JP2002204421A - Image operation system, image operation method, digital camera, image viewer and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image operation system that can easily operate an image file. SOLUTION: The image operation system consists of a digital camera 101 and an image viewer 102. The image viewer 102 applies operations such as file deletion, revision of file arrangement and names of files to an optional thumbnail picture among thumbnail pictures of image files received from the digital camera 101, instructs the digital camera 101 to apply the operations to the image files corresponding to the thumbnail pictures and the digital camera 101 operates the corresponding image files according to the instruction from the image viewer 101.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image operation system for operating an image file held in a digital camera from an image viewer connected so as to be able to transmit and receive data to and from the digital camera. Image operation method,
The present invention relates to a digital camera, an image viewer, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a digital camera, image data photographed by operating a shutter switch is stored as a file in a built-in memory or an external memory such as an IC card.

[0003] When operations such as deleting a part of the image file, changing the storage order (usually the time stamp order), and changing the file name are performed on the stored image file, After switching the digital camera to the playback mode, the image files are sequentially read out from the memory means, and the attached function keys and cursor keys are operated while the thumbnail images of the image files are displayed on the display such as the built-in LCD. Thus, an operation is performed on the image file.

In the case where image data is stored in an external memory such as an IC card, the external memory is taken out of the digital camera and mounted on an external reproducing device such as a PC (personal computer). Then, the external reproduction device reproduces and displays the image file in the external memory, and performs various operations.

For deleting image data, a digital camera is connected to an external reproducing apparatus such as a PC via a communication cable or the like, and a designated image stored in the digital camera is deleted by a command from the external reproducing apparatus. A method has also been implemented.

[0006]

However, in the conventional digital camera, since the portability is emphasized, the number of control keys is limited, and it is not possible to execute an application or execute a function on the camera body. Not easy. Therefore, in such a digital camera,
When performing operations such as deleting part of the image data file saved after shooting, changing the order in which it is saved, or changing the name of the file, the operability is poor, and text characters are basically used. Unable to enter.

Further, it is difficult to use a large-sized and high-definition display device for the display means provided in the digital camera in order to give priority to portability and operability as a camera. Cannot provide high quality display. Therefore, when a file operation is performed using a display attached to the camera body, the data listing is poor and an efficient operation cannot be performed. Further, there is a drawback that even if the user tries to perform the operation while checking the quality of the photographed image to be operated, the reproduction display is not accurate.

Similarly, when an external memory such as an IC card is mounted on an external reproducing apparatus and an operation is performed on an image file stored in the external memory, a complicated operation cannot be avoided.

[0009] Further, with respect to the deletion of an image, a deletion operation is performed by a remote operation from the external reproduction device by connecting to an external reproduction device with a communication cable. In this case, when the deletion of the image is performed by the external reproduction device, Since the deletion command is immediately transmitted to the digital camera body and the deletion processing is executed on the digital camera side, the deletion cannot be performed again, and the image file configuration and the storage state after the deletion cannot be confirmed.

An object of the present invention is to provide an image operation system, an image operation method, a digital camera, an image viewer, and a storage medium that can easily perform an operation on an image file.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the present invention,
A digital camera, an image operation system including an image viewer connected so that data can be transmitted and received between the digital camera, the digital camera,
A storage medium for storing a captured image as an image file, and after transmitting a thumbnail image of the image file stored in the storage medium to the image viewer, transmitting an operation instruction of an image file corresponding to the thumbnail image to the image viewer. Operating means for operating a corresponding image file in the storage medium in accordance with the operation instruction when received from the viewer, wherein the image viewer, upon receiving a thumbnail image transmitted from the digital camera, Display means for displaying a list of images; designating means for designating a desired thumbnail image from the displayed list of thumbnail images and designating an operation on the designated thumbnail image; Operating means for performing the specified operation, and the specified thumb The operation for yl image and an operation instruction issuing means for issuing an operation instruction to the operation for the image file corresponding to the thumbnail image, and transmits the issued operation instruction to the digital camera.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image operation system according to the first aspect, the operation instruction for the image file is any one of a file deletion, a file name change, and a file order change. There is a feature.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image operation system according to the first aspect, the storage medium has a plurality of storage areas for storing the image files, and an operation instruction for the image files is: It is one of an operation instruction for copying the image file from the storage area to another storage area and an operation instruction for moving the image file from the storage area to another storage area.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image operation system according to the third aspect, the display means of the image viewer stores the received thumbnail image in the storage area when displaying the received list of thumbnail images. It is displayed separately.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image operation system according to the third aspect, the plurality of storage areas are configured in a directory hierarchical structure.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image operation system according to the fifth aspect, when the display unit of the image viewer displays the list of the received thumbnail images, the display unit displays the thumbnail images in the directory hierarchy. It is characterized in that it is displayed so as to be able to be associated with the structure.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image operation system according to the first aspect, the image viewer has a resend instruction issuing means for issuing a thumbnail image resend instruction for instructing resend of the thumbnail image. When a thumbnail image retransmission instruction is issued, the operation unit invalidates the specified operation for the specified thumbnail image, transmits the retransmission instruction issued by the communication unit to the digital camera, The digital camera, when receiving the thumbnail image retransmission instruction transmitted from the image viewer, retransmits the thumbnail image.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image operation system according to the first aspect, the image viewer has a thumbnail image condition specifying means for specifying a thumbnail image condition for a thumbnail image transmitted from the digital camera. Transmitting the specified thumbnail image condition to the image viewer, and the digital camera receiving the thumbnail image condition from the image viewer,
A thumbnail image according to the thumbnail image condition is transmitted.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image operation system according to the eighth aspect, the thumbnail image condition is:
The condition is a condition indicating the size of the thumbnail image.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image operation system according to the first aspect, a thumbnail image of the image file is stored in the storage medium of the digital camera in association with the image file. It is characterized by.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image operation system according to the first aspect, the digital camera has a thumbnail image generating means for generating a thumbnail image of the photographed image, and the generated thumbnail image Is stored in the storage medium in association with a corresponding image file.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image operation system according to the first aspect, the digital camera determines whether or not a thumbnail image of the image file is stored in the storage medium; Thumbnail image generating means for generating a thumbnail image of the image file, wherein when the thumbnail image of the image file is not stored in the storage medium, the thumbnail image generating means generates the thumbnail image; The transmitted thumbnail image is transmitted to the image viewer.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image operation method for operating an image file held in a digital camera from an image viewer connected so as to be able to transmit and receive data to and from the digital camera. Wherein the digital camera transmits a thumbnail image of the image file to the image viewer, and upon receiving an operation instruction for an image file corresponding to the thumbnail image from the image viewer, the digital camera stores the thumbnail image according to the operation instruction. Manipulating a corresponding image file in a medium, wherein the image viewer receives a thumbnail image transmitted from the digital camera, and displays a list of the received thumbnail images on a display unit. A desired thumbnail image is designated from the displayed list of thumbnail images, and the designated thumbnail image is designated. Specifying an operation on the specified thumbnail image, performing the specified operation on the specified thumbnail image, and setting the operation on the specified thumbnail image as an operation on an image file corresponding to the thumbnail image. The method includes a step of issuing an operation instruction and a step of transmitting the issued operation instruction to the digital camera.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image operation method according to the thirteenth aspect, the operation instruction for the image file is one of a file deletion, a file name change, and a file order change. It is characterized by.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image operation method according to the thirteenth aspect, the storage medium has a plurality of storage areas for storing the image files, and the operation instruction for the image files is: It is one of an operation instruction for copying the image file from the storage area to another storage area and an operation instruction for moving the image file from the storage area to another storage area.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image operation method according to the fifteenth aspect, when displaying the list of the received thumbnail images, the image viewer displays the thumbnail images for each of the storage areas. Is displayed.

According to a seventeenth aspect, in the image operation method according to the fifteenth aspect, the plurality of storage areas are configured in a directory hierarchical structure.

The invention according to claim 18 is the image manipulation method according to claim 17, wherein the image viewer associates the thumbnail image with the directory hierarchical structure when displaying the received list of thumbnail images. The information is displayed on the display means as possible.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image operation method of the thirteenth aspect, the image viewer issues a thumbnail image retransmission instruction for instructing retransmission of the thumbnail image, and the thumbnail image retransmission instruction is When issued, comprises a step of invalidating the designated operation for the designated thumbnail image, and a step of transmitting the issued retransmission instruction to the digital camera, the digital camera, When receiving the thumbnail image retransmission instruction transmitted from the image viewer, the method further comprises a step of retransmitting the thumbnail image.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the image operation method according to the thirteenth aspect, the image viewer specifies a thumbnail image condition for a thumbnail image transmitted from the digital camera, and Transmitting the image condition to the image viewer, wherein the digital camera transmits a thumbnail image according to the thumbnail image condition when receiving the thumbnail image condition from the image viewer. .

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the image operation method according to the twentieth aspect, the thumbnail image condition is:
The condition is a condition indicating the size of the thumbnail image.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the image operation method according to the thirteenth aspect, a thumbnail image of the image file is stored in the storage medium of the digital camera in association with the image file. It is characterized by.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the image manipulation method according to the thirteenth aspect, the digital camera generates a thumbnail image of the photographed image, and an image file corresponding to the generated thumbnail image. And storing in the storage medium in association with the storage medium.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image operation method according to the thirteenth aspect, the digital camera determines whether or not a thumbnail image of the image file is stored in the storage medium; When a thumbnail image of the image file is not stored in the storage medium, the method includes a step of generating the thumbnail image and a step of transmitting the generated thumbnail image to the image viewer.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication means for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external device, a storage medium for storing a captured image as an image file, and After transmitting the thumbnail image of the image file stored in the storage medium to the external device and receiving an operation instruction for the image file corresponding to the thumbnail image from the external device, the transmitted instruction in the storage medium is transmitted according to the operation instruction. Operating means for operating an image file corresponding to the thumbnail image.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the operation instruction for the image file is any one of file deletion, file name change, and file order change. Features.

