WO2007119375A1

WO2007119375A1 - Image file management apparatus and image file management method

Info

Publication number: WO2007119375A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/055233
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yasuyuki Umehara; Yuji Shimizu; Tadashi Kondo; Tatsuo Sasaki
Original assignee: Pioneer Corporation
Priority date: 2006-03-30
Filing date: 2007-03-15
Publication date: 2007-10-25

Abstract

When a thumbnail image (81A) representing an image file including date and time information indicating the same imaging day as a reference imaging day and a thumbnail image (81B) representing an image file including date and time information indicating a different imaging day from the reference imaging day are adjacent to each other on a display screen, a split line (82A) is drawn between the thumbnail image (81A) and the thumbnail image (81B).

Description

Specification

Image file management apparatus and image file management method

Technical field

The present invention relates to an image file management apparatus and an image file management method for managing an image file having image data corresponding to an image taken by, for example, a digital still camera. More specifically, the present invention mainly relates to image file management. It relates to the display of a list of image files on the device.

Background art

[0002] Image file management devices that support image file management by reading image files corresponding to photographic images taken with a digital still camera from a memory card and displaying a list of these image files have become widespread. ing.

[0003] The image file list is displayed by arranging thumbnail images, which are images obtained by reducing images corresponding to the image data included in the image file, in a predetermined layout.

[0004] Such an image file management device is sold as a product such as application software, photoviewer, and photo storage that can be executed by a personal computer, for example. In addition, DVD recorders and printers having such functions as image file management devices are also on the market.

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0005] By the way, when displaying a list of a large number of scanned image files on the image file management device !, for example, based on the shooting date, shooting time, or shooting location of the photographic image. It would be convenient if it was possible to display a form in which a large number of image files could be classified into a plurality of groups and images representing these many image files could be distinguished for each group.

[0006] However, technical means for classifying a large number of image files into a plurality of groups on the basis of the shooting date, shooting time, shooting location, etc. of the photographic image! It is not easy to realize.

[0007] In addition, it is not easy to realize technical means for displaying images representing image files classified into a plurality of groups in a form that can be distinguished for each group in the image file management apparatus. Absent.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of image files based on the shooting date, shooting time or shooting location of the image. Provided are an image file management device, an image file management method, and a computer program capable of displaying images classified into groups and representing image files classified into a plurality of groups in a form that can be distinguished for each group. There is to do. Means for solving the problem

In order to solve the above problems, an image file management apparatus according to the present invention reads a plurality of image files each having image data and related item information indicating items related to the image data. Means, display image display means for displaying on the display screen a plurality of indication images respectively representing a plurality of image files read by the reading means, and related items possessed by the image files read by the reading means Classification condition determination means for determining whether or not the item indicated by the information satisfies a predetermined classification condition, and related item information indicating the item satisfying the predetermined classification condition based on the determination result by the classification condition determination means And an identification mark for identifying an image file having an associated item information indicating an item that does not satisfy the predetermined classification condition. And provided with an identification mark display means for displaying said table 示画 face the with multiple display image displayed by the picture display unit, Ru.

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, an image file management method according to the present invention includes a plurality of image files each having image data and related item information indicating items related to the image data. A reading step for reading, a sign image display step for displaying on the display screen a plurality of marking images respectively representing a plurality of image files read in the reading step, and the image files read in the reading step A classification condition determining step for determining whether or not the item indicated by the related item information included in the condition satisfies a predetermined classification condition, and the predetermined classification based on the determination result in the classification condition determining step. An identification mark for identifying an image file having related matter information indicating a condition satisfying the condition and an image file having related matter information indicating a matter not satisfying the predetermined classification condition is provided by the indication image display means. An identification mark display step for displaying on the display screen together with the plurality of displayed indication images.

In order to solve the above problems, a computer program of the present invention causes a computer to execute the image file management method of the present invention.

[0012] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a computer program product in a computer-readable medium clearly embodies a program instruction executable by a computer, and the image file management method of the present invention is applied to the computer. Is executed.

[0013] According to the computer program product of the present invention, the computer program product is read into a computer from a recording medium such as a ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or hard disk that stores the computer program product, or For example, if the computer program product, which is a transmission wave, is downloaded to a computer via communication means, the above-described image file management method of the present invention can be implemented relatively easily. More specifically, the computer program product may comprise a computer readable code (or computer readable instruction) that executes the above-described image file management method of the present invention.

[0014] These effects and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the embodiments described below.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a remote control, a digital still camera, a memory card, and a DVD in addition to a DVD recorder according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the DVD recorder in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a further specific example of part of the internal structure of the DVD recorder in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of an image file.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a list display process in the DVD recorder in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a list generated by the list display process in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing another list display process in the DVD recorder in FIG. 1.

