JP2004152172A - Information processor, method and program for image data processing, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processor which shortens a waiting time in reproduction displaying image data recorded in a storage medium. <P>SOLUTION: The information processor 100 is equipped with a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a display part 104, an input part 105, a medium exchange type recording part 106, a network/communication part 107, and a camera part 108, which are connected with one another via a system bus 109. Cache data of image data displayed to a card memory which is installed in the RAM 103 or the medium exchange type recording part 106 are stored and, at reproduction display of an image, it is performed on the basis of the cache data and unnecessary cache data are deleted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus that reproduces and displays an image based on image data recorded in a recording unit and a cache control method of the information processing apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, usage methods for reproducing and displaying contents such as still images and moving images, and editing and processing in portable information processing apparatuses such as digital cameras, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), and mobile phones have become widespread. is there. For example, thumbnail images called "thumbnails" are displayed in a list on the display screen of the portable information processing apparatus, and the content corresponding to the thumbnail selected from the displayed thumbnails is enlarged and displayed for playback. It is also possible to perform processing, play a slide show, and even attach the content to an e-mail and send it to a third party via a communication line.
[0003]
In addition, as the number of pixels of digital cameras has been increased, the amount of data of images to be handled has become enormous. In order to perform recording / reproducing and editing processing of such an image having a large data amount, a portable information processing apparatus is required to have higher processing performance and a larger storage capacity.
[0004]
However, especially in a small portable information processing apparatus, there are many restrictions on both processing performance and storage capacity in terms of cost and size. For this reason, there are many occasions where a long processing time required for recording or reproducing an image, a shortage of memory, etc. give the user an uncomfortable feeling in terms of operability or inconvenience the user.
[0005]
At present, several solutions have been proposed to solve these problems.
[0006]
One of them is that a digital camera pre-reads image data recorded as a compressed image on a storage medium before a user inputs a forward frame forward or reverse frame forward instruction from a state in which a captured image is displayed. In some cases, a decompression process is performed, image data after the decompression process is held in a memory, and a waiting time for reproducing and displaying a compressed image recorded in a storage medium is reduced. (For example, see Patent Document 1)
Also, of the captured images stored in the memory card, for example, only the image captured on the day is created using the idle time of the processing, thereby reducing the memory capacity and reproducing and displaying the thumbnail image. There is an information processing device that aims to reduce the waiting time in the event. (For example, see Patent Document 2)
Furthermore, in a similar image search device that displays a list of a plurality of images in descending order of similarity based on the feature amount of an image, by caching image data that has been displayed once, when it is necessary to display the image again, In some cases, an image is displayed at high speed, and a cached image is deleted based on the free space of the cache or the frequency of use of the image to improve the efficiency of use of the memory area. (For example, see Patent Document 3)
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-101329 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-10-178609
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2000-148795 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of the example described in Patent Document 1, although a certain effect is obtained when the operation order and the display order can be predicted to some extent, an image with a high display frequency, such as an image that the user likes or an image that is deeply interested, is displayed. However, there is a problem that an unpredictable image cannot be reproduced and displayed without waiting time.
[0009]
Further, in the case of the example described in Patent Literature 2, the thumbnail image creation target is determined based on the recording date (shooting date), and does not necessarily match the image desired by the user. As in the case of the example described in (1), there is a problem that an image with a high display frequency, such as an image that the user likes or an image with a deep interest, cannot be reproduced and displayed without waiting time.
[0010]
Also, in the case of the example described in Patent Literature 3, cached data such as one in which no actual data exists and only cache data remains, and one in which the creation date and time and update date and time of the actual data and the cache data do not match, are used. However, since the data having no use value remains without being removed, the use efficiency of the memory area used for the cache is low.
[0011]
An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus in which a waiting time when reproducing and displaying image data recorded on a storage medium is reduced, a control method of the apparatus, a program, and a storage medium.
[0012]
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an information processing apparatus with improved utilization efficiency of a memory area used for a cache, a control method for the apparatus, a program, and a storage medium.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to claim 1 is an information processing apparatus capable of generating display image data of a plurality of display sizes from image data stored in a storage medium and reproducing and displaying the display image data. A cache file storing the display image data displayed once as cache data, and an index file holding a management record for managing the cache file for each image data are set in the storage medium. Stored in a cache memory.
[0014]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the display image data includes at least two types of display sizes, that is, thumbnail display data and single-sheet display data. And
[0015]
4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when adding new cache data to the cache memory, a file name is given to the cache data, and at least the image data is added. Are stored in a predetermined management record of the index file together with the file name, creation date, and update date.
[0016]
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the display size to be displayed when the image data stored in the storage medium is reproduced and displayed in the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. If the cache data exists in the cache memory, the cache data is read out from the cache memory and displayed, while if the cache data to be displayed does not exist in the cache memory, the cache data is read from the storage medium. The image data is generated and displayed by generating display image data of a predetermined display size, and the display image data is added to the cache memory as the new cache data.
[0017]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, the cache data is stored in a predetermined management record of the index file both when adding and reading the cache data. The reference date of the cache data is updated.
[0018]
In the information processing apparatus according to claim 6, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 4, when the new cache data is added to the cache memory, a management record for managing the cache data is already stored in the index file. In the case where the management record exists, the reference date of the management record is updated, and the file name given to the cache data is stored in the management record.
[0019]
The information processing apparatus according to claim 7 is the information processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising, when the file name of another cache data is stored in the management record, storing the file name on the cache file. It is characterized in that it is determined whether or not the cache data corresponding to the file name exists, and when the cache data does not exist, the file name of the other cache data is deleted from the management record.
[0020]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the information processing apparatus performs any one of adding a management record, updating a management record, and adding new cache data. When the capacity of the cache memory is exceeded, the cache data with the oldest reference date is deleted from the oldest cache data in order to secure the remaining capacity of the capacity enough to execute any one of the cache memories.
[0021]
The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the storage medium is an internal memory and a removable external memory, and the setting location of the cache memory is: The memory may be selected as one of the internal memory and the external memory.
[0022]
In the information processing apparatus according to claim 10, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 9, the selection of the setting location of the cache memory is based on a storage location of a program executed by the information processing apparatus to reproduce and display image data. Is determined.
