JP2005309512A - Information processing program, information processing method, information processor and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing program, an information processing method, an information processor and a recording medium, allowing realization of various kinds of work related to registration of a keyword by a unified operation method, and allowing execution by easy operation. <P>SOLUTION: In this information processing method, a keyword list is displayed in a first display area of a display means, image information recorded in an image file is classified by a prescribed classification criterion, an index image of an image or a classified item is displayed in a second display area, a keyword selected from the displayed keyword list is stored in association with the image corresponding to the selected index image or an image belonging to the selected classification item, and the index image of the image related to the selected keyword is displayed in the second display area on the basis of the related information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for improving the efficiency of information retrieval.

A method using keywords is known as an efficient way to search for images, but in order to further improve efficiency, information that serves as keywords is added to directory names, and searches can be performed quickly. A technique using a configured directory has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2000-276484 A

  According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, the relationship between a search method, a directory structure, and a file structure is defined. However, even when the technique described in Patent Document 1 is used, the user must select a keyword in consideration of the directory structure and register the keyword for each image as in the conventional case. is there.

  Since the keyword registration work and maintenance work such as changing it are very time-consuming and labor-intensive, if the keyword registration work cannot be simplified, the search method that assumes the presence of keywords will eventually be used. It is likely not.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an information processing program and an information processing method that can realize various operations related to keyword registration with a unified operation method and can be performed with a simple operation. An object is to provide an information processing apparatus and a recording medium.

  In order to solve the above problems, an information processing program according to claim 1 of the present invention includes an image storage unit that stores an image file in which an image captured by an imaging device and image information are recorded, and the image storage A keyword list display step for displaying a keyword list comprising a plurality of keywords in a first display area of the display means, the program being executed by an information processing apparatus having display means for displaying information stored in the means An image classification step of classifying the image information recorded in the image file according to a predetermined classification standard; an index image of an image stored in the image storage means; or a classification item of the classification in the second display An image information display step for displaying in the area, and the index image or the classification item displayed in the second display area The selection step for selecting, the keyword selection step for selecting a keyword from the keyword list displayed in the first display area, and the keyword selected in the keyword selection step correspond to the index image selected in the selection step. A related information storage step for storing the associated information in association with the image or the image belonging to the classification item selected in the selection step, a search keyword selection step for selecting a keyword from the keyword list, and the related information storage step A search result display step for displaying an index image of an image associated with the keyword selected in the search keyword selection step in the second display area based on the associated information stored in Run on the computer That.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the information processing program according to the second aspect, wherein the image classification step is based on shooting time information stored in the image file. The image information is classified for each day, and the image information display step displays the year, month, and day as classification categories.

  An information processing program according to a third aspect of the present invention is the information processing program according to the above-described invention, wherein the image classification step includes shooting information stored in the image file or information for specifying a shooting device. The image information is classified based on the image information, and the image information display step displays the shooting information or information for specifying the shooting device as a classification category.

  An information processing program according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the information processing program according to the above-described invention, wherein the image information is information recorded in a header of an Exif format image file.

