JP2005210411A - Image reproducing device and image recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recording device in which image management is easy, an image reproducing device, and an image recording/reproducing device. <P>SOLUTION: A scene to be a search target is selected from among preset scenes as a searchable scene. When the search is executed, search conditions of the scene are read out and an image file matching the search conditions is selected. Then, the searched image file is reproduced and displayed on a monitor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reproduction apparatus and an image recording apparatus, and more particularly to an image reproduction apparatus and an image recording apparatus having an image file management function.

  Generally, image data photographed with a digital camera is recorded on an exchangeable recording medium such as a memory card. In recent years, the capacity of recording media has been increasing, and a huge amount of image data can be recorded on one recording medium.

  However, when the amount of image data recorded on one recording medium increases as described above, there is a problem that it takes time to search for target image data during image reproduction.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, the shooting conditions, importance, and use frequency of a recorded image are numerically evaluated and registered in correspondence with the image number, and when searching, a search instruction screen is displayed to display the shooting conditions, importance, or use. It has been proposed to designate a frequency as a search condition, search for registered shooting conditions, importance, or use frequency, and sequentially extract and display matching images.

In Patent Document 2, various sensors are provided in a camera, keyword information is created based on information detected by the sensors, recorded in association with a captured image, and the created keyword is used when searching for an image. It has been proposed to search for a corresponding image based on information.
JP 11-215451 A JP-A-5-252432

  However, in Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to search by specifically specifying shooting conditions and the like at the time of image search, it is necessary to remember the search conditions, and there is a disadvantage that no one can easily use it. .

  Moreover, in patent document 2, the sensor for creating keyword information must be installed in a camera, and there exists a fault that a number of parts increases. Another disadvantage is that keyword information must be created when recording an image.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image reproducing apparatus and an image recording apparatus that can easily manage images.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is an image reproducing apparatus that reads an image file in which shooting data is stored together with image data from a recording medium on which the image file is recorded, and reproduces and displays the image file on a monitor. Scene selection means for selecting a scene to be searched from among a plurality of preset scenes, and search conditions set for each scene that can be selected by the scene selection means based on shooting data stored in the image file Is obtained from the search condition storage means, and the image file that matches the search condition is recorded on the recording medium. A search means for searching from the file, and an image file searched by the search means is read from the recording medium. Out, to provide an image reproducing apparatus characterized by comprising a, a reproduction control means for reproducing and displaying on said monitor.

  According to the present invention, when a scene to be searched is selected by the scene selection unit, the search condition for the scene is read from the search condition storage unit, and an image file that matches the search condition is searched by the search unit. The retrieved image file is reproduced and displayed on the monitor. By selecting a scene in this way, a target image can be easily searched, and management becomes easy.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 creates an image file in which shooting data at the time of shooting is added to the image data obtained from the image sensor, and is created in the recording area of the recording medium. In the image recording apparatus for storing in a predetermined folder, folder selecting means for selecting a folder as a candidate for a storage destination of an image file obtained by shooting from a plurality of folders created in advance in the recording area of the recording medium; , Storage condition storage means for storing storage conditions set for each folder selectable by the folder selection means based on photographing data added to the image file, and storage conditions for the folder selected by the folder selection means Is acquired from the storage condition storage means, and shooting data of an image file obtained by shooting is acquired and shot. The image data obtained from the image file obtained by the determination means for determining whether or not the image data obtained from the image file satisfies the storage condition of the folder selected by the folder selection means, When it is determined that the storage condition of the folder selected by the folder selection unit is satisfied, the storage destination of the image file is set to the folder selected by the folder selection unit, and when it is determined that the storage condition is not satisfied, the storage destination of the image file An image recording apparatus, comprising: a storage destination setting unit that sets an image file in a prescribed folder; and a recording control unit that records an image file obtained by photographing in the folder set by the storage destination setting unit I will provide a.

  According to the present invention, when a folder is selected and photographed by the folder selection means, it is determined whether the image file obtained by the photographing can be stored in the selected folder. Stored in a folder. That is, a storage condition is set for each folder. If the set storage condition is satisfied, the folder is stored in the selected folder. If not, the folder is stored in a specified folder. In this way, image files obtained by shooting are automatically classified and recorded simply by selecting a folder with the folder selection means, so that image management becomes easy.

  Further, in order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 3 creates an image file in which shooting data at the time of shooting is added to the image data obtained from the image sensor, and is created in the recording area of the recording medium. In an image recording apparatus having an image recording function for storing in a predetermined folder and an image reproducing function for reading an image file from the recording medium and reproducing and displaying the image file on a monitor, a search target is selected from a plurality of preset scenes. Scene selection means for selecting a scene to be performed, search condition storage means for storing search conditions set for each scene that can be selected by the scene selection means based on shooting data stored in the image file, and the scene selection The search condition of the scene selected by the means is acquired from the search condition storage means, and the image file that matches the search condition is recorded in the recording Search means for searching from among image files recorded on media, playback control means for reading the image file searched by the search means from the recording medium, and playing back and displaying on the monitor, and recording area of the recording medium A folder selecting unit that selects a folder as a storage destination candidate of an image file obtained by shooting from a plurality of folders created in advance, and the folder selecting unit based on shooting data added to the image file. A storage condition storage unit storing storage conditions set for each selectable folder, and a storage condition of the folder selected by the folder selection unit is acquired from the storage condition storage unit and an image obtained by photographing The shooting data of the file is acquired and the shooting data of the image file obtained by shooting is Determining means for determining whether or not the storage condition of the folder selected by the folder selecting means is satisfied, and storing of the folder selected by the folder selecting means is the shooting data of the image file obtained by shooting by the determining means. When it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the storage destination of the image file is set to the folder selected by the folder selection unit, and when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, the storage destination setting unit is set to the storage folder of the image file And a recording control means for recording an image file obtained by photographing in the folder set by the storage destination setting means.

  According to the present invention, when a folder is selected and photographed by the folder selection means, it is determined whether the image file obtained by the photographing can be stored in the selected folder. Stored in a folder. When a scene to be searched is selected by the scene selection means, an image file that matches the search condition set for the scene is searched for and displayed on the monitor.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a classification standard storage means for storing a classification standard of an image file to each folder set based on shooting data added to the image file in order to achieve the object. The folder selection means can select a plurality of folders as candidates for the storage destination of the image file, and the storage destination setting means can acquire a plurality of shooting data of the image file obtained by shooting by the folder selection means. 4. The image recording / playback according to claim 2, wherein when the determination unit determines that the storage conditions of all the selected folders are satisfied, an image file storage destination is set based on the classification criteria. Providing the device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to select a plurality of folders as image file storage destination candidates. When the shooting data of the image file obtained by shooting satisfies the storage conditions of all the folders selected by the folder selection unit, the storage destination is set based on the classification criteria.

