JP2000201310A - Electronic image pickup device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to easily distinguish an image corresponding to the intention of photographing by providing a record directory selecting means for selecting a directory and a display means for performing display related to the selected directory. SOLUTION: When registering an image data file on a sub directory while using a hierarchical directory, first of all, an MD switch 11f in an operating switch group 11 is operated and a directory is prepared for securing the recording area of the image file. Then, in order to vertically move a directory position, the access position of the hierarchical directory is moved up and down by operating a D-UP switch 11d or D-DOWN switch 11e. Then, the image file to be recorded is selected by frame UP and DOWN switches 11b and 11c. A directory name or file name, to which the image file to be recorded/reproduced belongs displays a number such as 1, 2, 3... corresponding to the file or sub directory.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an electronic imaging device,
More specifically, the present invention relates to an electronic image pickup apparatus capable of recording image information with a directory structure on an applied recording medium or reproducing image information recorded with a directory structure on the recording medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various electronic still cameras, which are electronic imaging devices, have been commercialized and used for various purposes. In the above-mentioned electronic still camera, since a large amount of still image information is recorded as a data file on an information recording medium such as a memory card or a floppy disk, the retrievability of the image information is, of course, improved as an electronic still camera. Will determine the commercial value or use value of the product.

On the other hand, in a DOS (disk operating system) of a personal computer, which has been widely used in various fields, a large number of databases or programs need to be quickly searched or selected. That is, an information file management method using a hierarchical directory is used. The information file management method using the hierarchical directory is a method of storing the location of a recording area (corresponding to a cluster number of a memory) on a memory for recording data of each file and its file name, a so-called directory.
Register in the directory. The file can be searched for a desired information file by designating the file through the directory name and the file name as necessary according to its type and contents.

When visually observing the classification state of information files by the hierarchical directory, the operator of the personal computer can display a tree structure of the hierarchical directory on a monitor and thereby know the registration position of the information file. it can. FIG. 22 shows a display example of this tree structure. The root directory indicated by the mark “@” is composed of three subdirectories “DOS”, “BAT”, and “USR”. The subdirectory "U
For "SR", "C" and "PASCA"
By operating the keyboard while observing the tree structure of the subdirectory "L", a target information file can be easily specified or confirmed. Such a method of selecting and specifying a file is very useful especially when a large number of files are branched in a complicated manner.

[0005] In the file system of the personal computer, the size of each of the recorded files varies, so that the memory area is used economically. Is sequentially searched for a cluster which is a unit of a memory area.
Memorize the linked state of that one file area,
At the time of reproduction and output, the series is reproduced or output as one file. The file arrangement information area storing the linked state of the recording areas of this file is referred to as FA.
It is called T (file allocation table).

[0006] Image information of a conventional electronic still camera is photographed for each theme such as athletic meet, excursion, and travel, for example, and is only sequentially recorded in a recording area of a medium. However, when trying to reproduce the shooting screen, it is necessary to select the image information by theme or by date from a number of pieces of image information. However, the user cannot endure the complication. In the case of a recording medium in which recorded data is erased or in which overwritten image data exists, this problem becomes more remarkable. Further, in an electronic camera to which a large-capacity memory card is applied as a recording medium, the conventional operation using only a button operation is disadvantageous in terms of time, and the commercial value is significantly reduced.

Therefore, if the above-described directory and tree-type display method allowing the hierarchical structure is used for managing and displaying the image information record of the electronic still camera, it is necessary to manage such a large number of still image information. This is preferable, and the range of use of the electronic still camera itself is further expanded.

[0008]

By the way, assuming that a large number of images are taken by an electronic camera, recording using a directory structure is convenient when referring to and organizing images thereafter.

