JP2003091715A - Image processing device and method, recording medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to easily prepare a plurality of pieces of management information for managing the image data to easily retrieve the image data on the basis of the management information. SOLUTION: The image data acquired through a communication part is stored in a read image data storage area 61 of a storage part 23. The thumbnail image data is stored in a thumbnail image data storage area 62. The image data after editing is stored in an after-editing image data storage area 63. A CPU manages these image datum by using a classification information table 71 as the management information stored in the management information area 70, an even information table 72 and a personal information table 73. The user creates these tables on a GUI image plane, and retrieves the image data on the basis of these tables.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and method, a recording medium, and a program, and in particular, a user can easily create a plurality of management information for managing image data, and an image can be created based on the management information. An image processing apparatus and method capable of easily searching data,
The present invention relates to a recording medium and a program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digitization is spreading. In particular, with the spread of the Internet and the like, there are increasing opportunities to use digital image data captured by an electronic still camera or the like. A user supplies digital image data captured by an electronic still camera or the like to a personal computer or the like, and uses an application called photo retouch (hereinafter referred to as photo retouch software) to convert various digital image data into digital image data. It can be easily processed.

For example, a user supplies image data to a personal computer from an electronic still camera or the like, stores the image data in a predetermined folder, and causes the photo retouching software to display an image corresponding to the image data on a display for editing.

As a standard of image data, for example, Exif
(Exchangeable Image File Format) is available. The Exif format image data can record information about the image and additional information such as a shooting date and time in a TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) format, and can also record a thumbnail image that is a reduced image. Image format is RGB (Red Green Blue) uncompressed or JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
It supports multiple formats such as methods.

[0005]

However, if all the image data are stored in a specific folder by the above-mentioned method, when the image corresponding to the image data is edited by the photo retouching software or the like, the user is There is a problem that the target image data needs to be searched from the image data of No. 3, and complicated work is required.

On the other hand, there is a method in which a user can arbitrarily select a folder for storing image data, and the image data is classified and stored. However, with this method, when there are a plurality of users and a large amount of image data is handled, it is not possible to easily grasp which image data is stored in which folder.

The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and a user can easily create a plurality of pieces of management information for managing image data and easily search for image data based on the management information. It allows you to do things.

[0008]

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises an acquisition means for acquiring image data corresponding to an image from another information processing apparatus, and a storage means for storing the image data acquired by the acquisition means. Characterized by comprising: creating means for creating a plurality of management information for managing the image data stored by the storage means; and searching means for searching the image data based on the plurality of management information created by the creating means. And

The plurality of management information includes classification information for classifying and managing the image data according to related information added to the image data, event information for managing the image data according to information about an event related to the image data, and an image. Information regarding the user of the processing device may include personal information for managing the image data.

The classification information can manage the image data in a tree structure for each category.

The searching means searches the image data by using the related information added to the image data as a search condition when searching based on the classification information, and relates to the image data when searching based on the event information. When the image data corresponding to each event is searched and the search is performed based on the personal information, the image data corresponding to each user of the image processing apparatus can be searched.

The search means can accept a request from the user to search for image data on the same GUI screen regardless of which management information is used.

The image processing method of the present invention stores an acquisition control step for controlling acquisition of image data corresponding to an image from another information processing apparatus, and storage of image data whose acquisition is controlled by the processing of the acquisition control step. Based on the storage control step to control, a creation step of creating a plurality of management information for managing the image data whose storage is controlled by the processing of the storage control step, and a plurality of management information created by the processing of the creation step, And a search step of searching image data.

The program of the recording medium of the present invention stores an acquisition control step for controlling acquisition of image data corresponding to an image from another information processing apparatus, and storage of image data whose acquisition is controlled by the processing of the acquisition control step. Based on the plurality of management information created by the processing of the storage control step, and the plurality of management information for managing the image data whose storage is controlled by the processing of the storage control step, and the processing of the creation step. , A search step of searching the image data.

The program of the present invention controls an acquisition control step for controlling acquisition of image data corresponding to an image from another information processing apparatus, and storage of image data whose acquisition is controlled by the processing of the acquisition control step. Based on the storage control step, a creation step for creating a plurality of management information for managing the image data whose storage is controlled by the processing of the storage control step, and the plurality of management information created by the processing of the creation step Causing the computer to perform a search step to search for.

In the image processing apparatus and method and the program of the present invention, image data corresponding to an image is acquired from another information processing apparatus, the acquired image data is stored, and the stored image data is managed. A plurality of management information is created, and image data is searched based on the created plurality of management information.

[0017]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below, and the correspondence between the constituent elements described in the claims and specific examples in the embodiments of the invention will be illustrated as follows. . This description is for confirming that the specific examples supporting the invention described in the claims are described in the embodiments of the invention. Therefore, even if there is a specific example which is described in the embodiment of the invention but is not described here as corresponding to the constituent requirement, that is It does not mean that the requirements are not met. On the contrary, even if a concrete example is described here as corresponding to a constituent requirement, that means that the concrete example does not correspond to constituent requirements other than that constituent requirement. not.

Further, this description does not mean that the inventions corresponding to the specific examples described in the embodiments of the invention are all described in the claims. In other words, this description is an invention corresponding to the specific examples described in the embodiments of the invention and is not included in the claims of this application. It does not deny the existence of inventions that are added or amended by amendment.

According to another aspect of the image processing apparatus of the present invention, the image data obtained by the obtaining means (for example, the communication unit 24 in FIG. 1) for obtaining the image data corresponding to the image from another information processing apparatus is acquired. A storage unit for storing (for example, the storage unit 23 in FIG. 1) and a creation unit for creating a plurality of pieces of management information for managing the image data stored by the storage unit (for example, a diagram for executing the process of step S40 in FIG. 1 CPU
11) and search means for searching the image data based on the plurality of management information created by the creating means (for example, the CPU 1 of FIG. 1 that executes the processing of step S84 of FIG. 14).
1) and are provided.

An image processing method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes an acquisition control step (for example, step S3 in FIG. 6) for controlling acquisition of image data corresponding to an image from another information processing apparatus,
A storage control step of controlling storage of image data whose acquisition is controlled by the processing of the acquisition control step (see, for example, FIG.
Step S4) of step S4), a creation step of creating a plurality of pieces of management information for managing the image data whose storage is controlled by the processing of the storage control step (for example, step S40 in FIG. 8), and the creation step. A search step of searching the image data based on the plurality of management information (for example, step S84 of FIG. 14) is included.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program of a recording medium for controlling acquisition of image data corresponding to an image from another information processing apparatus (for example, step S of FIG. 6).
3), a storage control step (for example, step S4 in FIG. 6) that controls the storage of the image data whose acquisition is controlled by the processing of the acquisition control step, and image data whose storage is controlled by the processing of the storage control step. A creation step of creating a plurality of management information to be managed (for example, step S40 of FIG. 8) and a search step of searching for image data based on the plurality of management information created by the processing of the creation step (for example, FIG. 14). And step S84).