[0023]
An information processing device according to an eleventh aspect is characterized in that, in the information processing device according to the ninth aspect, selection of the setting location of the cache memory is determined based on a storage location of the image data.
[0024]
The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein in the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, one of a case where an external memory in which the cache memory is set is not mounted and a case where writing is prohibited. In this case, the setting of the cache memory is released.
[0025]
The information processing apparatus according to claim 13 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein any one of a case where an external memory in which the cache memory is set is not mounted and a case where writing is prohibited. In this case, the setting of the cache memory is changed to the internal memory.
[0026]
In the information processing apparatus according to claim 14, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 13, the setting of the cache memory is set when the external memory is remounted or write protection is released. It is characterized by returning from the internal memory to the external memory.
[0027]
16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a creation date and an update date of the image data stored in the storage medium, and the image data on the index file. Performing a garbage collection process of deleting the management record and all cache data managed by the management record when the creation date and the update date stored in the management record corresponding to the data do not match. I do.
[0028]
17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management record for managing the cache data stored in the cache file is stored in the index file. , A garbage collection process for deleting the management record is performed.
[0029]
17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, if the file name of one or more cache data is stored in the management record, If there is no cache data corresponding to the file name of the cache data, the management record is deleted. If there is at least one cache data corresponding to the file name of the one or more cache data, the management record is deleted. A garbage collection process is performed in which only the file name to be deleted is left and other file names are deleted from the management record.
[0030]
The information processing apparatus according to claim 18 is the information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the garbage collection process is performed when the idle state continues for a predetermined time or more. I do.
[0031]
In order to achieve the above object, an image data processing method according to claim 19 is an image data processing method for generating display image data of a plurality of display sizes from image data stored in a storage medium and reproducing and displaying the display image data. A cache file that stores the display image data displayed once as cache data, and an index file that holds a management record for managing the cache file for each image data. It is stored in a memory.
[0032]
20. The image data processing method according to claim 19, wherein the display image data is at least two types of cache data of a thumbnail display cache data and a single-display cache data. It is characterized by comprising.
[0033]
The image data processing method according to claim 21 is the image data processing method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein when adding new cache data to the cache memory, a file name is given to the cache data, The image data is stored in a predetermined management record of the index file together with a file name, a creation date, and an update date.
[0034]
An image data processing method according to claim 22, wherein in the image data processing method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, when the image data stored in the storage medium is reproduced and displayed, the image data is displayed. When cache data of a display size exists in the cache memory, the cache data is read out from the cache memory and displayed. On the other hand, when cache data to be displayed does not exist in the cache memory, the storage medium And generating and displaying the displayed image data of a predetermined display size, and adding the displayed image data to the cache memory as the new cache data.
[0035]
The image data processing method according to claim 23 is the image data processing method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the cache data is stored in a predetermined management record of the index file both when adding and reading out the cache data. And updating the reference date of the cache data.
[0036]
The image data processing method according to claim 24, wherein in the image data processing method according to claim 22, when the new cache data is added to the cache memory, a management record for managing the cache data is already in the index. When the file exists in the file, the reference date of the management record is updated, and the file name given to the cache data is stored in the management record.
[0037]
The image data processing method according to claim 25, wherein, in the image data processing method according to claim 24, when the file name of another cache data is stored in the management record, the storage is performed on the cache file. It is determined whether or not there is cache data corresponding to the file name, and if the corresponding cache data does not exist, the file name of the other cache data is deleted from the management record. I do.
[0038]
An image data processing method according to claim 26 is the image data processing method according to any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein any one of addition and update of a management record and addition of new cache data is performed. In this case, when the capacity of the cache memory is exceeded, the cache data with the oldest reference date is deleted from the cache data with the oldest date in order to secure the remaining capacity of the capacity enough to execute any one of the cache memories.
[0039]
28. The image data processing method according to claim 19, wherein the storage medium is an internal memory and a removable external memory, and a setting location of the cache memory. Select one of the internal memory and the external memory.
[0040]
28. The image data processing method according to claim 28, wherein the selection of the setting location of the cache memory includes the storage location of a program executed by the information processing apparatus to reproduce and display the image data. Is determined based on
[0041]
The image data processing method according to claim 29 is characterized in that, in the image data processing method according to claim 27, the selection of the setting location of the cache memory is determined based on the storage location of the image data.
[0042]
30. The image data processing method according to claim 27, wherein in the image data processing method according to any one of claims 27 to 29, any of a case where an external memory in which the cache memory is set is not mounted and a case where writing is prohibited. In this case, the setting of the cache memory is released.
[0043]
31. The image data processing method according to claim 31, wherein in the image data processing method according to any one of claims 27 to 29, any of a case where an external memory in which the cache memory is set is not mounted and a case where writing is prohibited. In this case, the setting of the cache memory is changed to the internal memory.
[0044]
The image data processing method according to claim 32, wherein in the image data processing method according to claim 31, the cache memory is set when either the external memory is remounted or the write-protection is released. Returns from the internal memory to the external memory.
[0045]
33. The image data processing method according to claim 19, wherein a creation date and an update date of the image data stored in a storage medium are stored in the image data processing method according to any one of claims 19 to 32; If the creation date and the update date stored in the management record corresponding to the image data do not match, a garbage collection process for deleting the management record and all cache data managed by the management record is executed. It is characterized by the following.
[0046]
The image data processing method according to claim 34, wherein in the image data processing method according to any one of claims 19 to 32, the management record for managing the cache data stored in the cache file includes the index. When the file does not exist in the file, a garbage collection process for deleting the management record is executed.
[0047]
An image data processing method according to claim 35, wherein in the image data processing method according to any one of claims 19 to 32, when a file name of one or more cache data is stored in the management record, If there is no cache data corresponding to the file name of the one or more cache data, the management record is deleted. If there is at least one cache data corresponding to the file name of the one or more cache data, Garbage collection processing for deleting only the existing file names and deleting other file names from the management record.
[0048]
The image data processing method according to claim 36, wherein in the image data processing method according to any one of claims 33 to 35, the garbage collection processing is performed when the idle state continues for a predetermined time or more. Features.