However, if the directory in which the image information is recorded is irrelevant to the photographer's intention, the directory may become inconvenient. For example, there has been a problem that it is not possible to know in which directory the image information is recorded, or that it is not possible to record the image information in another directory as intended.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and in an electronic imaging apparatus that performs recording or reproduction with a directory structure, it is easy for a user to distinguish images according to a photographing intention. It is an object of the present invention to provide a user-friendly electronic imaging device capable of recording image information by making use of the features of the directory structure even when referring to and organizing the images.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, a first electronic imaging apparatus according to the present invention records image information in a directory structure on an applied recording medium, or records the image information on the recording medium. An electronic imaging apparatus capable of reproducing image information recorded with a directory structure, comprising: a recording directory selecting unit for selecting a directory in which image information is to be recorded; and a recording directory selecting unit. Display means for displaying the selected directory.

[0012] To achieve the above object, a second aspect of the present invention is provided.
Is an electronic image pickup apparatus capable of recording image information with a directory structure on an applied recording medium or reproducing image information recorded with a directory structure on the recording medium. Recording directory selecting means for selecting a directory for recording image information, recording means for recording image information captured in association with the directory selected by the recording directory selecting means, It is characterized by having.

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, a third aspect of the present invention is provided.
In the electronic imaging device of the first or the second electronic imaging device, the recording directory selection means may select a directory by moving up or down the hierarchy of the directory having a hierarchical structure. It is characterized in that it has been made.

[0014] Then, a directory in which image information is to be recorded is selected by a recording directory selecting means, and a display relating to the selected directory is displayed by a display means, thereby selecting a directory in which a photographed image is to be stored. Display can be performed.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external view of an electronic still camera as an electronic image pickup apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic still camera according to the present embodiment uses a solid-state memory card as a recording medium for the image information. This type of electronic still camera is hereinafter referred to as an SMC (Solidstate Memory Ca
mera). In this SMC, photographed image data for each screen is stored in a memory card as a data file, and file information at that time (information on the configuration of a file set in a recording medium) is stored in a DOS of a personal computer. The image data is recorded or reproduced using the positioning information on the file structure allowing the hierarchical structure supported by the above, that is, the file information of the (hierarchical) directory. Further, the display of the file information by the hierarchical directory is the first file as shown in FIG.
LCD display unit 1 serving as one-line hierarchical structure positioning information display means constituted by display unit 12a and second display unit 12b
2 is applied to the display.

As shown in FIG. 1, the SMC is provided with a photographing lens 1 on a front surface of a camera body 20 and a card insertion opening on a side surface of the SMC so that a memory card 14 can be inserted therein. A power switch 24 for turning the power on and off and a recording switch 25 serving as a release switch are arranged on the upper surface of the camera body 20. Further, behind the upper surface of the camera body 20, an operation switch group 11 for recording / reproducing operation and the like, display of recording / reproducing, and file information based on a hierarchical directory (root directory, sub-directory) of image data (information on the file structure). ), Etc., are provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the signal processing system of the SMC of FIG. As shown in FIG.
In, when recording or reproducing an image, a memory card is inserted into a card interface (I / F) 13 to enable recording and reproduction. First, in a photographing state, a subject image is formed by a photographing lens 1 on an image pickup device such as a CCD provided in an image pickup circuit 2 and output to an A / D converter 3 as an image signal. A / D converter 3
The image data corresponding to the image signal digitized in the above is converted into an analog signal again by the D / A converter 5, subjected to a predetermined encoding process by the video encoder 6, and output as a video signal. When the playback data is playback data from an unrecorded area, the video encoder 6 performs a mute process according to a mute signal from the system controller 10.

When recording image data on the memory card, first, the image data is read out from the RAM 4 in block units, and the DCT (Discrete
The data is compressed by orthogonal transformation / encoding processing using Cosaine Transform, etc., and the card I / F is transmitted via the bus.
13 is input. Therefore, the compressed data is written in a designated area on the memory card 14. This recording area is an area defined by the hierarchical directory.

On the other hand, at the time of reproduction, first, the LCD display unit 1
The image file to be reproduced is designated by referring to the directory information of the image file to be accessed displayed in step 2. The memory area of the memory card 14 is selected based on the designation, and the corresponding image data is stored in the card I / O.
The data is read out via F13 and input to the compression / decompression circuit 7 via the bus. Then, the image data is subjected to decompression / decoding processing, and the processed data is stored in the RAM 4. The image data is read out again from the RAM 4 and converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 5 as described above. Then, it is encoded by the video encoder 6 and output as a video signal.

