrary format file storage directory) sent from a travel destination to a mobile phone can be easily extracted only by inputting position information. . The position information is not limited to numerical information such as a north latitude range and an east longitude range. For example, a typical place name is linked to position information, and an Exif having GPS attached information near the area is input by inputting the place name.
You may be comprised so that a format file may be extracted.

It is of course possible to extract the Exif format file by combining the date and time and the position information described above.

Printing Operation of Selected Image Next, the operation when the user operates the print instruction button 73c to instruct a print start will be described. Printing is performed on an image displayed on the display panel 72 when a print start is instructed.

The pressing status of the operation button 73 is always
When the CPU 80 detects the print start instruction, the CPU 80 accesses the Exif format file stored in the memory card 71 corresponding to the displayed image and outputs the JPEG-compressed main image. read out.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an image processing sequence in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the image processing sequence and the printing operation will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

First, the CPU 80 reads an Exif format file from the memory card 71 inserted in the memory card slot 88 via the memory card controller 89, and decompresses this compressed file based on a known JPEG decompression sequence (STEP 3000). .

The decompressed image data is YCbCr data having luminance and hue information. However, in this state,
Since the color difference signals Cb and Cr are sub-sampled, it is necessary to increase the number of Cb and Cr signals by interpolation or simple padding so as to be the same as the number of luminance signals Y.

The expanded image data is VGA size (64) when a predetermined number of lines have been collected.
The resolution is converted to 0 × 480 pixels (STEP 300).
1). In the case of JPEG compressed data, since image data can be expanded in units of blocks of a specified size consisting of 8 × 8 pixels, resolution conversion can be performed without expanding all image data once. The YCbCr data after the resolution conversion is stored in the DRAM 82.

When all the image data have been collected, the CPU 80
Accesses the DRAM 82 and extracts the first YCbCr data (STEP 3002). In the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, YCbCr data is stored in the DRAM 82 in the order of Y, Cb, and Cr in a dot-sequential manner. Therefore, one pixel is accessed by three consecutive data (8
(3 bits).

Next, the YCb extracted from the DRAM 82
The Cr data is converted into RGB data according to (Equation 1) (STEP 3003).

[0162]

(Equation 1)

Since these RGB signals are luminance signals, they are converted into density signals Dr, Dg, Db according to (Equation 2) (STEP 3004).

[0164]

(Equation 2)

However, in (Equation 2), MaxOD is the maximum optical density of the printer (different for C, M, Y), mi
n (,) is a function that outputs the smaller of the two arguments. Numerical value 1023 indicates that this processing is 10 bits
This is a constant for processing, and is 255 when performing 8-bit processing.

In general, in this conversion, conversion data is written in advance in a memory according to (Equation 2), and, for example, an offset address (R, G,
(Head address of B), the values of the luminance signals R, G, and B are added as lower addresses, and the memory can be accessed at a high speed.

Next, color correction is performed on the density signals Dr, Dg, and Db to obtain C (Cyan), M (Magent).
a) Generate a Y (Yellow) signal (STEP 3)
005). The color correction is a process for suppressing the influence of unnecessary absorption bands on the spectral characteristics included in each of the C, M, and Y ink ribbons (more accurately, the color materials of the ink ribbons), and realizes more vivid color reproduction. It is for. In the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, a conversion characteristic of each grid point is stored as an LUT in a color space divided in a grid in advance, and color correction is performed by interpolation based on the conversion information of these grid points. A so-called three-dimensional LUT method is adopted.

The C, M, and Y signals are generated by the color correction processing. Next, gradation correction for correcting the non-linearity of the gradation of the print engine is performed (STEP 3006). In general, this correction can be realized by using an LUT previously obtained experimentally in advance and accessing in the same manner as in the density conversion. The gradation correction processing corrects the gradation characteristic (generally called γ characteristic) unique to the printer engine,
Adjustment is performed so that the input values of the M and Y data and the reproduction density have a substantially linear relationship.

The C, M, and Y data generated as described above is stored in the DRAM 82 in a plane-sequential manner for each of the C, M, and Y planes (STEP 3007). The image data which was originally YCbCr dot-sequential is
By storing the data in C, Y, and Y planes in the memory sequentially, data of the same color is arranged at consecutive addresses, and high-speed data transfer by DMA can be performed.

When the C, M, and Y image data is stored in the DRAM 82, the CPU 80 controls the DMA controller 83 to first convert the C image data stored in the DRAM 82 line by line. The data is transferred to the printer engine 85 via the printer interface 86. In this case, the DMA transfer is performed in a burst mode for each line. When one line data transfer is completed,
The DMA controller 83 outputs an interrupt signal to the CPU 80. The CPU 80 checks completion of transfer of one line data, immediately sets a transfer source address, and prepares for DMA transfer of the next line data. At the same time, the CPU 80 counts the number of interrupts, and continues image formation until the number of interrupts reaches a predetermined number.