The program according to claim 8 controls the acquisition of image data corresponding to an image from another information processing apparatus (for example, step S3 in FIG. 6) and the acquisition control step. A storage control step of controlling storage of the controlled image data (for example, step S4 of FIG. 6) and a creation step of creating a plurality of management information for managing the storage-controlled image data by the processing of the storage control step ( For example, step S40 in FIG. 8)
Then, the computer is caused to execute a search step (for example, step S84 in FIG. 14) of searching the image data based on the plurality of management information created by the processing of the creating step.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the internal construction of an image processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 1, the CPU (Cen
The tral Processing Unit) 11 is a ROM (Read Only Memor)
y) Program stored in 12 or storage unit 2
Various processes are executed according to the program loaded from 3 to the RAM (Random Access Memory) 13. RAM13
In addition, data and the like necessary for the CPU 11 to execute various processes are also stored as appropriate. CPU11, ROM1
2 and the RAM 13 are connected to each other via a bus 14. The bus 14 is also connected to the input / output interface 20.

The input / output interface 20 includes an input unit 21 including a keyboard and a mouse, a CRT (Cathode Ray).
Tube), a display including an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a speaker, an output unit 22 including a printer, a storage unit 23 including a hard disk, a communication unit 24 including a modem, a terminal adapter, and the like. ing.

A drive 30 is connected to the input / output interface 20 if necessary, and a magnetic disk 41,
The optical disc 42, the magneto-optical disc 43, the semiconductor memory 44, or the like is mounted as appropriate, and the computer program read from them is installed in the storage unit 23 as necessary.

The CPU 11 acquires image data from an electronic still camera, a scanner or the like via the communication unit 24 based on a user's instruction, and stores it in the storage unit 23. At this time, the CPU 11 manages the stored image data based on the management information for the image data.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how the CPU 11 of FIG. 1 manages the image data stored in the storage unit 23.

The image data acquired through the communication unit 24 is read image data storage area 6 of the storage unit 23 of FIG.
Stored in 1. The thumbnail image data, which is the image data corresponding to the reduced image of the image corresponding to the image data (hereinafter, referred to as thumbnail image), is stored in the storage unit 2.
3 is stored in the thumbnail image data storage area 62.
When the image data stored in the read image data storage area 61 is edited, the edited image data is stored in the edited image data storage area 63 of the storage unit 23. CP
The U11 manages these image data by using the classification information table 71, the event information table 72, and the personal information table 73, which are the management information stored in the management information area 70 of the storage unit 23.

The standard of the image data to be acquired is, for example, JP
EG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), TIFF (Tagg
ed Image File Format), PICT, DCF (Design rule for
Camera File system), Exif (Exchangeable Image Fi)
le Format) etc.

The Exif format file has a structure in which a TIFF format header is embedded in the header section of a JPEG format file.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an Exif format file.

In FIG. 3, the data inside the Exif file 100 is separated by a marker which is a delimiter of the data, like the JPEG file, and all the data are
SOI (Start Of Image) marker 101 and EOI (End Of I)
mage) between the markers 105. The SOI marker 101 and the EOI marker 105 are markers that do not have attached data.

A header 102 is formed after the SOI marker 101. The header 102 is provided with various types of markers, and the data attached to these markers define the image format and data tables such as the quantization table and the Huffman table. In the case of the Exif file 100, an APP1 marker 102A that stores a thumbnail image and shooting information in the attached data is provided at the beginning of the header 102, and JFIF (JPEG File Inte
rchange Format) format files.

After the header 102, an SOS (Start Of Scan) marker 103 which is a marker indicating the start of image data is provided, and an image stream data 104 which is image data is provided after that.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the APP1 marker 102A of FIG. 3 and its attached data.

In FIG. 4, APP1 data 110 is attached to the APP1 marker 102A. The APP1 data 110 includes an APP1 data size 111 indicating the data size, an Exif header 112 that is an Exif identification code indicating that the APP1 data 110 is in the Exif format, and ancillary information of the image stream data 104.

The ancillary information of the image stream data 104 is composed of a TIFF format structure, and has two IFD (I
mage File Directory) (IFD0 and IFD1). Also, the TIFF header 11 is added at the beginning of the attached information.
3 is configured, and the offset value to IFD and the like are defined.

The TIFF header 113 is followed by IFD0 which is the first IFD data, and IFD0 is composed of IFD0 information 114 which is information such as a directory of data and IFD0 data area 115 in which the data is stored. It is configured. The IFD0 information 114 is configured with directory information 114A indicating information about a directory in the IFD0 data area and a link 114B indicating an offset value to the next IFD. In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 4, an offset value to IFD1 is recorded in the link 114B.

In the case of the Exif format, Exif Offs is included in IFD0.
It contains a special tag called et. At the address indicated by this offset value, Exi which is also IFD format data
f SubIFD is stored, and detailed information about the camera is recorded here. In the case of FIG. 4, the Exif SubIFD is the Exif SubIFD information 11 that is information such as a data directory.
6 and an Exif SubIFD data area 117 in which data is stored. The Exif SubIFD information 116 includes directory information 116A indicating information about the directory of the Exif SubIFD data area 117 and a link 116B indicating an offset value to the next IFD. However, since the Exif Sub IFD is not linked to other IFDs and becomes the final IFD, the closing price is set in the link 116B.

In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the Ex
Exif Interoperability Offset in if SubIFD
The special tag is included, which also stores the Interoperability IFD, which is IFD format data. Inte
In the roperability IFD, information about compatibility of image data is recorded. Interoperability IFD
Is the information such as data directory
lity IFD information 118, and In where data is stored
It is composed of a teroperability IFD data area 119. Interoperability IFD information 118
directory information 118A indicating information regarding the directory of the IFD data area 119, and the next IF
A link 118B indicating the offset value to D is configured. However, the Interoperability IFD is not linked to other IFDs and becomes the final IFD, so the final value is set in the link 118B.