The system controller 10 supplies a predetermined control signal to each section of the SMC based on an instruction from the operation switch group 11. The system controller 10 controls the reproduction of the hierarchical structure information by the directory of the image data and the display control management of the hierarchical structure (file information).
Done in

As shown in FIG. 3, the operation switch group 11 has a REC / PLAY switch 11 which is a recording / reproduction mode switch.
a, a frame UP switch 1 for accessing a file of image data registered in the hierarchical directory at the time of recording / reproducing while moving up in accordance with the order of the directory
1b, a frame DOWN switch 11c which is similarly moved down by one, and a D-position for moving up the hierarchy of the hierarchy directory of the image data file to be searched for recording / reproduction.
Similarly, an UP switch 11d, a D-DOWN switch 11e for moving down the hierarchy of the hierarchical directory, and an MD switch 11 for creating an area of the hierarchical directory and enabling image files to be recorded in the directory.
f.

As described above, in the SMC image data, one sheet of image data is handled as one file. Then, recording / reproduction of the image file is managed using the file system of the hierarchical directory. Here, the outline of the file system in the SMC will be described below. The memory card 14 stores the FA
Memory areas are allocated to an FAT area in which T information is recorded, a root directory area in which basic directory information is recorded, a data area in which image data is recorded, and the like. When image data is recorded in an unused state, that is, in a state where a new directory area is not provided, a file name, a file A, a file B,
A file C, a file D, and the like are registered, and each image data is sequentially recorded in a designated area on the memory.
Note that in FIG. 4, ￥ indicates a root directory. Therefore, when a subdirectory is created in the root directory, as shown in FIG. 5, the subdirectory b is registered in the root directory, and a subdirectory of the second hierarchy having the directory name b is secured under the subdirectory b. Then, in the subdirectory b, image data files whose file names are files EG can be registered. In the directory information, a cluster number, which is the position of the memory area where the file data is stored, is written in a directory entry described later, and the file is accessed based on the information.

It is to be noted that a third-level subdirectory d can be created in the subdirectory b. Then, a file J, a file K, and the like can be recorded in the subdirectory d. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, when another subdirectory name c is created in the root directory #, files H, I, and the like can be registered in the second hierarchical directory. The image files recorded in each of the above subdirectories can be registered in the directory in a state where the image files are classified into, for example, screens of scenes having the same theme or screens according to a series of shooting periods. .

When reproducing image data, it is necessary not only to sequentially reproduce the image data files A, B and C in the root directory but also to reproduce only the classified image data files E, F and G. By directly selecting and reproducing the subdirectory b, it is possible to quickly reproduce data that meets the purpose.

FIG. 6 is a diagram more specifically showing an example of the configuration of the hierarchical directory of FIG. 5 for the image data file of the SMC. This hierarchical directory contains a
, A second-level subdirectory b, and a second-level subdirectory c,
The sub-directories d of the third hierarchy are each configured in a tree-like relationship. In each directory information storage area, except for the root directory, a 2-byte directory pointer indicating the storage address of the storage destination of the higher-level directory information is written at the head thereof. With this pointer, it is possible to return to a higher directory position. In a subsequent area, a directory entry is recorded as a subdirectory or as directory information of the image data file.

As shown in FIG. 7, the directory entry includes a file name, an attribute, a creation time, a creation date, a cluster number at the head of a recording position where a corresponding file or subdirectory is recorded, The size and the like are respectively recorded. As the file name, a file name is registered when the corresponding file is a data file, and a directory name is registered when the corresponding file is a subdirectory. The attribute indicates whether the file data is a subdirectory or a file type.
Further, it is possible to access the image file data or the sub-directory by the above-mentioned head cluster number. In the case of an image file, the cluster number of the area where the data making up one file is recorded is
The first cluster number and subsequent cluster number information are written in the FAT area of the memory card 14. The directory entry information of the subdirectory is written to an area provided in the file area of the memory card 14 when the directory is created.