  According to the image reproducing apparatus and the image recording apparatus according to the present invention, management of image files becomes easy.

  The best mode for carrying out an image reproducing apparatus and an image recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 and 2 are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view, respectively, showing an embodiment of a digital camera 10 to which the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a lens 14, a strobe 16, a finder window 18, a self-timer lamp 20, and the like are provided on the front of the camera body 12. A USB terminal 22 and a power terminal 24 are provided on the right side of the camera body 12, and a release button 26 and a power button 28 are provided on the upper surface.

  On the other hand, on the back of the camera body 12, as shown in FIG. 2, a monitor 30, a viewfinder eyepiece 32, a strobe button 34, a macro button 36, a zoom lever 38, a display button 40, a menu / OK button 42, and a BACK button. 44, a cross button 46, a mode switch 48, and the like are provided.

  A battery / media cover is provided on the bottom surface of the camera body (not shown) so as to be freely opened and closed. When the battery / media cover is opened, a battery chamber for loading the battery and a media slot for mounting a memory card as a recording medium are provided.

  The release button 26 is composed of a two-stroke switch that is half-pressed and fully pressed. When the release button 26 is half-pressed, the AE / AF is activated and the camera is photographed when the release button 26 is fully pressed. .

  The monitor 30 includes a liquid crystal display capable of color display, and is used as a display screen for recorded images and a display screen for a user interface. Further, it is also used as an electronic viewfinder for checking the angle of view at the time of shooting. The display button 40 functions as a button for instructing switching of contents displayed on the monitor 30.

  The strobe button 34 functions as a button for instructing switching of the strobe mode. Each time the strobe button 34 is pressed, the strobe mode being shot is changed to “auto flash” → “red-eye reduction strobe” → “forced flash strobe” → “Slow Sync” → “Flash Off” can be switched.

  The macro button 36 functions as a button for instructing switching of the macro function ON / OFF. Each time the macro button 36 is pressed, the macro function being photographed is switched ON / OFF.

  The zoom lever 38 functions as a button for instructing zoom (tele / wide) of a captured image at the time of shooting, and functions as a button for instructing zoom (enlargement / reduction) of a display image at the time of reproduction. The zoom lever 38 is provided so as to be swingable in the vertical direction. When the zoom lever 38 is operated upward, the zoom is operated to the tele side, and when operated downward, the zoom is operated to the wide side. .

  The menu / OK button 42 functions as a button (menu button) for instructing a transition from the normal screen to the menu screen in each mode, and also functions as a button (OK button) for instructing confirmation and execution of the selection contents. The button 44 functions as a button for instructing to cancel the input operation.

  The cross button 46 functions as a button for inputting instructions in four directions, up, down, left, and right, and is used for selecting a desired item on a menu screen or the like.

  The mode switch 48 functions as a switch for setting the camera mode, and the mode of the camera is set to “shooting mode” or “reproduction mode” by sliding the mode switch 48.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal circuit configuration of the digital camera 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  The overall operation of the digital camera 10 is centrally controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) 100. The CPU 100 includes an operation unit 112 (release button 26, power button 28, strobe button 34, macro button 36, zoom lever 38, display button 40, menu / OK button 42, BACK button 44, cross button 46, mode switch 48, etc.) Each block is controlled according to a predetermined program based on the input information from.

  The ROM 104 connected to the CPU 100 via the bus 102 stores programs executed by the CPU 100 and various data necessary for control, and the EEPROM 106 stores various setting information related to the operation of the digital camera 10. Has been. The memory (SDRAM) 108 is used as a calculation work area for the CPU 100 and is used as a temporary storage area for image data and the VRAM 110 is used as a temporary storage area dedicated to image data.

  When the camera mode is set to “shooting mode” with the mode switch 48 and the camera is turned on with the power button 28, the shooting control program stored in the ROM 104 is loaded, and the digital camera 10 can shoot.

  The subject light that has passed through the lens 14 forms an image on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 124 via the aperture / shutter unit 118.

  The image sensor 124 is a CCD, and a large number of photodiodes are two-dimensionally arranged on the light receiving surface thereof. The subject light imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD 124 is converted into signal charges of an amount corresponding to the amount of incident light by each photodiode. The signal charge accumulated in each photodiode of the CCD 124 is sequentially read out as a voltage signal (image signal) corresponding to the signal charge based on the drive pulse applied from the timing generator (TG) 126.

  The CCD 124 has an electronic shutter function for controlling the charge accumulation time (shutter speed) of each photodiode, and the CPU 100 controls the charge accumulation time of the CCD 124 via the timing generator 126.

  The image signal output from the CCD 124 is applied to an analog signal processing circuit (CDS / AMP) 128. The analog signal processing circuit 128 samples and holds the R, G, B signals for each pixel read from the CCD 124 (correlated double sampling processing), and then amplifies the signals to a predetermined signal level. Output to.

  The A / D converter 130 converts the analog image signal output from the analog signal processing circuit 128 into a digital signal, and the A / D converted digital image signal is sent to the memory 108 via the image input controller 132. Stored.

  The image signal processing circuit 134 performs predetermined signal processing such as offset processing, gain control processing including white balance correction and sensitivity correction, and gamma correction processing on the image signal stored in the memory 108 in accordance with a command from the CPU 100. , Converted into a luminance signal (Y signal) and a color difference signal (Cr, Cb signal).

  When the image captured by the CCD 124 is displayed on the monitor 30, the image data processed by the image signal processing circuit 134 is stored in the VRAM 110. The image data stored in the VRAM 110 is added to the video encoder 136 via the character MIX circuit 152, converted into a video signal for display by the video encoder 136, and then output to the monitor 30. As a result, the image captured by the CCD 124 is displayed on the monitor 30.

  The CCD 124 periodically captures an image signal, periodically rewrites the image data in the VRAM 110 with the image data generated from the image signal, and continuously outputs the image data to the monitor 30 via the video encoder 136. The captured image is displayed in real time. The photographer can use the monitor 30 as a viewfinder for checking the angle of view by viewing the image (through image) displayed in real time on the monitor 30.