According to a twenty-seventh aspect, in the digital camera according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the storage medium has a plurality of storage areas for storing the image files, and the operation instruction for the image files is It is one of an operation instruction for copying an image file from the storage area to another storage area and an operation instruction for moving the image file from the storage area to another storage area.

According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera of the twenty-seventh aspect, the plurality of storage areas are configured in a directory hierarchical structure.

According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera according to the twenty-fifth aspect, after receiving the thumbnail image retransmission instruction transmitted from the external device via the communication unit after transmitting the thumbnail image, The image is retransmitted.

According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera according to the twenty-fifth aspect, when a thumbnail image condition is received from the external device via the communication unit before transmitting the thumbnail image, the thumbnail image condition is satisfied. It is characterized in that a corresponding thumbnail image is transmitted.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera according to the thirtieth aspect, the thumbnail image condition is a condition indicating a size of the thumbnail image.

According to a thirty-second aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the thumbnail image of the image file is stored in the storage medium in association with the image file.

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera according to the twenty-fifth aspect, the digital camera further comprises a thumbnail image generating means for generating a thumbnail image of the photographed image, wherein the generated thumbnail image corresponds to a corresponding image file. It is stored in the storage medium in association with it.

According to a thirty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera according to the twenty-fifth aspect, a judging means for judging whether or not a thumbnail image of the image file is stored in the storage medium, and a thumbnail image of the image file Generating a thumbnail image by the thumbnail image generating means when the thumbnail image of the image file is not stored in the storage medium, and generating the thumbnail image by the communication means. An image is transmitted to the external device.

According to a thirty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided communication means for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external device which holds an image file and its thumbnail image, and data transmitted from the external device via the communication means. Display means for displaying a list of received thumbnail images when a thumbnail image is received, designation of a desired thumbnail image from the displayed list of thumbnail images, and designation of designation of an operation on the designated thumbnail image Means, operation means for performing the specified operation on the specified thumbnail image, and operation instruction for issuing an operation instruction for making the operation on the specified thumbnail image an operation on an image file corresponding to the thumbnail image Issuing means for issuing the issued operation instruction to the external device by the communication means. Image viewer and transmits.

According to a thirty-sixth aspect, in the image viewer according to the thirty-fifth aspect, the operation instruction is one of a file deletion, a file name change, and a file order change. .

The invention according to claim 37 is the image viewer according to claim 35, wherein the digital camera has a plurality of storage areas for storing the image files,
The operation instruction for the image file is one of an operation instruction for copying the image file from the storage area to another storage area and an operation instruction for moving the image file from the storage area to another storage area. It is characterized by being.

According to a thirty-eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image viewer according to the thirty-seventh aspect, the display means displays the received thumbnail image list on the display means for each of the storage areas when displaying the list of received thumbnail images. It is characterized by displaying.

According to a thirty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image viewer according to the thirty-eighth aspect, the plurality of storage areas are formed in a directory hierarchical structure, and the display means displays the list of the received thumbnail images. The thumbnail images are displayed so as to be associated with the directory hierarchical structure.

According to a forty-ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image viewer of the thirty-fifth aspect, there is provided a resending instruction issuing means for issuing a thumbnail image resending instruction for instructing resending of the thumbnail image. Then, the operation unit invalidates the specified operation for the specified thumbnail image, and transmits the retransmission instruction issued by the communication unit to the external device.

The invention according to claim 41 is the image viewer according to claim 35, further comprising: a thumbnail image condition designating unit for designating a thumbnail image condition for a thumbnail image transmitted from the external device, wherein the communication unit performs the designation. The transmitted thumbnail image condition is transmitted to the external device.

The invention according to claim 42 is the image viewer according to claim 41, wherein the thumbnail image condition is:
The condition is a condition indicating the size of the thumbnail image.

[0053] The invention according to claim 43 is a program for operating an image file held in a digital camera from an information processing apparatus connected so that data can be transmitted to and received from the digital camera. Is a storage medium readable by the information processing apparatus, wherein the program displays a list of thumbnail images received by the receiving module and a receiving module that receives the thumbnail images transmitted from the digital camera. A display module for displaying on the means, a designation module for designating a desired thumbnail image from a list of the displayed thumbnail images, and designating an operation on the designated thumbnail image; An operation module for performing the specified operation on the image; An operation instruction issuing module for issuing an operation instruction for setting an operation on the specified thumbnail image to an image file corresponding to the thumbnail image; and a transmission module for transmitting the issued operation instruction to the digital camera. It is characterized by.

According to a forty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the storage medium of the forty-third aspect, the operation instruction for the image file is any one of file deletion, file name change, and file order change. Features.

The invention according to claim 45 is the storage medium according to claim 43, wherein the digital camera has a plurality of storage areas for storing the image file, and the operation instruction for the image file is It is one of an operation instruction for copying an image file from the storage area to another storage area and an operation instruction for moving the image file from the storage area to another storage area.

The invention according to claim 46 is the storage medium according to claim 45, wherein the display module displays the received thumbnail image list on the display means for each of the storage areas when displaying the list of the received thumbnail images. It is characterized by displaying.

The invention according to claim 47 is the storage medium according to claim 45, wherein the plurality of storage areas are configured in a directory hierarchical structure, and the display module displays the list of the received thumbnail images. The thumbnail images are displayed so as to be associated with the directory hierarchical structure.

The invention according to claim 48 is the storage medium according to claim 43, wherein the program has a retransmission instruction issuing module for issuing a thumbnail image retransmission instruction for instructing retransmission of the thumbnail image, When a retransmission instruction is issued, the operation module invalidates the specified operation on the specified thumbnail image, and transmits the issued retransmission instruction to the digital camera by the transmission unit. And

The invention according to claim 49 is the storage medium according to claim 43, wherein the program has a thumbnail image condition specifying module for specifying a thumbnail image condition for a thumbnail image transmitted from the digital camera, The transmission module transmits the designated thumbnail image condition to the digital camera.

The invention according to claim 50 is the storage medium according to claim 49, wherein the thumbnail image condition is a condition representing the size of the thumbnail image.

[0061]

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

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a digital camera and an image viewer constituting an image operation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

The image operation stem comprises a digital camera 101 and an image viewer 102 as shown in FIG. The digital camera 101 has a function of capturing an image, converting the image data into image data, and storing the image data, and a function of transmitting the captured image data via a communication medium. The image viewer 102 has a function of receiving image data transferred from the digital camera 101 and displaying the image data on a display unit.
The digital camera 101 and the image viewer 102 are both portable types that can be driven by a battery, and can be used outdoors.

More specifically, the digital camera 101 includes a control unit 103 for controlling the entire camera. The control unit 103 includes a photographing unit 1 for photographing a digital image.
04, a storage unit 105 for storing image data and the like, a display unit 106 for displaying image data and the like, a control key 107 including various keys, and a communication unit 10 for performing data communication.
8 are connected to each other.
03. The control unit 103
Then, compression processing of image data photographed by the photographing unit 104, execution of various operations on the stored image file, command interpretation and execution of data received by the communication unit 108, and key instructions received from the control key 107 An application including a user interface such as a corresponding control is executed.

The photographing unit 104 includes a lens, a CCD, a digital developing unit, and the like. In the photographing unit 104,
After the subject image input from the lens is converted into a digital signal by the CCD, YUV digital image data is generated by subjecting this digital signal to correction processing such as AE and white balance by digital development processing. The generated YUV digital image data is subjected to a compression process into a JPEG format by the control unit 103, and the compressed image data is stored in the storage unit 105 as a JPEG image file. At this time, image data of a thumbnail size (hereinafter, thumbnail image) is generated at the same time. This thumbnail image is similarly compressed in the JPEG format, and then stored in the storage unit 105 as a JPEG file of the thumbnail image. You. JPEG of this shot image
The file and the JPEG file of the thumbnail image are associated and stored in the storage unit 105 by a method such as using a common file name.

The storage unit 105 stores a JPEG image of the photographed image.
Flash memory for storing files and JPEG files of thumbnail images, ROM storing control programs executed by the control unit 103, and the like
(Read only memory), a work area used for executing a control program, and a RAM (random access memory) used as an area for temporarily storing captured images
Including. The storage unit 105 includes a connection unit for connecting an external memory IC card.

The display unit 106 includes a means for converting YUV digital image data into an NTSC analog signal, a TFT color LCD (hereinafter, referred to as LCD), a controller and a driver thereof, and the like. LCD has a display screen of about 1.8 inches, and QVGA capable of displaying NTSC images
This is a liquid crystal display having the number of pixels of a size (320 × 240 dots).

The control keys 107 include keys that can be operated by an operator and a shutter switch for photographing. When the operator operates the control keys 107 and the like,
The corresponding application is executed in the control unit 103.

The communication unit 108 transmits and receives image data and commands for control to and from an external device. In the present embodiment, the communication unit 108 is configured by wireless communication means, and the communication unit 108 includes an antenna, an RF module, and the like.

The image viewer 102 has a control unit 109 for controlling the entire image viewer. The control unit 109 is connected with a storage unit 110 for storing various data, a display unit 111 for displaying image data and the like, a tablet 112 for performing an input operation, and a communication unit 113. It is controlled by the control unit 109. The control unit 109 also performs processing for decompressing data such as compressed image data, processing for creating transmission data, command interpretation and execution of data received by the communication unit 113, and control corresponding to operation commands received from the tablet 112. For example, the execution of an application including a user interface such as is performed.

The storage unit 110 stores a flash memory for storing image data received by the communication unit 113, graphic data of components for forming a GUI, and the like, a control program executed by the control unit 109, and the like. ROM (read only memory), a work area for executing the control program, a RAM (random access memory) used as an area for temporarily storing image data, and the like.

The display unit 111 includes a unit for converting YUV digital image data and various graphic data into RGB digital signals, a TFT color LCD (hereinafter, referred to as LCD), a controller and a driver thereof, and the like.
This LCD is a liquid crystal display having a number of pixels of a VGA size (640 × 480 dots) of 4 inches or more, and can display image data with high definition.

