JP2001297090A - Image data retrieval method, image display method, data retrieval system, image editing device and computer readable storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image data retrieval method which can easily retrieve the image data with no complicated input operation required, to provide a data retrieval system, to provide an image display method which can display the easy-to-see images, to provide an image editing method which can easily edit images and also to provide a computer readable storage medium. SOLUTION: When the image data stored in a data base are retrieved according to the feature value that is stored in response to each of image data, the personal information on a specific person is compared with the feature value for retrieving an image on a time base. Thereby an mage (an object, for example) that is related with the specific person can be specified just by inputting the personal information (the name, the date of birth, etc., of the specific person) and without knowing the file name of the image data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a database for storing a large amount of image data including image data obtained by photographing a person or the like as a subject.
The present invention relates to a technology for searching, displaying, and editing specific image data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, the number of photographs taken by a person in a lifetime is enormous. Traditionally, these were pasted and stored on multiple albums.However, in addition to the album itself becoming bulky, avoid direct sunlight to prevent discoloration of photos and the occurrence of mold. It was necessary to store the album in a place with low humidity and a relatively low temperature, which was inconvenient to handle.

[0003]

On the other hand, a visible image is digitized indirectly from a photograph or a negative film, or directly through a digital still camera or the like.
It has already been stored in a database as image data. As a result, there is an advantage that even a large amount of images can be saved without taking up space and maintaining the initial image quality.

However, when the image data is stored in such a state, it is often difficult to immediately specify the image even if the user wants to view the image. In other words, since the image cannot be confirmed in the state of the image data, it is necessary to display or print out the image one by one, and to confirm whether or not the image is a specific image. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes more time to perform the image search. or,
There is also a problem of how to display or edit the searched image data.

In view of the above problems, the present invention provides an image data search method and a data search system capable of easily searching for image data without performing complicated input, an image display method for easily viewing images, and an image editing for easily editing images. It is an object to provide a method and a computer readable storage medium.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data retrieving method for retrieving image data in a database based on a feature stored in association with each image data. And searching for an image involving the specific person by comparing personal information on the specific person with the feature amount.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image display method for searching image data stored in a database on the basis of a feature amount stored in association with each image data, and generating an image based on the searched image data. In the image display method for displaying, the searched images are displayed in a list on a display screen.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data retrieval system for retrieving image data stored in a database based on a characteristic amount stored in association with each image data. Storage means for storing image data in the database, a selection means for selecting image data in the database, and a communication means for communicating with a server means in which predetermined information is stored. When selected, the communication means:
The feature amount corresponding to the image data is transferred to the server unit, and the server unit searches for and returns information corresponding to the transferred feature amount, based on the returned information. Image data is retrieved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data retrieval system for retrieving image data stored in a database based on a characteristic amount stored in association with each image data. Means for storing image data in the database, a selection means for selecting image data in the database, and an access means capable of accessing a storage medium on which predetermined information is stored. When the data is selected, the access unit accesses the storage medium based on the feature amount corresponding to the image data and searches for information corresponding to the feature amount.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image editing apparatus which searches image data stored in a database on the basis of a feature amount stored in association with each image data, and edits the searched image data. The editing apparatus is characterized by having storage means for storing the searched image data in the same file.

[0011]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data search method for searching image data in a database based on a feature amount stored in association with each image data. Is compared with the feature amount to search for an image in which the specific person is involved. Therefore, even if the user does not know the file name or the like of the image data, the personal information (for example, the name or the date of birth of the specific person) can be obtained. By simply inputting, an image in which the specific person is involved (for example, a subject) can be specified.

Here, the feature amount refers to the date and time of acquisition of an image, the date and time of registration of an image, the place of photography, the name of a photographed subject, the name of an event at which photography was performed, and the like. It is conceivable that the information is stored, but not limited to this. The shooting location may be acquired using GPS information by, for example, providing a digital still camera with a GPS function, and the name of the shot subject, the name of the event at which the shooting was performed, etc. It may be automatically acquired and registered by using a character recognition technology from a sign or a signboard, or by using a voice recognition technology from a language spoken by the subject or the photographer. Further, when the image of the photograph is digitized, the image acquisition date and time may be the date and time when the photograph was taken, not the digitized date and time. For example, if the date and time imprinted on the photograph is converted into text data by the OCR function and stored, the time and effort for inputting the image at the time of image registration is reduced.