  An information processing program according to claim 5 of the present invention belongs to an image corresponding to an index image selected in the selection step or a classification item selected in the selection step in the information processing program according to the invention described above. The method further includes a related information deleting step of deleting related information between the image and the keyword selected in the keyword selecting step.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium according to the present invention, wherein an image storage means for storing an image file in which an image photographed by a photographing device and image information are recorded, and information stored in the image storage means are displayed A keyword list display step for displaying a keyword list composed of a plurality of keywords in a first display area of the display means; An image classification step of classifying the image information recorded in the image file according to a predetermined classification standard, and an index image of the image stored in the image storage means or a classification item of the classification is displayed in the second display area Image information display step to be performed, and selection to select the index image or the classification item displayed in the second display area A keyword selection step of selecting a keyword from the keyword list displayed in the first display area, and an image corresponding to the index image selected in the selection step. The related information storing step for storing the associated information in association with the image belonging to the classification item selected in the selecting step, the search keyword selecting step for selecting a keyword from the keyword list, and the related information storing step are stored. A search result display step for displaying an index image of an image associated with the keyword selected in the search keyword selection step in the second display area based on the associated information being stored in the computer. Pro to let It was recorded the ram.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, comprising: an image storage unit that stores an image file that records an image photographed by a photographing device and image information; and an information stored in the image storage unit. An information processing method for an information processing apparatus having a display means for displaying, a keyword list display step for displaying a keyword list composed of a plurality of keywords in a first display area of the display means, and recorded in the image file An image classification step for classifying the image information according to a predetermined classification criterion, and an image information display step for displaying the index image of the image stored in the image storage means or the classification item of the classification in the second display area A selection step of selecting the index image or the classification item displayed in the second display area, and the first step A keyword selection step of selecting a keyword from the keyword list displayed in the display area, and an image corresponding to the index image selected in the selection step or the classification item selected in the selection step. A related information storing step for storing the related information in association with an image belonging to the image, a search keyword selecting step for selecting a keyword from the keyword list, and the related information stored in the related information storing step And a search result display step for displaying an index image of an image associated with the keyword selected in the search keyword selection step in the second display area.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, comprising: an image storage unit that stores an image file that records an image photographed by a photographing device and image information; and information stored in the image storage unit. An information processing apparatus having display means for displaying, the keyword list display means for displaying a keyword list comprising a plurality of keywords in the first display area of the display means, and the image information recorded in the image file Image classification means for classifying images according to a predetermined classification criterion, index images of images stored in the image storage means, or image information display means for displaying classification items of the classification in the second display area; Selection means for selecting the index image or the classification item displayed in the second display area, and the key displayed in the first display area A keyword selection unit for selecting a keyword from a list of keywords, and a keyword selected by the keyword selection unit in association with an image corresponding to the index image selected by the selection unit or an image belonging to the classification item selected by the selection unit. Based on the related information stored in the related information storage means, related information storage means for storing the related information, search keyword selection means for selecting a keyword from the keyword list, and the related information storage means, the search keyword Search result display means for displaying an index image of an image associated with the keyword selected by the selection means in the second display area.

  According to the present invention, various operations related to keyword registration can be realized by a unified operation method, and can be performed by a simple operation.

[First Embodiment]
In the information processing method according to the embodiment of the present invention, the user performs management and retrieval of information based on an information processing screen displayed on the display unit of the information processing apparatus.

  The configuration of the information processing screen according to the information processing method of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The information processing screen 1 includes a switching tab 2, a browse area 3, a keyword area 4, and a thumbnail area 5. The switching tab 2 is provided with tabs (folder tab 2a, calendar tab 2b, Exif tag tab 2c) for switching information displayed on the information processing screen 1. The browse area 3 displays classification information corresponding to the switched tab. The keyword area 4 includes a keyword character string 4a and a keyword deletion button 4b. The thumbnail area 5 displays thumbnail images.

  Next, an outline of the information processing method will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 shows an information processing screen 1 when the folder tab 2a is selected. When the user selects the folder tab 2a, a folder tree is displayed in the browse area 3. Since the structure of the folder tree is displayed in a known format, detailed description thereof is omitted. Therefore, when the user selects a desired folder from this tree, the thumbnail area 5 searches the image management DB 34 for an image file existing under the folder, and a thumbnail image that is an index image of the image file is displayed. The

  Next, when the user clicks a character string 4 a of a specific keyword in the keyword area 4, a thumbnail image of an image to which the keyword is assigned is displayed in the thumbnail area 5. Designating and displaying a specific keyword in this way is called “narrowed display”. On the other hand, when the user clicks the “display all” character string 4 a in the keyword area 4, a thumbnail image of an image to which any keyword displayed in the keyword area 4 is assigned is displayed in the thumbnail area 5. Designating and displaying all the keywords in this way is called “total number display”.