[0049]
In order to achieve the above object, an image data processing program according to claim 37 causes a computer to execute the image data processing method according to any one of claims 19 to 36.
[0050]
In order to achieve the above object, a storage medium according to claim 38 is characterized in that a computer-readable storage medium stores the image processing program according to claim 37 and causes the computer to execute the image processing program. .
[0051]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0052]
(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the entire information processing apparatus of FIG.
[0053]
The information processing apparatus 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant: portable information terminal).
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 100 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103 (storage medium), a display unit 104, an input unit 105, a media exchange type recording unit 106 (storage medium), a network / A communication unit 107 and a camera unit 108 are provided, which are connected to each other via a system bus 109.
[0055]
The CPU 101 controls the information processing apparatus 100 as a whole. The CPU 101 performs control by executing a predetermined program stored in the ROM 102. This predetermined program is temporarily stored in the RAM 103. Data is also temporarily stored in the RAM 103. As will be described later, this RAM 103 can be selected as a storage destination of cache data.
[0056]
The display unit 104 is provided on the front surface of the main body (see FIG. 2), and not only displays an image, but also provides various input / output user interfaces.
[0057]
The input unit 105 includes a jog dial 201, a stylus pen 202, keys (buttons) 203 and 204, a keyboard (not shown), and the like, which will be described later. The input unit 105 receives instructions from the user of the PDA 100 such as data input and mode switching. This is the input interface used to communicate to.
[0058]
The media exchange type storage unit 106 is an interface used to use image data and programs stored in a card medium (not shown) in the PDA 100. The media exchange type storage unit 106 may include a plurality of interfaces so as to support a compact flash (registered trademark) card and other different types of card media standards. As will be described later, a memory card can be inserted into the medium exchange type storage unit 106, and the inserted memory card can be selected as a storage destination of cache data.
[0059]
The network / communication unit 107 provides a communication function with mobile communication and a mobile phone, and a wireless network connection function such as a wireless LAN and Bluetooth (trademark). Further, a network connection / communication function by a wired LAN, USB, or the like is provided to realize data exchange with the outside. The network / communication unit 107 may have only some of these functions, or may have other functions without being limited thereto.
[0060]
The camera unit 108 is a digital camera unit having an image capturing function. Although various functions of the camera unit 108 and the network / communication unit 107 are built in the PDA 100, necessary functions are incorporated as needed through a common extended interface with the medium exchange type recording unit 106. Is also good.
[0061]
The jog dial 201 shown in FIG. 2 is a disc-shaped dial, which is rotatable about a center line of the disc and is displaceable in the same direction by a force from the periphery of the dial toward the center line. , The input process can be executed with one hand. Although only one jog dial 201 is disposed on the side of the apparatus, the jog dial 201 may be disposed on the front. Further, a plurality of jog dials may be arranged.
[0062]
The stylus pen 202 is used when performing an input operation from an interface displayed on the display unit 104, and can perform input processing by a tap operation on the display unit 104. Below the display unit 104, four keys 203 are arranged in a row with a direction instructing / executing key 204 interposed therebetween. By pressing these keys 203, an input process is executed. For example, it is used at the time of application switching or mode switching described later. The direction instructing / executing key 204 is used for instructing up, down, left, and right directions and determining (Enter) at the designated position. When each of the upper, lower, left, and right arrow portions is pressed, it can be pressed with the center of the direction indicating / executing key 204 as a fulcrum. In addition, when the center is pressed, it can be pressed in the direction of the center line of the center, and the determination can be made by this operation.
[0063]
The camera unit 108 is a digital camera unit that provides an image capturing function. Although the example in which the lens is disposed on the front surface of the main body has been described, the lens may be disposed on the rear surface of the main body. Further, it may be rotatably mounted on the main body of the PDA 100.
[0064]
The PDA 100 includes a power switch, a battery box, a stylus storage unit, and the like (not shown).
[0065]
Next, an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 104 will be described.
[0066]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen for displaying a list of thumbnail images. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen displaying three thumbnail images and an enlarged image obtained by enlarging one of the thumbnail images. Note that items common to both figures are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0067]
Nine thumbnail images are displayed in a thumbnail display area 301 shown in FIG. 3, and the thumbnail image is composed of two small areas of an image area 302 and a title area 303. In the image area 302, a reduced image of the content to be displayed is generated and displayed. In the title area 303, the file name of the image data displayed in the image area 302 is displayed.
[0068]
Of the nine thumbnail images displayed in the thumbnail display area 301, the thumbnail image in the “selected state” and the thumbnail image in the “active state” are different from each other due to a difference in color, the presence or absence of a surrounding frame, and the like. Is displayed so that it can be identified. Here, the “selection state” refers to a state in which functions such as deletion, rotation, and inversion that can be performed on a plurality of thumbnail images are to be operated, and this includes a slideshow reproduction target. On the other hand, the “active state” means that the thumbnail image is the current display target or the state at the display start position, and there is only one active thumbnail image on the same layer. Among the thumbnail images shown in FIG. 3, the uppermost leftmost thumbnail image and the leftmost thumbnail image shown in FIG. 4 are in the “selected state” and the “active state”.
[0069]
At the bottom of the screen, a menu area 304 and an icon area 305 are arranged. Menu items such as “File”, “Edit”, and “Display” are displayed in the menu area 304. By tapping the menu item with the stylus pen 202, a submenu (not shown) of the menu item is displayed. You. A plurality of functions are displayed in the displayed submenu, and the user can select a desired function.
[0070]
On the other hand, icons indicating functions such as "save", "delete", and "rotate" are displayed in the icon area 305, and it is possible to directly execute a desired function by tapping the desired icon with a pen. it can.
[0071]
The menu area 304 and the icon area 305 are not limited to the lower part of the screen but may be arranged at the upper part or the side part, or may be movable according to the user's preference. Further, the icons are illustrated by characters for convenience, but may be pictures or symbols as long as they recognize functions.
[0072]
In FIG. 4, three thumbnail images are displayed in a horizontal row at the bottom of the screen, and one of the three thumbnail images in the “active state” is enlarged and displayed at the top of the screen. In the illustrated example, the thumbnail image at the left end is in the “active state” and is enlarged and displayed.