Further, depending on the manufacturer and model of the digital camera, as shown in FIG. 4, makernote-dependent data called Makernote is also stored in the IFD format, and up to 6 IFDs may exist in one image file. It is possible. Makerno
te IFD is a Makern that is information such as data directory.
ote IFD information 120A and M that stores data
It is composed of an akernote IFD data area 121. The Makernote IFD information 120 includes directory information 120A indicating information about a directory in the Makernote IFD data area 121, and a link 120B indicating an offset value to the next IFD. However, Make
The rnote IFD is not linked to other IFDs and becomes the final IFD, so the closing price is set in the link 120B.

Following these data, IFD0 is followed by IFD
1 is configured. The IFD 1 records information related to thumbnail image data, and is configured by IFD 1 information 122 that is information such as a data directory, and an IFD 1 data area 123 that stores data. The IFD1 information 122 includes directory information 122A indicating information about a directory in the IFD0 data area,
And link 122B showing the offset value to the next IFD
Is configured. In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the final IF
Since it becomes D, the closing price is set in the link 122B.

Normally, IFD1 is followed by thumbnail image data 1
24 are configured. Thumbnail image data 124
Is recorded in JPEG format, TIFF RGB (Red Green Blue) format, or TIFF YCbCr format.

The image processing apparatus 1 acquires the Exif format image data (hereinafter referred to as Exif image data) configured as described above from an electronic still camera or the like, and the header 102
Can be analyzed, classified based on the contents, and stored in the storage unit 23. The user operates a GUI (Graphical User Interface) displayed on the display to acquire image data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of the top screen of the GUI displayed on the display.

In FIG. 5, the top screen 201 is a menu display field 211 in which the user can operate the input unit 21 and select a displayed menu to display a screen for selecting various functions. , A button column 212 that allows the user to directly operate various functions by operating the input unit 21 and selecting the displayed button, and the user operating the input unit 21 to display the thumbnail image display size. A pull-down menu field 213 capable of selectively determining various conditions such as a search section 214 operated by a user when searching image data, and a thumbnail image display section 2 displaying thumbnail images.
It is composed of 15.

In the button column 212, the user inputs the input section 21.
An image capture button 212A that can operate a function of reading image data from a digital camera or the like by operating and selecting is included. The user operates the image capture button 212A to operate the image capture function of the image processing apparatus 1. When the image capture button 212A is operated, the CPU 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 starts the image capture process.

The image capturing process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S1, the CPU 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 displays an image reading registration screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of an image reading registration screen displayed on the display.

In FIG. 7, the image reading registration screen 23
1 is a reading method selection field 232 in which the user can select the destination to read the Exif image data by operating the input unit 21, and the user can operate the input unit 21 to set the display of thumbnail images. A display setting field 233 that can be used, an automatic registration field 234 that allows an image to be automatically classified into a predetermined folder by the user operating and selecting the input unit 21, and a folder in which the user can register the image can be determined. Manual registration field 23
5, a thumbnail image display section 236 in which thumbnail images are displayed, and a registration method selection field 237 that allows the user to select a registration method or a registration destination by GUI when the user selects manual registration.

The automatic registration field 234 is entered by the user through the input unit 21.
The automatic registration check box 234 in which the automatic registration function can be selected by operating and checking
A. A classification information check box 23 in which the user can select to automatically register the Exif image data in the classification information table 71 by operating the input unit 21 to check it.
4B, an event information check box 234C that allows the user to select the Exif image data to be automatically registered in the event information table 72 by operating the input unit 21, and a button. The registration button 234D is used to execute automatic registration processing by operating.

Further, the manual registration column 235 is checked by the user operating the input unit 21 to select a manual registration function, and the user operates the input unit 21 to check the manual registration check box 235A. By doing so, the Exif image data is registered in the event information table 72 by a classification information check box 235B that allows the user to select to register the Exif image data in the event information table 72. Event information check box 235C that allows selection, a personal information check box 235D that allows the user to select the Exif image data to be registered in the personal information table 73 by operating the input unit 21, and classification information is designated. Folder to display the folders The user name display field 235E, the event name display field 235F that displays the event for which the event information is specified, the personal name display field 235G that displays the personal name for which the personal information is specified, and the user operates the input unit 21. Register button 235H to register the target Exif image data in the specified folder by operating the button
It is composed by.

In the folder name display column 235E, the event name display column 235F, or the personal name display column 235G of the manual registration column 235, in the registration method selection column 237,
The user operates the input unit 21 to select the selected folder name,
The event name or personal name is displayed, but the user operates the input unit 21 to display the folder name display field 2
35E, the event name display field 235F, or the personal name display field 235G can be directly input.

The registration method selection field 237 has a classification information registration tab 237A, an event information registration tab 237B, and a personal information registration tab 237C, and the user operates the input unit 21 to select these tabs. Accordingly, the registration method selection field 237 is a screen corresponding to the selected tab, and a detailed display field 2 for displaying the details of the information.
38 is displayed, and the user can register an image using the screen.

The user operates the input unit 21 to read the reading method selection field 232 of the image reading registration screen 231.
Select the read destination.

Returning to FIG. 6, the image reading registration screen 231.
In step S2, the CPU 11 that has displayed indicates whether the user has selected the image reading method by operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that the Exif image data is selected, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S3, acquires the Exif image data from the read destination designated by the user, and stores the Exif image data in the read image data storage area 61 of the storage unit 23.

Then, in step S4, the CPU 11 sets the thumbnail image data corresponding to the acquired Exif image data to the thumbnail image data storage area 6 of the storage unit 23.
Store in 2. CPU that stores thumbnail image data
11 displays the thumbnail image corresponding to the thumbnail image data stored in step S5 on the display of the output unit 22. Displayed a thumbnail image
The CPU 11 proceeds to step S6.

When it is determined in step S2 that the user has not operated the input unit 21 to select the read destination of the image data from the read method selection field 232 of the image read registration screen 231, the CPU 11 determines that Go to step S6.

In step S6, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the user has instructed the automatic registration of the displayed thumbnail image. When it is determined that the automatic registration is instructed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S7 and executes the automatic registration process. Details of the automatic registration process will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Finished the automatic registration process
The CPU 11 proceeds to step S10.

If it is determined in step S6 that the user has not instructed automatic registration, the CPU 1
In step 1, the process proceeds to step S8, and it is determined whether or not the user has instructed to register the displayed thumbnail image. When it is determined that the instruction is given, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S9 and executes the manual registration process. Details of the manual registration process will be described later with reference to the flowchart in FIG. The CPU 11, which has completed the manual registration process,
Go to step S10.

