JP2000348044A - Image processor, image processing method and computer readable memory - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently execute the processing for a desired image. SOLUTION: Plural kinds of image data and additive information concerning the image data are coordinated and managed. The additive information is inputted from a keyword inputting part 2 as a retrieving condition. The image data corresponding to the inputted retrieving condition is retrieved by a photographing information retrieving part 3. Then, an extracted data batch processing part 4 batch executes designated processing to all the retrieved image data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method for processing image data, and a computer readable memory.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a photographic image captured from an image capturing device such as a digital camera or a film scanner is output to a display device such as a TV or a printing device such as a printer.
2. Description of the Related Art There is an image processing apparatus that displays or prints photographic image data without using an electronic device such as a personal computer.

[0003]

However, when a plurality of desired photographic images are output using the above-mentioned conventional image processing apparatus, the photographic images to be output are sequentially displayed, and the displayed photographic images are displayed. The operation of executing the output after specifying the photographic image to be output from the image is required a plurality of times, which is inconvenient.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide an image processing apparatus and method capable of efficiently executing processing on a desired image, and a computer readable memory. .

[0005]

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following arrangement.
That is, an image processing device that processes image data, a plurality of types of image data, a management unit that manages the additional information related to the image data in association with each other, an input unit that inputs the additional information as a search condition, The image processing apparatus further includes a search unit that searches for image data corresponding to the search condition input by the input unit, and an execution unit that collectively executes a designated process on all the image data searched by the search unit.

Preferably, the management means adds a predetermined flag to each of the image data searched by the search means.

[0007] Preferably, the execution means collectively executes a designated process on all the image data to which the predetermined flag is added.

Preferably, the input means includes an instruction means for issuing an instruction to clear the predetermined flag.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises display means for displaying a list of image data managed by the management means.

[0010] Preferably, the input means includes a designation means for designating a process to be executed on the image data retrieved by the retrieval means.

Preferably, the specified process includes at least one of a display process, a print process, a storage process, a transmission process, and a reception process.

An image processing method according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following arrangement. That is, an image processing method for processing image data, a management step of managing a plurality of types of image data and additional information related to the image data in a storage medium, and inputting the additional information as a search condition A search step of searching for image data corresponding to the search condition input in the input step, and an execution step of collectively executing a specified process on all the image data searched in the search step. Is provided.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention for achieving the above object has the following arrangement. That is, a computer-readable memory storing a program code of image processing for processing image data, the program code of a management step of managing a plurality of types of image data and additional information relating to the image data in a storage medium in association with each other And a program code of an input step of inputting the additional information as a search condition, and a program code of a search step of searching image data corresponding to the search condition input in the input step,
And a program code for an execution step for collectively executing a designated process on all of the image data retrieved in the retrieval step.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to embodiments to specifically explain the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus has a CP
U110, ROM 120, key driver 130, and RAM
140, an external communication driver 150, an external media driver 160, a printing unit 170, and a display unit 180.

The CPU 110 controls each component according to various programs described in the ROM 120. The ROM 120 describes various programs for executing various functions, including a main program for controlling the image processing apparatus. The key driver 130
When a key is input that instructs batch processing such as a search keyword input or print execution instruction, or a key required for other processing is input, the processing is sorted according to the input. . Key input can also be performed by a remote controller (not shown). In this case,
Receives the signal sent from the remote controller and sorts the processing.

The RAM 140 is used as a photographic image data storage and development information area (photographing information and search results are described) as shown in FIG. 2, and as a buffer and a work memory required for processing. When the photographic image data is supplied through an external communication cable, the external communication driver 150 performs all processes necessary for receiving the photographic image data. If the detected photographic image data is to be transmitted in a lump, all processes necessary for transmitting the photographic image data are performed.

When the photographic image data is supplied from an external medium, the external media driver 160 performs all processes necessary for reading the photographic image data. If the detected photographic image data is to be stored collectively, all the processing necessary to write the photographic image data is performed. The display unit 180 performs all necessary processing for displaying the input search keyword and the detected photographic image data on a display such as a TV.

The printing unit 170 performs all processes necessary for printing the photographic image data detected in response to the print execution instruction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the printing unit 170 is connected to the printer driver 17.
If it is changed to 0a, printing can also be performed by the external printer 200 via the printer cable.

Next, a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 1 denotes a plurality of pieces of photograph image data in which date, time, photographing place, and print request designation are added to photograph image data and stored as photographing information. The data is input via the external media driver 160 and stored in the RAM 140. Reference numeral 2 denotes a keyword input unit for inputting photographing information of photographic image data as a keyword. The keyword is input to the image processing device via the key driver 130.
Reference numeral 3 denotes a photographing information search unit that searches for photographing information added to the photograph image data based on a search condition based on the input keyword, and extracts photograph image data that matches the search condition. Reference numeral 4 denotes an extracted data batch processing unit, which collectively processes the extracted photographic image data.

With the above configuration, desired photographic image data can be extracted based on the input keyword, and a series of processing can be collectively executed on all the extracted photographic image data.

Next, the processing executed by the image processing apparatus of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

First, when the power is turned on, step S1 is executed.
In the initial process of 00, various initialization processes are executed. In the initial processing of step S100, processing necessary for starting the image processing apparatus and initial settings are performed.

Next, as an initial display process, step S2
In a photo image list display process for displaying a list of 00 photo images, all the photo image data to be processed are displayed in a list. At this time, the list display mode is set to the all-photograph image mode.

When the initial display processing is completed, step S3
00 key wait state, and waits for input of an instruction for the next operation. Here, when a search keyword input instruction is input, the process proceeds to step S400, and a search keyword input process for inputting a search keyword is executed. When the search keyword input process is executed, in step S500, a shooting information search process for searching for shooting information based on the search keyword is executed.