The tablet 112 is connected to the LC of the display unit 111.
D is integrated with the control unit 1 when the operator operates the tablet 112 with a pen or the like.
At 03, a process corresponding to the operation is executed.

The communication section 108 transmits and receives image data and commands for control to and from an external device (for example, the digital camera 101). The communication unit 108 is made up of wireless communication means and includes an antenna, an RF module, and the like.

Next, control in the present embodiment will be described.

First, the main processing in the digital camera 101 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a main processing procedure in the digital camera 101 of FIG. Here, in the present embodiment, when an image is shot, a JPEG file of a thumbnail image is created at the same time as a JPEG file of the shot image, and these files are associated with each other by a file name, and are stored in the flash memory of the storage unit 105 of the digital camera 101. Shall be stored in

In the digital camera 101, as shown in FIG. 2, first, in step S201, a command indicating execution of an operation on an image file stored in the flash memory of the storage unit 105 is transmitted to the image viewer 102. It is assumed that the image viewer 102 to which the command is transmitted is registered in the digital camera 101 in advance. Upon receiving this command, the image viewer 102 starts up an application for executing an image file operation, and then shifts to waiting for data reception.

Next, in step S202, it is determined whether or not a transmission error has occurred with respect to the transmission of the command. Here, for example, a code indicating that the power of the transmission partner is not turned on, the transmission partner is not in the reception mode state, the transmission partner is not in a place where communication is possible, or a code indicating that transmission from the transmission partner is not accepted. If an error such as a received error is detected, it is determined that the error is a transmission error, and the process proceeds to step S203 to execute a predetermined error process.

If it is determined in step S202 that the transmission of the command has been successful, step S204
Then, the thumbnail image files stored in the storage unit 105 are read out and transmitted in the order in which they are stored. Subsequently, in step S205, it is determined whether or not a transmission error has occurred. If a transmission error has occurred for some reason, the process proceeds to step S203 to execute a predetermined error process. If no transmission error has occurred, the process proceeds to step S206, where it is determined whether or not transmission of all thumbnail image files to be transmitted has been completed. If there are remaining thumbnail image files to be transmitted, the process proceeds to step S204. Return to and continue sending.

On the other hand, when transmission of all thumbnail image files is completed, the process proceeds to step S207, in which the communication unit 108 is switched to the reception state mode to wait for a command returned from the transmission partner, and the command reception is performed. Move to wait.

Then, the flow advances to step S208 to determine whether or not a command for instructing image data deletion processing has been received. If a command for instructing image data deletion processing has been received, the flow advances to step S209. move on. In step S209, the storage unit 1 refers to the content of the received command (refer to FIG. 8 for the data structure).
In the image files stored in the flash memory 05, an image file (captured image file and its thumbnail image file) corresponding to the file name described in the received command is deleted. Then, the present process ends.

If it is determined in step S208 that a command for instructing image data deletion processing has not been received, the flow advances to step S210 to determine whether a command for instructing image file name change has been received. . When the command for instructing the change of the image file name is received, the process proceeds to step S211 to describe the received command in the stored image file with reference to the content of the received command (see FIG. 9). A name change process is performed to change the name of the image file corresponding to the old file name to the new file name described in this command. Then, the present process ends.

If the command for instructing the change of the image file name has not been received in step S210, the flow advances to step S212 to determine whether or not the command for instructing the change of the storage order of the image files has been received. Is determined, and when a command for instructing the change of the storage order of the image files is received, the process proceeds to step S
Proceeding to 213, a sequence for rearranging the stored image files so as to be displayed in the order of the file names described in the received command with reference to the contents of the received command (see FIG. 10). Execute the order change process. Then, the present process ends.

If it is determined in step S212 that a command for changing the storage order of the image files has not been received, the process proceeds to step S214, and the elapsed time from the transition to the reception waiting state in step S207 is a predetermined time. Is determined. Here, when the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, the power of the transmission partner is shut off, the transmission partner cancels the transmission, the transmission partner does not reply for a long time, and communication is impossible from a place where the transmission partner can communicate. It is determined that communication is not possible due to factors such as moving to a suitable place, and a predetermined error process is executed in step S215.

On the other hand, if the elapsed time has not reached the predetermined time in the step S207, the process returns to the step S208, and waits for reception of a command from the transmission partner until the predetermined time has elapsed.

Next, the transmission destination of the digital camera 101, that is, the main processing in the image viewer 102 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the main processing in the image viewer 102 of FIG.

When the image viewer 101 receives from the digital camera 101 a command indicating execution of an operation on an image file, as shown in FIG.
In 301, it is determined whether or not the currently selected application is an application that executes an operation on an image data file in cooperation with the digital camera 101 (file operation mode). Here, when the current mode (application) is not the file operation mode, the process proceeds to step S302, and other processes are executed.

If the current mode is the file operation mode, the process proceeds to step S303, where the digital camera 1
The communication unit 113 is switched to a standby state for receiving data transmitted from the digital camera 101, that is, a reception state mode, and shifts to a standby state for receiving image data from the digital camera 101. Subsequently, in step S304, reception of a thumbnail image from the digital camera 101 is waited. When the thumbnail image is received, the process proceeds to step S305, and the received data is temporarily stored in the flash memory of the storage unit 110. Then, the process proceeds to step S306, where the thumbnail image stored in step S305 is displayed on the display unit 11
At the same time, an icon for selecting an action for the displayed thumbnail image is displayed (see FIG. 4).

Next, in step S307, it is determined whether or not an instruction to delete the image data has been given by touching the icon with the pen of the tablet 112, and when the instruction to delete the image data has been given, Proceeding to step S308, a process for specifying image data to be deleted is executed. Here, the designation of the image data to be deleted is performed by switching the display of the deletion data designation screen as shown in FIG. 5 and then touching the image to be deleted on this screen with a pen. The thumbnail image specified by the operator is deleted from the storage unit 110 and at the same time the display unit 1
11 is deleted from the screen. Then, a transmission instruction is performed by the operator, and the process proceeds to step S309.

In step S309, the digital camera 1
Create transmission data for 01. Specifically, FIG.
Then, data describing the deleted file is created with the structure shown in FIG. 1, and this data is temporarily stored in the RAM of the storage unit 110. Then, the process proceeds to step S316, where the communication unit 1
Then, the data describing the deleted file is transmitted to the digital camera 101 via the digital camera 101, and the processing ends.

If no instruction to delete the image data is given in step S307, the process proceeds to step S3.
Then, the process proceeds to step S10, where it is determined whether or not an instruction to change the name of the image file is given by touching the icon with the pen of the tablet 112 with the pen. When an instruction to change the name of an image file is issued, the process advances to step S311 to execute a process of specifying an image file whose name is to be changed and inputting a new name. In the method of specifying a name change file and inputting a new name, the screen is switched to a name change specification screen as shown in FIG.
When the operator touches the thumbnail image to be renamed with a pen, the changed image file is designated, and the file name of the new name is entered by inputting the file name of the new name into the input box displayed on the same screen. Is input. Upon completion of the change designation, the flow advances to step S312 according to a transmission instruction from the operator.

In step S312, the digital camera 1
Create transmission data for 01. Specifically, FIG.
Of the change file having the structure shown in FIG.
M is temporarily stored. Then, the process proceeds to step S316 to transmit data describing the name of the changed file to the digital camera 101 via the communication unit 113, and the process ends.

If the instruction to change the name of the image file has not been issued in step S310, the flow advances to step S313 to determine whether or not the instruction to change the arrangement order of the image files has been given by touching the icon with the pen. If an instruction to change the arrangement order of image files has been issued, the process proceeds to step S314. In step S314, a process for instructing a change in the arrangement order of the image files is executed. In this arrangement order instruction method, first, the screen is switched to an arrangement order instruction screen as shown in FIG. 7, and on this screen, an image whose arrangement order is to be changed is dragged by an operator's pen and moved to a new position. The change image file is specified by the operation to be performed, and when the change specification is completed, the transmission instruction by the operator causes
Proceed to step S315.

In step S315, transmission data is created. Specifically, it has a structure as shown in FIG.
Data in which file names are described in a new arrangement order is created, and this data is temporarily stored in the RAM of the storage unit 110. Then, the process proceeds to step S316, where the communication unit 113
Then, the data in which the names of the files are described in the new arrangement order are transmitted to the digital camera 101 via.

In step S316, it is assumed that the digital camera 101 to which data is to be transmitted has been registered in the image viewer 102 in advance. Further, in step S304, a method may be used in which the thumbnail image is sent back to the other party when the thumbnail image is received.

Next, a thumbnail image list display screen, a deletion data specification screen, a name change specification screen, and a sort order change instruction screen displayed on the display unit 111 of the image viewer 102 in step S306 will be described with reference to FIGS. This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a thumbnail image list display screen in the image viewer of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a deletion data designation screen in the image viewer of FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a name change designation screen in the image viewer of FIG. 1, and FIG. It is a figure showing an example.

On the thumbnail image list display screen, a list of thumbnail images 401 is displayed in a display area 402 as shown in FIG. Also, an upper scroll icon 403 and a lower scroll icon 404 are displayed,
If the thumbnail images cannot be displayed on one screen, the icons 403 and 404 can be touched with a pen to scroll the screen upward and downward, respectively.

Further, a delete designation icon 405, a name change designation icon 406, and a sort order change designation icon 407 are displayed. Here, when the delete designation icon 405 is touched with a pen, the screen is switched to a delete data designation screen display as shown in FIG. 5, and on this screen, the delete data designation operation is performed. Details of the deletion data designation screen will be described later. Similarly, when the name change designation icon 406 is touched with a pen, the screen is switched to a name change designation screen as shown in FIG. 6, and a name change instruction operation is performed. The details of the name change designation screen will be described later. Also,
When the order change designation icon 407 is touched with a pen, the screen is switched to an order change instruction screen as shown in FIG. 7, and an order change instruction operation is performed. Details of the order change instruction screen will be described later.