When a file, which is image data to be recorded, is registered in a subdirectory using the hierarchical directory, first, the MD switch 11f of the operation switch group 11 shown in FIG. Create a directory to secure a recording area for image files. Then, in order to move the directory position for accessing the file up and down, the D-UP switch 11d or the D-DOWN switch 11e is operated to move the access position of the hierarchical directory up and down. Therefore, an image file to be recorded is selected by the frame UP and DOWN switches 11b and 11c. This frame UP,
If the DOWN switches 11b and 11c are operated continuously,
It is assumed that tree walk access is performed. In other words, the files are sequentially accessed in the directory of the current hierarchy. When a subdirectory is hit there, the file in the corresponding subdirectory of the lower hierarchy is accessed. Then, when the access of the file in the sub-directory is completed, the file in the directory located in the higher hierarchy of the directory is accessed.

A value of 0 is written for the file name of the directory entry of the image file that has not been recorded. Also, every time image data is written,
A serial number is added and registered as the file name of the corresponding directory entry. For the position on the memory where the file is recorded, an unused area is checked based on the FAT information, and recording is performed in that area.

When reproducing image data, D-
UP switch 11d or D-DOWN switch 1
By operating 1e, the hierarchical position of the hierarchical directory of the file is moved up and down. Therefore, the image file to be reproduced is selected by the frame UP and the DOWN switches 11b and 11c. The mode of the recording operation or the reproduction operation is designated by operating the REC / PLAY switch 11a.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the display section 12, showing a display "REC" 12c and a display "PLAY" 1c.
2d is lit when the camera is set to the recording mode or the reproduction mode. The first display unit 12a and the second display unit 12b form a one-segment seven-segment display unit, and the directory name or file name to which the image file to be recorded / reproduced belongs to 6 correspond to the files or subdirectories in the directory information shown in FIG. The hyphen display 12f includes a first display unit 12a and a second display unit 12a.
b is a connecting symbol. In addition, since the one-digit display unit 12e can display only two hierarchies on the first display unit 12a and the second display unit 12b, the one-digit display unit 12e is a hidden directory that is higher than the hierarchy directory displayed on the first display unit 12a. It displays the number of layers.

FIG. 9 shows the display unit 1 when the recording file is moved by operating the frame UP and DOWN switches 11b and 11c of the operation switch 11 in the recording mode.
2 shows a display state. First, in the display state of FIG. 9A, "01" is displayed on the first display unit 12a, and the image file to be recorded at present is the file having the file name 1 of the root directory (the file of FIG. 6). A corresponds). Similarly, the display state of (B) of FIG. 9 shows “0” on the first display unit 12a.
2 is displayed, indicating that the recorded image file is the second file in the root directory (corresponding to file B in FIG. 6). The file names displayed in this manner can correspond to the frame numbers, which is one feature of the present embodiment. In the display state of FIG. 9C, “04” is displayed on the first display unit 12a,
Since "01" is displayed on the second display section 12b, the designation of the recorded image file is performed by setting the file in the subdirectory designated by the directory name 4 of the root directory (corresponding to the subdirectory b in FIG. 6). This indicates that the file is the file of the first name (corresponding to the file E in FIG. 6). FIG. 9D shows a file having a file name 2 (file F in FIG. 6) of a subdirectory (corresponding to subdirectory b in FIG. 6) in which the designation of the recording image file is also specified by directory name 4 of the directory. Correspond). The file switching from (A) to (D) in FIG.
The operation is performed by operating the P, DOWN switches 11b, 11c. After that, when the UP switch 11b is further pressed, the sub directory b returns to the root directory on the directory hierarchy in FIG.
Is accessed.

FIG. 10A shows a new memory card 1.
4 shows the display of the directory in a state where the recording mode is set in the recording mode after the power supply is mounted on the SMC and the power is turned on. At this time,
In the first display unit 12a, "0" indicates that the subdirectory has not been created yet and the directory to be accessed now is located at the first file name 1 of the root directory.
1 ". Then, when the directory creation MD switch 11f is pressed, a subdirectory 1 is created in the first directory of the root directory, "01" is displayed on the second display section 12b, and a file name 1 in the subdirectory 1 is displayed. This indicates that recording is possible (FIG. 10B). Subsequently, the recording is continued sequentially, and when the file registration limit on the registration allowable area of the subdirectory is reached, the directory hierarchy is higher, in this case, the root directory is returned, and the recording position of the next file is “02”. Display is performed ((C) in FIG. 10).