8 is an explanatory diagram showing a list generated by the list display process in FIG.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a list having other layouts.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a list displayed by yet another list display process in the DVD recorder in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a main image and an identification mark displayed by the main image display process in the DVD recorder in FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

[0016] 1 DVD recorder

10 Memory card

41 Card connection

42 Marking image display controller

43 Classification condition judgment section

44 Identification mark display controller

45 Selection section

46 Main image display controller

60 image files

80, 90, 100, 110 list

81A-81J Thumbnail image

82A, 82B, 91A, 91B, 101, 102, 111A, 111B, 112A, 112B, 122 Identification mark (partition line)

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described for each embodiment in order with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a DVD recorder, a remote control, a digital still camera, a memory card, and a DVD. A DVD recorder 1 in FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the image file management device of the present invention. [0019] The DVD recorder 1 has a function of recording content data such as a movie or a TV program transmitted from a TV broadcasting station on the DVD 30, and a function of reproducing content data such as a movie or a TV program recorded on the DVD 30. It has the functions that a general DVD recorder has.

Further, the DVD recorder 1 has a function of displaying a list of a plurality of image files generated by taking a picture with the digital still camera 20 and stored in the memory card 10. Specifically, the DVD recorder 1 generates a list in which thumbnail images of photo images corresponding to the image data included in each image file are arranged, and displays the list on the display screen of the display device 32. Sarasuko, DVD Recorder 1 classifies multiple image files into multiple groups based on the date, time, or location of the photo image, and represents the image files classified into multiple groups. A list of thumbnail images can be displayed in a form that can be distinguished for each group.

Further, the DVD recorder 1 has a function of displaying a photographic image (main image) corresponding to image data included in each image file stored in the memory card 10 on the display screen of the display device 32. The display form of the photographic image is, for example, a slide show. Furthermore, the DV Recorder 1 classifies a plurality of image files into a plurality of groups based on the shooting date, shooting time or shooting location of the photographic image, and supports the image files classified into the plurality of groups. Photo images (main images) can be displayed in a form that can be distinguished for each group.

[0022] The memory card 10 is a card-like removable storage medium using, for example, a flash memory. The user inserts the memory card 10 into the card slot 22 of the digital still camera 20 and shoots the subject. Thereby, the digital still camera 20 generates an image file having image data of the subject and related item information indicating items related to the image data, and stores the image file in the memory card 10.

[0023] The image data is still image data compressed by, for example, PEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) compression method. The related item information is, for example, the file name and attached information of the image file. Ancillary information is a collection of tags, and each tag is numeric data or text data. For example, Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format) information according to the standard.

[0024] After the shooting of the subject is completed, the user removes the memory card 10 from the digital still camera 20, inserts it into the card slot 2 of the DVD recorder 1, and uses the remote control 3 to store the predetermined data on the DV recorder 1. Enter instructions. Thereby, the DVD recorder 1 reads the image file from the memory card 10 according to the input instruction, and executes the list display process or the main image display process.

Note that the digital still camera 20 has a built-in memory 21, and can store an image file in the built-in memory 21. By connecting the external connection terminal (not shown) of the digital still camera 20 and the camera connection terminal (not shown) of the DVD recorder 1 using a cable, the image file stored in the built-in memory 21 can be transferred to the DVD. Recorder 1 can be read.

In the following description, the power of taking the DVD recorder 1 as an example of the image file management apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the DVD recorder 1. For example, the present invention can be applied to a photo view box, a photo storage, a printer, or a personal computer.

In the following description, the memory card 10 is given as an information supply source in which an image file readable by the DVD recorder 1 is stored. However, the information supply source is not limited to the memory force 10. For example, the information supply source may be the built-in memory 21 of the digital still camera 20, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like.

[0028] Further, the DVD 30 is a recordable DVD, for example, a DVD-R or a DVD-RW. However, information recording media such as a Blu-ray disc and a hard disk can be used instead of the DVD 30.

FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of the DVD recorder 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the DVD recorder 1 includes a card connection unit 41, a sign image display control unit 42, a classification condition determination unit 43, an identification mark display control unit 44, a selection unit 45, a main image display control unit 46, a hard disk. It is equipped with a drive 47, a DVD drive 48 and a general control unit 49.

The card connection unit 41 reads a plurality of image files stored in the memory card 10 under the control of the general control unit 49. The card connection unit 41 is, for example, a memory card interface. It is constituted by a face circuit or the like.

[0031] The sign image display control unit 42 displays thumbnail images of photographic images corresponding to the image data included in each image file read by the card connection unit 41 on the display screen of the display device 32 according to a predetermined layout. This creates a list of image files.