  The character MIX circuit 152 synthesizes data such as characters, symbols, and graphics added from the memory 108 and image data added from the VRAM 110 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110 and outputs the synthesized data to the video encoder 136. As a result, information such as characters, symbols, and figures is superimposed on the image and displayed on the monitor 30.

  When the release button 26 is pressed halfway in the shooting mode, an S1 ON signal is input from the operation unit 112 to the CPU 100. The CPU 100 starts AE / AF processing in response to this S1 ON signal.

  First, an image signal captured from the CCD 124 via the image input controller 132 is input to the AE / AWB detection circuit 138 and the AF detection circuit 140.

  The AE / AWB detection circuit 138 includes a circuit that divides one screen into a plurality of areas (for example, 16 × 16) and accumulates R, G, and B signals for each divided area, and provides the accumulated value to the CPU 100. . The CPU 100 detects the brightness of the subject (subject brightness) based on the integrated value obtained from the AE / AWB detection circuit 138, and calculates an exposure value (shooting EV value) suitable for shooting. Then, the aperture value and the shutter speed are determined from the obtained photographing EV value and a predetermined program diagram, and the electronic shutter and the aperture drive unit 142 of the CCD 124 are controlled according to this to obtain an appropriate exposure amount.

  The AE / AWB detection circuit 138 calculates an average integrated value for each color of the R, G, and B signals for each divided area during automatic white balance adjustment, and provides the calculation result to the CPU 100. The CPU 100 obtains the ratio of R / G and B / G for each divided area from the obtained integrated value of R, integrated value of B, and integrated value of G, and obtains the calculated values of R / G and B / G. The light source type is determined based on the distribution in the color space of R / G and B / G. Then, according to the white balance adjustment value suitable for the discriminated light source type, for example, the value of each ratio is approximately 1 (that is, the RGB integration ratio is R: G: B≈1: 1: 1 on one screen). As described above, the gain value (white balance correction value) for the R, G, and B signals of the white balance adjustment circuit is controlled to correct the signal of each color channel.

  The AF detection circuit 140 includes a high frequency component extraction circuit and an integration circuit, and samples G component data from the input image signal to extract a high frequency component in a predetermined focus area. Then, the absolute value is taken, and a value (evaluation value) obtained by integrating the absolute value data in the set area is notified to the CPU 100. The CPU 100 calculates an evaluation value at a plurality of AF detection points while controlling the lens driving unit 144 to move the focus lens, and determines a lens position where the evaluation value is a maximum as a focus position. Then, the lens driving unit 144 is controlled so that the focus lens moves to the obtained in-focus position.

  As described above, when the release button 26 is half-pressed, the CPU 100 performs AE / AF processing. Thereafter, when the release button 26 is fully pressed, an S2 on signal is input to the CPU 100, and the CPU 100 starts photographing and recording processing in response to the S2 on signal.

  First, an image signal for one frame is taken from the CCD 124 into the memory 108 via the analog signal processing circuit 128, the A / D converter 130, and the image input controller 132. The image data fetched into the memory 108 is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image signal processing circuit 134 and then stored again in the memory 108, and then compressed to a predetermined compression format (here, JPEG format) by the compression / decompression processing circuit 146. ). Then, after being stored in the memory 108 again, it is recorded on the memory card 150 as an image file in a predetermined image file format (here, Eixf format) via the media controller 148.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the Exif format image file can record the attached information in the tag format in the image file header portion. As shown in FIG. 5, the attached information tag includes information about the version, information about the characteristics of the image data, information about the structure, user information, related file information, information about the date and time, information about the shooting conditions, and information about the pointer to the IFD. Shooting data relating to a captured image such as is recorded in a tag format.

  Here, a manufacturer note, which is a tag related to user information, allows a manufacturer to enter individual information, and a user comment allows a user to write a keyword or comment. Has been.

  Further, as shown in a separate table in FIG. 5, tags relating to shooting conditions include exposure time and F number at the time of shooting, exposure program, spectrum sensitivity, ISO speed rate, photoelectric conversion function, shutter speed, aperture value, brightness value, exposure. Correction value, Lens minimum F value, Subject distance, Metering method, Light source, Flash, Lens focal length, Flash intensity, Spatial frequency response, Focal plane width resolution, Focal plane height resolution, Focal plane resolution unit, Subject The position, exposure index, sensor method, file source, scene type, CFA pattern, etc. can be recorded.

  The captured image data is recorded on the memory card 150 as an Eixf format image file with the attached information.

  Further, when the image file is recorded on the memory card 150, the image file is recorded on the memory card 150 in accordance with a predetermined recording format (here, DCF format). That is, as shown in FIG. 6, it is stored in a DCF folder of folders created hierarchically in the recording area of the memory card 150.

  Here, the DCF folder is created immediately below the DCF image root folder, and the DCF image root folder is created immediately below the root folder. A maximum of 900 DCF folders can be created, and 9999 image files can be stored in each DCF folder.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, DCF folders with folder names “100_FUJI”, “101_FUJI”, and “102_FUJI” are created immediately below the DCF image root folder with the folder name “DCIM”.

  Note that the first three digits of the folder name of each DCF folder is a folder number, and a serial number is assigned.

  The image file stored in each DCF folder is given a file name that combines four alphabetic characters (here, “DSCF”) and a four-digit file number. The file number is given as a serial number in the shooting order.

  As described above, the digital camera 10 can capture an image and record it in the memory card 150 by setting the camera mode to “shooting mode” and pressing the shutter button 26.

  The image file recorded on the memory card 150 can be reproduced and displayed on the monitor 30 by setting the camera mode to “reproduction mode”.

  The transition to the playback mode is performed by sliding the mode switch 48 from the “shooting position” to the “playback position”, whereby the playback control program stored in the ROM 104 is loaded and stored in the memory card 150. The displayed image file can be reproduced and displayed on the monitor 30.

  First, the image data of the image file last recorded on the memory card 150 is read. The image data read from the memory card 150 is added to the compression / decompression processing circuit 146, decompressed to an uncompressed YC signal, and then output to the monitor 30 via the video encoder 136. As a result, the image file last recorded on the memory card 150 is reproduced and displayed on the monitor 30.