If it is desired to move to another sub-directory before the file registration limit of the sub-directory is reached, the D-UP switch 11d is operated to move the directory position to a higher position, for example, to the root directory.
Recording can be performed. The specified files are sequentially switched by operating the frame UP and DOWN switches 11b and 11c. If a subdirectory exists, the process moves to the corresponding subdirectory and the directory is sequentially specified. . However, if the subdirectory does not exist, the files in the root directory are sequentially accessed.

The directory or file designation in the recording mode has been described above. The directory UP and DOWN operations by operating the frame UP and the DOWN switches 11b and 11c in the reproduction mode are similarly operated and processed.

The subdirectory location is, of course,
It is possible to move the access position not only to the hierarchy but also to a subdirectory of a deeper hierarchy. (A) of FIG.
Shows the LCD display section 12 in the display state of the sub-directory section of the second hierarchy registered in the root directory. In this state, 2 in the root directory "01"
“02” is displayed as the directory of the hierarchical level. Then, when the D-DOWN switch 11e is operated, as shown in FIG. 11B, the directory position is lowered, the display “02” of the second hierarchy is moved to the first display unit 12a, and the third hierarchy is newly added. The first file “01” in the subdirectory is displayed. At this time, “01” indicating the designated position of the root directory, which has been displayed on the first display unit 12a, is erased. However, "1" is displayed on the display unit 12e so that it is possible to visually recognize that there is one hidden layer. After that, when the D-UP switch 11d is operated to return the directory to a higher level, again,
The first display section 12a displays the root directory name "01", and the second display section 12b displays the file name "03" by incrementing the file access position of the sub-directory of the two layers by one ( FIG. 11C).

It is to be noted that the display of the directory of a plurality of layers can be more easily viewed by increasing the number of digits of the display section. Also,
In this embodiment, the file or directory name is displayed with a number assigned thereto, but it may be displayed in alphabets, or the display section may be displayed using a dot matrix LCD.

The SM of the present embodiment configured as described above
The operation of the recording / reproducing processing based on the hierarchical directory image file management in C will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of the "switch processing" of the SMC. In this process, the respective switches such as the operation switch group 11 and the recording switch 25 are operated to create a directory for image file management, or to access and record an image file using the directory information, or This is a processing routine for reproducing. First, in step S01, REC
Check ON / OFF of the / PLAY switch 11a.
If it is on, that is, if the playback mode is selected, step S
The subroutine "playback mode processing" for jumping to 08 and playing back the accessed image file is called. If it is off, the process proceeds to step S02 to check whether the recording switch 25 is on or off. If on,
Assuming that a photographing instruction has been issued, the process jumps to step S09, and a subroutine "photographing mode process" for photographing is called. If it is off, the process proceeds to step S03.

In step S03, the MD switch 11f
Check on / off of. If it is on, it is determined that a directory creation instruction has been issued, and the process jumps to step S10, where a subroutine "directory creation process" (see FIG. 13) described later is called. If it is off, the process proceeds to step S04. In step S04, the on / off state of the frame UP switch 11b is checked. If it is on, the process jumps to step S11 assuming that an instruction to increment the access position of the corresponding directory has been issued, and calls a subroutine "UP switch process" (see FIG. 14) described later. If it is off, the process proceeds to step S05.

In step S05, it is checked whether the frame DOWN switch 11c is on or off. If it is ON, the process jumps to step S12 assuming that an instruction to decrement the access position of the corresponding directory has been issued,
A subroutine "DOWN switch processing" described later is called. If the frame DOWN switch 11c is off, the process proceeds to step S06.