[0073]
The “thumbnail list” screen illustrated in FIG. 3 and the “thumbnail + enlarged image (single)” screen illustrated in FIG. 4 can be switched from any screen by tapping the “display mode” icon 306 in the icon area. Can also switch to another screen. Also, by tapping one of the thumbnail images displayed in FIG. 3, the screen of “thumbnail list” can be switched to the screen of “thumbnail + enlarged image (one image)”.
[0074]
If there is a thumbnail image that cannot be displayed on either screen shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the displayed thumbnail image can be switched by scrolling the screen using the scroll bar 307. Thereby, the user can see all the thumbnail images.
[0075]
In FIG. 3, thumbnail images are arranged in a grid of 3 rows × 3 columns, and nine thumbnail images are displayed simultaneously. However, the number and arrangement of simultaneously displayed thumbnails are not limited to this, and 2 rows × 2 columns are displayed. Or 4 rows × 4 columns, 2 rows × 3 columns, or the like, and their arrangement may be changed mutually. Furthermore, a three-dimensional arrangement may be used instead of a lattice-like planar arrangement. In addition, the thumbnail size may be changed according to the number of simultaneously displayed thumbnails and the display position.
[0076]
In addition to the two display modes of “thumbnail list” shown in FIG. 3 and “thumbnail + enlarged image (one image)” shown in FIG. 4, only one content corresponding to the selected thumbnail image is displayed. A “single image display” mode for enlarging and displaying images may be added. In this case, the three modes may be sequentially switched by a tap operation on the “display mode” icon 306 in the icon area 305, or one of “thumbnail + enlarged image (one image)” and “one image display” May be set in advance on a setting screen or the like, and by tapping the “display mode” icon 306, one of the modes of the “thumbnail list” and the set display may be switched. .
[0077]
Next, the cache processing will be described.
[0078]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a basic flow of the cache process of the PDA 100 of FIG.
[0079]
The cache process is started when a display switching instruction is issued during image browsing. At this time, an inquiry is made as to whether the image data that needs to be newly displayed is cached, that is, a process of confirming the presence or absence of cache data is performed (step S501).
[0080]
Next, it is determined whether or not there is cache data (step S502). If there is cache data, a cache data acquisition process is executed and displayed (step S503). On the other hand, if there is no cache data, image data reading processing is executed, the read image is displayed in a reduced size (step S504), and at the same time, storage processing as cache data is executed (step S505). To end.
[0081]
The above is the basic flow of the cache processing. By performing a series of these processes, in reproducing and displaying the image data recorded in the memory card or the RAM 103 attached to the media exchange type recording unit 106, the image data once displayed is cached and reused. The waiting time for displaying the same image data again is reduced. Note that, when the image data is smaller than the size to be displayed, cache data is not created and displayed in the same size or resized each time it is displayed, in order to prevent overhead.
[0082]
Here, a conceptual configuration of a portion related to the cache process in the configuration of the PDA 100 will be described, and how each component functions in each step of the cache process illustrated in FIG. 5 to realize the cache process. Will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[0083]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a conceptual configuration of PDA 100.
[0084]
The image reproduction main program 601 is a main program for operating the PDA 100. The image reproduction main program 601 mainly performs management of information input / output, drawing of an image, and processing of a message.
[0085]
The cache library 602 is software for controlling writing and reading of cache data, confirmation (search) of presence / absence of cache data, and the like according to an instruction of the image reproduction main program 601.
[0086]
The index file 603 is a data file configured for cache data management, and is stored in a cache memory set in the RAM 103 of the PDA 100. As shown in FIG. 7, the index file 603 has a file name, a file creation date and time, a file update date and time, a file size, a cache file name (for list display), and a cache file name (one sheet) as an example of the configuration of the index file. Display), the number of cache references, the last reference date of the cache, and the like.
[0087]
The cache file 604 (thumbnail display cache file, single-image display cache file) caches display image data of a plurality of display sizes generated from image data stored in the storage medium (thumbnail cache data, single-image display cache file). This is a data file to be stored as data (data) and can be stored in the RAM 103 or a cache memory set in the medium exchange type storage unit 106. The user can arbitrarily determine which of the RAM 103 and the media exchange type storage unit 106 to store, that is, the selection of the cache memory, by setting and changing from a cache function setting screen described later.
[0088]
The image plug-in 605 is an external library file (DLL format) for inputting image data. A reading plug-in file corresponding to various file formats such as JPEG, BITMAP, and FLASHPIX (trademark) is supported.
[0089]
The image reproduction main program 601, the cache library 602, and the image plug-in 605 are stored in the internal memory (RAM 103 or ROM 102) of the PDA 100 or the medium exchange type storage unit 106 as executable files.
[0090]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the process (step S501) for confirming the presence or absence of cache data in FIG.
[0091]
When a display switching instruction is given from the user during image browsing, the image reproduction main program 601 first determines whether the cache function is valid (On state or Off state) to the cache library 602. An inquiry is made and discriminated, and the cache library 602 is notified together with the file name of the image data that needs to be newly displayed and the current display mode (for list display or single image display) (step S801). On / Off of the cache function is set in advance on the setting screen, but details will be described later.
[0092]
If the cache function is invalid (Off), the cache library 602 returns “FALSE” to the image reproduction main program 601 (step S805). If the result of the determination in step S801 is that the cache function is On, the cache library 602 searches for a record corresponding to the file name received from the image playback main program 601 in the index file 603 (step S802). ). This search is performed using a file name (see FIG. 7) set as a directly accessible search key.
[0093]
If a record corresponding to the index file 603 exists, it is checked whether or not a cache file name corresponding to the current display mode notified together with the file name in step S801 exists (is registered) (step S803). ). As a result of the search, if a record corresponding to the index file 603 exists and a cache file name corresponding to the current display mode is registered, it is determined that cache data exists, and the image reproduction main program is executed. “TRUE” is returned to 601 (step S804).
[0094]
On the other hand, when the record corresponding to the index file 603 does not exist, or when the record exists but the cache file name corresponding to the current display mode is not registered, the cache library 602 determines that the cache data does not exist. , And returns “FALSE” to the image reproduction main program 601 (step S805). In this way, the presence or absence of cache data is confirmed.