Further, when the personal information can be registered, the registered personal information does not need to be input again, so that the trouble of searching can be saved by calling the personal information as appropriate.

Further, a predetermined period on the time axis can be specified using the personal information. More specifically, by inputting the personal information, for example, a period during which an image in which the corresponding specific person is the subject is obtained can be known.
Therefore, if there is a memory taken with someone, it is possible to search for an image acquired at a similar time by relying on the memory.

Further, the personal information preferably includes at least information relating to the name and the date of birth of the specific person, but may also include, for example, information relating to the address of the specific person.

It is preferable that an image to be searched can be narrowed down by inputting a narrowing-down parameter (for example, from what month to what year to what month, the age of the subject, etc.).

It is preferable that the narrowing parameters can be input using a scroll bar displayed on a display screen. At this time, for example, if the year and the year can be displayed on the scale of the scroll bar, the searcher who has viewed the date and time can easily specify the time. Further, if the display includes the first image acquisition date and time and the last image acquisition date and time, the searcher can know the searchable period, which is convenient.

The narrowing-down parameters include the Christian era, age,
Preferably it is at least one of the periods.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image display method for searching image data stored in a database on the basis of a feature amount stored in association with each image data, and displaying an image based on the searched image data. In the image display method to be displayed, the searched images are displayed in a list on the display screen, so that a display that is easy for the searcher to confirm is provided.

Furthermore, if at least one of the size and shape of the image displayed on the display screen changes according to at least one of the size and shape of the display screen, for example, when the number of images is relatively large, By reducing the size of the image, the number of images displayed on the display screen at one time can be increased.

Further, all the images which cannot be displayed in the list on the display screen despite the search are displayed on the next screen by switching the screens.

Further, when the screen displaying the image is switched at a predetermined speed, the screen can be switched just when the searcher finishes checking the image displayed on one screen (the page can be turned). It is convenient.

Further, if the switching speed of the screen can be changed, the switching speed can be reduced when the user wants to check the image carefully, and the switching speed can be increased when the operator wants to check the image quickly, which is convenient.

Further, it is preferable that the currently displayed screen is displayed among a plurality of screens to be displayed, so that the searcher can easily search.

Also, if the arrangement order of the images can be selected,
This is convenient because images can be arranged according to the intention of the viewer. It would be more convenient if this order could be reversed.

Further, it is preferable that the images are displayed in an arrangement order based on a predetermined standard.

The predetermined criterion may be the date and time when the image was acquired, or may be the degree of approximation between the image and the feature value, but is not limited to this.

Also, by rearranging the images,
The feature amount can be changed. For example, a first image photographed on January 1, 2000, a second image photographed on January 3, 2000, and a third image photographed on January 5, 2000. When an image is searched, it is displayed on the display screen in this order immediately after the search, but if the images are rearranged so that a third image is inserted between the first image and the second image, The shooting date and time as the feature amount of the third image is
It is automatically changed and updated from January 5, 2000 to January 2, 2000 (or a period of 1 to 3 days). Therefore, in the subsequent search, the third image is treated as having been photographed on January 2, 2000 (or any one of the first to third days). Such an example has been described as an example in which the shooting date and time in the feature amount can be changed, but the present invention is not limited to this.

Further, if an image displayed in the past is displayed separately from an image that is not displayed, it is convenient to check the image.

Further, if the color of the edge of the displayed image changes, the displayed image and the non-displayed image can be distinguished at a glance, which is convenient.

Further, it is preferable that the searcher can be informed that there is no image to be searched.

In this case, the fact that the image to be searched does not exist is notified through the searcher's visual sense,
It is desirable to be able to notify through the hearing of the searcher.

If information indicating the relationship between the image acquisition date and the number of images can be displayed, for example, at a certain time,
If images are taken in a concentrated manner, it can be inferred that there has been an event such as an athletic meet or a wedding, and this can be one clue when searching for images.