The thumbnail image list display screen (FIG. 4)
), When the delete designation icon 405 is touched with a pen, a delete data designation screen is displayed.
On the deletion data designation screen, a list of thumbnail images is displayed in the display area 501 as shown in FIG. In the displayed list of thumbnail images, the thumbnail image 502 has already been designated as a deletion target by touching the pen by the operator.
A frame is displayed on the image 502 as a designation mark. A plurality of deletion designations can be made. When the upper scroll icon 503 and the lower scroll icon 504 are displayed and the thumbnail image cannot be displayed on one screen, the icons 503 and 5 are displayed.
When 04 is touched with a pen, the screen is scrolled upward and downward, respectively.

Further, a transmission icon 505, a deletion icon 506, and a redo icon 507 are displayed. Here, after the designation of the deletion data is completed, the transmission icon is touched with a pen, thereby performing the transmission data creation process as described above (step S309 in FIG. 3).
Further, when the delete icon 506 is touched with a pen, a process of deleting all the thumbnail image data designated as a deletion target from the storage unit 110 is executed. Further, when the redo icon 507 is touched by the pen, the process of returning the thumbnail image display to the original state, that is, the state immediately after receiving the image data from the digital camera 101, is performed in order to restart the deletion of the image data by the pen touch of the delete icon 506. Be executed. This processing may be realized by resending the thumbnail image from the digital camera 101, or may be realized by the storage unit 11 of the image viewer 102.
The initial state immediately after data reception may be stored in advance in 0, and this may be realized by referring to this.

The thumbnail image list display screen (FIG. 4)
), When the name change icon 406 is touched by a pen, a name change designation screen is displayed. In the name change designation screen, as shown in FIG. 6, a list of thumbnail images is displayed in the display area 601, and in the thumbnail images, the thumbnail image 602 has already been designated as a name change target by the operator touching the pen. And a frame is displayed as a designated mark. A plurality of the name change designation marks can be designated. The thumbnail image 603 is the thumbnail image for which the name change is currently specified, that is, the image for which the change name is input, and the thumbnail image 603 is displayed.
02 is displayed in a different frame.

When the upper scroll icon 604 and the lower scroll icon 605 are displayed and the thumbnail image data cannot be displayed on one screen, touching the icons 604 and 605 with a pen causes the screen to scroll upward and downward. Each is done.

Further, a text box 606 in which an image file name for which a name change is specified is described, and a text box 607 for inputting a new file name after the change
Is displayed. In this example, the text box 606 describes the file name of the thumbnail image 603 whose text name is being changed. Text can be input to the text box 607 by handwriting character recognition processing by pen operation.

Further, a transmission icon 608 and a redo icon 609 are displayed. When the transmission icon 608 is touched with a pen after the designation of name change is completed, transmission data creation processing is executed as described above (step S312 in FIG. 3). When the redo icon 609 is touched with a pen, the data
Processing is performed to return the thumbnail image display on the image viewer 102 to the original state, that is, the state immediately after receiving the image data from the digital camera 102. This processing may be realized by re-transmitting the thumbnail image from the digital camera 101 as in the above-described deletion processing of FIG. 5, or may be stored in the storage unit 110 of the image viewer 102 immediately after receiving the data. The initial state may be stored and realized by referring to the initial state.

The thumbnail image list display screen (FIG. 4)
), When the arrangement order change designation icon 407 is touched with a pen, an instruction screen for changing the arrangement order is displayed. As shown in FIG. 7, a list of thumbnail images is displayed in the display area 701 on the instruction screen for changing the arrangement order. By dragging a thumbnail image whose arrangement order is to be changed among the thumbnail images displayed in the list to a position where the thumbnail image is to be moved by the pen operation of the operator, the arrangement of the images can be changed. When an upper scroll icon 702 and a lower scroll icon 703 are displayed, and the thumbnail images cannot be displayed on one screen, when the icons 702 and 703 are touched with a pen, the screen is scrolled upward and downward, respectively.

When the transmission icon 704 is touched with a pen after the instruction to change the image arrangement order is completed, transmission data creation processing is executed (step S315 in FIG. 3). When the redo 705 is touched with the pen, a process of returning the thumbnail image display in the image viewer 102 to the original state, that is, the state immediately after receiving the image data from the digital camera 101, is performed in order to redo the data moving process. This processing may be realized by retransmitting the thumbnail image from the digital camera 101, as in the above-described deletion processing of FIG.
The initial state immediately after data reception may be stored in advance in the second storage unit 110, and this may be realized by referring to this.

Next, transmission data for designating deleted image data created in step S309 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows FIG.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a data structure of transmission data for designating deleted image data created in step S309 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, the transmission data for designating the deleted image data includes a command code 801 for instructing an image file deletion process and a file name 802 indicating the deleted file. The file name to be deleted is text data. The digital camera 101 that has received the transmission data reads and interprets the command code 801 in step S208 in FIG. 2 described above, and then shifts to execution of image data deletion processing.

Next, transmission data for designating a name change image created in step S312 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a data structure of transmission data for designating name-changed image data created in step S312 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, the transmission data for designating the name-changed image includes a command code 901 for instructing the name change processing of the image file and the old file name of the image data to be renamed. 902 and a new file name 903 of the image data. Old file name 90
2 and the new file name 903 are text data. Digital camera 1 that has received this transmission data
In step S01, the command code 901 is read and interpreted in step S210 in FIG.

Next, the transmission data for instructing the change of the arrangement order created in step S315 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a data structure of transmission data for instructing a change in arrangement order, created in step S315 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 10, the transmission data for instructing the order change is a command code 1001 for instructing the image file order change process, and a file name described in the changed order. 1002.
In the digital camera 101 receiving this transmission data,
In step S212 in FIG. 2, the command area is read and interpreted, and then the processing shifts to execution of the image file arrangement order change processing.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the operations of deleting an arbitrary image file, changing the arrangement order, and changing the file name of the images captured and stored by the digital camera 101 are performed by the image viewer 102. Since these operations can be performed by an input by a pen operation, these operations can be facilitated.

Before the image file of the digital camera 101 is subjected to processing such as deletion, change of the storage order, and change of the file name, the thumbnail image transmitted from the digital camera 101 is displayed on the image viewer 102. By performing operations such as deleting, changing the arrangement order, and changing the file name, the display unit 11 of the image viewer
The state after processing (the state after processing in the digital camera 101) can be confirmed in advance on 1. Further, the processing can be easily re-executed as necessary based on the result of the confirmation.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a main processing procedure in the digital camera of the image operation system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an image file in a PEG format.

In the above-described first embodiment, when the digital camera 101 performs a photographing operation, thumbnail data is generated at the same time, and the photographed image file and the thumbnail image file are associated as separate files and are stored in the storage unit 10.
5 is stored in the flash memory.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the thumbnail image is embedded in the JPEG file of the photographed image, and when it is not embedded, a thumbnail image is generated. Note that this embodiment has the same configuration as the above-described first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the digital camera 101, as shown in FIG. 11, first in step S1101, the storage unit 10
A command for executing an operation on the image file stored in the flash memory in the step 5 is transmitted to the image viewer 102 via the communication unit 108. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S1102, and it is determined whether or not a transmission error has occurred with respect to the transmission of the command. Here, for example, a code indicating that the transmission partner is not turned on, the transmission partner is not in the reception mode state, the transmission partner is not in a place where communication is possible, or a code indicating that transmission from the transmission partner is not accepted. When an error such as a received error is detected, it is determined that a transmission error has occurred, and the process advances to step S1103 to execute predetermined error processing.

If it is determined in step S1102 that the transmission has succeeded, the flow advances to step S1104 to read the image file to be transmitted from the flash memory of the storage unit 105 and determine whether a thumbnail image is embedded in the image file. Is determined. Here, if the thumbnail image is embedded, step S110
Proceeding to step 5, a thumbnail image is cut out from the read image file, and this thumbnail image is temporarily stored as a file associated with the original image file. Then, the process proceeds to step S1107.

On the other hand, if the thumbnail image data is not embedded, the process advances to step S1106,
A new thumbnail image is generated from the image data of the image file, and the newly generated thumbnail image is temporarily stored as a file associated with the original image file. Then, the process proceeds to step S1107.

In step S1107, the temporarily stored thumbnail image file is transmitted. In step S1108, it is determined whether a transmission error has occurred in transmitting the thumbnail image file. If a transmission error has occurred, the process advances to step S1103 to execute predetermined error processing. On the other hand, if the transmission of the thumbnail image file is successful, the process advances to step S1109 to determine whether transmission of all the thumbnail image files to the target image file has been completed. Here, when there are remaining thumbnail image files to be transmitted, the processing from step S1104 is repeated. Upon completion of transmission of all thumbnail image files for the target image file, step S1110
Then, in order to wait for a reply from the transmission partner, the standby state, that is, the communication unit 108 is switched to the reception state mode, and is shifted to the reception standby state.

Here, if data has been received, the flow advances to step S1111 to execute processing corresponding to the received data. This processing is performed in step S208 in FIG.
To S215.

Then, the flow advances to step S1112 to delete all the thumbnail image files temporarily created in step S1105 or S1106, and terminates the present processing.

Next, the data structure of the image file to be subjected to the cutout processing of the thumbnail image in step S1105, that is, the image file in which the thumbnail image is embedded, will be described with reference to FIG.

The image file in which the thumbnail image is embedded is, as shown in FIG.
01, a JPEG header 1202, and JPEG image data 1203. Here, the thumbnail image data 1201 is data compressed in the JPEG format, and the JPEG header 1202 describes image compression parameters and tables. JPEG image data 1203 is image data compressed in the JPEG format.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the main processing in the digital camera of the image operation system according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is the main processing in the image viewer of the image operation system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of FIG.