The classification condition determination unit 43 determines whether or not the items indicated by the related item information included in each image file read by the card connection unit 41 satisfy a predetermined classification condition. The related item information includes, for example, date and time information included in the file name of the image file, and a tag in the attached information included in the image file. In addition, the predetermined classification conditions include, for example, the same shooting date of the photographic image corresponding to the image data included in the image file, the same shooting time, the same shooting location, and the photographic image is connected once. This includes whether or not it is a force taken from a photoshoot.

[0033] Based on the determination result by the classification condition determination unit 43, the identification mark display control unit 44 does not satisfy the predetermined classification condition and the image file having the related item information indicating the item satisfying the predetermined classification condition An identification mark for identifying the image file having the related item information indicating the item is displayed on the display screen of the display device 32 together with the plurality of thumbnail images displayed by the indication image display control unit 42. That is, the identification mark display control unit 44 displays the identification mark in the list. The identification mark is a diagram, figure, or image drawn on the display screen of the display device 32 using, for example, computer graph status technology.

[0034] For example, a thumbnail image representing an image file having related item information indicating items satisfying the classification condition and a thumbnail image representing an image file having related item information indicating one item not satisfying the classification conditions are displayed. When arranged adjacent to each other on the screen, the identification mark display unit 44 draws a dividing line between these two thumbnail images as an identification mark. Details of the dividing line without the identification mark will be described later.

Further, the identification mark display control unit 44 can display the identification mark on the display screen of the display device 32 together with the photographic image (main image) displayed by the main image display control unit 46. For example, the identification mark display control unit 44 captures images displayed in a slide show. An identification mark can be displayed together with the true image.

[0036] Based on the determination result of the classification condition determination unit 43, the selection unit 45 selects an image file having related item information indicating items satisfying a predetermined classification condition, and selects only the selected image file. Is displayed on the display screen of the display device 32. That is, a list of only the image files selected by the selection unit 45 is generated and displayed on the display screen.

[0037] The main image display control unit 46 displays a photographic image (main image) corresponding to the image data included in the plurality of image files read by the card connection unit 41 on the display screen.

[0038] The hard disk drive 47 includes a hard disk therein.

The DVD drive 48 operates according to the control of the general control unit 49 and the like, and reads and records information on the DVD 30.

The general control unit 49 controls the operation of each component 41 to 48 of the DVD record 1.

[0041] The sign image display control unit 42, the classification condition determination unit 43, the identification mark display control unit 44, the selection unit 45, the main image display control unit 46, and the general control unit 49 are configured as shown in FIG. (Central Processing Unit) 101, ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, and the like. More specifically, the ROM 102 is provided with a sign image display control unit 42, a classification condition determination unit 43, an identification mark display control unit 44, a selection unit 45, a main image display control unit 46, and a general control unit 49. Stores a program that contains commands such as. The CPU 101 reads this program from the ROM 102 and executes this program. Thus, the sign image display control unit 42, the classification condition determination unit 43, the identification mark display control unit 44, the selection unit 45, the main image display control unit 46, and the general control unit 49 are realized. The RAM 103 is used as a working memory when the CPU 102 executes a program.

FIG. 4 shows the contents of the image file. As shown in FIG. 4, the image file 60 is given a name (file name 61). File name 61 includes date and time information! / The date and time information in the file name 61 is information indicating the date and time when a photographic image corresponding to image data included in the image file is taken, for example.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the date / time information included in the file name “20060110_133015_01” is “20060110_133015_01”. That is, all of the file names shown in Figure 4 are dated. It is time information. The date and time information “20060110_133015_01” indicates that the date and time when the photographic image corresponding to the image data included in the image file was taken was 13:30 on January 10, 2006. Furthermore, “01” at the end of this date / time information indicates the first picture of the photographic image taken at that time. For example, if continuous shooting at 5 frames per second was started on January 10, 2006 at 13:30:15, the file names of the five image data generated by one continuous shooting Is as follows.

[0044] 20060110—133015—01

20060110—133015—02

20060110—133015—03

20060110—133015—04

20060110—133015—05

On the other hand, the image file main body 62 includes attached information 63 and image data 64. Further, the attached information 63 includes entity attached information 65 and thumbnail image data 66. The entity attachment information 65 is a collection of tags, and each tag is numeric data or text data.

[0045] The attached information 63 (entity attached information 65) includes a shooting date tag 67, a GPS tag group 68, and a continuous shooting tag 69.

The shooting date / time tag 67 is a tag indicating the shooting date / time of a photographic image corresponding to the image data 64 included in the image file 60 together with the auxiliary information 63 including the shooting date / time tag 67. For example, the shooting date / time tag 67 is numerical data indicating the shooting date / time.

[0047] The GPS tag group 68 is a collection of tags related to the photographic image shooting location corresponding to the image data 64 included in the image file 60 together with the auxiliary information 63 including the GPS tag group 68. The GPS tag group 68 includes, for example, a tag indicating latitude, a tag indicating longitude, and a tag indicating altitude. These tags are numerical data.