If it is determined in step S8 that the user has not instructed to register the thumbnail image displayed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the end is instructed by the user. When it is determined that the end is instructed, the CPU 11 ends the image capturing process. When the CPU 11 determines that the user has not instructed the end, the CPU 11 returns to step S1 and repeats the subsequent processing.

Details of the automatic registration process executed in step S7 of FIG. 6 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S31, the CPU 11
Determines whether or not the classification information is selected by the user operating the input unit 21 and checking the classification information check box 234B. When it is determined that the classification information is selected, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S32, and selects one of the unregistered thumbnail images displayed on the thumbnail image display unit 236 as the registration target image.

In step S33, the CPU 11 reads the header part of the target image data, which is the Exif image data corresponding to the registration target image, and analyzes the content of the header. Then, in step S34, the CPU 11 classifies the target image data into categories based on the analyzed contents of the header as described later, and in step S35, whether there is a category in which the registration target image can be registered or not. To judge. When it is determined that the category does not exist, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S36, creates a new category in which the registration target image can be registered under the designated category, as described later, and proceeds to step S37.

If it is determined in step S35 that there is a category in which the image to be registered can be registered,
The CPU 11 proceeds to step S37.

Of the information obtained by analyzing the header of the Exif image data, the information used for classification may be selected by the user by operating the input unit 21, or may be predetermined. It may be.

In step S37, the CPU 11 registers the image to be registered in the registrable category designated by the user or newly created.

The CPU 11 that has registered the registration target image proceeds to step S38, and determines whether all the thumbnail images displayed in the thumbnail image display section 236 have been registered. If there is an unregistered image and it is determined that all thumbnail images have not been registered, the CPU 11 executes step S
The procedure returns to 32 and the subsequent processing is repeated.

If it is determined that all the thumbnail images displayed on the thumbnail image display section 236 have been registered, the CP
U11 finishes the automatic registration process, and proceeds to step S1 in FIG.
Go to 0.

If it is determined in step S31 that the user has checked the event information check box and no classification information has been selected, the CPU 11
Advances to step S39, and one image to be registered is selected from the displayed unregistered thumbnail images.

The CPU 11, which has selected one image to be registered,
The header part of the target image data, which is the Exif image data corresponding to the registration target image, is read and the content of the header is analyzed.

The CPU 11 proceeds to step S40, refers to the date of the registration target image from the content of the analyzed header, creates a new event based on the date, and registers the registration target image.

The CPU 11 which has registered the images to be registered, proceeds to step S41, and determines whether or not all the thumbnail images displayed on the thumbnail image display section 236 have been registered. If there is an unregistered image and it is determined that all thumbnail images have not been registered, the CPU 11 executes step S
The process returns to 39 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

When it is determined that all the thumbnail images displayed on the thumbnail image display section 236 have been registered, the CP
U11 finishes the automatic registration process, and proceeds to step S1 in FIG.
Go to 0.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example in the category detailed display field 238 created in step S36 of FIG.

For example, when the information used for classification does not have a numerical value such as the manufacturer name and model name of the electronic still camera that created the Exif image data, the CPU 11 creates the Exif image data based on the text information. Create a category to classify.

In FIG. 9, the queen 251 is the category selected by the user. Below the queen 251, a maker name 252, which is a category indicating that the information is classified according to the maker name, is created. And
Under the maker name 252, categories N, 253, S, 254, and C, 255, which are categories of the respective makers, are created. Under the N company 253, A type 253A, B type 253B, and C type 253C, which are categories of the model name of the electronic still camera, are created.

For example, the manufacturer information recorded in the header 102 of the Exif image data is "N company" and the model name is "A".
Type ”, and when these pieces of information are used for classification, the registration target image is registered in the category A type 253A.

When the information used for classification has numerical values such as the shutter speed and aperture value when the Exif image data is created, the CPU 11 calculates the Exif image data based on those numerical values or the range thereof. Create a category to classify.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another display example in the category detailed display field 238 created in step S36 of FIG.

In FIG. 10, below the queen 251, a shutter speed 261 which is a category indicating that the information is classified according to the shutter speed information is created. Below the shutter speed 261, there are categories 1 / 30S261A, 1 / 60S261B, and 1/1 that indicate shutter speeds.
25S261C, 1 / 250S261D, 1 / 500S
261E, 1 / 1000S261F, and 1/200
0S261G has been created.

For example, when the shutter speed recorded in the header 102 of the Exif image data is "1 / 30S" and this information is used for classification, the registration target image is registered in the category 1 / 30S261A.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example in the event detailed display field 238 created in step S40 of FIG.

In FIG. 11, the detail display field 238 contains
The start date, end date, event name, and number of registered images of the created event are displayed.

The CPU 11 shows an event whose start date and end date are date information of the image to be registered as shown in FIG.
As shown in, a newly created image to be registered is registered in the created event.

Next, the details of the manual registration process executed in step S9 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The user selects an image to be registered from the thumbnail images displayed on the thumbnail image display section 236, and selects the registration method selection field 237 and the manual registration field 2.
At 35, the registration destination is determined. Then, the user operates the registration button 235H to register the registration target image in the registration destination.

First, in step S61, the CPU 1
1 determines whether or not a thumbnail image has been selected by the user as an image to be registered. If it is determined that it is selected, the process proceeds to step S62, and it is determined whether or not the registration destination of the registration target image is determined by the user. If it is determined that it has been determined, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S63 and registers the registration target image in the designated registration destination. The CPU 11 that has registered the registration target image ends the manual registration process, and proceeds to step S10 in FIG.

If it is determined in step S61 that the thumbnail image is not selected, the CPU 11
Ends the manual registration process, and proceeds to step S1 in FIG.
Go to 0.

If it is determined in step S62 that the registration destination has not been determined, the CPU 11 ends the manual registration process and proceeds to step S10 in FIG.

As described above, the image corresponding to the Exif image data acquired from the electronic still camera or the like can be classified and managed according to the category.

The user can retrieve and display the image registered as described above from the top screen 201 of FIG.

FIG. 13 shows a GUI displayed on the display.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another display example of the top screen of FIG.

On the top screen 201 of FIG. 13, the user has selected the event information tab 301. The search unit 214 is operated by a user, a search button 311 for starting an event search based on a search condition input by the user, a user operation for a registration button 312 for starting an image registration process, and a user operation. A change button 313 for changing the event information of the event selected by the user, a delete button 314 for deleting the event selected by the user, and a search condition column in which the user operates the input unit 21 to input the search condition. 321,
Also, a detailed display field 322 for displaying detailed information of the retrieved event is configured.