  Subsequently, when the user drags and drops the thumbnail image in the thumbnail area 5 onto the specific character string 4a of the keyword in the keyword area 4, the specific character is given to the image as a keyword. It should be noted that even if the user drags and drops the thumbnail image in the thumbnail area 5 onto the “display all” character string 4 a in the keyword area 4, no keyword is given. On the other hand, when the user drags and drops the thumbnail image in the thumbnail area 5 onto the keyword deletion button 4b in the keyword area 4, a specific keyword or all keywords are deleted from the image.

  When the user drags and drops a folder in the browse area 3 onto a specific character string 4a in the keyword area 4 or the keyword delete button 4b, all the image files under the folder are changed as described above. Grant or delete is performed.

  FIG. 2 shows the information processing screen 1 when the calendar tab 2b is selected. When the user selects the calendar tab 2b, a calendar is displayed in the browse area 3. Therefore, when the user selects the calendar year / month and selects a desired date from the calendar, the thumbnail area 5 displays a thumbnail image of the image file taken on that date.

  Next, when the user clicks a character string 4 a of a specific keyword in the keyword area 4, a thumbnail image of an image having the keyword is displayed in the thumbnail area 5. On the other hand, when the user clicks the “display all” character string 4 a in the keyword area 4, thumbnail images of images having any of the keywords displayed in the keyword area 4 are displayed in the thumbnail area 5.

  Subsequently, when the user drags and drops the thumbnail image in the thumbnail area 5 onto the specific character string 4a of the keyword in the keyword area 4, the specific character is given to the image as a keyword. Even if the user drags and drops the thumbnail image in the thumbnail area 5 onto the “display all” character string 4 a in the keyword area 4, no keyword is given. On the other hand, when the user drags and drops the thumbnail image in the thumbnail area 5 onto the keyword deletion button 4b in the keyword area 4, a specific keyword or all keywords are deleted from the image.

  When the user drags and drops the date in the browse area 3 onto the specific character string 4a or the keyword deletion button 4b in the keyword area 4, the keyword is assigned or all the image files having the date are processed as described above. Deletion is performed.

  FIG. 3 shows the information processing screen 1 when the Exif tag tab 2c is selected. When the user selects the Exif tag tab 2 c, an Exif tag selection box 3 a is displayed in the browse area 3. Therefore, when the user selects a desired Exif tag, a thumbnail image of an image file to which information on the Exif tag is added is displayed in the thumbnail area 5. Further, in the browse area 3, the number of image files is displayed as a graph for each content 3b of the Exif tag.

  Next, when the user clicks a character string 4 a of a specific keyword in the keyword area 4, a thumbnail image of an image having the keyword is displayed in the thumbnail area 5. On the other hand, when the user clicks the “display all” character string 4 a in the keyword area 4, thumbnail images of images having any of the keywords displayed in the keyword area 4 are displayed in the thumbnail area 5.

  Subsequently, when the user drags and drops the thumbnail image in the thumbnail area 5 onto the specific character string 4a of the keyword in the keyword area 4, the specific character is given to the image as a keyword. When the user drags and drops the thumbnail image in the thumbnail area 5 onto the “display all” character string 4 a in the keyword area 4, all keywords are assigned to the image. When the user drags and drops the thumbnail image in the thumbnail area 5 onto the keyword deletion button 4b in the keyword area 4, a specific keyword or all keywords are deleted from the image.

  When the user drags and drops the content 3b of an arbitrary tag in the browse area 3 onto the specific character string 4a in the keyword area 4 or the keyword deletion button 4b, all the image files having the tag contents are described above. In this way, keywords are assigned or deleted.

  Next, the configuration of the information processing apparatus for realizing the above information processing method and the main processing procedure will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the information processing apparatus 30. The information processing apparatus 30 includes a display unit 31, an operation input unit 32, a communication unit 33, an image management DB 34, an information memory 35, a program memory 36, and a processing unit 37.