In each of the above embodiments (first and second embodiments), a command indicating execution of an operation on an image file is transmitted from the digital camera 101, and the image viewer 102 receives the command and automatically executes an application. It is configured so that it is started up.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the image viewer 102 sends an instruction to execute an image file operation and transmits data related thereto, and responds to the data received by the digital camera 101 in response to the instruction. The application is configured to launch automatically.
Note that this embodiment has the same configuration as the above-described first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

First, the main processing of the digital camera 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the digital camera 101, as shown in FIG. 13, first in step S1301, the selected mode (function) is the mode (file operation mode) in which the image file is operated in cooperation with the image viewer 102. Determine whether or not. If the selected mode is not the file operation mode, step S130
Proceed to 2 to execute other processing.

If the selected mode is the file operation mode, the flow advances to step S1303 to switch to the standby state for waiting for reception of data transmitted from the image viewer 102, that is, switch the communication unit 108 to the reception state mode, and switch to the reception mode. The process shifts to waiting for reception of transmission data from. In step S1304, it is determined whether or not the date designation data has been received. If the date designation data has been received, the process proceeds to step S1305, where all of the thumbnail image files corresponding to the received date designation data are stored in the storage unit 105. The data is sequentially read from the flash memory and transmitted to the image viewer 102. This step S1
The process of 305 corresponds to steps S204 to S206 in FIG. The date designation data received from the image viewer 102 includes, for example, data for designating an image file created on the designated year, month, and day, an image file newer than the designated date, time, and an old image file. Data, or data for specifying image files before and after the specified date, time, etc. Refer to this data to extract and transmit thumbnail image files for image files that match the conditions I do. Then, the process proceeds to step S1308.

If the date data has not been received in step S1304, the flow advances to step S1306 to determine whether or not size specification data has been received. If the size specification data has been received, the flow advances to step S1307. In step S1307, all the thumbnail image files of the size corresponding to the received size designation data are sequentially read from the flash memory of the storage unit 105 and transmitted to the image viewer 102. This processing corresponds to steps S204 to S206 in FIG. Here, the size specification data received from the image viewer 102 is, for example, data for specifying an image file matching the specified size, or specifying an image file larger or smaller than the specified size. With reference to this data, a thumbnail image file corresponding to an image file meeting the conditions is extracted and transmitted. Then, the process proceeds to step S1308.

If the size designation data has not been received in step S1306, the process returns to step S1304 again, and waits for reception of date designation data or size designation data.

In step S1308, in order to wait for a response from the transmission partner, the communication unit 108 is switched to the standby state, that is, the reception mode, and the process shifts to the reception of the result code. Here, when the result code is received, step S1
At 309, a process corresponding to the received result code is executed. This processing is performed in steps S208 to S2 in FIG.
Equivalent to 15.

Next, the main processing of the image viewer 102 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the image viewer 102, first, in step S 1401, a command for executing an operation on an image file stored in the flash memory of the storage unit 105 of the digital camera 101 is issued. The data is transmitted to the digital camera 101 via the communication unit 113. Subsequently, the process advances to step S1402 to determine whether a transmission error has occurred in transmitting the command. For example, an error caused by the other party not being turned on, the other party not being in the reception mode, the other party not being able to communicate, or the like.
If an error such as receiving a code indicating that transmission is not received from the transmission partner is detected, it is determined that a transmission error has occurred, and the flow advances to step S1403 to execute predetermined error processing.

If it is determined in step S1402 that the transmission has succeeded, the flow advances to step S1404 to execute processing for allowing the operator to specify conditions for specifying an image file to be operated. In this processing, a method of displaying conditions on the display unit 111 and selecting conditions by touching the pen with the operator, a method of directly inputting conditions by the operator, and the like are used. Here, the conditions to be specified are as shown in FIG.
As described in Steps S1305 and S1307 of No. 3, these are conditions for date designation and size designation.

Then, the flow advances to step S1405 to determine whether or not the specified condition is a condition for specifying a date. If the specified condition is a condition for specifying a date, the flow advances to step S1406. Create transmission data describing the conditions for specifying the date. Then, the process proceeds to step S1409. If the specified condition is not a condition for specifying a date, the process advances to step S1407 to determine whether or not the specified condition is a condition for specifying a size, and the specified condition is a condition for specifying a size. If it is, the flow advances to step S1408 to create transmission data in which conditions for specifying the size are described. Then, the process proceeds to step S1409.

If the condition specified in step S1407 is not the condition for size specification, it is determined that the specified condition does not apply to either the condition for date specification or the condition for size specification, and step S14 is performed.
Proceed to step 03 to execute a predetermined error process.

In step S1409, the above step S
The transmission data created in 1406 or S1408 is transmitted to the digital camera 101 via the communication unit 113. Then, in step S1410,
It is determined whether or not a transmission error has occurred with respect to the transmission of the data. If a transmission error has occurred, step S
Proceeding to 1403, predetermined error processing is executed.

If the transmission of the data has succeeded, the flow advances to step S1411 to wait for reception of data transmitted from the digital camera 101, that is, the communication unit 1
13 is switched to the reception mode, and the process shifts to the reception of a thumbnail image file. If the thumbnail image file has been received, the process advances to step S1412 to execute various processes on the received thumbnail image file. These processes are performed in steps S304 to S31 in FIG.
5 corresponds to each process. In step S1413, the transmission data temporarily stored in the processing in step S1412 is transmitted to the digital camera 101 via the communication unit 113, and the processing ends.

Note that the above steps S1405 to S140
8 is not limited to date designation data and size designation data. For example, the size and resolution of an image created at the time of photographing by the digital camera 101, the JPE
Specify the compression ratio (image quality) of the G-compressed file, or specify various other conditions such as shooting conditions (AE value, white balance value, shutter speed value, etc.) and files marked by the operator It is also possible.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera of an image manipulation system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a main processing procedure in the digital camera of FIG. 15, and FIG. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the main processing procedure of the image viewer of the image operation system according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a thumbnail image list display screen in step S1706 in FIG.

Each of the above embodiments (first, second and third embodiments)
In the embodiment, when the photographing operation is performed by the digital camera 101 and the photographed image is stored in the flash memory of the storage unit 105, the photographed images are stored in one storage area in the order of date and time of photographing.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a plurality of areas are provided as storage areas for captured images, and a digital image storage area capable of selecting a storage area for captured images according to an operator's instruction or the type of captured image during shooting. The camera is configured to be able to arbitrarily copy and move image files between storage areas. Note that the image viewer according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the above-described first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the digital camera 1
01 includes a control unit 1502 for controlling the entire camera as shown in FIG. The control unit 1502 includes a photographing unit 1503 for photographing a digital image, a storage unit 1504 for storing image data and the like, a display unit 1509 for displaying image data and the like, a control key 1510 including various keys, a data communication 1511 are connected to each other, and these are all connected to the control unit 1502.
Is controlled by Also, the control unit 1502 performs compression processing of image data captured by the capturing unit 1503, performs various operations on the stored image file, interprets commands of the data received by the communication unit 1511,
Execution and execution of an application including a user interface such as control corresponding to a key instruction received from the control key 1510 are performed.

The photographing unit 1503, display unit 1509, communication unit 1511, and control key 1510 have the same configurations as the photographing unit 104, display unit 106, communication unit 108, and control key 107 shown in FIG. 1, respectively.

A storage unit 1504 stores a ROM storing a control program executed by the control unit 1502 and the like.
(Read only memory) 1505, a work area when executing a control program, a RAM (random access memory) 1506 used as an area for temporarily storing a captured image, an image captured by an image capturing unit 1503,
It includes a plurality of flash memories 1507 and 1508 for storing image data and the like compressed in 02, connection means (not shown) for connecting an external memory IC card, and the like.

Here, when storing the image data photographed by the photographing unit 1503 in the storage unit 1504, the image data is stored in the flash memories 1507 and 1507 according to the instruction of the operator at the time of photographing or the type of photographed image.
508 can be selected. This image data is stored as a JPEG image file in the flash memory 1507 or 1508, and at the same time, a thumbnail image for this image data is generated.
4 is stored in the flash memory 1507 or 1508. The JPEG file of the photographed image and the JPEG file of the thumbnail image are associated and stored by a method such as using a common file name.

Next, control in the present embodiment will be described.

First, the main processing of the digital camera 1501 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the digital camera 1501, as shown in FIG. 16, first in step S1601, the storage unit 1
A command for executing an operation on the image files stored in the flash memories 1507 and 1508 504 is transmitted to the image viewer 102. Here, it is assumed that the image viewer 102 that is the data transmission partner is registered in the digital camera 1501 in advance. Image viewer 1 that received this command
In step 02, an application for executing an image file operation is started, and then the process shifts to waiting for reception of data from the digital camera 1501.

In step S1602, it is determined whether a transmission error has occurred with respect to the transmission of the command. Here, for example, the power of the transmission partner is not turned on,
A transmission error occurs when an error is detected due to factors such as the transmission partner not being in reception mode, the transmission partner not being in a place where they can communicate, or an error such as receiving a code indicating that transmission is not accepted from the transmission partner. The process proceeds to step S1603, and a predetermined error process is performed.

If it is determined in step S1602 that the transmission of the command has been successful, step S1604
Then, the thumbnail image files are sequentially read from the flash memory 1507 of the storage unit 1504 and transmitted.
This transmission process is equivalent to steps S204 to S206 in FIG. Subsequently, in step S1605, thumbnail image files are sequentially read from the flash memory 1508 of the storage unit 1504 and transmitted. Then, the process proceeds to step S1606 to switch to the standby state, that is, the communication unit 1511 to the reception state mode to wait for a response from the transmission partner, and shifts to the reception of a command from the image viewer 102.

Next, in step S1607, it is determined whether or not a command for instructing image file copy processing has been received. If a command for instructing image file copy processing has been received, step S1 is executed.
The process proceeds to 608, where a copy process is performed on the specified image file in the flash memories 1507 and 1508 of the storage unit 1504 with reference to the content of the received command. That is, if the image file having the file name described in the received command is stored in the flash memory 1507, the image file is copied to the area of the flash memory 1508, or vice versa.