[0095]
When the existence of the cache data is confirmed by the above processing, subsequently, the cache data is acquired.
[0096]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the cache data acquisition process (step S503) in FIG.
[0097]
The cache library 602 acquires the creation date and time and update date and time of the file name passed from the image reproduction main program 601 (step S901), and acquires the creation date and time and update date and time of the record retrieved from the index file 603 (step S901). S902), it is determined whether the creation date and the update date are the same, respectively (step S903). As a result of the determination, if both the creation date and the update date match, it is determined that the cache data exists, and the specified cache file name is acquired from the index file 603 (step S904).
[0098]
Next, the cache data corresponding to the acquired cache file name is read from the cache file 604 (step S905). It is determined whether the reading of the cache data is successful (step S906). If the reading of the cache data is successful, the last reference date (last update date) and the reference count of the cache recorded in the index file 603 are updated. (Step S907).
[0099]
Finally, the cache library 602 reads and acquires the cache data from the cache file 604, passes it to the image reproduction main program 601 (step S908), and ends this processing.
[0100]
On the other hand, if one or both of the creation date and time and the update date and time do not match as a result of the determination in step S903, and if the read of the cache data fails as a result of the determination in step S906, the cached data Determines that the file cannot be used for redisplay due to damage or the like, deletes the record of the corresponding cache file name from the index file 603 (step S909), and deletes the corresponding cache data from the cache file 604 (step S910). . Thereafter, it is necessary to perform the same processing as the processing when there is no cache data, so the processing shifts to the image data reading processing (step S504) in FIG.
[0101]
Next, an image data reading process will be described.
[0102]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the image data reading process (step S504) in FIG.
[0103]
In the process of confirming the presence / absence of cache data shown in FIG. 8, the image reproduction main program 601 having received “FALSE” from the cache library 602 instructs the image plug-in 605 to read image data. Upon receiving the instruction, the image plug-in 605 checks the image format of the specified file (step S1001), activates an input plug-in that conforms to the format, and switches to the specified display mode (list display or single display). Then, the image data is converted into a device-independent standard image format, for example, a Windows (registered trademark) operating system standard DIB (Device Independent Bitmap) format (one of the conversion processes in steps S1002 to S1004). The process is returned to the image reproduction main program 601 (step S1004), and the process ends.
[0104]
Here, only three image formats of JPEG, BITMAP, and FLASHPIX are shown, but the image format is not limited to these, and may be a format such as JPEG2000, GIF, or PNG. The supported formats can be easily increased by updating or adding an external library file (DLL format).
[0105]
When the image data is newly read and displayed as described above, the cache data is stored in preparation for future redisplay. The cache data is stored in two ways: writing the cache data itself into the cache file 604 and adding / updating a management record to the index file 603.
[0106]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the cache data saving process (step S505) in FIG.
[0107]
The cache library 602 that has newly read the image data acquires a cache file name to be newly written (step S1101). The cache file name is automatically named in the cache library to maintain uniqueness.
[0108]
After obtaining the cache file name, the cache data with the cache file name is written into the cache file 604 (step S1102), and subsequently, the management record is added / updated to the index file 603. At this time, it is checked whether a management record of the specified file exists (step S1103). This is a process necessary for managing two types of cache data for list display and single-sheet display with one management record.
[0109]
It is determined whether or not there is a management record (step S1104). If there is a management record of the specified file, a newly written cache file name is set in the management record of the existing index file 603, and Then, the reference number of the cache data and the last reference date of the cache data are updated (step S1105). At this time, if there is a logical inconsistency in the cache data of the target management record, it is corrected. The content of the check for the logical inconsistency of the cache data will be specifically described. When the cache data for single display (single display data) is updated, it is determined whether the cache file name for list display is registered in the management record. After confirmation, if the data is registered, the cache file 604 is searched for the corresponding cache data. Here, if the corresponding cache data does not exist, it is determined that there is a logical inconsistency, and the cache file name for list display is deleted from the target management record. Conversely, when updating the list display cache data (thumbnail data), the logical inconsistency of the one-page display cache data is checked.
[0110]
If the result of determination in step S1104 is that there is no management record for the specified file, the flow advances to step S1106 to add a new management record to the index file 603 and save it. At this time, the cache usage is checked, and if the capacity is exceeded, the cache data most recently referred to is deleted based on the last reference date of the cache stored in the index file 603. I do. This deletion process is repeated until the capacity necessary for adding a new management record can be secured. In this manner, the cache data saving process ends.
[0111]
FIGS. 12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating a cache function setting screen displayed on the PDA 100. FIG. 12A illustrates a basic screen of the cache function setting screen, and FIG. 12B illustrates a detailed setting screen of the cache function setting screen.
[0112]
A check box 1201 shown in FIG. 12A is for setting in advance whether to use the cache function (On) or not (Off). The cache data storage location 1202 is a setting location of the cache memory, and is an item for setting the location of the cache file 604. Normally, “automatic setting” is selected as shown in the outline, and a folder is generated and cache data is stored in the same storage area as the storage area in which the executable file is stored. The storage destination of the data can be selected to the memory card mounted on the RAM 103 of the main body or the medium exchange type storage unit 106.
[0113]
“Memory card” is displayed only when a memory card is inserted into the medium exchangeable storage unit 106 of the PDA 100. When a plurality of memory cards are inserted, a display such as "memory card 1" or "memory card 2" is displayed so that the inserted memory cards can be identified.
[0114]
When the setting is changed, the setting can be updated with the changed setting by pressing a “setting” button 1204, and the setting can be updated by the setting content to be changed by pressing a “cancel” button 1205 Can be canceled.
[0115]
To make more detailed settings, the user presses a “detailed settings” button 1203 to display a detailed setting screen shown in FIG.
[0116]
On the detailed setting screen, the user can set the memory usage rate using the “memory usage rate” 1206, set the cache clearing conditions using the “cache clearing conditions” 1207, and execute the forced clearing of the cache using the “clear” button 1208. Can be done.
[0117]
The “memory usage rate” 1206 is for setting how much of the total storage capacity of the storage medium set as the storage location of the cache data is allocated as the cache area. In the illustrated example, the user can arbitrarily set a range from when no cache area is allocated (0%) to when a maximum of 30% of the total storage capacity is allocated to the cache area.