When the user inputs the search condition at a predetermined position in the search condition column 321 and operates the search button 311, the CP
U11 searches for events based on the search criteria,
The corresponding events are displayed in a list in the detail display field 322. Then, when the user selects a target event from the list of events displayed in the detail display field 322, the thumbnail image display unit 215 displays a thumbnail image of the image corresponding to the selected event. When the user selects a thumbnail image corresponding to the target image from the displayed thumbnail images, the target image is displayed.

In the above operation, when the user selects the event information tab 301 on the top screen 201, the event information tab processing is executed.

The event information tab processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S81, the CPU 11
Is displayed by the user's operation of the input unit 21.
It is determined whether or not an event is selected from the events displayed in 2. When it is determined that it has been selected, the CPU
In step S82, the thumbnail image display unit 215 displays the thumbnail images corresponding to the selected event.
To display. CPU11 which displayed the thumbnail image,
It proceeds to step S83.

If it is determined in step S81 that the user has not selected an event, the CPU
In step 11, the process proceeds to step S83.

In step S83, the CPU 11 causes the user to operate the input unit 21 to retrieve the search condition column 3
It is determined whether or not the search condition corresponding to the predetermined part of 21 is input and the search button 311 is operated. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S84, searches for an event that matches the search condition, and displays the corresponding event in the detailed display field 322 as a list. The CPU 11 that has displayed the event that is the search result proceeds to step S85.

If it is determined in step S83 that the user has not selected an event, the CPU
In step 11, the process proceeds to step S85.

In step S85, the CPU 11 causes the register button 3 to be operated by the user operating the input unit 21.
It is determined whether 12 has been operated. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S86 to execute the event information registration process. Details of the event information registration process will be described later with reference to the flowchart in FIG. When the event information registration process ends, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S87.

If it is determined in step S85 that the registration button 312 has not been operated by the user, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S87.

In step S87, the CPU 11 causes the user to operate the input unit 21 to display the detailed display field 3
It is determined whether or not an event is selected from the events displayed in 22 and the change button 313 is operated. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S88 and executes the event information changing process. Details of the event information change processing will be described later with reference to the flowchart in FIG. When the event information change process ends, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S89.

If it is determined in step S87 that the user has selected an event and the change button 313 has not been operated, the CPU 11 determines in step S89.
Proceed to.

In step S89, the CPU 11 causes the user to operate the input unit 21 to display the detailed display field 3
It is determined whether or not an event is selected from the events displayed in 22 and the delete button 314 is operated. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S90 and deletes the selected event. The CPU 11 that has deleted the event proceeds to step S91.

If it is determined in step S89 that the user has selected an event and the delete button 314 has not been operated, the CPU 11 determines in step S91.
Proceed to.

In step S91, the CPU 11 selects another tab or operates another function by operating the button displayed in the button column 212, and the CPU 11 displays the event information tab. It is determined whether the display is completed. When it is determined that the processing is completed, the CPU 11
Ends the event information tab processing. If it is determined that the processing has not ended, the CPU 11 returns to step S81 and repeats the subsequent processing.

Details of the event information registration process executed in step S86 of FIG. 14 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S101, the CPU 1
1 displays the event registration edit screen on the display of the output unit 22.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of the event registration edit screen displayed on the display.

In FIG. 16, the event registration edit screen 3
Reference numeral 41 denotes a detailed display field 351 for displaying detailed information of the event input by the user, an event list display field 352 for displaying a list of already registered events, and a thumbnail image for displaying thumbnail images registered in the event. Display column 353, user thumbnail image display column 3
An image size designation field 354 for selectively designating the image size of the thumbnail image displayed on 53, a clear button 355 for deleting all the information input by the user in the detailed display field 351 by the user, a user Is operated to change the event information of the selected event to the detailed information displayed in the detailed display field 351. A change button 356 that is operated by the user, and a delete button 357 that deletes the selected event by the user,
A registration button 358 for creating a new event having detailed information input by the user in the detailed display field 351 as event information by the user, and a close button for terminating the event registration edit screen by the user 359 and a calendar display field 360 for displaying the period of the event displayed in the detailed display field 351 in a calendar format.

Event registration edit screen 3 shown in FIG.
At 41, the user operates the input unit 21 to input the detailed information in the detailed display field 351, and operates the registration button 358 to create a new event. The user also inputs detailed information in the detailed display field 351 and
By selecting an event and operating the change button 356, the contents displayed in the detail display field 351 are reflected in the event information of the selected event. Further, the user deletes the event by selecting the event displayed in the event list display field 352 and operating the delete button 357.

When the user operates the input unit 21 to display a thumbnail image displayed on another screen in the thumbnail image display field 353, the event corresponding to the thumbnail image is selected. Be registered with.

Returning to FIG. 15, the CPU 11 displaying the event registration edit screen on the display proceeds to step S102, and determines whether or not the clear button 355 is operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S103, and deletes all the event information input at the predetermined position in the detailed display field 351. CP that deleted event information
The U11 proceeds to step S104.

If it is determined in step S102 that the clear button 355 has not been operated by the user, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S104.

In step S104, the CPU 11
It is determined whether the delete button 357 has been operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S105 and deletes the designated event. CPU11 which deleted the event,
It proceeds to step S106.

If it is determined in step S104 that the delete button 357 has not been operated by the user, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S106.

In step S106, the CPU 11
It is determined whether or not the registration button 358 has been operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S107, and newly creates an event with the event information input at the predetermined position of the detailed display field 351. CPU11 that created the event
Proceeds to step S108.

When it is determined in step S106 that the registration button 358 has not been operated by the user, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S108.

In step S108, the CPU 11
The user operates the input unit 21 to display, for example, thumbnail images displayed on other screens in the thumbnail image display field 35.
By displaying the image on the screen No. 3, it is determined whether or not the instruction to register the thumbnail image is given. When it is determined that the instruction is given, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S109 and registers the instructed thumbnail image in the designated event. The CPU 11 that has registered the thumbnail image has step S110.
Proceed to.

If it is determined in step S108 that the thumbnail image registration is not instructed, the CPU
In step 11, the process proceeds to step S110.

At step S110, the CPU 11
It is determined whether or not the close button 359 has been operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 closes the event registration edit screen 341 in step S111, ends the event information registration process, and proceeds to step S87 in FIG.