  The frame advance of the image is performed by the cross button 46. When the right key of the cross button 46 is pressed, the image is forward frame forward, and when the left key is pressed, the image is reverse frame forward. That is, when the right key of the cross button 46 is pressed, the operation signal is output to the CPU 100, and the CPU 100 displays the image data of the next file number of the image being reproduced (when the image being reproduced is the image of the final file number). Is read from the memory card 150 and reproduced and displayed on the monitor 30. Similarly, when the left key of the cross button 46 is pressed, the operation signal is output to the CPU 100, and the CPU 100 displays the image data of the file number before the image being reproduced (when the image being reproduced is the image of the first file number). Is read from the memory card 150 and is reproduced and displayed on the monitor 30.

  In this way, forward and backward frame advancement of the image is performed by operating the right key and the left key of the cross button 46, and the image recorded on the memory card 150 can be reproduced.

  As described above, the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment can record and reproduce images. In addition to the image recording and reproduction function, the digital camera 10 can store image files recorded in the memory card 150. Has a search function.

  The image file search function provided in the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment will be described below.

  The image file search system of the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment is such that when a scene to be searched is selected from a plurality of scenes prepared in advance, an image file that matches the shooting conditions of the scene is searched.

  For example, as scenes that can be searched, six scenes of “person”, “landscape”, “night view”, “strobe”, “indoor shooting”, “outdoor shooting”, and “sunny sky” are prepared. If “Portrait” is selected, an image file that matches the “Portrait” shooting condition is searched. Shooting conditions are individually set for each of the seven scenes prepared in advance, and a search is performed using the set shooting conditions as search conditions.

  This image search function is called from the playback menu. That is, when the menu / OK button 42 is pressed under the playback mode, a playback menu is displayed on the monitor 30 as shown in FIG. 7A, and an item “image search” is selected from the playback menu. As a result, the image search function is called.

  The menu item is selected by moving the cursor (in the example shown in FIG. 7, the selected item is reversed in black and white) with the cross button 46, and the selected menu item is confirmed by the menu / OK button 42. This is done by pressing.

  When an image search item is selected from the playback menu, an image search screen is displayed on the monitor 30 as shown in FIG. 7B, and searchable scenes are displayed in a list. Here, it is assumed that seven scenes of “person”, “landscape”, “night view”, “strobe”, “indoor”, “outdoor”, and “sunny” are prepared as searchable scenes. The user selects a scene to be searched from among the seven scenes displayed on the monitor 30.

  Selection is performed by moving the cursor (in the example shown in FIG. 7, the selected item is reversed in black and white) using the cross button 46, and the selected scene is confirmed by pressing the menu / OK button 42. .

  When a search scene is selected, as shown in FIG. 7C, an image search start confirmation screen is displayed on the monitor 30, and a message prompting the start of image search is displayed on the monitor 30 together with the selected search scene. The The user confirms the contents displayed on the monitor 30, and if there is no error, presses the menu / OK button 42 to instruct the start of search. The CPU 100 searches the memory card 150 for an image suitable for the scene set according to the search start instruction.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the image search processing procedure. As shown in the figure, first, a search condition corresponding to the set search scene is acquired from the EEPROM 106 (step S10).

  As shown in FIG. 9, this search condition is individually determined for each search scene, and is set based on attached information recorded in the header portion of the image file. That is, as the search conditions set for each search scene, general shooting conditions for shooting each search scene are set. For example, when shooting a person (portrait), set the focal length of the lens longer (zoom set to the tele side) and shoot near the full aperture. As the search conditions, conditions such as “aperture value F4 or less” and “focal length 11 mm (when the image sensor size is 1 / 1.7 type) or more” are set. For example, when shooting a landscape, the focal length of the lens is set to be short (zoom is set to the wide side) and the aperture is narrowed down. Conditions such as “aperture value F8 or more” and “focal length less than 8 mm (when the size of the image sensor is 1 / 1.7 type)” are set.

  As described above, the search condition based on the shooting condition is set for each selectable search scene, and is recorded in the EEPROM 106. The CPU 100 acquires a search condition corresponding to the set search scene from the EEPROM 106.

  Here, for example, it is assumed that “person” is selected as the search scene, and search conditions (“aperture value F4 or less”, “focal length 11 mm or more”) corresponding to the search scene “person” are acquired from the EEPROM 106.

  Next, an image file with the first file number is selected (step S11), and shooting data necessary for the search is read out from the attached information recorded in the header portion of the image file (step S12). Here, since the aperture value and the focal length are set in the search condition, information on the aperture value and the focal length is read out from the attached information recorded in the header portion of the image file.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the read shooting data is compatible with the search condition (step S13). Here, it is determined whether or not the aperture value and the focal length of the read image file satisfy the conditions of “aperture value F4 or less” and “focal length of 11 mm or more” set as search conditions.

  Here, for example, when the aperture value of the read image file is F8 and the focal length is 10 mm, it is determined that the search condition is not satisfied. When the aperture value is F4 and the focal length is 15 mm, the search condition Is determined to be satisfied.

  If it is determined that the search condition is satisfied, the file name of the image file is acquired and temporarily stored in the memory 108 (step S14).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the search of all the image files recorded on the memory card 150 is completed (step S15). If not completed, the process returns to step 11 to process the next image file. . That is, the image file with the next file number is selected (step S11), the shooting data necessary for the search is read from the auxiliary information recorded in the header portion of the image file (step S12), and the read shooting data is the search condition. It is determined whether or not (step S13).

  In this way, it is determined whether or not the shooting data matches the search condition in the order of the file numbers for all the image files recorded in the memory card 150, and when all the image files are processed, the next processing is performed. Transition.

  When the determination process for all the image files is completed, it is determined whether there is an image file that matches the search condition (step S16). If there is an image file that matches, the image file is displayed as shown in FIG. Are displayed as a list on the monitor 30 (step S17). That is, the thumbnail image data of the image file having the file name temporarily stored in the memory 108 is read from the memory card 150 and displayed on the monitor 30 as a list.

  FIG. 10A shows a display example of the monitor 30 when six image files are searched. In this case, the thumbnail images of the searched six image files are listed in ascending order of file numbers, and the total number of searched image files is displayed as “hits” (in this example, “hits 6 ").

  When more than six image files are searched, for example, first, thumbnail images of the first six image files are displayed as a list on the monitor 30, and the images are scrolled one by one by operating the cross button 46. To do.

  The monitor 30 displays a list of thumbnail images of the searched image file and a cursor for selecting any one of the thumbnail images displayed in the list. When the cursor is moved to the position of the thumbnail image to be enlarged with the cross button 46 and the menu / OK button 42 is pressed, the thumbnail image is enlarged and displayed on the monitor 30 as shown in FIG. . When the BACK button 44 is pressed in this state, the screen returns to the thumbnail image list screen again. When the right key or the left key of the cross button 46 is pressed, the image is advanced by one frame.