When the transfer of the C image data is completed, the CPU 80 prints the next print color M in the same procedure, and finally superimposes the C, M, and Y color materials on the recording paper to perform full-color printing. Finalize.

As described above, only the Exif format file is extracted from the image data to be taken out from the memory card 71.
The information processing apparatus only needs to mount only image processing for printing based on the extracted Exif format file. The process of extracting this Exif format file is as follows:
For example, even if filtering is performed on the basis of information such as date and time and location, it is needless to say that the same image processing for printing can be applied to the file after filtering.

The printer has been described as an example of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. However, if the information processing apparatus extracts a music format file such as the MP3 format, for example, the compression is performed based on the extracted file format. Since the file decoding means and the like can be optimized for music reproduction, efficient implementation is possible.

Similarly, for all contents such as text format, audio format, sound source format, and print document format, a predetermined format file storage directory and an arbitrary format file storage directory are used.
It goes without saying that an information processing apparatus that extracts a file of a specific file format and implements processing based on the extracted file format can be configured.

If an SD (Secure Digital) memory card having an excellent copyright protection function is used as the memory card 71, it goes without saying that the effect is exerted on contents such as music information for which re-copying is not permitted.

[0176]

As described above, according to the present invention, a writer device having a predetermined file format to be output to a memory card is provided with a specific format file stored in a specific format file storage directory and a memory card. An information processing apparatus for extracting a specific format file stored in an arbitrary format file storage directory from both the specific format file storage directory and the arbitrary format file storage directory by a writer device having an unspecified file format output to the Is provided.

As a result, for example, a writer device such as a DSC or DVC in which the file format of an output file is specified can output an Exif format file stored in a specific format file storage directory and an unspecified file format of a received file. Writer devices such as mobile phones, PHSs, and other mobile terminals, for both Exif format files stored in the arbitrary format file storage directory,
For example, an unspecified writer device can effectively use a file of a specific file format stored on a memory card, such as playing back a file with a reader device such as a video printer and printing it out. Can be played.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a directory structure of a memory card in an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a DSC.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a file storage state in a memory card by DSC.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the mobile phone.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a mobile phone stores files in a memory card.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a printer.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a printer.

FIG. 8 is a view showing directory contents generated by a DSC and a mobile phone.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a file search process when a memory card is inserted into a printer main body.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process in which the printer reads an Exif format file.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an image processing sequence.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a directory structure of a memory card.

[Explanation of symbols]

 5 Root directory 6 Text file storage directory 7 Still image file storage directory 8 Specific format file storage directory group 9 Arbitrary format file storage directory 10 Digital still camera (DSC) main unit 15 CPU 18 Operation buttons 20 Display panel 25 Memory card 26 Memory card controller 40 Mobile phone main body 41 CPU 43 Wireless section 49 Operation button 52 Display panel 54 Memory card 55 Memory card controller 70 Printer main body 71 Memory card 72 Display panel 73 Operation button 80 CPU 82 DRAM 85 Printer engine 86 Printer interface 89 Memory Card controller

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A portable storage medium having at least one directory for storing a file of a specific file format for storing a file of a specific file format and a directory for storing a file of an arbitrary format for storing a file of an arbitrary file format. What is claimed is: 1. An information processing apparatus for reading a file and performing predetermined information processing, wherein the file extracting means extracts a file having the specific file format from both the directory for storing the specific format file and the directory for storing the arbitrary format file. An information processing apparatus comprising: 2. A control means for performing a predetermined process on a file having a specific file format extracted by the file extracting means, based on the file format of the extracted file. 2. The information processing device according to 1. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the file extracting unit extracts the file of the specific file format based on a file extension. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the file extracting means extracts the file of the specific file format based on an internal structure of the file. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the file extracting means extracts the file of the specific file format through a plurality of extraction steps. 6. An input means for inputting a file extraction condition, wherein the file extraction means matches the extraction condition among the files of the specific file format based on the extraction condition input by the input means. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the file is extracted. 7. An input unit for inputting a file extraction condition, wherein the file extraction unit matches the extraction condition among the files of the specific file format based on the extraction condition input by the input unit. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a file is extracted and predetermined processing is performed based on a file format of the extracted file. 8. The file extraction means performs a primary extraction based on a file extension, and performs an extraction process again based on an internal structure of the file extracted by the primary extraction, to execute a file extraction in a specific file format. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information is extracted. 9. A portable storage medium having at least one specific format file storage directory for storing files of a specific file format and an arbitrary format file storage directory for storing files of any file format, An image processing apparatus for reading a file and performing predetermined information processing, wherein a file having a file format of image information is read from both a file storage directory having a file format dedicated to image information and the arbitrary format file storage directory. An image processing apparatus comprising a file extracting unit for extracting. 10. A file extracting means for extracting a file having a file extension of JPG or jpg from a directory for storing a file of an arbitrary format, checking the internal structure of the extracted file, and extracting a file of an Exif format. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: 11. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for printing the extracted Exif format file based on an input from an operator.
0. The image processing apparatus according to 0.