If it is determined in step S110 that the close button 359 has not been operated, the CPU
11 returns to step S102 and repeats the subsequent processing.

Details of the event information changing process executed in step S88 of FIG. 14 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S131, the CPU 1
01 is the event registration edit screen 341 shown in FIG.
Is displayed. CP displaying the event edit registration screen 341
The U11 advances to step S132, and makes it possible to change the event information of the event designated on the top screen 201 of FIG.

The CPU 11 at step S133
It is determined whether or not the clear button 355 is operated by the user operating the input unit 21. If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S134, and deletes all the event information input in the detailed display field 351. The CPU 11 that has deleted the event information proceeds to step S135.

If it is determined in step S133 that the clear button 355 has not been operated, the CPU
In step 11, the process proceeds to step S135.

In step S135, the CPU 11
It is determined whether or not the delete button 357 is operated by the user operating the input unit 21. If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S136 and deletes the designated event. CPU1 that deleted the event
In step 1, the process proceeds to step S137.

If it is determined in step S135 that the delete button 357 has not been operated, the CPU 1
In step 1, the process proceeds to step S137.

In step S137, the CPU 11
It is determined whether the change button 356 is operated by the user operating the input unit 21. If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S138, and changes the event information of the designated event to the event information input to the detailed display field 351. The CPU 11 that has changed the event information proceeds to step S139.

When it is determined in step S137 that the change button 356 has not been operated, the CPU 1
In step 1, the process proceeds to step S139.

In step S139, the CPU 11
The user operates the input unit 21 to display, for example, thumbnail images displayed on other screens in the thumbnail image display field 35.
By displaying the image on the screen No. 3, it is determined whether or not the instruction to register the thumbnail image is given. When it is determined that the instruction has been given, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S140 and registers the instructed thumbnail image in the designated event. The CPU 11 that has registered the thumbnail image has a step S141.
Proceed to.

If it is determined in step S139 that the thumbnail image registration is not instructed, the CPU
In step 11, the process proceeds to step S141.

In step S141, the CPU 11
It is determined whether or not the close button 359 has been operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that it has been operated, the CPU 11 closes the event registration edit screen 341 in step S142, ends the event information registration process, and proceeds to step S89 in FIG.

When it is determined in step S141 that the close button 359 has not been operated, the CPU
11 returns to step S133 and repeats the subsequent processing.

As described above, the user can access the storage unit 23.
It is possible to search the image data stored in the image by the event associated with the corresponding image and edit the information of the event.

Further, the user can search for an image on the top screen 201 based on the personal information associated with the image. The personal information is, for example, information of each user of the image processing apparatus 1. Further, the personal information is not limited to this, and may be, for example, information about the creator of the image data.

FIG. 18 shows a GUI displayed on the display.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing still another display example of the top screen of FIG.

In the top screen 201 of FIG. 18, the user has selected the personal information tab 401. The search unit 214 uses the search button 41 to start a personal search based on the search condition input by the user's operation.
1. A registration button 412 for starting the image registration process by the user's operation, a change button 413 for changing the personal information of the individual selected by the user's operation,
A delete button 414 for deleting the individual selected by the user, a search condition column 421 for the user to input search conditions by operating the input unit 21, and a detailed display for displaying detailed information of the searched individual. The column 422 is configured.

When the user inputs the search condition at a predetermined position in the search condition column 421 and operates the search button 411, the CP
The U11 searches for an individual based on the search condition, and displays the corresponding individual in a list in the detailed display field 422. Then, when the user selects a target event from the list of individuals displayed in the detailed display field 422, the thumbnail image display unit 215 displays thumbnail images of images corresponding to the selected individual. When the user selects a thumbnail image corresponding to the target image from the displayed thumbnail images, the target image is displayed.

In the above operation, when the user selects the personal information tab 401 on the top screen 201, the personal information tab processing is executed.

The personal information tab processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S151, the CPU 1
1 is a detailed display field 4 by the user operating the input unit 21.
It is determined whether an individual has been selected from the individuals displayed in 22. When it is determined that it has been selected, the CPU 11
Advances to step S152 to display the thumbnail image corresponding to the selected individual on the thumbnail image display unit 215. The CPU 11 that has displayed the thumbnail image proceeds to step S153.

If it is determined in step S151 that the individual has not been selected by the user, the CPU1
In step 1, the process proceeds to step S153.

In step S153, the CPU 11
By operating the input unit 21 by the user, it is determined whether or not the search condition corresponding to a predetermined portion of the search condition column 421 has been input and the search button 411 has been operated. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S154, searches for individuals matching the search conditions, and displays the corresponding individuals in a list in the detailed display field 422. The CPU 11 that has displayed the individual as the search result proceeds to step S155.

If it is determined in step S153 that the individual has not been selected by the user, the CPU 1
In step 1, the process proceeds to step S155.

In step S155, the CPU 11
It is determined whether or not the registration button 412 is operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that it has been operated, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S156 and executes personal information registration processing. Details of the personal information registration process will be described later with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 20 and 21. When the personal information registration process ends, the CPU 11
It proceeds to step S157.

If it is determined in step S155 that the registration button 412 has not been operated by the user, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S157.

In step S157, the CPU 11
When the user operates the input unit 21, an individual is selected from the individuals displayed in the detailed display field 422,
It is determined whether the change button 413 has been operated. When it is determined that it has been operated, the CPU 11 performs step S158.
Proceed to and execute the personal information change process. Details of the personal information changing process will be described later with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 23 and 24. When the personal information change process is completed, the CPU
In step 11, the process proceeds to step S159.

If it is determined in step S157 that the user has selected an individual and the change button 313 has not been operated, the CPU 11 determines in step S159.
Proceed to.

In step S159, the CPU 11
When the user operates the input unit 21, an individual is selected from the individuals displayed in the detailed display field 422,
It is determined whether the delete button 414 has been operated. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 performs step S160.
Go to and delete the selected individual. CP that deleted an individual
The U11 proceeds to step S161.

If it is determined in step S159 that the user has selected an individual and the delete button 414 has not been operated, the CPU 11 determines in step S161.
Proceed to.

In step S161, the CPU 11
It is determined whether or not the display of the personal information tab is completed by the user selecting another tab or operating another function by operating the button displayed in the button column 212. . When it is determined that the processing is completed, the CPU 11
Ends the personal information tab processing. If it is determined that the processing has not ended, the CPU 11 returns to step S151 and repeats the subsequent processing.