  The display unit 31 is a CRT, liquid crystal, plasma display, or projector that displays the information processing screen 1. The operation input unit 32 is an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse for receiving an operation instruction input from the user. The communication unit 33 is an interface for exchanging information such as an image file with an external device (not shown) such as a digital camera.

  The image management DB 34 stores various information for managing images, such as keywords, folder path information, Exif tag information, and the like. The information memory 35 stores an image file. For example, an image file received from an external device such as a digital camera is stored in the information memory 35 via the communication unit 33. The program memory 36 stores a program that controls each function of the information processing apparatus 30. The processing unit 37 comprehensively controls the operation of the information processing apparatus 30.

  Next, an outline procedure of information processing will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the processing described below is processing related to main functions of information processing functions. Therefore, even if the function is not described in the following description, the function described in the description of FIGS. 1 to 4 is included in the information processing function.

  In step S01 in FIG. 5, the processing unit 37 executes a process (FIG. 6) for registering an image in the image management DB.

  In steps T01 to T02 in FIG. 6, when the user specifies a folder path where an image to be processed exists from the operation input unit 32, the processing unit 37 searches for an image in the folder. Then, in steps T03 to T04, it is determined whether or not the management information regarding the image has already been registered in the image management DB 34 for all the searched images. If not registered yet (T03 Yes), one record of management information for the image is created and stored in the information management DB 34. Then, all the images in the folder are registered and the process returns.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a registration record registered in the information management DB. The registration record 10 includes a registration ID area 10a, a folder path area 10b, a file name area 10c, a thumbnail information area 10d, an Exif tag information area 10e, and a keyword area 10f.

  In the registration ID area 10a, a unique symbol is attached to each record. The folder path area 10b describes path information to a folder in which images are stored. In the file name area 10c, a name for identifying the image file is described. Thumbnail image data is stored in the thumbnail information area 10d. In the Exif tag information area 10e, the contents of the Exif tag are described. A keyword assigned to the image is stored in the keyword area 10f.

  The image file records not only image data but also image information that is information about the image. Typical image information includes Exif information recorded in the header of the image file.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the contents of a typical Exif tag. The Exif tag includes a numerical system Exif tag 12 and a character string system Exif tag 13.

  Typical items of the numerical Exif tag 12 include “shooting date”, “aperture value”, “shutter speed”, “focal length”, and the like. The contents of each item of the numerical system Exif tag 12 are represented by numbers. Further, representative items of the character string system Exif tag 13 include “flash”, “macro”, “shooting mode”, and so on. The content of each item of the character string system Exif tag 13 is a character string, and this character string is predetermined. This Exif information is recorded in the header of the Exif format image file as described above.

  Returning to FIG. 5, when the user selects one of the switching tabs 2, in step S <b> 02, the processing unit 37 displays the information processing screen 1 corresponding to the selected switching tab 2 and waits for the user's next operation. To do. When the user selects the folder tab 2a and performs an operation for information processing, the folder display process (FIGS. 9 and 10) shown in step S03 is executed.

  In steps T10 to T12 of FIG. 9, when the user clicks a folder in the browse area 3 (T10 Yes), the processing unit 37 searches the registration record 10 in the image management DB 34 and corresponds to the folder path area 10b. Identify the folder that contains the name of the folder. Then, the thumbnail image stored in the thumbnail information area 10 d of the specified registration record 10 is extracted and displayed in the thumbnail area 5.

  Next, when the folder is dropped on the keyword character string 4a in the keyword area 4 (T13 Yes, T14 Yes), the registration record 10 in the image management DB 34 is searched in steps T15 to T16, and the folder path The folder in which the name of the folder dropped in the area 10b is specified. Then, the keyword corresponding to the keyword area 10f of the specified registration record 10 is registered and the process returns.

  On the other hand, when the thumbnail image is dropped on the keyword character string 4a in the keyword area 4 (T17 Yes), the registration record 10 in the image management DB 34 is searched and dropped in the file name area 10c in step T18. The image file name corresponding to the thumbnail image is specified. Then, the keyword corresponding to the keyword area 10f of the specified registration record 10 is registered and the process returns.