[0118]
The “cache clear condition” 1207 is for setting at what timing the cache (cache data, management record) is cleared. In the example shown in the figure, one or more conditions are set by a check box from “when the application is terminated”, “when the cache data storage location is changed”, and “when the cache function is turned off”. Can be.
[0119]
When set to "at the end of application", all caches are erased at the end of the application. If set to "Change cache data storage location", all caches will be erased when the storage location is changed on the above basic screen or when the memory card is removed with the storage location set to "Memory card" Is done. Also, if "when the cache function is turned off" is set, all the caches are erased when the "check box" 1201 is unchecked on the above basic screen.
[0120]
The “clear” button 1208 is a button operated when the user wants to forcibly clear the cache on the spot regardless of the setting of the clear condition by the “cache clear condition” 1207.
[0121]
As described above, the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment caches the image data once displayed in reproducing and displaying the image data recorded in the storage medium. Can be reduced.
[0122]
Although the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has been described using a PDA as an example, the information processing apparatus is not limited to this, and may be a digital camera, a mobile phone, or the like.
[0123]
Note that the cache data for list display and the cache data for one-page display are individually cached when each data becomes necessary, but when either one of them is cached, the other cache data is cached. Data may be generated and stored at the same time. Thus, when an image displayed in one of the list display mode and the single image display mode is later displayed in the other display mode, the image is displayed because the cache data is retained. The waiting time is shortened.
[0124]
In the case of clearing the cache, all the cache information is deleted. However, an item such as “cache clear range” may be provided on the cache function setting screen so that the range to be cleared can be selected.
[0125]
Also, the storage location of the cache data is not fixed to either the RAM 103 of the main unit or the memory card attached to the medium exchange type storage unit 106, but the actual data stored in the main unit RAM 103 is stored in the main unit. RAM 103 is used as a storage location for cache data, and the same memory card is used as a storage location for cache data for the entity data stored in the memory card attached to the media exchange type storage unit 106. The switching may be automatically performed so that the cache data is stored in the same storage area. Thus, for example, even when a plurality of memory cards are exchanged and used, each memory card stores the entity data and the corresponding cache data, so that the waiting time when displaying an image is reduced. It is shortened and convenience is improved.
[0126]
Even if the cache function is enabled, the cache function is automatically disabled if the memory card specified as the storage location cannot be cached due to reasons such as removal of the memory card or write protection. You may make it. Furthermore, when the storage location becomes valid or the storage location is changed, the cache function may be returned to valid again.
[0127]
(Second embodiment)
An information processing device according to the second embodiment will be described. The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has the same hardware configuration (see FIG. 1) and appearance (see FIG. 2) as PDA 100 exemplified as the information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0128]
In the first embodiment, in the process of adding a management record, “deletion of the cache data that was referred to most recently” is performed, and in the process of updating the last reference date of the cache data, “the logical inconsistency of the cache data to be updated "Correction" and "deletion of corrupted cache file" are performed at the time of querying cache data, but the check range was only the records to be processed.
[0129]
On the other hand, in the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, the mismatch of the entire cache data is checked, deleted, and corrected at another timing to eliminate the occupation of the memory area by unnecessary cache data. For this reason, the PDA 100 according to the first embodiment is different from the PDA 100 in that the garbage collection is performed on the cached image data to improve the efficiency of use of the memory area used for the cache.
[0130]
Garbage collection is performed at application termination and during idle. However, the process is not executed every time at these timings, but a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to perform the process, and the process is executed only when the lottery is hit. This is because the frequency of occurrence of cache data with logical inconsistency is not high and the processing of the system is not heavy. The garbage collection may be executed when the application is started.
[0131]
The determination of whether or not the idle, the method of monitoring the input and output state and set the state of no input / no output to idle, the method of setting the state behind other applications on the display screen to idle, etc. Various determination methods can be considered depending on the specifications of the operating system.
[0132]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the garbage collection process.
The garbage collection first determines whether the cache function is valid (On) or not (Off) (step S1301). If the cache function is valid, a lottery process is performed to determine whether to execute garbage collection (step S1302). The winning probability of the lottery is set in advance, for example, to 1/100 (once every 100 times).
[0133]
The result of the lottery is determined (step S1303), and when the lottery is won, garbage collection is executed. The garbage collection is executed on the cache data satisfying any of the following conditions (1) to (3) to delete the cache data (step S1304, step S1305).
(1) There is no entity
(2) The date and time of creation and update of the actual file do not match the date and time of creation and update of the cache data
(3) There is no management record in the index file
As a result of the determination in step S1301, if the cache function is invalid or if the lottery is not performed, garbage collection is not performed.
[0134]
If any operation is performed during the execution of the garbage collection, the execution of the garbage collection is immediately stopped, and the control is returned to the application.
[0135]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing in step S1304 in FIG. In this process, a cache having no substance and a cache whose date does not match is deleted.
[0136]
First, it is determined whether or not all management records registered in the index file 603 have been checked (step S1401). If all the management records have not been checked, that is, if there are unchecked management records, the unchecked management records are read (step S1402).
[0137]
Next, it is determined whether or not the entity data corresponding to the cache data recorded in the management record exists in the cache file 604 (step S1403). If the entity data exists, the cache data recorded in the management record is determined. It is determined whether or not the creation date and time and the update date and time match those of the entity data (step S1404).
[0138]
If there is no entity data, or if the creation date and time and update date and time of the cache data do not match those of the entity data, the corresponding cache data is deleted from the cache file 604 (step S1405), and the management is performed from the index file 603. The record is deleted (step S1406).
[0139]
Upon completion of the processing so far, the process returns to step S1401, and the processing is repeated until all the unchecked management records have been checked.
[0140]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing of step S1305 in FIG. In this process, the cache data having no management record is deleted.
[0141]
First, it is determined whether all the cache data has been checked (step S1501). If all the cache data has not been checked, that is, if there is unchecked cache data, an unchecked cache file name is acquired from the cache file 604 (step S1502).
[0142]
Next, it is determined whether a management record corresponding to the acquired cache file name exists in the index file 603 (step S1503). If there is no management record corresponding to the cache file name, the cache data with the cache file name is deleted from the cache file 604 (step S1504).