  If it is determined in step S16 that there is no matching image file, a message that there is no matching image (“no matching image”) is displayed on the monitor 30, as shown in FIG. (Step S18). The user presses the BACK button 44 to change the search scene based on the message displayed on the monitor 30 and search again, and presses the menu / OK button 42 to end the search.

  As described above, in the image search system of the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment, when a scene to be searched is selected from a plurality of scenes prepared in advance, an image file suitable for the shooting data of the scene is automatically selected. Searched. As described above, since the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment does not require troublesome search condition setting or knowledge about the search condition setting, anyone can easily search for the target image file. .

  In this embodiment, seven items of “person”, “landscape”, “night view”, “strobe”, “indoor”, “outdoor”, and “clear sky” are listed as selectable search scenes. The scenes set in advance as selectable search scenes are not limited to this, and may be increased or decreased as necessary. For example, in addition to the above search scenes, “macro” to search for macro shot images and “sport” to search for images of subjects that move rapidly like sports photos can be selected as needed. The scene may be increased or decreased.

  In this embodiment, one search scene is selectable, but a plurality of search scenes may be selected. For example, a plurality of search scenes such as “person” and “strobe”, “person” and “sunny sky” may be selected. In this case, an image file that satisfies the search conditions of all selected search scenes may be searched (so-called AND search), or an image file that satisfies the search conditions of at least one search scene is searched. You may make it like (what is called OR search). In AND search, the search condition is separately defined and recorded in the EEPROM 106. When a plurality of search scenes are selected, the image file is searched using the separately specified search condition. May be.

  The display of the search result is not limited to the format shown in FIG. 10, and may be a list display of the file names of the searched image files or only the total number of searched image files. It is preferable to change appropriately according to the size of the monitor to be performed.

  Furthermore, the search conditions for each search scene shown in FIG. 9 are merely examples, and it is preferable that the search conditions are appropriately changed and set according to the digital camera to be used. In this case, by setting the search condition in more detail, it becomes possible to search for an image suitable for the search scene with higher accuracy. Therefore, shooting data (exposure time and F number at the time of shooting, exposure program, spectral sensitivity, ISO speed rate, photoelectric conversion function, shutter speed, aperture value, luminance value, exposure correction value, lens minimum F value) , Subject distance, metering method, light source, flash, lens focal length, flash intensity, spatial frequency response, focal plane width resolution, focal plane height resolution, focal plane resolution unit, subject position, exposure index, sensor method It is preferable to set search conditions for each search scene by effectively using file sources, scene types, CFA patterns, and the like.

  In the case of a digital camera having a specific shooting function, information on the shooting function may be added to an image file and used for searching.

  For example, in the case of a digital camera having a dedicated shooting mode for each subject, information on the used shooting mode can be recorded in attached information and used as a search condition.

  A camera with a dedicated shooting mode for each subject has multiple shooting modes according to the shooting purpose, such as portrait shooting mode for portrait shooting, landscape shooting mode for landscape shooting, and macro shooting mode for macro shooting. The information of the shooting mode used for shooting is recorded in the header part (for example, manufacturer note) of the image file, and this information is used for the search.

  For example, the search is performed by newly adding a condition that “or the shooting mode is the person shooting mode” to the search condition of “person” shown in FIG. In this case, when the search scene is set to “person”, the conditions “aperture value F4 or less” and “focal length 11 mm or more” are satisfied, or the condition that “the shooting mode is a person shooting mode” is satisfied. The image file is searched. Similarly, in the case where the condition that “or the shooting mode is landscape shooting mode” is added to the search condition of “landscape”, when the search scene is set to “landscape”, “aperture value F8 or more”, “focal length” An image file satisfying the condition “less than 8 mm” or satisfying the condition “the photographing mode is the landscape photographing mode” is searched.

  Thus, in a digital camera having a dedicated shooting mode for each subject, information on the shooting mode used at the time of shooting can be used as a search condition.

  For example, in the case of a digital camera that can divide a specific area of the screen into a plurality of areas and detect the focus position in each area, information on the focus position in each area divided at the time of shooting is obtained. The information can be acquired and recorded in attached information (for example, manufacturer's note) and used as a search condition.

  In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the AF integration area set in the CCD image area is divided into 64 × 8 × 8 × 8. The detection of the focus position in each divided area is the same as the method for detecting the focus position during AF control of the digital camera of the present embodiment described above. That is, while moving the focus lens from the closest end to the infinity end, the evaluation value of each divided area is calculated at a plurality of AF detection points, and the lens position where the evaluation value is maximum in each divided area is determined as the in-focus position. To do. If the subject has low contrast or low brightness, the correct focus position may not be detected. In this case, the focus position is set to the infinity position. Information on the in-focus position for each divided area is acquired at the time of shooting (at the time of AF), and recorded in attached information (manufacturer note) of the shot image data.

  For example, the search condition for “landscape” shown in FIG. 9 is newly added to the search condition “or the focus position of each divided area is x or more (x is a predetermined position on the infinity side)”. By adding to In this case, when the search scene is set to “landscape”, the conditions “aperture value F8 or more” and “focal length less than 8 mm” are satisfied, or “the focus position of each divided area is x or more”. An image file satisfying the conditions is searched.

  Further, for example, it is performed by newly adding a condition that “or the variation in the focus position of each divided area is a predetermined value or less” to the search condition of “scenery” shown in FIG. In this case, when the search scene is set to “landscape”, the conditions “aperture value F8 or more” and “less than focal length 8 mm” are satisfied, or “the variation in focus position of each divided area is a constant value. An image file satisfying the following condition is searched.

  In this way, in a digital camera that can divide a specific area of the screen into a plurality of areas and detect the focus position in each of the divided areas, information on the focus position for each divided area acquired at the time of shooting Can be used as a search condition.

  In addition, in a digital camera having a function of adding a user comment to an image file, the added user comment can be used as a search condition.

  Next, a second embodiment of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied will be described.

  The digital camera according to the first embodiment described above is a digital camera having an image file search function, but the digital camera according to the present embodiment is a digital camera having an image file classification function. That is, the image files obtained by photographing are classified and stored in folders created in the recording area of the memory card according to a predetermined rule.