  When the keyword character string 4a in the keyword area 4 is clicked in step T21 of FIG. 10 (T21 Yes), the keyword search display process (FIG. 11) is executed in step T22, and the process returns.

  When the character string 4a of “display all” in the keyword area 4 is clicked in step P01 of FIG. 11 (P01 Yes), the restriction by the keyword is released in step P02 and all thumbnail images are displayed in the thumbnail area 5. indicate. When a specific character string 4a in the keyword area 4 is clicked in step P01 of FIG. 11 (P01 No), the keyword of the corresponding registration record 10 among the images currently displayed in steps P03 to 04. An image in which the specific character string is described as a keyword in the area 10f is searched, and the thumbnail image is displayed in the thumbnail area 5.

  When a folder is dropped on the keyword deletion button 4b in the keyword area 4 in step T25 in FIG. 10 (T25 Yes, T26 Yes), the registration record 10 in the image management DB 34 is searched in steps T27 to T28. Thus, the folder in which the name of the folder corresponding to the folder path area 10b is described. Then, the keyword deletion process (FIG. 12) in step T28 is executed and the process returns.

  In step P10 of FIG. 12, when the thumbnail image is “reduced and displayed” in the thumbnail area 5 (P10 Yes), only the keyword being narrowed and displayed for all the image files under the folder is registered. Are deleted from the keyword area 10f. On the other hand, when the thumbnail images are “all displayed” in the thumbnail area 5 in Step P10 (No in P10), all the keywords for all the image files under the folder are retrieved from the keyword area 10f of the registration record 10. delete.

  On the other hand, when the thumbnail image is dropped on the keyword deletion button 4b in the keyword area 4 in step T25 in FIG. 10 (T25 Yes, T26 No, T29 Yes), the keyword deletion process in step T30 (FIG. 12) is executed. And return.

  In step P10 of FIG. 12, when the thumbnail image is “narrowed and displayed” in the thumbnail area 5 (P10 Yes), only the keyword currently being narrowed and displayed is displayed from the keyword area 10f of the registration record 10 for the thumbnail image. delete. On the other hand, when the thumbnail images are “all displayed” in the thumbnail area 5 in Step P10 (No in P10), all the keywords for the thumbnail images are deleted from the keyword area 10f of the registration record 10.

  Returning to FIG. 5, when the user selects the calendar tab 2b and performs an operation for information processing, calendar display processing (FIGS. 13 and 14) shown in step S04 is executed.

  When the user clicks the calendar date in the browse area 3 in steps T35 to T37 in FIG. 13 (T35 Yes), the processing unit 37 searches the registration record 10 in the image management DB 34 to obtain the Exif tag information area. The “photographing date” in the numerical system Exif tag 12 in 10e is identified that matches the calendar date. Then, the thumbnail image stored in the thumbnail information area 10 d of the specified registration record 10 is extracted and displayed in the thumbnail area 5.

  Next, when a folder is dropped on the keyword character string 4a in the keyword area 4 (T38 Yes, T39 Yes), the registration record 10 in the image management DB 34 is searched in steps T40 to T41, and the Exif tag The item in which “shooting date” in the numerical system Exif tag 12 in the information area 10e matches the calendar date is specified. Then, the keyword corresponding to the keyword area 10f of the specified registration record 10 is registered and the process returns.

  On the other hand, when a thumbnail image is dropped on the keyword character string 4a in the keyword area 4 (T42 Yes), the registration record 10 in the image management DB 34 is searched in step T43 and dropped in the file name area 10c. The image file name corresponding to the thumbnail image is specified. Then, the keyword corresponding to the keyword area 10f of the specified registration record 10 is registered and the process returns.