[0048] The continuous shooting tag 69 is a force obtained by continuous shooting of a photographic image corresponding to the image data 64 included in the image file 60 together with the auxiliary information 63 including the continuous shooting tag 69. It is a tag indicating whether or not. The continuous shooting tag 69 is numerical data. For example, if the photo is taken by continuous shooting, the continuous shooting tag 69 is “1”. If the photograph image is not taken by continuous shooting, the continuous shooting tag 69 is “0”.

On the other hand, the image data 64 is still image data compressed by the JPEG compression method, for example.

The thumbnail image data 66 is still image data of a reduced image corresponding to the image data 64.

FIG. 5 shows the operation of the DVD recorder 1 in the list display process. The list display process is a process for generating a list of a plurality of image files stored in the memory card 10 and displaying the list on the display screen of the display device 32. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the case where the classification condition is the identity of the photographic image shooting date is taken as an example.

[0052] When the user inserts a memory card 10 storing a plurality of image files into the card slot 2 of the DVD recorder 1 and operates the remote control 3 to input an instruction to display a list, DVD recorder 1 starts the list display process.

As shown in FIG. 5, first, the general control unit 49 controls the card connection unit 41 to read one image file from the memory card 10 (step Sl).

Subsequently, the general control unit 49 starts the list display process of the image file force read in step S1, and determines whether or not the image file force read first is the force (step S2).

[0055] When the image file is the first image file read after starting the list display process (step S2: YES), the general control unit 49 sets the reference shooting date (step S3). . Specifically, the overall control unit 49 sets the shooting date indicated by the date and time information included in the file name of the image file read in step S1 as the reference shooting date. More specifically, the overall control unit 49 stores the shooting date (numerical data) indicated by the date and time information included in the file name of the image file read in step S1 as a reference shooting date, for example, in the RAM 103 or the like.

[0056] On the other hand, if the image file read in step S1 is not an image file read for the first time after starting this list display process (step S2: NO), the overall control unit 49 sets the reference shooting date. Without setting, the process immediately proceeds to step S4. Subsequently, in step S1, the sign image display control unit 42 displays a thumbnail image of a photographic image corresponding to the image data included in the image file read in step S1 on the display screen of the display device 32 ( Step S4).

Subsequently, in step S 1, the classification condition determining unit 43 determines that the shooting date indicated by the date / time information included in the file name of the image file read in step S 1 is the same as the currently set reference shooting date. (Step S5).

[0059] When the shooting date indicated by the date and time information included in the file name of the image file read in step S1 is the same as the currently set reference shooting date (step S5)

: YES), the general control unit 49 advances the process to step S8.

[0060] On the other hand, when the shooting date indicated by the date / time information included in the file name of the image file read in step S1 is not the same as the currently set reference shooting date (step S5: NO), Identification mark display control unit 44 force An identification mark is displayed in the vicinity of the thumbnail image displayed in step S4 (step S6). A specific description of the identification mark display will be described later.

Subsequently, the general control unit 49 updates the reference shooting date (step S7). Specifically, the overall control unit 49 sets the shooting date indicated by the date and time information included in the file name of the image file read in step S1 as a new reference shooting date. More specifically, the overall control unit 49 stores the shooting date (numerical data) indicated by the date and time information included in the file name of the image file read in step S1 as a new reference shooting date, for example, in the RAM 103 or the like. To do.

[0062] The DVD recorder 1 repeatedly executes the processing from step S1 to step S7 for all image files stored in the memory card 10.

FIG. 6 shows a list generated by the list display process and displayed on the display screen of the display device 32. The list display process will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS.

[0064] In this specific description, the following assumptions are made. That is, nine image files are stored in the memory force 10. Of these nine image files, the second image file and the eighth image file (image file) It is assumed that # 2 and the image file # 8) have the same shooting date for the photographic images corresponding to the image data of each. In addition, the DVD recorder 1 reads the first image file and the ninth image file (image file # 1 and image file # 9) from the memory card 10 in this order, and displays a list. Processing shall be performed. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the arrangement layout of the thumbnail images 81A or 81J in the list 80 generated by the DVD recorder 1 is a 3 × 3 matrix, and the thumbnail images 81A, 81B,. The arrangement order of 81J shall follow the reading order of image files.

[0065] When the user inserts a memory card 10 storing nine image files into the card slot 2 of the DVD recorder 1 and operates the remote controller 3 to input an instruction to display a list, The DVD recorder 1 starts the list display process.