  The classification is performed based on the shooting data of the image file obtained by shooting. The user designates the storage location of the image file at the time of shooting. The storage destination folder is classified for each scene, and the user selects the storage destination folder according to the purpose of photographing. If the shooting data of the image file obtained by shooting satisfies the storage conditions specified by the user, the image file obtained by shooting is stored in the folder specified by the user and is satisfied. If not, it is stored in the specified folder.

  The image file classification function of the digital camera according to the second embodiment will be described below.

  Since the configuration of the digital camera itself is the same as that of the digital camera of the first embodiment described above, only the procedure for classifying image files obtained by shooting will be described here.

  In the digital camera according to the present embodiment, the setting of whether or not to classify an image file can be arbitrarily selected. When the image file is not classified, the digital file according to the first embodiment described above is used. Image files taken in the same manner as the camera are stored in a specified folder. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, a predetermined file name is assigned to the DCF folder “100_FUJI” created immediately below the DCF image root folder “DCIM” and stored.

  On the other hand, when classifying image files, the folders “person”, “landscape”, “night view”, “macro”, “indoor”, and “outdoor” for each scene created directly under the root folder “ROOT” are specified. The file name is assigned and stored.

  This image classification setting and storage destination setting are called from the shooting menu. That is, when the menu / OK button 42 is pressed under the shooting mode, a shooting menu is displayed on the monitor 30 as shown in FIG. 13A, and an item “image classification setting” is selected from the shooting menu. By selecting, an image classification setting function is called.

  The menu item is selected by moving the cursor (in the example shown in FIG. 13, the selected item is reversed in black and white) with the cross button 46, and the selected menu item is confirmed by the menu / OK button 42. This is done by pressing.

  When the “image classification setting” item is selected from the shooting menu, an image classification setting screen is displayed on the monitor 30 as shown in FIG. On this image classification setting screen, the setting of whether or not to perform image classification and the setting of the storage destination folder when performing image classification are performed. Here, six scenes of “person”, “landscape”, “night view”, “macro”, “indoor”, and “outdoor” are prepared as storage destination folders. In accordance with the display on the monitor 30, the user selects whether or not to classify images and selects a storage folder.

  Selection is performed by moving the cursor (in the example shown in FIG. 13, the selected item is reversed in black and white) using the cross button 46, and the selected scene is confirmed by pressing the menu / OK button 42. .

  When “classify” is selected on the image classification setting screen, the storage folder is selected, and the setting is completed, the image files are classified according to the set conditions.

  The setting is ended by moving the cursor to the “setting end” icon and pressing the menu / OK button 42.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure for classifying image files obtained by photographing.

  As described above, when the image classification setting screen is called from the shooting menu, “classify” is selected in the classification setting (step S20), and when the storage destination folder is selected (step S21), the CPU 100 The storage condition of the selected folder is acquired from the EEPROM 106 (step S22).

  As shown in FIG. 14, this classification condition is individually determined for each folder that can be selected as a storage destination, and is set based on attached information recorded in the header portion of the image file. That is, as the classification conditions set for each folder, general shooting conditions for shooting a scene set for each folder are set. For example, when shooting a person (portrait), set the focal length of the lens longer (zoom set to the tele side) and shoot near the aperture. The conditions of “aperture value F4 or less” and “focal length 11 mm (when the size of the image sensor is 1 / 1.7 type) or more” are set. Also, for example, when shooting landscapes, the focal length of the lens is set short (zoom is set to the wide side) and the aperture is set to the minimum. “F8 or more” and “Focal distance less than 8 mm (when the size of the image sensor is 1 / 1.7 type)” are set.

  As described above, the classification condition based on the photographing condition is set for each selectable folder and recorded in the EEPROM 106. The CPU 100 acquires the classification condition corresponding to the selected storage destination folder from the EEPROM 106.

  Here, for example, “landscape folder” is selected as the storage folder, and the classification conditions (“aperture value F8 or more”, “less than focal length 8 mm”) corresponding to “landscape folder” are acquired from EEPROM 106.

  If the image file is not classified, normal image file storage processing is performed. That is, the image file obtained by shooting is stored with a predetermined file name assigned to the DCF folder “100_FUJI”.

  Thereafter, when shooting is performed (step S23), the CPU 100 acquires information necessary for classification from shooting data relating to the shot image (step S24). Here, since “aperture value” and “focal length” are set as the classification conditions, information on the aperture value and the focal length is acquired.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired shooting data conforms to the storage conditions of the selected folder (step S25). Here, it is determined whether or not the acquired aperture value and focal length satisfy the conditions of “aperture value F8 or more” and “less than 8 mm” set as classification conditions.

  For example, when the aperture value of the acquired image is F8 and the focal length is 10 mm, it is determined that the classification condition is not satisfied. On the other hand, when the aperture value of the acquired image is F8 and the focal length is 6 mm, it is determined that the classification condition is satisfied.

  If it is determined that the classification condition is satisfied, the image file is stored in the folder selected as the storage destination (step S26).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the classification condition is not satisfied, the image file is stored in a specified folder (step S27). Here, the image file is stored in the DCF folder “100_FUJI” set as a storage destination when the image file is not classified.

  As described above, in the digital camera according to the present embodiment, when an image is captured, it is determined whether the captured image satisfies the storage condition of the folder designated as the storage destination, and is satisfied. Is determined, it is stored in the designated folder. In this way, since the images are classified and stored in the memory card 150, image management after shooting is facilitated, and a target image can be quickly found even during image search.

  In the digital camera according to the present embodiment, it is assumed that reproduction can be performed in units of folders, thereby further quickly finding a target image. In this case, for example, when the camera mode is set to the playback mode, a folder selection screen is displayed on the monitor 30 as shown in FIG. 16, and a folder to be played back is selected.

  In this embodiment, six items of “person”, “landscape”, “night view”, “macro”, “indoor”, and “outdoor” are listed as selectable folders. The folder set in advance is not limited to this, and may be increased or decreased as necessary. For example, in addition to the above folder, a “strobe folder” that stores images taken with a flash, and a “sport folder” that stores images taken of a subject that moves rapidly like sports photos can be selected as needed. You may increase or decrease the folder.

  In this embodiment, one selectable folder is used, but a plurality of folders may be selected. For example, a plurality of folders such as “person” and “indoor” and “person” and “outdoor” may be selected as storage destinations.