In step S06, the D-UP switch 11
Check on / off of d. If it is on, the process jumps to step S13 assuming that an instruction to move the directory to be accessed to a higher hierarchy is issued, and a subroutine "directory UP process" (see FIG. 16) to be described later is called. If it is off, the process proceeds to step S07. In step S07, the on / off of the D-DOWN switch 11e is checked. If it is on, the process jumps to step S14 assuming that an instruction to move the directory to be accessed to a lower hierarchy is issued, and a subroutine "directory DOWN processing" described later is called. If it is off, the process returns to step S01, and the above processing is repeated.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of the "directory creation process" of the above subroutine. In this process, first, in step S21, a free cluster which is an unrecorded area is searched from the FAT of the memory card 14, and it is checked in step S22 whether the free cluster exists. If there is no free cluster, the process jumps to step S27, issues a warning such as flickering the display unit 12, and terminates the present subroutine. If there is an empty cluster, the process proceeds to step S23, where a subdirectory is registered in the directory entry. Step S2
In step 4, the subdirectory area is initialized. At this time,
Write 0 code at the beginning of the directory entry of the file. Then, in step S25, the first file in the created subdirectory is set as the next recording position. Subsequently, the directory name and the file name of the display unit 12 are updated in step S26. Then, this subroutine ends.

FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of the "UP switch process" of the above subroutine. In this process, first, in step S31, the current directory is
Determine whether the area is the last entry area. If it is the last entry, since no file can be registered in the corresponding subdirectory, the process jumps to step S35, and a subroutine "last entry process" described later (see FIG. 15)
Is executed. If it is not the last entry, the process proceeds to step S32 to check whether the attribute of the next directory indicates a subdirectory. If it indicates a subdirectory, the process jumps to step S36, and a subroutine "subdirectory processing" (see FIG. 17) described later is called. If it is not a subdirectory, that is, if it is an image data file, the flow advances to step S33 to specify the next directory entry as a recording position (recording frame position). Then, step S34
To update the display on the LCD display section 12 and end this subroutine. In this subroutine, the case of the recording mode has been described, but the processing for the reproduction mode is performed in the same manner. The “DOWN switch process” of the subroutine is also a process of accessing the “UP switch process” in the opposite direction.

FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of the subroutine "final entry processing". In this processing, first, in step S41, it is checked whether the current processing position is the root directory. If it is the root directory, the process jumps to step S45, issues a warning, and ends this subroutine. If it is not the root directory, the process proceeds to step S42 to read the pointer of the upper directory in order to move to the directory of the higher hierarchy. In step S43, the directory is moved to the upper directory, and the file indicated by the directory entry next to the directory is designated as the next recording file. Then, in step S44, the display on the LCD display unit 12 is updated, and the present subroutine ends. This subroutine shows the "UP switch processing" in the recording mode, but the processing for the reproduction mode processing is the same processing.

FIG. 16 shows a subroutine of the above subroutine "directory UP processing". In this process, first, it is checked in step S51 whether the current processing position is the root directory. If it is the root directory, the process jumps to step S55, and calls a subroutine "root directory processing" (see FIG. 18) described later. If it is not the root directory, the process proceeds to step S52 to read the pointer of the upper directory to move to the upper hierarchical directory. In step S53, the directory is moved to a higher directory.
The file indicated by the directory entry next to the directory is designated as the next recording file. Then, in step S54, the display on the LCD display unit 12 is updated, and the present subroutine ends. This subroutine shows the "directory UP processing" in the recording mode, but the processing for the reproduction mode processing is the same processing. The "directory DOWN process" is also a process similar to the "directory UP process", and is a process of moving a directory to a lower level.

FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of the subroutine "subdirectory processing". In this process, first, in step S61, a recordable entry of the subdirectory specified by the directory entry is specified as a recording position. Then, in step S62, LC
The display on the D display unit 12 is updated, and this subroutine ends.

FIG. 18 shows a flowchart of the "root directory process" of the subroutine. In this process, first, in step S71, it is determined whether or not the current directory is the last entry area. If it is the last entry, the file cannot be registered in the corresponding directory, so the flow jumps to step S74, issues a warning, and ends this routine. If it is not the last entry, the process proceeds to step S72, where the next directory entry is designated as a recording position (recording frame position).
Then, in step S73, the display on the display unit 12 of the LCD is updated, and this subroutine ends.