First, image file # 1 is read from the memory card 10 (see step S1 in FIG. 5). Image file # 1 is the image file read for the first time after starting this list display process (step S2: YES). Therefore, the shooting date indicated by the date and time information included in the file name of image file # 1 is set as the reference shooting date (step S3). Subsequently, the thumbnail of the photo image corresponding to the image data included in image file # 1 The image 81A is displayed on the display screen of the display device 32 (step S4).

[0067] This list display process has been started. As you can see from the process up to the current step, the shooting date indicated by the date / time information included in the file name of image file # 1 is currently set. It is the same as the standard shooting date (step S5: YES). Therefore, the process jumps from step S5 to step S8, and the process returns from step S8 to step S1.

[0068] In the second step S1, the image file # 2 is read from the memory card 10. Image file # 2 is not an image file read for the first time after starting this list display process (step S2: NO). Therefore, the process jumps from step S2 to step S4. Then, a thumbnail image 81B of a photographic image corresponding to the image data included in the image file # 2 is displayed on the display screen of the display device 32 (step S4).

[0069] The assumptions described above and this list display process are started and the current step is reached. As can be seen from the history of, the shooting date indicated by the date and time information included in the file name of image file # 2 is different from the currently set reference shooting date (step S5: NO). Therefore, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S6, an identification mark is displayed near the thumbnail image 81B.

[0070] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, a thumbnail image 81A representing image file # 1 having date and time information indicating the same shooting date as the currently set reference shooting date, and a currently set thumbnail image 81A, When thumbnail image 81B representing image file # 2 having date / time information indicating a shooting date different from the reference shooting date is arranged adjacent to each other on the display screen, thumbnail image 81A and thumbnail are used as identification marks. A dividing line 82A is drawn between the image 81B.

[0071] The dividing line 82A has a shape that can divide the area where the thumbnail image 81A is located from the area where the thumbnail image 81B is located on the display screen and can give the user an image as if it is a boundary line. Have

Subsequently, the shooting date indicated by the date and time information included in the file name of the image file # 2 is set as a new reference shooting date, and thereby the reference shooting date is updated (step S7). Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S8, and further returns from step S8 to step S1.

[0073] In the third step S1, image file # 3 is read from the memory card 10. Since image file # 3 is not an image file read for the first time after starting this list display process (step S2: NO), the photographic image corresponding to the image data of image file # 3 is immediately displayed. Thumbnail image 81C appears on the display screen (step S4).

[0074] As can be seen from the assumptions described above and the process up to the current step when this list display process is started, the shooting date indicated by the date and time information included in the file name of image file # 3 is It is the same as the standard shooting date that is currently set (step S5: YES). Therefore, the process jumps from step S5 to step S8, and the process also returns the step S8 power to step S1.

Further, the processing power of steps S1 to S7 in FIG. 5 is repeated for image files # 4 to # 9. As a result, as shown in Figure 6, image file # 4 or Thumbnail images 81D to 81J representing # 9 are displayed on the display screen. Then, a dividing line 82B is drawn between the thumbnail image 81H and the thumbnail image 81J.

The dividing line 82A and the dividing line 82B are areas on the display screen where the area where the thumbnail image 81A is located, the area where the thumbnail images 81B to 81H are located, and the area where the thumbnail image 81J is located are different from each other. It has an arrangement that can give the user an image as if it were. In other words, the arrangement of the dividing line 82A and the dividing line 82B is a plurality of thumbnail images 81B representing image files having date and time information indicating the same shooting date !, and the area where 81H is located is one continuous area. Thus, an image that surrounds the thumbnail images 81B to 81H can be given to the user.

[0077] In the description using Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the case where the classification condition is the same date of photographing of photographic images is taken as an example. However, the classification condition may be the photographing time of the photographic image. In this case, for example, a plurality of time range determination information is stored in advance in the ROM 102 on the node disk 47 or the like. More specifically, the first time range judgment information indicating the range from 0:00:00 to 11:59:59 and the range from 12:00:23 to 23:59:59 are displayed. The second time range determination information is stored in advance. Then, in step S3 in FIG. 5, the classification condition determination unit 43 recognizes the shooting time of the photograph image based on the date / time information included in the file name of the image file, and subsequently, the first time range determination information and From the second time range determination information, time range determination information including the shooting time of the photographic image is selected, and then this time range determination information is set as the reference shooting time range. In step S 5, the classification condition determining unit 43 recognizes the shooting time of the photographic image based on the date / time information included in the file name of the image file, and then the shooting time of the photographic image is determined as the reference shooting time. It is determined whether or not the time is included in the time range.