If a command for instructing image file copy processing has not been received in step S1607, the flow advances to step S1609 to determine whether a command for instructing image file movement processing has been received. . Here, when a command for instructing the moving process of the image file is received, step S161 is performed.
0, referring to the contents of the received command, and
The transfer processing is performed on the designated image data file in the flash memories 1507 and 1508 of the 504. That is, if the image data of the file name described in the received command is stored in the flash memory 1507, the image data is moved to the area of the flash memory 1508, or the reverse process is executed.

If the command for instructing the moving process of the image file has not been received in step S1609, the flow advances to step S1611 to determine whether or not the elapsed time from the transition to the reception waiting has reached a predetermined time. When the elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, the power of the transmission partner is turned off, the transmission partner cancels the transmission, the transmission partner does not reply for a long time, and the communication cannot be performed from a place where the transmission partner can communicate. It is considered that the communication is not possible due to factors such as moving to a place, and a predetermined error process is executed in step S1612. On the other hand, if the elapsed time has not reached the predetermined time, the process returns to step S1607, and waits for reception of each command until the elapsed time reaches the predetermined time.

Next, the main processing of the image viewer 102 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the image viewer 102, as shown in FIG. 17, first, in step S1701, the mode of the currently selected application is changed to a mode in which the image file is operated in cooperation with the digital camera 1501 (file operation mode). It is determined whether or not. If the current mode is not the file operation mode, other processes are executed in step S1702, and the process returns to step S1701. If the current mode is the file operation mode, the process advances to step S1703 to wait for reception of data transmitted from the digital camera 1501, that is, the communication unit 11
3 to the reception state mode and switch the digital camera 150
Then, it shifts to the reception waiting state.

Then, the flow advances to step S1704 to wait for the reception of the thumbnail image. When the thumbnail image is received, the flow advances to step S1705 to temporarily store all the received thumbnail images in the flash memory of the storage unit 110. Then, the process proceeds to step S1706, where the thumbnail image stored in step S1705 is displayed on the display unit 11
At the same time, an icon for selecting an action for the displayed thumbnail image is displayed (see FIG. 18).

Next, the flow advances to step S1707 to determine whether or not a transmission instruction (pen touch on the transmission icon) has been performed by the operator. If it is determined that the transmission instruction has not been issued by the operator, the process advances to step S1708 to determine whether the operator has issued a copy instruction (pen touch on the copy icon). When a copy instruction is given by the operator, the process proceeds to step S1709, and the thumbnail image is copied to the other area according to the drag operation on the thumbnail image by the operator. Then, the process returns to step S1707 again, and waits for an instruction by touching the pen.

If it is determined in step S1708 that the operator has not issued a copy instruction, the flow advances to step S1710 to determine whether or not the operator has issued a move instruction (pen touch on a move icon). Here, when the movement instruction is performed by the operator, the process proceeds to step S1711, and the thumbnail image is moved to the other area according to the drag operation on the thumbnail image by the operator. Then, the process returns to step S1707 again, and waits for an instruction by touching the pen. When the movement instruction (pen touch on the movement icon) is not issued by the operator, the process similarly returns to step S1707 to continue waiting for the pen touch instruction.

When the transmission instruction is given by the operator in step S1707, the flow advances to step S1712 to execute processing for creating transmission data. In this process, creation of data indicating the storage status of each of the thumbnail image files reflecting the copy process and the move process executed in steps S1709 and S1711, that is, creation of data indicating the movement and copy history from each area. And temporarily stores the data in the RAM of the storage unit 110. Subsequently, the process advances to step S1713 to transmit the transmission data created in step S1712 to the digital camera 1501 via the communication unit 113. Then, the present process ends.

Next, a list display of thumbnail images in step S1706 will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S1706, a list of thumbnail images is displayed on the display unit 111. On the thumbnail image list display screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, the thumbnail image received in step S1604 in FIG.
4 are displayed in the display area 1801, and the thumbnail image 1803 is one of the displayed thumbnail images. A list of the thumbnail images (thumbnail images stored in the flash memory 1508 of the storage unit 1504 of the digital camera 1501) received in step S1605 in FIG. 16 is displayed in the display area 1802, and the thumbnail images 1804 are displayed in a list. One of the thumbnail images.

The thumbnail image list display area 18
When an upper scroll icon 1805 and a lower scroll icon 1806 for 01 are displayed, and the thumbnail images in the display area 1801 cannot be displayed on one screen, the icons 1805 and 1806 are touched with a pen.
The screen is scrolled up and down. Similarly, an upper scroll icon 1807 and a lower scroll icon 1 for the thumbnail image list display area 1802
808 is displayed, and icons 1807 and 1808 are similarly displayed.
By touching the pen, upward scroll and downward scroll of the screen are respectively performed.

Further, a copy icon 1809, a move icon 1810, and a transmission icon 1811 are displayed.
If you touch the copy icon 1809 with a pen,
By shifting to the thumbnail image copy mode and performing the drag operation of the thumbnail image, each area 1801,
Copy processing of the thumbnail images between 1802 is performed. When the movement icon 1810 is touched with a pen,
By shifting to the thumbnail image movement mode and performing a drag operation of the thumbnail image data, each area 180 is moved.
The moving process of the thumbnail image is performed between 1,1802. Further, when the transmission icon 1811 is touched with a pen, transmission data creation processing in step S1712 in FIG. 17 is executed, and the created data is transmitted.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the operation of copying and moving any image file among the image files stored in the flash memories 1507 and 1508 of the storage unit 1504 in the digital camera 1501 is performed by the image viewer. Since these operations can be performed by the input by the pen operation in 102, these operations can be facilitated.

Before the digital camera 1501 actually executes the copy and move processing for the image file, the digital camera 1501
By performing copy and move operations on the thumbnail images transmitted from the image viewer 102, the image viewer 102
After the processing on the display unit 111 (digital camera 15
01 (the state after the processing at 01) can be confirmed in advance.

Note that, in the embodiment, the digital camera 1
The two flash memories 15 are stored in the storage unit 1504 of the memory 501.
07 and 1508 are provided separately. Alternatively, when two areas are provided by dividing the area into one flash memory, the image file is similarly set between the respective areas. It goes without saying that the copying process and the moving process can be performed. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the flash memory built in the digital camera 1501, but may be an area configured by inserting two external memory IC cards.

Also, in the case where image files are stored in three or more areas, it is needless to say that the image file can be copied and moved between the respective areas.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a thumbnail image data list display screen displayed on the image viewer of the image operation system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is created by pen-touching the transmission icon of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data structure of transmission data to be transmitted. This embodiment has the same configuration as the above-described fourth embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the fourth embodiment, two flash memories 1 are stored in the storage unit 1504 of the digital camera 1501.
507 and 1508 are provided, and are configured to execute image file copy processing and transfer processing between these flash memories 1507 and 1508. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the flash memory of the storage unit 1504 is mounted as a plurality of areas having a hierarchical structure, for example, areas managed by a directory structure, and executes copy processing and transfer processing between directories. It is configured as follows. Here, the directory structure and the file may be compatible with a file system mounted on a personal computer.

The thumbnail image list display screen of this embodiment is divided into a directory hierarchy display area 1901 and a thumbnail list display area 1902 as shown in FIG. 19, for example, and image files are stored in the directory hierarchy display area 1901. The tree structure of each stored memory area (directory) is displayed. Here, the directory 1903 is one of them, in which the name of the directory is described. The directory 1904 is the currently selected directory, and is displayed in a display form different from other directories. In the directory hierarchy display area 1901, each directory (1903, 1904, etc.) has its name,
The information is displayed in a display format so that the correlation between the parent and child directories for each can be seen at a glance. The thumbnail images are stored only in the lowest directory.

The directory hierarchy display area 1901
Are displayed. If the directory hierarchy display does not fit on one screen, an upper scroll icon 1905 and a lower scroll icon 1906 are displayed.
05 and 1906, the screen is scrolled upward and downward, respectively.

[0176] In the thumbnail list display area 1902, a list of thumbnail image data included in the currently selected directory is displayed. In this display area,
The re-nail image 1907 is one of them. Also, an upper scroll icon 1908 and a lower scroll icon 1909 for the thumbnail list display area 1902 are displayed. If the thumbnail image cannot be displayed on one screen, the icons 1908 and 1909 are touched with a pen to perform upward scroll and downward scroll of the screen, respectively.

Further, a copy icon 1910, a move icon 1911, and a transmission icon 1912 are displayed.
Here, when the copy icon 1910 is touched with a pen,
The mode is shifted to the thumbnail image copy mode, and the displayed thumbnail image (eg, 1907) is dragged to the position of the directory to be copied (eg, 1904), so that the designated thumbnail image is copied to the destination directory. Is done. When the move designation icon 1911 is touched with a pen, the mode shifts to the thumbnail image move mode, and the displayed thumbnail image (eg, 1907) is dragged to the position of the directory to be moved (eg, 1904) to perform designation. The moved thumbnail image is moved to the drag destination directory. Further, when the transmission icon 1912 is touched with a pen, transmission data creation processing is executed in the same procedure as in step S1712 in FIG. 17, and the created data is transmitted.

The transmission data created by touching the transmission icon 1912 with a pen is not the change history data changed by the copy or move process, but the entire data structure after the change, that is, the hierarchical structure of the directory and the data included therein. File name.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, a command 2 for instructing a copy or move process of an image file is provided.
001, the names of directories 2002 to 2004, 2006 in the first to third layers, the file names 2005 stored in the lowest-level (third-level) directory (2004), and the lowest-level ( File name 2 stored in directory (2006) of three layers)
007 are included.

In the digital camera 1501 that has received the transmission data, the command area of the transmission data is read, and
After the interpretation, the image file is copied or moved.

In each of the above embodiments, the communication unit provided in the digital camera 101 (1501) and the image viewer 102 is constituted by communication means for transmitting and receiving data by wireless communication. There is no limitation, and a communication unit for transmitting and receiving data by a wired communication unit such as a cable connection may be provided.

In each of the above embodiments, the digital camera 101 (1501) and the image viewer 102 are of a portable type that can be driven by a battery. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image viewer is of a stationary type. However, a method of transferring an image from a remote location to the image viewer is also conceivable. For example, a usage form using an image viewer installed in a home or office can be considered.