Details of the personal information registration process executed in step S156 of FIG. 19 will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

First, in step S171, the CPU 1
1 displays the personal registration edit screen on the display of the output unit 22.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a display example of the event registration edit screen displayed on the display.

In FIG. 22, an individual registration edit screen 441 is displayed.
A basic personal information column 451 for displaying basic information such as name and affiliation is formed in the upper left part of the. Below the basic personal information column 451, a contact column 452 for displaying an address, a telephone number, etc. is formed. Further, under the contact column 452, detailed information 1 column 453 that displays detailed information such as date of birth and company entry, detailed information 2 column 454 that displays detailed information such as main works, and personal specialty Detailed information 3 column 454 for displaying fields and the like is configured.

Below the detailed information 3 column 455, the image size designation column 456 for selectively designating the image size of the thumbnail image displayed in the thumbnail image display column 464 by the user is operated by the user. The previous button 457 for displaying the personal information registered one before, the next button 458 for displaying the personal information registered one behind by the user's operation, and the user operation by the user A clear button 459 that deletes all the input information, a change button 460 that changes the personal information of the selected individual to the displayed personal information when the user operates, and a change button 460 that the user operates A delete button 461 for deleting an individual is operated by the user to create a new individual having the input personal information. Record button 462 and a close button 463 to end the personal registration editing screen by the user operation is configured.

Further, on the right side of the personal registration editing screen 441, a thumbnail image display field 464 for displaying the thumbnail image corresponding to the displayed individual is formed.

Event registration edit screen 4 shown in FIG.
In 41, the user operates the input unit 21 to input information about an individual at a predetermined position in the basic personal information column 451 to the detailed information 3 column 455, and operates the registration button 462 to newly create an individual. To create. Further, the user rewrites the personal information displayed in the basic personal information column 451 to the detailed information 3 column 455, and a change button 460.
The personal information of the displayed individual is changed by operating. By operating the delete button 357,
Delete the displayed personal information.

When the user operates the input unit 21 to display a thumbnail image displayed on another screen in the thumbnail image display field 464, for example, an individual displaying the image corresponding to the thumbnail image is displayed. Be registered with.

Returning to FIG. 20, the CPU 11 which has displayed the personal registration edit screen 441 on the display, proceeds to step S172.
Then, it is determined whether or not the button 457 has been operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that the personal information has been operated, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S173 and sets the personal information registered immediately before to the personal registration edit screen 4
41 is displayed. The CPU 11 that has displayed the personal information proceeds to step S174.

When it is determined in step S172 that the button 457 has not been operated by the user, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S174.

In step S174, the CPU 11
When the user operates the input unit 21, the next button 4
It is determined whether 58 is operated. When it is determined that the personal information has been operated, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S175 to display the personal information registered one after on the personal registration edit screen 441. The CPU 11 that has displayed the personal information is in step S
Proceed to 176.

If it is determined in step S174 that the next button 458 has not been operated by the user, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S176.

In step S176, the CPU 11
It is determined whether the clear button 459 is operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S177, and deletes all the displayed personal information. The CPU 11 having deleted the personal information proceeds to step S178 of FIG.

If it is determined in step S176 that the clear button 459 has not been operated by the user, the CPU 11 causes the CPU 11 to operate in step S178 of FIG.
Proceed to.

In step S178 of FIG. 21, the CPU
11 determines whether the delete button 461 is operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S179, deletes the displayed individual, and displays the next individual. The CPU 11 having deleted the individual proceeds to step S180.

If it is determined in step S178 that the delete button 461 has not been operated by the user, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S180.

At step S180, the CPU 11
The user operates the input unit 21 to register the button 4
It is determined whether 62 has been operated. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S181, and creates a new individual with the input personal information. The CPU 11 that has created the individual proceeds to step S182.

If it is determined in step S180 that the registration button 462 has not been operated by the user, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S182.

In step S182, the CPU 11
By operating the input unit 21 by the user, for example, by displaying the thumbnail image displayed on another screen in the thumbnail image display field 464, it is determined whether or not the registration of the thumbnail image is instructed. When it is determined that the instruction is given, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S183,
Register the indicated thumbnail image to the displayed individual. The CPU 11 that has registered the thumbnail image proceeds to step S184.

If it is determined in step S182 that the thumbnail image registration is not instructed, the CPU
In step 11, the process proceeds to step S184.

In step S184, the CPU 11
It is determined whether or not the user operates the input unit 21 to operate the close button 463. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 closes the personal registration editing screen 441 in step S185, ends the personal information registration processing, and proceeds to step S157 in FIG.

If it is determined in step S184 that the close button 463 has not been operated, the CPU
11 returns to step S172 in FIG. 20 and repeats the subsequent processing.

Details of the personal information changing process executed in step S158 of FIG. 19 will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

First, in step S201, the CPU 1
1 is a personal registration edit screen 4 on the display of the output unit 22.
41 is displayed.

Having displayed the personal registration edit screen 441 on the display, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S202, and determines whether or not the button 457 has been operated forward by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that the personal information is operated, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S203 and displays the personal information registered immediately before on the personal registration edit screen 441. The CPU 11 that has displayed the personal information performs step S20.
Go to 4.

When it is determined in step S202 that the button 457 has not been operated by the user, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S204.

In step S204, the CPU 11
When the user operates the input unit 21, the next button 4
It is determined whether 58 is operated. When it is determined that the personal information is operated, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S205 and displays the personal information registered one after on the personal registration edit screen 441. The CPU 11 that has displayed the personal information is in step S
Proceed to 206.

If it is determined in step S204 that the next button 458 has not been operated by the user, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S206.

At step S206, the CPU 11
It is determined whether the clear button 459 is operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S207 and deletes all the displayed personal information. The CPU 11 that has deleted the personal information proceeds to step S208 of FIG.

If it is determined in step S206 that the clear button 459 has not been operated by the user, the CPU 11 causes the CPU 11 to execute step S208 in FIG.
Proceed to.

In step S208 of FIG. 24, the CPU
11 determines whether the delete button 461 is operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that it has been operated, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S209, deletes the displayed individual, and displays the next individual. The CPU 11 having deleted the individual proceeds to step S210.

When it is determined in step S208 that the delete button 461 has not been operated by the user, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S210.

In step S210, the CPU 11
When the user operates the input unit 21, the change button 4
It is determined whether 62 has been operated. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S211, changes the personal information to the displayed content, and registers it. The CPU 11 that has changed the personal information proceeds to step S212.

If it is determined in step S210 that the registration button 462 has not been operated by the user, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S212.