As described above, the SMC of this embodiment is
Image files are sorted and organized by the DOS FAT system and subdirectory structure, and the results are displayed in a tree using only a few operation switches and a display unit with a small number of digits, which are the limits of the camera. This enables directory processing of image files. For example, create a sub-directory for each subject such as shooting trips, athletic meet, etc., or distinguish continuous shot image files from other general images, or register the file in the above several switch groups. With these operations, the registered state is recognized by the camera display unit having a small number of digits, and an effect equivalent to that of a tree display is achieved.

Incidentally, the directory information of the memory card of the SMC of the above embodiment can be subjected to hierarchical directory processing on the personal computer by inputting it to the personal computer.

FIG. 19 shows an SMC according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which the frame UP of the operation switch 11 and the DOWN switches 11b and 11c are operated during the recording mode.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display state of a display unit 12 of the SMC when an unrecorded file to be accessed for recording is selected. First, in the display state of FIG. 19A, “01” is displayed on the directory display section 120, and the image file to be recorded at present is the first file in the root directory (FIG. 19A). Corresponds to the first file of FIG. 6 (this drawing has the same expression format as that of FIG. 6). Similarly, in the display state of FIG. 19B, “02” is also displayed on the directory display section 120, and the recorded image file is the second file in the root directory (FIG. 19B). (Corresponding to the second file). Further, in the display state of FIG. 19C, “04” is also displayed on the directory display section 120, and the recorded image file is the fourth file in the root directory (FIG. 19).
(Corresponding to the fourth file of (c)). The file name displayed in this manner can correspond to the frame number, which is one of the features in this embodiment. However, the SMC according to the second embodiment does not have a configuration for accessing a subdirectory, is simple, and is inexpensive, as compared with the configuration described above with reference to FIG. Note that, in the second embodiment as well, as described with reference to FIG.
2c indicates that the camera is in the recording mode.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a display state of the display unit 12 at the time of the reproducing operation in the SMC of the second embodiment described above with reference to FIG. First, in the display state of FIG. 20A, “01” is displayed on the directory display section 120, indicating that the image file currently being reproduced is the first file in the root directory. . Similarly, in the display state of FIG. 20B, “02” is displayed on the directory display section 120, and the access target is the second file in the root directory. Is shown. on the other hand,
The display state of (C) of FIG.
There is a flicker display of “03” on 0,
The target of access now is root directory 3.
The second is a warning display indicating that a subdirectory is set here, and that the SMC of this embodiment cannot be set as a reproduction target. The display state of (D) in FIG. 20 indicates that “04” is displayed on the directory display unit 120, and that the current access target is the fourth file in the root directory. ing. The reason why the display as shown in FIG. 20C is intentionally performed is as follows. That is, although the simple and low-cost SMC itself according to the second embodiment does not have a subdirectory setting function or an access function to the subdirectory, the subdirectory is set in response to processing by an SMC or a personal computer corresponding to another upper model. It is possible that the memory card is applied to the simplified SMC. Therefore, even when such a memory card is applied, appropriate measures must be taken so that the user does not cause unnecessary confusion such as mistakenly as a camera failure. It is necessary. In the second embodiment, the display 12d of "PLAY" indicates that the camera is in the playback mode, as described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a display state of the display unit 12 mainly at the time of a reproducing operation in the SMC as the third embodiment of the present invention. First, FIG. 20A shows a display element “RE” indicating the setting of the recording mode of the display unit 12.
C "(12c), a display element" P
It is a diagram for convenience of explanation showing a state in which all display elements of the “LAY” (12d), the directory display unit 120, and the hierarchy display unit 121 are turned on (displayed). FIG.
In the display state of (B) of No. 1, “01” is displayed on the directory display section 120, and the image file to be recorded at present has the file name 1 of the root directory.
File. Similarly, the display state of (C) of FIG.
"08" is displayed to indicate that the recorded image file is the eighth file in the root directory. Also in the third embodiment, the file name displayed in this way can correspond to the frame number, and the above point is one feature of the embodiment. Then, the display state of (D) in FIG.
"1" is displayed, and "S" is displayed on the hierarchy display section 121. This is the directory display unit 12
21 indicates that the object indicated by “01” is the first file in the subdirectory one level below the root directory in FIGS. 21B and 21C. Similarly, in the display state of (E) in FIG. 21, “02” is displayed on the directory display unit 120 and “S” is displayed on the hierarchy display unit 121. Indicates that the object displayed with "02" is the second file in the subdirectory.