In the first, second, fourth and fifth embodiments, when the image viewer 102 receives the file operation instruction data from the digital camera 101 (1501), the power of the apparatus is turned on. After that, the system shifts to the data reception standby state in the file operation mode and waits for data reception. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the power of the image viewer 102 may be turned off. Alternatively, when receiving data is detected, the power can be automatically turned on by an interrupt process or the like, the mode can be switched to the file operation mode, and then the data can be received.

Similarly, also in the third embodiment, when the digital camera 101 receives the file operation instruction data, a control structure is adopted in which the power is automatically turned on by interrupt processing or the like. Is possible.

In each of the above embodiments, the display unit 1 is used as the user interface of the image viewer 102.
The application is operated by a pen operation on the tablet 112 integrally formed with the tablet 11. However, the present invention is not limited to this.
Typewriter layout full keyboard and various dedicated keys,
Alternatively, the application may be operated using a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, when data is transmitted and received between the digital camera 101 (1501) and the image viewer 102, the transmitted and received data is
In order to identify image data and directories, data with a data structure that describes file names and directory names is used, but it is not necessary to be limited to this, and continuous files associated with file names and directory names are used. NO
It is also possible to use a method of identifying image data and a directory by describing the file name and directory number.

Further, according to the present invention, a storage medium storing program codes of software for realizing the functions (including flowcharts) of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or an apparatus, and a computer (or a computer) of the system or the apparatus is provided. CPU and MPU) read and execute the program code stored in the storage medium,
It goes without saying that this is achieved.

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, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM,
A DVD-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. ) Performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes 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.

[0192]

As described above, according to the image operation system of the present invention, the digital camera has a storage medium for storing the taken image as an image file, and a thumbnail of the image file stored in the storage medium. Operating means for receiving an operation instruction for an image file corresponding to the thumbnail image from the image viewer after transmitting the image to the image viewer, and operating the corresponding image file in the storage medium in accordance with the operation instruction; Receiving a thumbnail image transmitted from the digital camera, displaying a list of the received thumbnail images, specifying a desired thumbnail image from the displayed list of thumbnail images, and Specifying means for specifying an operation on an image; Operating means for performing a specified operation, and operation instruction issuing means for issuing an operation instruction for setting an operation on the specified thumbnail image as an operation on an image file corresponding to the thumbnail image. Since the image is transmitted to the digital camera, the operation on the image file can be easily performed.

Further, any one of the operations of deleting a file, changing a file name, and changing a file arrangement order can be easily performed on an image file.

When the storage medium has a plurality of storage areas for storing image files, the image file is copied from the storage area to another storage area, and the image file is copied from the storage area to another storage area. Operations such as moving can be easily performed.

Further, resending of thumbnail images is instructed,
By invalidating the specified operation for the specified thumbnail image and sending this resend instruction to the digital camera, the thumbnail image is retransmitted from the digital camera, so it is possible to perform the operation again on the image viewer. it can.

According to the image operation method of the present invention, the digital camera transmits the thumbnail image of the image file to the image viewer, and receives the operation instruction of the image file corresponding to the thumbnail image from the image viewer. Operating the corresponding image file in the storage medium according to the instruction, the image viewer receiving the thumbnail image transmitted from the digital camera, and displaying a list of the received thumbnail images on the display means; Specifying a desired thumbnail image from the displayed list of thumbnail images and specifying an operation on the specified thumbnail image; performing a specified operation on the specified thumbnail image; Operation on the thumbnail image that has been performed on the image file corresponding to the thumbnail image. Since the method includes a step of issuing an operation instruction to be operated and a step of transmitting the issued operation instruction to the digital camera, the issued operation instruction is transmitted to the digital camera, so that operations on the image file can be easily performed. it can.

Further, it is possible to easily perform any one of the operations of deleting the file, changing the file name, and changing the order of the files with respect to the image file.

When the storage medium has a plurality of storage areas for storing image files, the image file is copied from the storage area to another storage area, and the image file is copied from the storage area to another storage area. Operations such as moving can be easily performed.

Further, re-transmission of the thumbnail image is instructed,
By invalidating the specified operation for the specified thumbnail image and sending this resend instruction to the digital camera, the thumbnail image is retransmitted from the digital camera, so it is possible to perform the operation again on the image viewer. it can.

According to the digital camera of the present invention, communication means for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device, a storage medium for storing a captured image as an image file, and the communication means After transmitting a thumbnail image of an image file stored in the storage medium to an external device and receiving an operation instruction for an image file corresponding to the thumbnail image from the external device, transmitting the transmission instruction in the storage medium according to the operation instruction. And operating means for operating an image file corresponding to the selected thumbnail image, so that operations on the image file can be easily performed.

According to the image viewer of the present invention, the communication means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the external device holding the image file and its thumbnail image, and the data transmitted from the external device via the communication means. Display means for displaying a list of received thumbnail images when a thumbnail image is received, designating means for designating a desired thumbnail image from the displayed list of thumbnail images and designating an operation on the designated thumbnail image Operating means for performing the specified operation on the specified thumbnail image; and operation instruction issuing means for issuing an operation instruction for setting the operation on the specified thumbnail image to the operation on the image file corresponding to the thumbnail image. And transmits the issued operation instruction to the external device by the communication means. An operation for lifting the image being file can be easily performed.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, the program comprises a receiving module for receiving the thumbnail images transmitted from the digital camera, a display module for displaying a list of the thumbnail images received by the receiving module on the display means. A designation module for designating a desired thumbnail image from a list of displayed thumbnail images, and designating an operation on the designated thumbnail image, and an operation of performing the designated operation on the designated thumbnail image A module, an operation instruction issuing module that issues an operation instruction that causes an operation on the designated thumbnail image to be an operation on an image file corresponding to the thumbnail image, and a transmission module that sends the issued operation instruction to the digital camera. So held in a digital camera An operation on the image file and can be easily performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital camera and an image viewer that constitute an image operation system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a main process in the digital camera 101 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a main process in the image viewer 102 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a thumbnail image list display screen in the image viewer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a deletion data designation screen in the image viewer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a designation screen for name change in the image viewer of FIG. 1;

7 is a diagram showing an example of an instruction screen for changing the arrangement order in the image viewer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is created in step S309 of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of transmission data for specifying deleted image data.

FIG. 9 is created in step S312 of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of transmission data for designating name-changed image data.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data structure of transmission data for instructing a change in arrangement order, which is created in step S315 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a main process in the digital camera of the image manipulation system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a structure of an image file in a JPEG format in a digital camera of an image manipulation system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a main processing procedure in the digital camera of the image operation system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a main process in an image viewer of the image operation system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital camera of an image operation system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

16 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a main process in the digital camera of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a main process of an image viewer of the image operation system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

18 is a diagram showing an example of a thumbnail image list display screen in step S1706 of FIG.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a thumbnail image data list display screen displayed on an image viewer of an image operation system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

20 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of transmission data created by touching the transmission icon of FIG. 19 with a pen.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101, 1501 Digital camera 102 Image viewer 103, 109, 1502 Control unit 104, 1503 Imaging unit 105, 110, 1504 Storage unit 106, 111, 1509 Display unit 107, 1510 Control key 108, 113, 1511 Communication unit 112 Tablet 1505 ROM 1506 RAM 1507, 1508 Flash memory

Claims (50)