[0078] On the other hand, the classification condition may be the place where the photographic image is taken! In this case, for example, a plurality of location range determination information is stored in advance in the ROM 102 or the node disk 47 or the like. The location range determination information is, for example, a latitude value and a longitude value indicating the range of a specific location. In step S3 in FIG. 5, the classification condition determining unit 43 recognizes the shooting location of the photographic image based on the tag included in the GPS tag group in the attached information included in the image file, Among the plurality of location range determination information, the location range including the shooting location of the photographic image. The range determination information is selected, and then the location range determination information is set as the reference shooting location range. In step S5, the classification condition determining unit 43 recognizes the shooting location of the photographic image based on the tag included in the GPS tag group in the attached information included in the image file, and then the shooting location of the photographic image is determined. Judge whether it is included in the standard shooting location range.

On the other hand, the classification condition may be that a photographic image is taken by one continuous shooting. In this case, in step S5 in FIG. 5, the classification condition determination unit 43 captures a photographic image by one continuous shooting based on the continuous shooting tag in the attached information of the image file. Judgment whether or not it is power.

[0080] It is also possible to perform a list display process based on a plurality of classification conditions. FIG. 7 shows an example of a list display process based on a plurality of classification conditions. In this list display process, the identity of the photographic images is taken as the first classification condition, and the identity of the photographic images is taken as the second classification condition.

In FIG. 7, steps S11 to S17 are almost the same as steps S1 to S7 in FIG.

In step S 18, the overall control unit 49 determines whether or not the image file read in step S 11 is the first image file read after starting this list display process. To do.

[0083] When the image file is the first image file read after starting the list display process (step S18: YES), the general control unit 49 sets the reference shooting location range (step S19). ). Specifically, the overall control unit 49 recognizes the shooting location of the photographic image based on the tag included in the GPS tag group in the attached information included in the image file read in step S11, and then, in advance, the ROM 102 or Of the multiple location range determination information stored in the hard disk 47 or the like, select the location range determination information that includes the shooting location of the photographic image, and then use this location range determination information as the reference shooting location range. Set.

[0084] On the other hand, when the image file read in step S11 is not the first image file read after starting the list display process (step S18: NO), The general control unit 49 does not set the reference shooting location range, and immediately proceeds to step S20.

[0085] Subsequently, the classification condition determination unit 43 determines whether the shooting location of the photographic image is currently based on the tag included in the GPS tag group in the attached information included in the image file read in step S11. Judge whether it is within the set standard shooting location range (step S20).

[0086] When the shooting location of the photographic image is included in the currently set reference shooting location range (step S20: YES), the general control unit 49 advances the process to step S23.

[0087] On the other hand, when the shooting location of the photographic image is not included in the currently set reference shooting location range (step S20: NO), the identification mark display control unit 44 goes to step S4! A second identification mark is displayed in the vicinity of the displayed thumbnail image (step S21). It is desirable that the second identification mark has a shape, color or texture different from that of the first identification mark displayed in step S16.

[0088] Subsequently, the overall control unit 49 updates the reference shooting location range (step S22). Specifically, the general control unit 49 recognizes the shooting location of the photographic image based on the tag included in the GPS tag group in the attached information included in the image file read in step S11, and then in advance. Of the multiple location range determination information stored in ROM102 or hard disk 47, select location range determination information that includes the shooting location of the photographic image, and then use this location range determination information as the new reference shooting location. Set as a range.

The DVD recorder 1 repeatedly executes the processing from step S11 to step S22 for all image files stored in the memory card 10.

As a result, a list 90 as shown in FIG. 8 is generated, and this list 90 is displayed on the display screen of the display device 32. As shown in FIG. 8, in the list 90, in addition to the dividing line 82A and the dividing line 82B that are the first identification marks, the dividing line 91 A and the dividing line 9 IB that are the second identification marks are drawn. Has been. Dividing lines 91A and 9IB are different from dividing lines 82A and 82B in shape, color, and texture.

FIG. 9 shows a list employing a layout in which a plurality of image files are arranged in a line in the vertical direction of the display screen. Instead of the matrix-type layout table 90 shown in Figure 8, The list 100 of the vertical single-row layout shown in FIG. 9 may be generated and displayed. In the list 100, a dividing line 101 and a dividing line 102 are drawn. The dividing line 101 and the dividing line 102 are different from each other in shape, color, or texture, like the dividing line 82A and the dividing line 91A in FIG.

FIG. 10 shows a list in which only thumbnail images representing image files having related item information indicating items satisfying a predetermined classification condition are arranged. In the list display process of the DVD recorder 1, a list 110 as shown in FIG. 10 may be generated. In this case, in the list display process, the selection unit 45 selects an image file having related item information indicating items satisfying a predetermined classification condition based on the determination result of the classification condition determination unit 43. . Then, the display image display control unit 42 displays only the thumbnail image representing the image file selected by the selection unit 45 on the display screen of the display device 32. In addition, the identification marks 111A and 11IB are displayed, so that the image file corresponding to the displayed thumbnail image is an image file having related item information indicating items satisfying a predetermined classification condition. May be shown. Further, the classification condition determination unit 43 determines whether the plurality of image files selected by the selection unit 45 are further matched with another classification condition, and based on the determination result, an identification mark (divided) Line) 112A and 112B may be displayed. Further, when all the thumbnail images having a large number of image files selected by the selection unit 45 cannot be arranged on one display screen, the list 110 is divided into a plurality of pages, and Either may be displayed on the display screen. In this case, it is desirable to form page switching buttons (eg, icons) 113A and 113B on the display screen.