  When the keyword character string 4a in the keyword area 4 is clicked in step T46 in FIG. 14 (T46 Yes), the keyword search display process (FIG. 11) is executed in step T47, and the process returns. Since this keyword search display process is the same as the process already described, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, when the date is dropped on the keyword deletion button 4b in the keyword area 4 in step T50 of FIG. 14 (T50 Yes, T51 Yes), the registration record 10 in the image management DB 34 is stored in steps T52 to T53. To identify those in which “shooting date” in the numerical Exif tag 12 in the Exif tag information area 10e matches the calendar date. Then, the keyword deletion process (FIG. 12) in step T53 is executed and the process returns. Since this keyword deletion processing is the same as the processing already described, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  On the other hand, when the thumbnail image is dropped on the keyword deletion button 4b in the keyword area 4 in step T50 in FIG. 14 (T50 Yes, T51 No, T54 Yes), the keyword deletion process in step T55 (FIG. 12) is executed. And return. Since this keyword deletion processing is the same as the processing already described, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Returning to FIG. 5, when the user selects the Exif tag tab 2c and performs an operation for information processing, the Exif tag display process (FIGS. 15 and 16) shown in step S05 is executed.

  In step T60 of FIG. 15, the processing unit 37 registers all types of Exif tags (FIG. 8) registered in the image management DB 34 in the Exif tag selection box 3a, and displays the Exif tag content display process (step T61). FIG. 17) is executed.

  If the Exif tag selected by the user is a numeric type in Step P15 of FIG. 17 (P15 Yes), the Exif tag information area 10e is examined in Steps P16 to P19, and the maximum value and minimum value of the specified Exif tag are checked. Search for. Then, the range of the maximum value and the minimum value is divided into a predetermined number of areas. Next, the number of images included in the divided range is searched, a graph is displayed with the range having the largest number of searches as the maximum value, and the process returns.

  If the Exif tag selected by the user is a character string type in Step P15 of FIG. 17 (P15 No), the type of Exif tag displayed from the Exif tag information area 10e and the name of the Exif tag are selected in Steps P20 to P21. Is read from the Exif tag database 13 and the content 3b of the Exif tag displayed in the browse area 3 is read. Next, the number of images included in the contents 3b of the read Exif tag is searched. In step P19, the item with the largest number of searches in the contents 3b of the Exif tag is displayed as a graph with the maximum value, and the process returns.

  In Steps T62 to T64 in FIG. 15, when the user clicks the graph in the browse area 3 (T62 Yes), the processing unit 37 searches the Exif tag information area 10e of the registration record 10 and determines the value of the Exif tag. Identify what is within the graph. Then, a thumbnail image is extracted from the specified registration record 10 and displayed in the thumbnail area 5.

  Next, when the graph is dropped on the keyword character string 4a in the keyword area 4 (T67 Yes, T68 Yes), in the steps T69 to T70, the Exif tag information area 10e of the registration record 10 is searched, Identify the value of the Exif tag within the range of the graph. Then, the keyword corresponding to the specified registration record 10 is registered and the process returns.

  On the other hand, when the thumbnail image is dropped on the keyword character string 4a in the keyword area 4 (T71 Yes), the registration record 10 in the image management DB 34 is searched in step T72, and it corresponds to the file name area 10c. Specify the image file name. Then, the keyword corresponding to the keyword area 10f of the specified registration record 10 is registered and the process returns.

  When the keyword character string 4a in the keyword area 4 is clicked in step T75 in FIG. 16 (T75 Yes), the keyword search display process (FIG. 11) is executed in step T76, and the process returns. Since this keyword search display processing has already been described, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, when a graph is dropped on the keyword deletion button 4b in the keyword area 4 in step T77 of FIG. 16 (T77 Yes, T78 Yes), in steps T79 to T80, the Exif tag information area of the registration record 10 10e is searched to identify those whose Exif tag values are within the graph range. Then, the keyword deletion process (FIG. 12) in step T80 is executed and the process returns. Since this keyword deletion processing has already been described, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  On the other hand, when the thumbnail image is dropped on the keyword deletion button 4b in the keyword area 4 in step T77 in FIG. 16 (T77 Yes, T78 No, T81 Yes), the keyword deletion process in step T82 (FIG. 12) is executed. And return. Since this keyword deletion processing has already been described, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the keyword and the image are associated with each other by drag and drop. However, the present invention is not limited to this method, and the keyword and the image may be selected and associated with each other.