[0143]
When the processing up to this point is completed, the process returns to step S1501, and this processing is repeated until the check is completed for all unchecked cache data.
[0144]
In addition, the order of the process of step 1304 and the process of step 1305 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 may be reversed, or only one of the processes may be performed.
[0145]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a modified example of the garbage collection process.
[0146]
The garbage collection process shown in FIG. 16 differs from the garbage collection process shown in FIG. 13 only in that the process of step S1606 in this flowchart is additionally performed. Therefore, description of steps other than step S1606 will be omitted.
[0147]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing in step S1606 in FIG. This process is a process of deleting a management record having no cache data.
[0148]
First, it is determined whether all management records have been checked (step S1701). If all management records have not been checked, that is, if there are unchecked management records, the unchecked management records are read from the index file 603 (step S1702).
[0149]
Next, it is determined whether or not cache data corresponding to the cache file name written in the management record exists (step S1703). Here, since one management record is used for managing two types of cache data for list display and one-sheet display, a maximum of two determinations are performed for one management record.
[0150]
If the cache file name written in the management record exists for only one of the list display and the one-sheet display, the determination is performed only once, and the cache data corresponding to the cache file name exists. If so, the process returns to step S1701 without deleting the management record because the management data is valid, and the process is repeated until all unchecked management records have been checked. On the other hand, if there is no cache data corresponding to the cache file name written in the management record, the management record is unnecessary and is deleted.
[0151]
If the cache file name written in the management record exists for both the list display and the single image display, the determination is performed twice, and the cache data corresponding to either cache file name is determined. If it exists, it is valid management data, so the process returns to step S1701 without deleting the management record, and this process is repeated until all unchecked management records have been checked. If cache data corresponding to only one of the cache file names exists, the cache file name for which no cache data exists is deleted from the management record. If there is no cache data corresponding to the two cache file names, the management record is unnecessary and is deleted.
[0152]
Note that the order between the processes of steps 1604 to S1606 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 16 may be in any order, and only one of the processes may be executed.
[0153]
By using any of the above garbage collection processes, useless cache data and management data can be deleted, so that the use efficiency of the memory area allocated to the cache is improved.
[0154]
Although the execution of the garbage collection is determined by a lottery with a predetermined probability, this may be executed when the number of accesses reaches a predetermined value. As the number of accesses increases, the possibility of logical inconsistency of cache data increases, so that more effective garbage collection can be realized.
[0155]
In the above embodiment, the description has been made as having two types (two sizes) of cache data, ie, cache data for list display and cache data for one-sheet display. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Depending on the display mode, more types (sizes) of cache data may be stored. Even in this case, needless to say, a plurality of cache data is managed by one management record.
[0156]
The present invention supplies a software program (flow charts in FIGS. 5 and 8 to 17) for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a computer or a CPU, and the computer or the CPU reads the supplied program and reads the program. By performing, the objectives can be achieved.
[0157]
In this case, the program may be supplied directly from a storage medium on which the program is recorded, or may be downloaded from another computer or database (not shown) connected to the Internet, a commercial network, a local area network, or the like. Supplied by
[0158]
The form of the program may be in the form of object code, program code executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to an OS (Operating System), or the like.
[0159]
According to the present invention, a storage medium storing a software program for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a computer or a CPU, and the computer or the CPU reads and executes the program stored in the storage medium. Can also be achieved.
[0160]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0161]
Examples of storage media for storing program codes include ROM, RAM, NV-RAM, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk (registered trademark), magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, MO, CD-R, and CD. -RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, and the like.
[0162]
The functions of the above-described embodiments are not only executed by executing the program code read from the computer, but also executed by the OS or the like running on the computer in part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code. This can also be realized by:
[0163]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the information processing apparatus described in claim 1, the image data processing method described in claim 19, the image data processing program described in claim 37, and the storage medium described in claim 38, Display image data of a plurality of display sizes generated from the data is stored in a cache file as cache data when displayed once, and a management record for managing the cache file is stored in an index file for each image data, Since the file and the index file are stored in the cache memory set in the storage medium, the data stored in the cache file can be used when reproducing and displaying the image data, thereby shortening the waiting time for reproducing and displaying the image. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the entire information processing apparatus of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen for displaying a list of thumbnail images.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen displaying three thumbnail images and an enlarged image obtained by enlarging one of the thumbnail images.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a basic flow of a cache process of the PDA 100 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a conceptual configuration of the PDA 100.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an index file.