FIG. 11 shows a main image and an identification mark displayed by the main image display process in the DVD recorder 1. When the user inserts a memory card 10 storing image files into the card slot 2 of the DVD recorder 1 and operates the remote controller 3 to input an instruction to perform main image display processing (for example, a slide show), the DVD Recorder 1 starts the main image display process. In the main image display process, the main image display control unit 46 displays the main image 121 corresponding to the image data included in the image file read from the memory mode 10 on the display screen of the display device 32. Then, the identification mark display control unit 44 The identification mark 122 is displayed on the display screen of the display device 32 together with the main image 121 displayed by the main image display control unit 46.

[0094] As described above, according to the DVD recorder 1, a plurality of image files are classified into a plurality of groups and classified into a plurality of groups based on the shooting date, shooting time, or shooting location of the image. The image representing the image file can be displayed in a form that can be distinguished for each group.

For example, according to the list display process shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of image files are classified into a plurality of groups based on the photographing date of the photographic image, and the image files classified into the plurality of groups are classified. The list can be displayed in a form that can be distinguished for each group. More specifically, as shown in Fig. 6, nine image files # 1 to # 9 are grouped into three groups, ie, the first group to which image file # 1 belongs, based on the shooting date of the photo image. 2 A list of image files classified into the second group to which # 8 belongs and the third group to which image file # 9 belongs, and classified into these three groups, is divided by dividing lines 82A and 82B. It can be displayed in a form that can be distinguished for each group.

[0096] Also, according to the list display process shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of image files are classified into a plurality of groups based on the shooting date and shooting location of the photographic images, and the images are classified into the plurality of groups. The file list can be displayed in a form that can be distinguished for each group.

Furthermore, according to the DVD recorder 1, an image file having related item information indicating items satisfying a predetermined classification condition and an image having related item information indicating! /! Items that do not satisfy the predetermined classification condition An identification mark for identifying the file is displayed on one display screen together with thumbnail images representing these image files. In other words, the DVD recorder 1 has not only a thumbnail image representing an image file having related item information indicating items satisfying a predetermined classification condition, but also an image file having related item information indicating items not satisfying the predetermined classification condition. Thumbnail images representing are simultaneously displayed on one display screen, and an identification mark for identifying these image files is also simultaneously displayed on this display screen. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, DVD recorders 1 have the same shooting date. Thumbnail images of image files with various photographic images 8 Not only IB image 81H, but also thumbnail images 81 A and 81J of image files having photographic images with different shooting dates from these photographic images on one display screen Simultaneously, the dividing lines 82A and 82B are also simultaneously displayed on this display screen. Thereby, it is possible to visually indicate the classification of the image file while maintaining the list property of the image file. For example, the number and contents of image files belonging to a group can be easily compared with the number and contents of image files not belonging to the group. In addition, it is possible to easily organize image files by shooting date or shooting location.

[0098] Furthermore, according to the DVD recorder 1, as shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of image files are classified into a plurality of groups based on the shooting date, shooting time, or shooting location of the image, and Of the image files classified into a plurality of groups, only the image files belonging to one specific group can be selected, and a list of the selected image files can be displayed.

[0099] Further, according to the DVD recorder 1, as shown in FIG. 11, even when displaying a main image such as a slide show, for example, a plurality of image files are based on the date of shooting, the shooting time, or the shooting location of the image. Are classified into a plurality of groups, and the main images corresponding to the image data included in the image files classified into the plurality of groups can be displayed in a form that can be distinguished for each group.

[0100] Furthermore, DVD recorder 1 uses the date / time information included in the file name of the image file or the tag in the attached information of the image file to determine whether the image file satisfies the classification condition. . As a result, identification marks can be displayed or image files can be classified easily and with high accuracy.

2 is a specific example of the reading unit, the sign image display control unit 42 is a specific example of the label image display unit, and the classification condition determination unit 43 is a classification condition determination unit. The identification mark display control unit 44 is a specific example of the identification mark display unit, the selection unit 45 is a specific example of the selection unit, and the main image display control unit 46 is a specific example of the main image display unit. . The thumbnail images 81A to 81J shown in FIGS. 6, 8, 9 and 10 are specific examples of the sign images. Further, step SI in FIG. 5 is a specific example of the reading process, step S4 is a specific example of the marking image display process, step S5 is a specific example of the classification condition determining process, and step S 6 Is a specific example of the identification mark display step.