The switching of the files to be accessed is performed by the frame UP and DOWN switches 11 of the operation switch group 11 in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.
This operation is performed by operating b and 11c.

[0054]

As described above, the electronic imaging apparatus according to the present invention uses a method of setting a directory and facilitating file access when managing image files.
In addition, since a directory in which a captured image should be stored can be selected, recording of image information in a desired directory,
Various remarkable effects such as referencing and organizing can be performed as intended.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of an SMC as an electronic imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a signal processing system of the SMC of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a switch group of the SMC of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a tree display of a root directory of the SMC of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a tree display of a root directory and subdirectories of the SMC of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a registration state of a root directory and a subdirectory of the SMC of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a format of a directory entry of the SMC of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an LCD display unit of the SMC of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are display examples of the LCD display unit of the SMC shown in FIG. 1, in which (A) and (B) show a file display of a root directory, and (C) and (D) show a file display of a subdirectory. Show.

10A and 10B are display examples when a directory is created on the LCD display unit of the SMC in FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 10A shows a display when a subdirectory has not yet been created, and FIG. 10B shows a display when a subdirectory has been created. (C) shows the display when returning to the root directory.

11A and 11B are display examples of the LCD display unit of the SMC shown in FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 11A shows two hierarchical directories;
(B) shows a directory display when the root directory is hidden, and (C) shows a display when the display returns to the root directory display state.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of “switch processing” by operating the operation switch group of the SMC of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a subroutine “directory creation process” called in the “switch process” of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a subroutine “UP switch process” called in “switch process” in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a subroutine “final entry processing” called in the “UP switch processing” of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a subroutine “directory UP processing” called in “switch processing” in FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a subroutine “subdirectory process” called in the “UP switch process” of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a subroutine “root directory processing” called in the “directory UP processing” of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a display example of an LCD display unit in a recording mode of an SMC as an electronic imaging device as another embodiment of the present invention, wherein (A), (B), and (C) show a root directory; (A), (b), (c)
The figure which shows the registration state of the directory corresponding to said (A), (B), (C).

20 is a display example of the LCD display unit in the reproduction mode of the SMC of FIG. 19, where (A), (B), and (D) show the files of the root directory, and (C) shows A subdirectory is set in the third of the root directory, and a state in which a flicker display indicating that the reproduction operation is not performed by the SMC of this embodiment is shown.

FIG. 21 is a display example of an LCD display unit in a recording mode of an SMC as an electronic imaging device as still another embodiment of the present invention, where (A) illustrates all display elements of the display unit. (B), (C), (D), (E)
Is a file display of the root directory to be accessed.

FIG. 22 is an example of a tree display in a hierarchical file system used in a conventional personal computer DOS.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 System controller (directory structure position display means) 12 LCD display section (directory structure position display means) 12a First display section (directory structure position display means) 12b Second display section (directory structure position display means) 14 Memory card (recording) Medium) 100 SMC (electronic imaging device)

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/907 G06F 15/64 450A

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An electronic image pickup apparatus capable of recording image information with a directory structure on an applied recording medium or reproducing image information recorded on the recording medium with a directory structure, An electronic device comprising: a recording directory selection unit for selecting a directory in which image information is to be recorded; and a display unit for displaying a directory selected by the recording directory selection unit. Image pickup device. 2. An electronic imaging apparatus capable of recording image information with a directory structure on an applied recording medium or reproducing image information recorded on the recording medium with a directory structure. Recording directory selecting means for selecting a directory in which information is to be recorded; and recording means for recording image information taken in association with the directory selected by the recording directory selecting means. An electronic imaging apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 3. The recording directory selection means according to claim 1, wherein the directory is selected by moving up or down the hierarchy of the directory having a hierarchical structure. 3. The electronic imaging device according to 2.