8 is a flowchart showing a process of confirming the presence or absence of cache data in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a cache data acquisition process in FIG. 5;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a process of reading image data in FIG. 5;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process of saving cache data in FIG. 5;
12A and 12B are diagrams illustrating a cache function setting screen displayed on the PDA 100, wherein FIG. 12A illustrates a basic screen of the cache function setting screen, and FIG. 12B illustrates a detailed setting screen of the cache function setting screen.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a garbage collection process.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the processing of step S1304 in FIG.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process in step S1305 in FIG.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the garbage collection process.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the process of step S1606 in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 PDAs
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 Display
105 Input unit
106 Media exchange type recording unit
601 Image playback main program
602 cache library
603 index file
604 cache file

Claims (38)

An image processing apparatus capable of generating display image data of a plurality of display sizes and reproducing and displaying the display image data from a plurality of image data stored in a storage medium,
A cache file for storing the display image data displayed once as cache data;
An information processing apparatus characterized by storing a management record for managing the cache file for each image data and an index file in a cache memory set in the storage medium. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display image data includes at least two types of display size data: thumbnail display data and single-image display data. When adding new cache data to the cache memory, a file name is given to the cache data and stored in a predetermined management record of the index file together with at least the file name, creation date, and update date of the image data. 3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein When reproducing and displaying the image data stored in the storage medium, if cache data of a display size to be displayed exists in the cache memory, the cache data is read out from the cache memory and displayed. If the cache data to be displayed does not exist in the cache memory, the image data is generated from the storage medium as display image data of a predetermined display size, and is reproduced and displayed. 4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cache data is added to the cache memory. 5. The reference date of the cache data stored in a predetermined management record of the index file is updated both when adding and reading the cache data. 6. Information processing device. When adding the new cache data to the cache memory, if a management record for managing the cache data already exists on the index file, the reference date of the management record is updated, and The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a file name given to the cache data is stored in the management record. Further, when a file name of another cache data is stored in the management record, it is determined whether or not cache data corresponding to the stored file name exists on the cache file. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when there is no cache data to be deleted, the file name of the other cache data is deleted from the management record. When executing any one of adding or updating a management record and adding new cache data, if the capacity of the cache memory is exceeded, the remaining capacity of the capacity sufficient to execute any one of the cache memory is secured. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cache data with the oldest reference date is deleted. 9. The storage medium according to claim 1, wherein the storage medium is an internal memory and a removable external memory, and a setting location of the cache memory is selected from one of the internal memory and the external memory. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the selection of the setting location of the cache memory is determined based on a storage location of a program executed by the information processing apparatus to reproduce and display image data. 10. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the selection of the setting location of the cache memory is determined based on a storage location of the image data. 12. The cache memory according to claim 9, wherein the setting of the cache memory is canceled in a case where the external memory in which the cache memory is set is not mounted or in a case where writing is prohibited. The information processing device according to item. 12. The cache memory according to claim 9, wherein the setting of the cache memory is changed to the internal memory in a case where the external memory in which the cache memory is set is not mounted or in a case where writing is prohibited. The information processing device according to claim 1. 14. The cache memory according to claim 13, wherein the setting of the cache memory is restored from the internal memory to the external memory when the external memory is re-attached or the write-protection is released. Information processing device. If the creation date and update date of the image data stored in the storage medium do not match the creation date and update date stored in the management record corresponding to the image data in the index file, the management record and the update date 15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a garbage collection process for deleting all cache data managed by the management record is executed. 2. A garbage collection process for deleting the management record when the management record for managing the cache data stored in the cache file does not exist in the index file. 15. The information processing device according to any one of claims 14 to 14. When the file name of one or more cache data is stored in the management record, if there is no cache data corresponding to the file name of the one or more cache data, the management record is deleted. If at least one piece of cache data corresponding to the file name of the above cache data exists, executing a garbage collection process of deleting only the existing file name and deleting other file names from the management record. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the garbage collection process is performed when the idle state continues for a predetermined time or more. An image data processing method for generating and reproducing and displaying display image data of a plurality of display sizes from image data stored in a storage medium,
A cache memory set in the storage medium, comprising: a cache file for storing the display image data once displayed as cache data; and an index file for holding a management record for managing the cache file for each image data. An image data processing method characterized by storing the image data in a file. 20. The image data processing method according to claim 19, wherein the display image data includes at least two types of display sizes of cache data for displaying thumbnails and cache data for displaying one image. When adding new cache data to the cache memory, a file name is given to the cache data and stored in a predetermined management record of the index file together with at least the file name, creation date, and update date of the image data. 21. The image data processing method according to claim 19, further comprising: When reproducing and displaying the image data stored in the storage medium, if cache data of a display size to be displayed exists in the cache memory, the cache data is read out from the cache memory and displayed. If the cache data to be displayed does not exist in the cache memory, the image data is generated from the storage medium as display image data of a predetermined display size, and is reproduced and displayed. The image data processing method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the cache data is added to the cache memory as special cache data. 23. The reference date according to claim 21, wherein a reference date of the cache data stored in a predetermined management record of the index file is updated both when adding and reading the cache data. Image data processing method. When adding the new cache data to the cache memory, if a management record for managing the cache data already exists on the index file, the reference date of the management record is updated, and 23. The image data processing method according to claim 22, wherein a file name given to the cache data is stored in the management record. Further, when a file name of another cache data is stored in the management record, it is determined whether or not cache data corresponding to the stored file name exists on the cache file. 25. The image data processing method according to claim 24, wherein when there is no cache data to be executed, the file name of the other cache data is deleted from the management record. When executing any one of adding or updating a management record and adding new cache data, if the capacity of the cache memory is exceeded, the remaining capacity of the capacity sufficient to execute any one of the cache memory is secured. The image data processing method according to any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein the cache data having the oldest reference date is deleted from the cache data. 27. The storage medium according to claim 19, wherein the storage medium is an internal memory or a detachable external memory, and the setting location of the cache memory selects one of the internal memory and the external memory. The image data processing method according to the item. 28. The image data processing method according to claim 27, wherein the selection of the setting location of the cache memory is determined based on a storage location of a program executed by the information processing apparatus to reproduce and display the image data. 28. The image data processing method according to claim 27, wherein the selection of the setting location of the cache memory is determined based on a storage location of the image data. 30. The cache memory according to claim 27, wherein the setting of the cache memory is canceled in a case where the external memory in which the cache memory is set is not mounted or in a case where writing is prohibited. The image data processing method according to the item. 30. The cache memory according to claim 27, wherein the setting of the cache memory is changed to the internal memory in any of a case where the external memory in which the cache memory is set is not mounted and a case where writing is prohibited. The image data processing method according to claim 1. 32. The cache memory according to claim 31, wherein the setting of the cache memory is restored from the internal memory to the external memory when the external memory is remounted or the write-protection is released. Image data processing method. If the creation date and update date of the image data stored in the storage medium do not match the creation date and update date stored in the management record corresponding to the image data in the index file, the management record and the update date 33. The image data processing method according to claim 19, wherein a garbage collection process for deleting all cache data managed by the management record is executed. 20. A garbage collection process for deleting the management record when the management record for managing the cache data stored in the cache file does not exist in the index file. 33. The image data processing method according to claim 32. When the file name of one or more cache data is stored in the management record, if there is no cache data corresponding to the file name of the one or more cache data, the management record is deleted. If at least one piece of cache data corresponding to the file name of the above cache data exists, executing a garbage collection process of deleting only the existing file name and deleting other file names from the management record. The image data processing method according to any one of claims 19 to 32, characterized in that: 36. The image data processing method according to claim 33, wherein the garbage collection process is executed when the idle state continues for a predetermined time or more. An image data processing program for causing a computer to execute the image data processing method according to any one of claims 19 to 36. 38. A storage medium storing a computer-readable storage medium storing the image processing program according to claim 37, and causing the computer to execute the image processing program.

Images