[Second Embodiment]
Subsequently, an information processing method according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, only the configuration of the information processing screen is different. Accordingly, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 18 shows the information processing screen 1 when the folder tab 2a is selected. The difference from the first embodiment is that folders are displayed together with thumbnail images in the thumbnail area 5.

  FIG. 19 shows the information processing screen 1 when the calendar tab 2b is selected. The difference from the first embodiment is that a calendar is displayed in the thumbnail area 5.

  FIG. 20 shows the information processing screen 1 when the Exif tag tab 2c is selected. The point that the Exif tag selection box 3a and a graph are displayed in the thumbnail area 5 is different from the first embodiment.

[Effect of the embodiment]
In the embodiment described above, operations related to keyword registration are unified. That is, (1) an operation of assigning a keyword to an index image corresponding to specific shooting information of a specified year, month, and day, (2) a specific year, month, and day associated with the selected keyword An operation for assigning or deleting a keyword to the corresponding index image and (3) an operation for assigning or deleting a keyword to the index image corresponding to the specific shooting information associated with the selected keyword are the same. Can be done by operation. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform operations related to complicated keyword registration.

  Each function described in the above embodiment may be configured using hardware, or may be realized by reading a program describing each function into a computer using software. Each function may be configured by appropriately selecting either software or hardware.

  Furthermore, each function can be realized by causing a computer to read a program stored in a recording medium (not shown). Here, as long as the recording medium in the present embodiment can record a program and can be read by a computer, the recording format may be any form.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Further, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, you may combine suitably the component covering different embodiment.

The figure which shows the structure of the information processing screen by the information processing method of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the information processing screen when a calendar tab is selected. The figure which shows the information processing screen when an Exif tag tab is selected. The figure which shows the structure of information processing apparatus. The flowchart which shows the procedure of the outline of information processing. The flowchart which shows the process sequence which registers an image into image management DB. The figure which shows the structure of the record for registration. The figure which shows the content of a typical Exif tag. The flowchart which shows a folder display processing procedure. The flowchart which shows a folder display processing procedure. The flowchart which shows a keyword search display process procedure. The flowchart which shows a keyword deletion process procedure. The flowchart which shows a calendar display process procedure. The flowchart which shows a calendar display process procedure. The flowchart which shows an Exif tag display processing procedure. The flowchart which shows an Exif tag display processing procedure. The flowchart which shows the Exif tag content display processing procedure. The figure which shows the information processing screen when a folder tab is selected. The figure which shows the information processing screen when a calendar tab is selected. The figure which shows the information processing screen when an Exif tag tab is selected.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Information processing screen, 2 ... Switching tab, 3 ... Browse area, 4 ... Keyword area, 5 ... Thumbnail area, 10 ... Registration record, 10a ... Registration ID area, 10b ... Folder path area, 10c ... File name area, 10d ... Thumbnail information area, 10e ... Exif tag information area, 10f ... Keyword area, 30 ... Information processing device, 31 ... Display unit, 32 ... Operation input unit, 33 ... Communication unit, 34 ... History management DB, 37 ... Processing unit .

Claims (8)