Further, it is preferable that the information be displayed as a graph (for example, a histogram) having a horizontal axis as a time axis, since the relation with time can be seen at a glance.

If the information indicating the location where the image is obtained can be displayed, for example, when searching for an image by relying on the memory of whether the image was taken on the sea or on the mountain, Can be a clue.

Further, when the information is displayed on a map, the relationship with the place can be easily understood at a glance.

It is preferable that an image can be searched based on the information. For example, when one point on the time axis is input, images shot at that point in time and before and after that point are searched, and when one point on the map is input, images shot at that place and its surroundings can be searched.

Further, it is preferable to display information on the number of images. As information on the number of images, the number of all images in the database, the number of searched images, the number of displayed images among the searched images, the number of undisplayed images, and the like can be appropriately displayed as necessary. preferable.

It is convenient if the information on the feature amount can be obtained via a network.

A data retrieval system according to a third aspect of the present invention is a data retrieval system for retrieving image data stored in a database based on a characteristic amount stored in association with each image data. Storage means for storing image data in the database, a selection means for selecting image data in the database, and a communication means for communicating with a server means in which predetermined information is stored. When selected, the communication means:
The feature amount corresponding to the image data is transferred to the server unit, and the server unit searches for and returns information corresponding to the transferred feature amount, based on the returned information. Thus, the image data is retrieved. More specifically, when the searcher wants to give a decoration to a specific image, the searcher uses the selection unit to output image data in the database constructed in the storage unit (the user wants to give a decoration). When the image to be considered is selected, a browser is automatically started, a page of a search engine is called up via the communication means via a network such as the Internet or a LAN, and a feature amount (for example, image capturing) corresponding to the selected image is selected. Date and time, location, etc.)
, The URL of the corresponding server means is searched. Furthermore, the server means in which the information relating to the characteristic amount is stored is accessed via the communication means, and the information is returned from the server means. Examples of the information related to the feature amount include various information related to the feature amount, such as an event (such as an Olympic or an expo) that occurred at the same time, a popular song, or a landscape near a shooting location. Therefore, based on the returned information, the searcher can combine the image of the event (Olympic image) occurring at the same time with the image to be decorated (self-portrait) or add a popular song as a sound signal. You can create your favorite electronic album.

Further, there is provided input means for inputting a narrowing-down parameter (for example, genre). When image data is selected by the selecting means and the narrowing-down parameter is input by the input means, the communication means
The feature amount corresponding to the image data and the narrowing-down parameter are transferred to the server unit, and the server unit searches for and returns information corresponding to the transferred feature amount and the narrowing-down parameter. It is preferable that the image data is searched based on the returned information, because unnecessary information can be eliminated in advance.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data retrieval system for retrieving image data stored in a database based on a feature amount stored in association with each image data. Means for storing image data in the database, a selection means for selecting image data in the database, and an access means capable of accessing a storage medium on which predetermined information is stored. When the data is selected, the access unit accesses the storage medium based on the feature amount corresponding to the image data and searches for information corresponding to the feature amount. In the present invention, information to be searched is not a server means but a DVD or C
D and the like. Therefore, the searcher accesses the storage medium by the access means and searches for an image to be decorated (a self-portrait photographed during the adult ceremony) at the same time based on the information searched as corresponding to the feature amount. It is possible to compose an electronic album of his / her favorite by combining images of the event (Olympic images) and adding popular songs as sound signals.

Further, the apparatus has an input means for inputting a narrowing-down parameter, and the image data is selected by the selecting means.
Further, when the narrowing-down parameter is input by the input unit, the access unit accesses the storage medium based on the feature amount corresponding to the image data and the narrowing-down parameter, and the feature amount and the narrowing-down parameter are accessed. If it is possible to search for information corresponding to, it is convenient because more sorted information can be obtained.

Further, if a display means for displaying the retrieved information is provided, the retrieved information can be easily visualized and convenient.

Alternatively, if a reproducing means for reproducing the searched information is provided, the searched information is made audible, so that it is easy and convenient to confirm.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the searched information can be registered, since the registered information can be called up as needed.

Further, if the searched information is classified at the time of registration, it is convenient because the registered information can be read for each classification.