[Claims] 1. An image operation system comprising a digital camera and an image viewer connected so as to be able to transmit and receive data to and from the digital camera, wherein the digital camera converts a captured image into an image file. After transmitting a thumbnail image of an image file stored in the storage medium to the image viewer, receiving an operation instruction of an image file corresponding to the thumbnail image from the image viewer,
Operating means for operating a corresponding image file in the storage medium in accordance with the operation instruction, wherein the image viewer displays a list of the received thumbnail images when receiving the thumbnail images transmitted from the digital camera. Display means for specifying the desired thumbnail image from the displayed list of thumbnail images, and designating means for designating an operation on the specified thumbnail image. Operating means for performing an operation, and operation instruction issuing means for issuing an operation instruction for making the operation on the specified thumbnail image an operation on an image file corresponding to the thumbnail image, wherein the issued operation instruction is An image operation system for transmitting to a digital camera. 2. The operation instruction for the image file,
2. The image operation system according to claim 1, wherein the instruction is one of a file deletion, a file name change, and a file arrangement order change. 3. The storage medium has a plurality of storage areas for storing the image file, and an operation instruction for the image file is used to copy the image file from the storage area to another storage area. 2. The image operation system according to claim 1, wherein the operation instruction is any one of an operation instruction for moving the image file from the storage area to another storage area. 4. The image operation system according to claim 3, wherein said display means of said image viewer displays said thumbnail images for each of said storage areas when displaying said list of received thumbnail images. . 5. The image operation system according to claim 3, wherein said plurality of storage areas are configured in a directory hierarchical structure. 6. The display means of the image viewer, when displaying the list of received thumbnail images, displays the thumbnail images so as to be associated with the directory hierarchical structure. Image manipulation system as described. 7. The image viewer has a resending instruction issuing unit for issuing a thumbnail image resending instruction for instructing resending of the thumbnail image. When the thumbnail image resending instruction is issued, the operation unit is configured to: The designated operation is invalidated for the designated thumbnail image, the retransmission instruction issued by the communication unit is transmitted to the digital camera, and the digital camera transmits the thumbnail image retransmission instruction transmitted from the image viewer. 2. The image operation system according to claim 1, wherein when receiving the thumbnail image, the thumbnail image is retransmitted. 8. The image viewer has a thumbnail image condition specifying means for specifying a thumbnail image condition for a thumbnail image transmitted from the digital camera,
The designated thumbnail image condition is transmitted to the image viewer, and the digital camera, upon receiving the thumbnail image condition from the image viewer, transmits a thumbnail image according to the thumbnail image condition. The image operation system according to claim 1. 9. The image operation system according to claim 8, wherein the thumbnail image condition is a condition indicating a size of the thumbnail image. 10. The image operation system according to claim 1, wherein a thumbnail image of the image file is stored in the storage medium of the digital camera in association with the image file. 11. The digital camera has thumbnail image generating means for generating a thumbnail image of the photographed image, and the generated thumbnail image is stored in the storage medium in association with a corresponding image file. The image operation system according to claim 1, wherein: 12. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether a thumbnail image of the image file is stored in the storage medium; and a thumbnail image generation unit configured to generate a thumbnail image of the image file. When the thumbnail image of the image file is not stored in the storage medium, the thumbnail image is generated by the thumbnail image generating means, and the generated thumbnail image is transmitted to the image viewer. The image operation system according to claim 1. 13. An image operation method for operating an image file held in a digital camera from an image viewer connected to be able to transmit and receive data to and from the digital camera, A step of transmitting a thumbnail image of the image file to the image viewer, and receiving an operation instruction of the image file corresponding to the thumbnail image from the image viewer, Manipulating a file, wherein the image viewer receives the thumbnail images transmitted from the digital camera, and displays a list of the received thumbnail images on display means; and the displayed thumbnail images The desired thumbnail image is designated from the list of Specifying an operation to be performed; performing the specified operation on the specified thumbnail image; and performing an operation instruction for setting the operation on the specified thumbnail image as an operation on an image file corresponding to the thumbnail image. An image operation system comprising: a step of issuing; and a step of transmitting the issued operation instruction to the digital camera. 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operation instruction for the image file is any one of deletion of a file, change of a file name, and change of a file arrangement order.
3. The image operation method according to 3. 15. The storage medium has a plurality of storage areas for storing the image file, and an operation instruction for the image file is used to copy the image file from the storage area to another storage area. 14. The image operation method according to claim 13, wherein the operation instruction is any one of an operation instruction for moving the image file from the storage area to another storage area. 16. The image operation method according to claim 15, wherein when displaying the list of received thumbnail images, the image viewer displays the thumbnail images for each of the storage areas on the display unit. . 17. The storage device according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of storage areas have a directory hierarchical structure.
Image manipulation method described. 18. The image viewer according to claim 17, wherein when displaying the list of received thumbnail images, the image viewer displays the thumbnail images on the display unit so as to be associated with the directory hierarchical structure. Image manipulation method described. 19. The image viewer issues a thumbnail image retransmission instruction for instructing retransmission of the thumbnail image, and when the thumbnail image retransmission instruction is issued, the image viewer specifies the designated thumbnail image with respect to the designated thumbnail image. And retransmitting the issued resending instruction to the digital camera. The digital camera, upon receiving the thumbnail image resending instruction transmitted from the image viewer, 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of retransmitting the image. 20. The image viewer, comprising: specifying a thumbnail image condition for a thumbnail image transmitted from the digital camera; and transmitting the specified thumbnail image condition to the image viewer.
14. The image operation method according to claim 13, wherein, when receiving the thumbnail image condition from the image viewer, the digital camera transmits a thumbnail image according to the thumbnail image condition. 21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the thumbnail image condition is a condition indicating a size of the thumbnail image. 22. The image operation method according to claim 13, wherein a thumbnail image of the image file is stored in the storage medium of the digital camera in association with the image file. 23. The digital camera, comprising: generating a thumbnail image of the photographed image; and storing the generated thumbnail image in the storage medium in association with a corresponding image file. The image operation method according to claim 13, wherein: 24. The digital camera, comprising: determining whether a thumbnail image of the image file is stored in the storage medium; and determining whether the thumbnail image of the image file is not stored in the storage medium. 14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: generating the thumbnail image; and transmitting the generated thumbnail image to the image viewer. 25. A communication unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device, a storage medium for storing a captured image as an image file, and a storage medium stored in the storage medium via the communication unit. After transmitting the thumbnail image of the image file to the external device and receiving an operation instruction for the image file corresponding to the thumbnail image from the external device, the image file corresponds to the transmitted thumbnail image in the storage medium according to the operation instruction. A digital camera, comprising: operating means for operating an image file. 26. The method according to claim 2, wherein the operation instruction for the image file is one of deletion of a file, change of a file name, and change of a file arrangement order.
5. The digital camera according to 5. 27. The storage medium has a plurality of storage areas for storing the image file, and an operation instruction for the image file is used to copy the image file from the storage area to another storage area. 26. The digital camera according to claim 25, wherein the instruction is any one of an operation instruction for moving the image file from the storage area to another storage area. 28. The storage area according to claim 27, wherein the plurality of storage areas have a directory hierarchical structure.
Digital camera as described. 29. The image processing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein, after transmitting the thumbnail image, when receiving a thumbnail image retransmission instruction transmitted from the external device via the communication unit, the thumbnail image is retransmitted. Digital camera. 30. The apparatus according to claim 25, wherein, before transmitting the thumbnail image, when a thumbnail image condition is received from the external device via the communication unit, a thumbnail image according to the thumbnail image condition is transmitted. Digital camera as described. 31. The digital camera according to claim 30, wherein the thumbnail image condition is a condition indicating a size of the thumbnail image. 32. The digital camera according to claim 25, wherein the thumbnail image of the image file is stored in the storage medium in association with the image file. 33. A thumbnail image generating means for generating a thumbnail image of the photographed image, wherein the generated thumbnail image is stored in the storage medium in association with a corresponding image file. The digital camera according to claim 25. 34. A storage device comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether a thumbnail image of the image file is stored in the storage medium; and a thumbnail image generation unit configured to generate a thumbnail image of the image file. The thumbnail image generating unit generates the thumbnail image when the thumbnail image is not stored in the storage medium, and transmits the generated thumbnail image to the external device by the communication unit. 25. The digital camera according to item 25. 35. A communication unit for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external device holding an image file and its thumbnail image; and receiving a thumbnail image transmitted from the external device via the communication unit. Display means for displaying a list of the received thumbnail images; designating means for designating a desired thumbnail image from the displayed list of thumbnail images and designating an operation on the designated thumbnail image; Operating means for performing the specified operation on the thumbnail image, and operation instruction issuing means for issuing an operation instruction to make the operation on the specified thumbnail image an operation on an image file corresponding to the thumbnail image, Transmitting the issued operation instruction to the external device by the communication means. Image viewer with. 36. The image viewer according to claim 35, wherein the operation instruction is one of a file deletion, a file name change, and a file order change. 37. The digital camera has a plurality of storage areas for storing the image file, and an operation instruction for the image file is used to copy the image file from the storage area to another storage area. 36. The image viewer according to claim 35, wherein the instruction is any one of an operation instruction for moving the image file from the storage area to another storage area. 38. The image viewer according to claim 37, wherein when displaying the list of received thumbnail images, the display unit displays the thumbnail images for each of the storage areas on the display unit. 39. The plurality of storage areas are configured in a directory hierarchical structure, and when displaying the received thumbnail image list, the display unit displays the thumbnail images so as to be associated with the directory hierarchical structure. 39. The image viewer of claim 38, wherein: 40. A resending instruction issuing unit for issuing a thumbnail image resending instruction for instructing resending of the thumbnail image, wherein when the thumbnail image resending instruction is issued, the operating unit transmits the thumbnail image 36. The image viewer according to claim 35, wherein the designated operation is invalidated, and the issued retransmission instruction is transmitted to the external device by the communication unit. 41. A thumbnail image condition designating unit for designating a thumbnail image condition for a thumbnail image transmitted from the external device, wherein the designated thumbnail image condition is transmitted to the external device by the communication unit. 36. The image viewer according to claim 35, wherein 42. The image viewer according to claim 41, wherein the thumbnail image condition is a condition indicating a size of the thumbnail image. 43. The information storing a program for operating an image file held in a digital camera from an information processing device connected to the digital camera so that data can be transmitted and received. A storage medium readable by a processing device, the program comprising: a receiving module configured to receive a thumbnail image transmitted from the digital camera; and a display unit configured to display a list of thumbnail images received by the receiving module on a display unit. A display module, a designation module for designating a desired thumbnail image from the displayed list of thumbnail images, and designating an operation on the designated thumbnail image; and a designation module for designating an operation on the designated thumbnail image. An operation module for performing the specified operation, and the designated thumbnail An operation instruction issuance module that issues an operation instruction that causes an operation on a thumbnail image to be an operation on an image file corresponding to the thumbnail image; and a transmission module that transmits the issued operation instruction to the digital camera. Storage media. 44. The method according to claim 4, wherein the operation instruction for the image file is any one of a file deletion, a file name change, and a file order change.
3. The storage medium according to 3. 45. The digital camera has a plurality of storage areas for storing the image file, and an operation instruction for the image file is used to copy the image file from the storage area to another storage area. 44. The storage medium according to claim 43, wherein the instruction is any one of an operation instruction for moving the image file from the storage area to another storage area. 46. The storage medium according to claim 45, wherein, when displaying the list of received thumbnail images, the display module displays the thumbnail images for each of the storage areas on the display unit. 47. The plurality of storage areas are configured in a directory hierarchical structure, and the display module displays the received thumbnail images in a list so as to be associated with the directory hierarchical structure when displaying the list of the received thumbnail images. 46. The storage medium according to claim 45, wherein: 48. The program has a resending instruction issuing module for issuing a thumbnail image resending instruction for instructing resending of the thumbnail image, and when the thumbnail image resending instruction is issued, the operation module executes the designation 44. The storage medium according to claim 43, wherein the designated operation is invalidated for the given thumbnail image, and the retransmission instruction issued by the transmission unit is transmitted to the digital camera. 49. The program, further comprising: a thumbnail image condition specification module for specifying a thumbnail image condition for a thumbnail image transmitted from the digital camera, wherein the transmission module stores the specified thumbnail image condition in the digital camera. 44. The storage medium according to claim 43, wherein the storage medium is transmitted. 50. The storage medium according to claim 49, wherein said thumbnail image condition is a condition indicating a size of said thumbnail image.