A program executed by an information processing apparatus having an image storage unit that stores an image file that records an image captured by an imaging device and image information, and a display unit that displays information stored in the image storage unit There,
A keyword list display step of displaying a keyword list comprising a plurality of keywords in the first display area of the display means;
An image classification step of classifying the image information recorded in the image file according to a predetermined classification criterion;
An image information display step of displaying an index image of the image stored in the image storage means or a classification item of the classification in the second display area;
A selection step of selecting the index image or the classification item displayed in the second display area;
A keyword selection step of selecting a keyword from the keyword list displayed in the first display area;
A related information storing step for storing the associated information by associating the keyword selected in the keyword selecting step with the image corresponding to the index image selected in the selecting step or the image belonging to the classification item selected in the selecting step. When,
A search keyword selection step of selecting a keyword from the keyword list;
A search result for displaying an index image of an image associated with the keyword selected in the search keyword selection step in the second display area based on the associated information stored in the related information storage step A display step;
A program that causes a computer to execute. The image classification step classifies the image information for each year, month, day based on the shooting time information stored in the image file,
2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the image information display step displays the year, month, and day as classification categories. In the image classification step, the image information is classified based on shooting information stored in the image file or information for specifying a shooting device,
2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the image information display step displays the shooting information or the information specifying the shooting device as a classification.   The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the image information is information recorded in a header of an Exif format image file.   A related information deletion step of deleting related information between an image corresponding to the index image selected in the selection step or an image belonging to the classification item selected in the selection step and the keyword selected in the keyword selection step; The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the program is characterized in that: A program executed by an information processing apparatus having image storage means for storing an image file in which an image photographed by the photographing apparatus and image information are recorded, and display means for displaying information stored in the image storage means A recorded recording medium,
A keyword list display step of displaying a keyword list comprising a plurality of keywords in the first display area of the display means;
An image classification step of classifying the image information recorded in the image file according to a predetermined classification criterion;
An image information display step of displaying an index image of the image stored in the image storage means or a classification item of the classification in the second display area;
A selection step of selecting the index image or the classification item displayed in the second display area;
A keyword selection step of selecting a keyword from the keyword list displayed in the first display area;
A related information storing step for storing the associated information by associating the keyword selected in the keyword selecting step with the image corresponding to the index image selected in the selecting step or the image belonging to the classification item selected in the selecting step. When,
A search keyword selection step of selecting a keyword from the keyword list;
A search result for displaying an index image of an image associated with the keyword selected in the search keyword selection step in the second display area based on the associated information stored in the related information storage step A display step;
A recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute is recorded. An information processing method for an information processing apparatus, comprising: an image storage unit that stores an image file that records an image captured by an imaging device and image information; and a display unit that displays information stored in the image storage unit. And
A keyword list display step of displaying a keyword list comprising a plurality of keywords in the first display area of the display means;
An image classification step of classifying the image information recorded in the image file according to a predetermined classification criterion;
An image information display step of displaying an index image of the image stored in the image storage means or a classification item of the classification in the second display area;
A selection step of selecting the index image or the classification item displayed in the second display area;
A keyword selection step of selecting a keyword from the keyword list displayed in the first display area;
A related information storing step for storing the associated information by associating the keyword selected in the keyword selecting step with the image corresponding to the index image selected in the selecting step or the image belonging to the classification item selected in the selecting step. When,
A search keyword selection step of selecting a keyword from the keyword list;
A search result for displaying an index image of an image associated with the keyword selected in the search keyword selection step in the second display area based on the associated information stored in the related information storage step A display step;
An information processing method characterized by comprising: An information processing apparatus comprising: an image storage unit that stores an image file that records an image captured by an imaging device and image information; and a display unit that displays information stored in the image storage unit.
Keyword list display means for displaying a keyword list composed of a plurality of keywords in the first display area of the display means;
Image classification means for classifying the image information recorded in the image file according to a predetermined classification criterion;
Image information display means for displaying an index image of an image stored in the image storage means or a classification item of the classification in the second display area;
Selection means for selecting the index image or the classification item displayed in the second display area;
Keyword selection means for selecting a keyword from the keyword list displayed in the first display area;
Related information storage means for storing the information selected by associating the keyword selected by the keyword selection means with the image corresponding to the index image selected by the selection means or the image belonging to the classification item selected by the selection means. When,
Search keyword selection means for selecting a keyword from the keyword list;
Search result display means for displaying, in the second display area, an index image of an image associated with the keyword selected by the search keyword selection means based on the associated information stored by the related information storage means. When,
An information processing apparatus comprising:

Images