Further, if it is possible to search for image data based on the registered information, it is preferable to be able to search for an image acquired in a corresponding age, for example, from the age used as a search keyword.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image editing apparatus for searching image data stored in a database based on a feature amount stored in association with each image data, and editing the searched image data. Since the editing device has a storage unit for storing the searched image data in the same file, for example, if the image data relating to the searched image is stored as a so-called “favorite” in the same file in the storage unit, the file This is convenient because image data can be read out from the device as appropriate, and processing such as display and composition can be performed.

Therefore, it is preferable to have a processing means for processing (for example, but not limited to, adding a frame, graffiti, adding a character, adding a voice, etc.) to the searched image data.

[0051]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a data search device according to the present embodiment. The data search device, which may be a personal computer, includes a main body 1 having a large-capacity storage device, a display device 2 as a display, an input device 3 as a keyboard, and a printer 4 capable of printing images.
And For example, when a storage medium CD storing a program for executing the data search method is inserted into the reading unit 1a of the main body 1, such a program is read into the memory of the main body 1 and executed. I have. The main body 1 has a built-in communication device capable of communicating with an external server S via a network N such as the Internet.
The main body 1 constitutes an image editing apparatus, and the main body 1 or the server and the server S constitute a data search system.

An enormous amount of image data is stored as a database in a hard disk (not shown) of the main body 1 serving as a storage means. Each image data is stored in a form in which the feature amount is associated with the image data. Here, the feature amounts are the image acquisition date and time, the image registration date and time,
It refers to a shooting location, the name of a shot subject, the name of an event at which shooting was performed, and the like, and may be stored as text data in association with an image, but is not limited thereto. In addition, when digitizing an image of a photo, the date and time of image acquisition may be the date and time when the photo was taken, not the date and time of digitization. For example, if the date and time imprinted on the photograph is converted into text data by the OCR function and stored, the time and effort for inputting the image at the time of image registration is reduced.

When a searcher wants to search for an image of a specific person in such a database, he or she inputs personal information (for example, name and date of birth, or name and address) from the input device 3. be able to.
The main body 1 searches for an image in which a specific person is involved by comparing the input personal information with the stored feature amount. That is, even if the searcher does not know the file name of the image data, only by inputting personal information (name of the specific person), the specific person is involved (for example, the subject is a photographer or a photographer). ) The image can be specified.
Further, if the feature amount includes information such as whether the specific person is the subject of the image data or the photographer, an image in which the specific person is the subject is further based on the information. Can be searched efficiently.

Furthermore, if personal information (for example, name) can be registered, it is not necessary to input the registered personal information from the input device 3 again, so that it is possible to save time and effort in searching by appropriately calling this.

Also, a predetermined period on the time axis can be specified using personal information. More specifically,
If you enter personal information (for example, name and date of birth), it will calculate from that date of birth, for example, search for photos of a specific person at the age of 3 years or photos of elementary school students (6 to 11 years old) You can do it.

Further, the personal information is preferably information relating to the name or address of the specific person. However, the personal information is not limited to this, and may be an E-mail address, a title (B manager of Company A), or the like. Is also good.

In addition, the searcher can narrow down the images to be searched by inputting narrowing parameters (for example, images taken in which years and months) from the input device 3. It is preferable that the narrowing-down parameters can be input by using a scroll bar displayed on the display screen.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show examples of images displayed on the display device 2. FIG. When the image data is searched as described above, the hit image G is displayed in a list on the display screen 2a of the display device 2 under the control of the main body 1, so that the searcher can check at a glance (FIG. )).

Further, since the size or shape of the image G displayed on the display screen 2a automatically changes according to the size or shape of the display screen 2a, for example, when the number of hit images is relatively large, Can reduce the size of the image G to be displayed and increase the number of images displayed at one time on the display screen 2a.

On the other hand, if the size of the image G is reduced to a certain size or less, it becomes difficult for the searcher to confirm, and the number of images displayed on one screen is limited. If the number of images exceeding the number of hits is found by the above search, some images may not be displayed on one screen. Therefore, the image Gn that could not be displayed as a list on the display screen despite being searched is shown in FIG.
Since the next screen is displayed as shown in (b)), all images can be displayed by switching the display screen 2a.