In the photographing information search processing in step S500, first, all contents of the search information area in the photograph image data storage and development information are cleared. Then, the photographing information is checked for all the photograph image data, and if photograph image data having photographing information matching the search keyword is detected, the detected photograph image data in the photograph image data storage development information of the photograph image data is expanded. Set a detection flag in the detection information area. If not detected, the detection flag is not set.

Upon completion of the photographing information search processing, the flow advances to step S600 to execute a detected photographic image list display processing for displaying a list of detected photographic images. In the detected photo image list display, only the photo image data for which the detection flag has been set in the detection information area by the photographing information search processing is displayed in a list. At this time, the list display mode is set to the detected photo image mode. When the detected photo image list display processing is completed, the process returns to the key waiting state in step S300,
It will be in a key input waiting state.

If an instruction to cancel the search is input in the key input state, the flow advances to step S700 to execute a search canceling process for canceling the search. In the search canceling process, the entire contents of the detection information area in the photographic image data storage and development information are cleared. Thereafter, step S800
Then, a photograph image list display process is performed. As a result, a list of all the photo image data is displayed, and the list display mode is set to the all photo image mode.

If an instruction to execute printing is input in the key input state, the flow advances to step S900 to execute printing processing. Here, the details of the printing process in step S900 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of the printing process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

First, in step S910, the list display mode is checked. If the list display mode is the detected photo image mode, a detected photo image batch process for printing the detected photo images at once is executed in step S920.
In the detected photo image batch printing process, the detection information area is checked, and only the photo image data for which the detection flag is set is printed.

On the other hand, in the case of the all photograph image mode, a specific photograph image printing process for printing the specific photograph image is executed in step S930. In the specific photo image printing process, the specified photo image data is printed before the print execution instruction is input. Regarding how to identify photographic images,
A cursor frame may be displayed on the photo image data on the list display, and the cursor frame may be moved and specified, or an image data No associated with the photo image data may be input,
It may be specified.

Returning to the description of FIG.

Similarly, when an instruction other than the print execution instruction, for example, another execution instruction such as a storage execution instruction, a transmission execution instruction, a reception execution instruction, or a deletion execution instruction is input in the key input state, the list is also displayed. By checking the display mode, the processing can be divided into a case where processing is performed collectively and a case where processing is performed on specific photographic image data. When these other keys are input, the process proceeds to step Sa00, where processing necessary for the input instruction is performed.

If an end instruction is input in the key input state, the process proceeds to step Sb00, where an end process is performed, and the process ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, even when there are a plurality of photographic images to be processed, the operator can
The processing for the designated photographic image can be collectively executed by one operation.

Even if the present invention is applied to a system including a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.), a device including one device (for example, a copying machine, a facsimile machine) Etc.).

Another object of the present invention is to provide a storage medium storing a program code of software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and to provide a computer (or CPU) of the system or apparatus.
And MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. ) May perform some or all of the actual processing, and the processing may realize the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, It goes without saying that the CPU included in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

When the present invention is applied to the storage medium, the storage medium stores program codes corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 described above.

[0049]

As described above, according to the present invention,
An image processing apparatus and method capable of efficiently executing processing on a desired image, and a computer-readable memory can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a data configuration stored in a RAM according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another configuration example of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating processing executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating details of print processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photograph image 2 Keyword input part 3 Photographing information search part 4 Extraction data batch processing part 110 CPU 120 ROM 130 Key driver 140 RAM 150 External communication driver 160 External media driver 170 Printing unit 170a Printer driver 180 Display unit 200 External printer

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for processing image data, comprising: a management unit for managing a plurality of types of image data and additional information relating to the image data in association with each other; and an input for inputting the additional information as a search condition. Means, a search means for searching for image data corresponding to the search condition input by the input means, and an execution means for collectively executing a specified process on all the image data searched by the search means. An image processing apparatus comprising: 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the management unit adds a predetermined flag to each of the image data searched by the search unit. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the execution unit executes a designated process collectively on all the image data to which the predetermined flag is added. 4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the input unit includes an instruction unit that issues an instruction to clear the predetermined flag. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit that displays a list of image data managed by the management unit. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit includes a specifying unit that specifies a process to be performed on the image data retrieved by the retrieval unit. 7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designated process includes at least one of a display process, a print process, a save process, a transmission process, and a reception process. 8. An image processing method for processing image data, comprising: a management step of managing a plurality of types of image data and additional information related to the image data in a storage medium; and using the additional information as a search condition. An input step of inputting; a search step of searching for image data corresponding to the search condition input in the input step; and executing a designated process collectively on all the image data searched in the search step. An image processing method comprising: an execution step. 9. The image processing method according to claim 8, wherein the managing step adds a predetermined flag to each of the image data searched in the searching step. 10. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein in the execution step, specified processing is collectively executed on all image data to which the predetermined flag is added. 11. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein the input step includes an instruction step of issuing an instruction to clear the predetermined flag. 12. The image processing method according to claim 8, further comprising a display step of displaying a list of image data managed in said management step. 13. The image processing method according to claim 8, wherein the input step includes a designation step of designating a process to be executed on the image data retrieved in the retrieval step. 14. The image processing method according to claim 8, wherein the specified process includes at least one of a display process, a print process, a save process, a transmission process, and a reception process. 15. A computer-readable memory storing image processing program codes for processing image data, the management step of managing a plurality of types of image data and additional information related to the image data in a storage medium in association with each other. A program code of an input step of inputting the additional information as a search condition, a program code of a search step of searching for image data corresponding to the search condition input in the input step, and a search in the search step And a program code for an execution step of executing a designated process collectively on all of the selected image data.