Further, step S11 in FIG. 7 is a specific example of the reading process, step S14 is a specific example of the marking image display process, and step S15 and step S20 are specific examples of the classification condition determining process. Step S16 and Step S21 are specific examples of the identification mark display process.

[0104] The present invention can also be realized as a recording medium recording a computer program, a computer program product, or a computer program. In this case, a computer program describing commands for realizing the force connection unit 41, the sign image display control unit 42, the classification condition determination unit 43, the identification mark display control unit 44, and the like is created. Then, a recording medium (for example, CD, DVD, etc.) on which the computer program is recorded is sold, or the computer program can be downloaded through a computer network such as the Internet. A user who has obtained the computer program causes the computer to read the computer program. As a result, the computer uses the CPU, main storage device, hard disk, memory card interface circuit, and other computer resources that the computer normally has to use the card connection unit 41, the display image display control unit 42, and the classification condition determination unit 43. Thus, it functions as the identification mark display control unit 44.

[0105] The present invention can be changed as appropriate without departing from the gist or concept of the invention which can also read the claims and the entire specification. The image file management apparatus and the like accompanying such a change can be changed. An image file management method and a computer program for realizing these functions are also included in the technical idea of the present invention. Industrial applicability

The image file management apparatus and the image file management method according to the present invention can be used for an image file management apparatus that manages an image file having image data corresponding to an image photographed by a digital still camera, for example. Also, for example, it can be installed in or connected to various computer equipment for consumer use or business use. It can also be used for an image file management device or the like.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] Reading means for reading a plurality of image files each having image data and related item information indicating items related to the image data from an information supply source;

A sign image display means for displaying a plurality of sign images respectively representing a plurality of image files read by the reading means on a display screen;

Classification condition determining means for determining whether or not the items indicated by the related item information included in each of the image files read by the reading means satisfy a predetermined classification condition; and based on a determination result by the classification condition determining means. ! An identification mark for discriminating between an image file having related item information indicating items satisfying the predetermined classification condition and an image file having related item information indicating items not satisfying the predetermined classification condition An image file management apparatus comprising: an identification mark display unit that displays the display image on the display screen together with the plurality of display images displayed by the display image display unit.

[2] The item indicated by the related item information included in each image file is the shooting date of the image corresponding to the image data included in each image file, and the predetermined classification condition is the same date of shooting. 2. The image file management device according to claim 1, wherein

[3] The item indicated by the related item information included in each image file is the shooting time of the image corresponding to the image data included in each image file, and the predetermined classification condition is the identity of the shooting time. The image file management device according to claim 1, wherein:

[4] The item indicated by the related item information included in each image file is the shooting location of the image corresponding to the image data included in each image file, and the predetermined classification condition is the identity of the shooting location. The image file management device according to claim 1, wherein:

[5] The item indicated by the related item information included in each image file is whether or not the image corresponding to the image data included in each image file is taken by one continuous shooting. 2. The image file management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined classification condition is that the image is taken by one continuous shooting.

[6] First indication image representing an image file having related item information indicating items satisfying the predetermined classification condition, and related item information indicating items not satisfying the predetermined classification condition! / When the second mark image representing the image file having the image file is arranged adjacent to each other on the display screen, the identification mark display means uses the first mark image and the second mark as the identification mark. 2. The image file management device according to claim 1, wherein a dividing line is drawn between the images.

[7] based on the determination result of the classification condition determination means, and comprises selection means for selecting an image file having related item information indicating a condition that satisfies the predetermined classification condition;

2. The image file management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the indication image display means displays only the indication image representing the image file selected by the selection means on the display screen.

[8] Main image display means for displaying a main image corresponding to image data included in a plurality of image files read by the reading means on the display screen,

2. The image file management device according to claim 1, wherein the identification mark display means displays the identification mark on the display screen together with the main image displayed by the main image display means.

[9] a reading step of reading a plurality of image files each having image data and related item information indicating items related to the image data from an information supply source;

A marking image display step of displaying a plurality of marking images respectively representing a plurality of image files read in the reading step on a display screen;

Based on the classification condition determining step for determining whether or not the item indicated by the related item information included in each of the image files read in the reading step satisfies a predetermined classification condition, and the determination result in the classification condition determining step! In order to discriminate between an image file having related item information indicating items satisfying the predetermined classification condition and an image file having related item information indicating items not satisfying the predetermined classification condition An image file management method comprising: an identification mark display step for displaying an identification mark on the display screen together with the plurality of indication images displayed by the indication image display means.

[10] A computer program for causing a computer to execute the image file management method according to claim 9.