Further, the display screen 2a displaying the image G is:
Switching at a predetermined speed is convenient because the screen can be switched just after the searcher has finished checking the image displayed on one screen.

Further, if the switching speed of the screen can be changed, the switching speed can be reduced when the user wants to check the image carefully, and the switching speed can be increased when the operator wants to check the image quickly, which is convenient.

Further, when the number of images is large and a plurality of images are displayed, as shown in FIG. 2, the currently displayed screen is displayed on the upper right of the display screen 2a. It is preferable to display which of the above screens, for example, a page number P is also displayed because it is convenient for the searcher to search.

In the display of the images shown in FIG. 2, since the images are displayed in chronological order of photographing date and time, the searcher can arbitrarily invert the images and rearrange them in chronological order. Alternatively, images may be arranged in descending order of the degree of approximation between the image and the feature quantity, and the search criteria can be arbitrarily specified by the searcher.

Also, by rearranging the images, the feature amount can be changed. For example, a first image photographed on January 1, 2000, a second image photographed on January 3, 2000, and a third image photographed on January 5, 2000. When an image is searched, it is displayed on the display screen in this order immediately after the search, but if the images are rearranged so that a third image is inserted between the first image and the second image, The photographing date and time as the feature amount of the third image is automatically changed and updated from January 5, 2000 to January 2, 2000. Therefore, in the subsequent search, the third image is treated as having been shot on January 2, 2000. Such an example has been described as an example in which the shooting date and time in the feature amount can be changed, but the present invention is not limited to this.

Further, if an image displayed in the past is displayed so as to be distinguished from an image not displayed, it is convenient to check the image. For example, the image G in FIG.
If n has been displayed even once in the past, the color of the edge changes to a dark color, so that the displayed image Gd and the non-displayed image G can be distinguished at a glance, which is convenient.

It is preferable that an alarm device be provided in the main body 1 so that, when there is no hit image, an alarm sound is emitted to notify the searcher of the fact through the auditory sense. Separately or together with this, it is also possible to display “hit image: 0” on the display screen 2a and notify the searcher that there is no hit image through the visual sense.

In FIG. 3A, the display screen 2a includes
With the shooting date and time of the image on the horizontal axis and the number of images on the vertical axis, information indicating the relationship between them is shown in a graph. By looking at such a graph, for example, if images are intensively photographed at a certain time, it can be inferred that an event such as an athletic meet or a wedding has occurred, and this can be a clue when searching for images. The scroll bar S at the bottom of the display screen
By moving B, an arbitrary shooting date and time can be displayed. In addition, since the year (or age may be displayed) is displayed on the scale of the scroll bar, a searcher who looks at the year can easily specify the time. Further, if the display includes the first image acquisition date and time and the last image acquisition date and time, the searcher can know the searchable period, which is convenient.

In FIG. 3B, the display screen 2a has
A map and an image acquisition location (x mark) are displayed, and when the searcher sees this display, the image is searched based on the memory of whether the image was taken at the sea or at the mountain. In some cases it can be a clue. FIG. 3 (a), FIG.
The selection of the image display in (b) can be appropriately performed via the input device 3.

It is preferable that images can be searched from these display screens. For example, if a point on the time axis is clicked and entered with a mouse or a cursor (not shown), images taken at that time and before and after that point are searched, and when a point on the map is similarly input, the location and its location are displayed. It is conceivable that an image taken in the vicinity is searched.

Further, it is preferable to display information on the number of images. As information on the number of images, the number of all images in the database, the number of searched images, the number of displayed images among the searched images, the number of undisplayed images, and the like can be appropriately displayed as necessary. preferable.

It is convenient if the information on the characteristic amount can be obtained from the server means S via the network N.