  In this case, the image file obtained by shooting is stored in a folder that satisfies the storage conditions from among the selected folders. If the storage conditions of the plurality of folders are satisfied, conformity to each folder is satisfied. Evaluation is performed, and setting is made so that the image file is stored in a folder having the highest compatibility.

  Hereinafter, the procedure of the image classification process when a plurality of folders are selected as the image file storage destination folder will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of image classification processing when two folders are selected as the image file storage destination folders.

  When the image classification setting screen is called from the shooting menu, “classify” is selected in the classification setting (step S30), and when a plurality of folders are selected as storage destination folders (step S31), the CPU 100 selects The storage conditions for the plurality of folders are acquired from the EEPROM 106 (step S32). Here, it is assumed that “person folder” and “outdoor folder” are selected as storage folders, and classification conditions (“aperture value F4 or less”, “focal length 11 mm or more”) corresponding to “person folder” and The classification condition (“shutter speed 1/60 or more”) corresponding to “outdoor folder” is acquired from the EEPROM 106.

  Thereafter, when shooting is performed (step S33), the CPU 100 acquires information necessary for classification from shooting data relating to the shot image (step S34). Here, since “aperture value”, “focal length”, and “shutter speed” are set as the classification conditions, information on the aperture value, the focal length, and the shutter speed is acquired.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired shooting data satisfies the storage condition of at least one folder (step S35). Here, the acquired aperture value and focal length satisfy the conditions of “aperture value F4 or less” and “focal length of 11 mm or more” set as the classification conditions of “person folder”, or the acquired shutter speed is It is determined whether the condition “shutter speed 1/60 or more” set as the classification condition of “outdoor folder” is satisfied.

  As a result, when it is determined that the classification conditions of both folders are not satisfied, the image file is stored in the specified folder (step S36).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the classification condition of at least one folder is satisfied, it is then determined whether only the classification condition of one folder (“person folder”) is satisfied. (Step S37).

  Here, it is determined whether or not the acquired shooting data satisfies only the “person folder” classification condition (“aperture value F4 or less”, “focal length 11 mm or more”). For example, when the aperture value of the photographed image is F4, the focal length is 15 mm, and the shutter speed is 1/30, the “person folder” classification condition is satisfied, but the “outdoor folder” classification condition is not satisfied. It is determined that only the “person folder” classification condition is satisfied.

  As a result, if it is determined that only the classification condition of one folder (“person folder”) is satisfied and the classification condition of the other folder (“outdoor folder”) is not satisfied, one folder (“ The image file is stored in the “person folder”) (step S38).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that only the classification condition of one folder (“person folder”) is not satisfied, then only the classification condition of the other folder (“outdoor folder”) is satisfied. It is determined whether or not (step S39).

  Here, it is determined whether the acquired shooting data satisfies only the “outdoor folder” classification condition (shutter speed 1/60 or more). For example, when the aperture value of the photographed image is F8, the focal length is 15 mm, and the shutter speed is 1/100, the classification condition of “outdoor folder” is satisfied, but the classification condition of “person folder” is not satisfied. It is determined that only the classification condition of “outdoor folder” is satisfied.

  As a result, when it is determined that only the classification condition of the other folder (“outdoor folder”) is satisfied and the classification condition of one folder (“person folder”) is not satisfied, the other folder (“ The image file is stored in the “outdoor folder” (step S40).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that only the classification condition of the other folder ("outdoor folder") is not satisfied, the classification condition of both folders is satisfied, so it is suitable to be stored in one of the folders The sex is evaluated (step S41), and it is determined to which folder the compatibility is high (step S42).

  For example, the suitability is evaluated based on whether a second storage condition is provided for each folder and whether or not the second storage condition is satisfied. For example, in the case of “person folder”, the second storage condition is “aperture value is F2.8 or less”, and in the case of “outdoor folder”, the second storage condition is “white balance (color temperature) is fine ( “5500K or more)” is set. The second storage condition is stored in the EEPROM 106.

  As a result, if it is determined that the compatibility with one folder (“person folder”) is high, the image file is stored in one folder (“person folder”) (step S38), and the other folder ( If it is determined that the compatibility with the “outdoor folder”) is high, the image file is stored in the other folder (“outdoor folder”) (step S40).

  As described above, when a plurality of folders are designated as storage destinations and the storage conditions of each folder are satisfied, the suitability for each folder is evaluated, and the image file is stored in the folder with the highest suitability.

  It should be noted that various methods can be used for the evaluation of suitability, and it is preferable to appropriately set according to the digital camera to be used and the obtainable shooting information.

  Further, the storage conditions of each folder shown in FIG. 15 are merely examples, and it is preferable to change and set appropriately according to the digital camera to be used in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above. In this case, image files can be classified with higher accuracy by setting the storage conditions in more detail. Therefore, shooting data (exposure time and F number at the time of shooting, exposure program, spectral sensitivity, ISO speed rate, photoelectric conversion function, shutter speed, aperture value, brightness value, exposure correction value, minimum lens F value) , Subject distance, metering method, light source, flash, lens focal length, flash intensity, spatial frequency response, focal plane width resolution, focal plane height resolution, focal plane resolution unit, subject position, exposure index, sensor method It is preferable to set storage conditions for each folder by effectively using file sources, scene types, CFA patterns, and the like.

  Further, in the case of a digital camera having a specific shooting function as in the first embodiment described above, information on the shooting function may be acquired and used for classification of image files.

  For example, in the case of a digital camera having a dedicated shooting mode for each subject, information on the used shooting mode may be acquired and images may be classified using the information. For example, a condition that “or the shooting mode is the person shooting mode” is newly added to the classification condition of the “person folder” shown in FIG. In this case, when “person folder” is selected as the storage folder, the conditions “aperture value F4 or less” and “focal length 11 mm or more” are satisfied, or the condition that the shooting mode is “person shooting mode”. Are stored in the “person folder”.

  For example, in the case of a digital camera that can divide a specific area of the screen into a plurality of areas and detect the focus position in each area, information on the focus position in each area divided at the time of shooting is obtained. The image files may be classified by using the acquired information. For example, a condition that “or the in-focus position of each divided area is x or more (x is a predetermined position on the infinity side)” is newly added to the classification condition of “landscape folder” shown in FIG. In this case, when the “landscape folder” is selected as the storage folder, the conditions “aperture value F8 or more” and “focal length less than 8 mm” are satisfied, or “the focus position of each divided area is x An image file satisfying the above condition is stored in the “landscape folder”. Further, for example, a condition that “or the variation in the focus position of each divided area is equal to or less than a certain value” is newly added to the storage condition of the “landscape folder” shown in FIG. In this case, when “landscape folder” is selected as the storage destination folder, the conditions “aperture value F8 or greater” and “focal length less than 8 mm” are satisfied, or “the variation in focus position of each divided area is different. An image file that satisfies the condition “below a certain value” is stored in the “landscape folder”.