In the data search system according to the present embodiment, when the searcher wants to decorate a specific image, he or she uses the input device 3 as the selection means to store the image in the hard disk of the main body 1 as the storage means. Image data in the database built in (images you want to decorate)
When you select, the browser starts automatically and the main unit 1
Invokes a page of a search engine via the network N via the communication means (not shown), and, based on the feature amount (for example, date and time of photographing of the image and photographing place) of the selected image, the corresponding server means Is searched. Further, the user accesses the server means S in which the information related to the characteristic amount is stored via the communication means, and the information is returned from the server means S. Examples of the information related to the feature amount include various information related to the feature amount, such as an event (such as an Olympic or an expo) that occurred at the same time, a popular song, or a landscape near a shooting location. Therefore, based on the returned information, the searcher can combine the image of the event (Olympic image) occurring at the same time with the image to be decorated (self-portrait) or add a popular song as a sound signal. You can create your favorite electronic album.

Further, it is preferable that the narrowing-down parameters can be input from the input device 3 by, for example, selecting sports as the genre. In such a case, in the server means S, a narrowing-down parameter is added at the time of retrieval, unnecessary information is eliminated, and more selected information can be obtained.

Further, as a data search system according to a modification, the main body 1 as an access means is capable of accessing a storage medium such as a DVD or a CD in which predetermined information is stored. When the data is selected, the main body 1 may access a DVD or a CD based on the feature amount corresponding to the image data and search for information corresponding to the feature amount. In such a case, communication costs and equipment costs can be kept low because the communication costs do not go through a network or the like. The searcher combines the image of the event (Olympic image) that occurred at the same time with the image to be decorated (the self-portrait photographed during the adult ceremony) based on the information retrieved as corresponding to the feature value. You can also create your favorite electronic albums by adding popular songs as sound signals. The created image is
The image can be printed by the printer 4.

It is preferable that the searched information can be registered, because the registered information can be called up as needed.
If the searched information is classified at the time of registration, the information registered for each classification can be read, which is convenient.
It is preferable that image data can be searched based on the registered information.

According to the image editing apparatus of this embodiment, the main body 1 having the hard disk as the storage means stores the searched image data in the same file. Is stored in the same file on the hard disk (not shown) of the main body 1 as a so-called “favorite”, the image data can be read from the file as appropriate, and processing such as display by the display device 2 and synthesis by the main body 1 can be performed It is convenient because it can be done.

The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the above embodiments, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be appropriately changed and improved. is there.

[0079]

According to the present invention, an image data retrieval method and a data retrieval system capable of easily retrieving image data without performing complicated input, an image display method in which images can be easily viewed, an image editing method in which images can be easily edited, and A computer-readable storage medium can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a data search device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of a display screen.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of a display screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Main body 2 Display device 2a Display screen 3 Input device 4 Printer

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Hirohiro Tetsu 2970 Ishikawacho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo F-term in Konica Corporation (reference) 5B050 AA09 BA12 FA02 FA12 FA17 GA08 5B075 ND08 NK06 PP03 PP12 PP13 PQ02 PQ14 PQ22 PQ46 PQ48 PQ66 PR06 QM08

Claims (42)

[Claims] 1. An image data retrieval method for retrieving image data in a database based on a feature value stored in association with each image data, wherein personal information about a specific person is compared with the feature value. And retrieving an image in which the specific person is involved. 2. The image data search method according to claim 1, wherein said personal information can be registered. 3. The image data search method according to claim 1, wherein a predetermined period on a time axis is specified using the personal information. 4. The image data search method according to claim 1, wherein the personal information includes at least information on a name and a date of birth of the specific person. 5. The image data search method according to claim 1, wherein an image to be searched is narrowed down by inputting a narrowing-down parameter. 6. The image data search method according to claim 1, wherein the narrowing parameters can be input using a scroll bar displayed on a display screen. 7. The image data search method according to claim 5, wherein the narrowing-down parameter is at least one of a Christian era, an age, and a period. 8. An image display method for searching image data stored in a database based on a feature amount stored in association with each image data and displaying an image based on the searched image data. The displayed image is displayed as a list on a display screen. 9. The image according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the size and the shape of the image displayed on the display screen changes according to at least one of the size and the shape of the display screen. Display method. 10. The image display method according to claim 8, wherein an image which cannot be displayed in a list on the display screen despite being searched is displayed on a next screen. 11. The image display method according to claim 8, wherein the screen displaying the image is switched at a predetermined speed. 12. The image display method according to claim 11, wherein the switching speed of the screen can be changed. 13. The image display method according to claim 11, wherein the currently displayed screen indicates which of a plurality of screens to be displayed. 14. The image display method according to claim 8, wherein an arrangement order of the images can be selected. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the images are displayed in an order based on a predetermined criterion. 16. The image display method according to claim 15, wherein the predetermined criterion is the date and time when the image was acquired. 17. The image display method according to claim 15, wherein the predetermined criterion is a degree of approximation between the image and the feature amount. 18. By rearranging the images,
18. The image display method according to claim 15, wherein the feature amount can be changed. 19. The image display method according to claim 8, wherein an image displayed in the past is displayed separately from an image not displayed. 20. The image display method according to claim 19, wherein a color of an edge of the displayed image changes. 21. The image display method according to claim 8, wherein a searcher is notified that there is no image to be searched. 22. The image display method according to claim 21, wherein the fact that the search target image does not exist is notified through the searcher's vision. 23. The image display method according to claim 21, wherein the fact that there is no image to be searched does not exist through the hearing of the searcher. 24. The image display method according to claim 8, wherein information indicating the relationship between the image acquisition date and the number of images can be displayed. 25. The image display method according to claim 24, wherein the information is displayed as a graph with a horizontal axis representing a time axis. 26. The image display method according to claim 8, wherein information indicating an image acquisition location can be displayed. 27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the information is displayed on a map. 28. The image display method according to claim 24, wherein an image can be searched based on said information. 29. The image display method according to claim 8, wherein information on the number of images is displayed. 30. The image display method according to claim 8, wherein the information on the feature amount can be obtained via a network. 31. A data retrieval system for retrieving image data stored in a database based on a feature amount stored in association with each image data, wherein the storage means stores the image data and the feature amount in the database. Selecting means for selecting image data in a database; and communicating means for communicating with server means in which predetermined information is stored. When the selecting means selects image data, the communication means Transferring the feature amount corresponding to the image data to the server unit, wherein the server unit searches for and returns information corresponding to the transferred feature amount, and transmits the information to the returned information. A data search system wherein image data is searched based on the data. 32. Input means for inputting a narrowing-down parameter, wherein image data is selected by said selecting means,
Further, when the narrowing-down parameter is input by the input unit, the communication unit transfers the feature amount corresponding to the image data and the narrowing-down parameter to the server unit, and the server unit transmits the transferred narrowing-down parameter. 31. The data search according to claim 30, wherein information corresponding to a feature amount and the narrowing-down parameter is searched and returned, and image data is searched based on the returned information. system. 33. A data retrieval system for retrieving image data stored in a database based on a feature value stored in association with each image data, wherein the storage means stores the image data and the feature value in the database. Selecting means for selecting image data in a database; and access means capable of accessing a storage medium in which predetermined information is stored. The data search system accesses the storage medium based on a feature amount corresponding to the image data and searches for information corresponding to the feature amount. 34. An image processing apparatus comprising: input means for inputting a narrowing-down parameter;
Further, when the narrowing-down parameter is input by the input unit, the access unit accesses the storage medium based on the feature amount corresponding to the image data and the narrowing-down parameter, and the feature amount and the narrowing-down parameter are accessed. 34. The data search system according to claim 33, wherein information corresponding to the data search is searched. 35. The data search system according to claim 31, further comprising display means for displaying the searched information. 36. The data search system according to claim 31, further comprising a reproducing unit for reproducing the searched information. 37. The data search system according to claim 31, wherein said searched information can be registered. 38. The data search system according to claim 37, wherein the searched information is classified at the time of registration. 39. The data search system according to claim 37, wherein image data can be searched based on the registered information. 40. An image editing apparatus for searching image data stored in a database based on a feature amount stored in association with each image data and editing the searched image data. An image editing apparatus characterized by having a storage means for storing in a same file. 41. The image editing apparatus according to claim 40, further comprising processing means for processing the searched image data. 42. A computer-readable storage storing a program for executing the image data search method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or the image display method according to any one of claims 8 to 30. Medium.