  In the series of embodiments described above, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital camera has been described as an example. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and a mobile phone or PDA having a photographing function is used. The same can be applied to the above.

  The image file search function can be similarly applied to a reproduction-only apparatus having only a reproduction function.

  In addition, it is possible to provide both functions of an image file search function and a classification function in one digital camera.

Front perspective view of digital camera Rear perspective view of digital camera Block diagram showing the internal circuit configuration of the digital camera The figure which shows the structure of the image file of Exif format The figure which shows the list of the attached information written in the image file of Exif format Diagram showing the folder structure created in the recording area of the memory card The figure which shows the display example of the monitor at the time of image search setting Flowchart showing image search processing procedure The figure which shows an example of the search conditions set to each search scene The figure which shows the example of a display of the monitor in the case of displaying the result of an image search Explanatory drawing when the focus position is detected by dividing the screen into multiple areas Diagram showing the folder structure created in the recording area of the memory card The figure which shows the example of a display of the monitor at the time of the setting of image classification Flowchart showing image file classification processing procedure The figure which shows an example of the classification conditions set to each folder The figure which shows the example of a display of the monitor when setting the folder to play A flowchart showing the procedure of image file classification processing when a plurality of folders are selected

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera, 12 ... Camera body, 14 ... Lens, 26 ... Release button, 28 ... Power button, 30 ... Monitor, 34 ... Strobe button, 36 ... Macro button, 38 ... Zoom lever, 40 ... Display button, 42 ... Menu / OK button, 44 ... BACK button, 46 ... cross button, 48 ... mode switch, 100 ... central processing unit (CPU), 102 ... bus, 104 ... ROM, 106 ... EEPROM, 108 ... memory (SDRAM), 110 ... VRAM, 112, operation unit, 118, aperture / shutter unit, 124, image sensor (CCD), 126, timing generator (TG), 128, analog signal processing circuit, 130, A / D converter, 132, image input controller 134: Image signal processing circuit, 136: Video encoder, 13 ... AE / AWB detection circuit, 140 ... AF detecting circuit, 142 ... diaphragm driver, 144 ... lens driving section, 146 ... decompression processing circuit, 148 ... media controller, 150 ... memory card, 152 ... character MIX circuit

Claims (4)

In an image reproduction apparatus that reads an image file storing image data together with image data from a recording medium on which the image file is recorded, and reproduces and displays it on a monitor.
Scene selection means for selecting a scene to be searched from a plurality of preset scenes;
Search condition storage means for storing search conditions set for each scene that can be selected by the scene selection means based on shooting data stored in the image file;
Search means for acquiring a search condition for the scene selected by the scene selection means from the search condition storage means, and searching for an image file that matches the search condition from among the image files recorded on the recording medium;
Reproduction control means for reading out the image file retrieved by the retrieval means from the recording medium and causing the monitor to reproduce and display;
An image reproducing apparatus comprising: In an image recording apparatus that creates an image file in which shooting data at the time of shooting is added to image data obtained from an image sensor, and stores the image file in a predetermined folder created in a recording area of a recording medium.
Folder selection means for selecting a folder as a candidate for a storage destination of an image file obtained by shooting from a plurality of folders created in advance in the recording area of the recording medium;
Storage condition storage means for storing storage conditions set for each folder that can be selected by the folder selection means based on shooting data added to the image file;
The storage condition of the folder selected by the folder selection unit is acquired from the storage condition storage unit, the shooting data of the image file obtained by shooting is acquired, and the shooting data of the image file obtained by shooting is Determining means for determining whether or not the storage condition of the folder selected by the folder selecting means is satisfied;
The folder selected by the folder selection unit as the storage destination of the image file when it is determined that the shooting data of the image file obtained by shooting by the determination unit satisfies the storage condition of the folder selected by the folder selection unit Storage location setting means for setting the storage location of the image file to a specified folder when it is determined that the image file is not satisfied,
Recording control means for recording an image file obtained by photographing in the folder set by the storage destination setting means;
An image recording apparatus comprising: An image recording function for creating an image file in which shooting data at the time of shooting is added to the image data obtained from the image sensor, and storing the image file in a predetermined folder created in a recording area of the recording medium; and an image file from the recording medium In an image recording apparatus having an image reproduction function for reading and reproducing and displaying on a monitor,
Scene selection means for selecting a scene to be searched from a plurality of preset scenes;
Search condition storage means for storing search conditions set for each scene that can be selected by the scene selection means based on shooting data stored in the image file;
Search means for acquiring a search condition for the scene selected by the scene selection means from the search condition storage means, and searching for an image file that matches the search condition from among the image files recorded on the recording medium;
Reproduction control means for reading out the image file retrieved by the retrieval means from the recording medium and causing the monitor to reproduce and display;
Folder selection means for selecting a folder as a candidate for a storage destination of an image file obtained by shooting from a plurality of folders created in advance in the recording area of the recording medium;
Storage condition storage means for storing storage conditions set for each folder that can be selected by the folder selection means based on shooting data added to the image file;
The storage condition of the folder selected by the folder selection unit is acquired from the storage condition storage unit, the shooting data of the image file obtained by shooting is acquired, and the shooting data of the image file obtained by shooting is Determining means for determining whether or not the storage condition of the folder selected by the folder selecting means is satisfied;
The folder selected by the folder selection unit as the storage destination of the image file when it is determined that the shooting data of the image file obtained by shooting by the determination unit satisfies the storage condition of the folder selected by the folder selection unit Storage location setting means for setting the storage location of the image file to a specified folder when it is determined that the image file is not satisfied,
Recording control means for recording an image file obtained by photographing in the folder set by the storage destination setting means;
An image recording apparatus comprising: Classification criteria storage means for storing the classification criteria of the image file to each folder set based on the shooting data added to the image file;
The folder selection unit can select a plurality of folders as image file storage destination candidates, and the storage destination setting unit selects a plurality of image data of image files obtained by shooting by the folder selection unit. 4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the determination unit determines that the storage conditions of all folders are satisfied, an image file storage destination is set based on the classification criteria.

Images