At step S212, the CPU 11
By operating the input unit 21 by the user, for example, by displaying the thumbnail image displayed on another screen in the thumbnail image display field 464, it is determined whether or not the registration of the thumbnail image is instructed. When it is determined that the instruction has been given, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S213,
Register the indicated thumbnail image to the displayed individual. The CPU 11 that has registered the thumbnail image proceeds to step S214.

If it is determined in step S212 that the thumbnail image registration is not instructed, the CPU
In step 11, the process proceeds to step S214.

At step S214, the CPU 11
It is determined whether or not the user operates the input unit 21 to operate the close button 463. If it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 closes the personal registration editing screen 441 in step S215, ends the personal information registration processing, and proceeds to step S159 in FIG.

If it is determined in step S214 that the close button 463 has not been operated, the CPU
11 returns to step S202 of FIG. 23 and repeats the subsequent processing.

As described above, the user can access the storage unit 23.
It is possible to search the image data stored in the personal computer by the personal information associated with the corresponding image and edit the personal information.

Further, the user can search for an image on the top screen 201 based on the information about the image.

FIG. 25 shows a GUI displayed on the display.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing still another display example of the top screen of FIG.

On the top screen 201 of FIG. 25, the user selects the image search tab 501. The search unit 214 has a search button 51 for starting a search for an image based on a search condition input by a user's operation.
1, a corresponding number display column 512 for displaying the number of images corresponding to the search condition, and a search condition column 513 for the user to input various search conditions.

Further, on the right side of the top screen, a thumbnail image display section 514 for displaying thumbnail images corresponding to the search condition is provided. Furthermore, the button column 212 is provided with an image information button 515 for displaying image information of the selected image.

The user can operate the input unit 21 to input image information as a search condition into each field of the search condition field 513 and operate the search button 511 to execute an image search.

In FIG. 25, search conditions 513 are file name, file update date / time, file size, image width, image height, image type, related file name, course name, work creation date / time, comment, shutter speed. , Aperture value, exposure program, date and time of data creation, brightness value, exposure correction value, photometric method, flash, lens focal length, and user comment can be input. The search condition that can be input by the user in the search condition 512 is not limited to the one described above, and any search condition may be used.

When the user selects the image search tab 501 on the top screen 201, image search tab processing is executed.

The image search tab processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

First, in step S231, the CPU 1
1 indicates that the user operates the input unit 21 to search button 511.
It is determined whether or not was operated. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S232, and searches the image information based on the search condition input by the user in the search condition field 513.

The CPU 11 at step S233
The number of images corresponding to the search condition input in the search condition column 513 by the user is displayed in the corresponding number display column 512.

Then, in step S234, the CPU
11 displays in the thumbnail image display field 514 the thumbnail image corresponding to the image corresponding to the search condition input by the user in the search condition field 513. The CPU 11 that has displayed the thumbnail image proceeds to step S235.

If it is determined in step S231 that the search button has not been operated by the user,
The CPU 11 proceeds to step S235.

In step S235, the CPU 11
It is determined whether or not the display of the image search tab is completed by the user selecting another tab or operating another function by operating the button displayed in the button column 212. To do. When it is determined that the processing is completed, the CPU 11
Ends the image search tab processing. When it is determined that the processing has not ended, the CPU 11 returns to step S231 and repeats the subsequent processing.

As described above, the user can access the storage unit 23.
The image data stored in can be searched by the information about the corresponding image.

[0211] In addition, the user selects the thumbnail image display field 51.
By selecting a thumbnail image from the thumbnail images displayed in No. 4 and operating the image information button 515 provided in the button column 212 of FIG. 25, the image information editing process is executed and the user is selected. The image information of the thumbnail image can be edited.

The image information editing process will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 27 and 28.

First, in step S251, the CPU1
1 displays an image information edit screen on the display of the output unit 22.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a display example of the image information edit screen displayed on the display.

In FIG. 29, the image information edit screen 601 is displayed.
At the top of the file information field 6 for displaying file information
11 is provided. Further, a work information column 612 for displaying work information is provided below that, and a shooting information column 613 for displaying shooting information is further provided below it.

Further, at the bottom of the image information edit screen 601, a detailed photographing information display button 614 that allows the user to refer to detailed photographing information by operating the personal information is displayed. The personal information display button 615 for displaying
A previous image button 616 for displaying image information corresponding to the image selected immediately before, a next image button 617 for displaying image information corresponding to the image selected one after, and an operation by the user By doing so, a change button 618 for changing the image information corresponding to the currently displayed image to the currently displayed content, a delete button 619 for deleting the displayed image information by the user's operation, A close button 620 for terminating the image information edit screen is configured by the user's operation.

In FIG. 29, the file information is composed of a file name, a file path name, a file update date and time, a file size, an image type, an image width and height, and a related file path name. The work information is composed of a creation date and time and a comment.

The photographing information is composed of a shutter speed, an aperture value, an exposure program, a generation date and time of original image data, a luminance value, an exposure correction value, a photometric method, a flash, a lens focal length, and a user comment.

The file information, the work information, and the shooting information are not limited to the contents described above, and may be anything.

Returning to FIG. 27, the CPU 11 which has displayed the image information edit screen 601, advances to step S252, and the user operates the input unit 21 to select the previous image button 61.
It is determined whether 6 has been operated. When it is determined that the image has been operated, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S253, and displays the image information of the image previously selected by the user on the image information edit screen 601. CPU11 which displayed the image information
Proceeds to step S254.

Further, in step S252, the user operates the input unit 21 to display the previous image button 61.
When it is determined that 6 has not been operated, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S254.

In step S254, the CPU 11
It is determined whether or not the next image button 617 is operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S255,
The image information of the image selected one by one by the user is displayed on the image information edit screen 601. Displayed image information
The CPU 11 proceeds to step S256.

Further, in step S254, the user operates the input unit 21 to input the next image button 61.
When it is determined that 6 has not been operated, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S256.

In step S256, the CPU 11
It is determined whether the user operates the input unit 21 to operate the detailed shooting information display button 614. When it is determined that it has been operated, the CPU 11 performs step S25.
7, the more detailed shooting information is displayed on the image information edit screen 6
01 is displayed. CP displaying more detailed shooting information
The U11 proceeds to step S258 in FIG.

In step S256, the CPU 1
If the CPU 1 determines that the user has not operated the detailed shooting information display button 614 by operating the input unit 21, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S258 of FIG.

In step S258 of FIG. 28, the CPU
11 determines whether or not the user operates the personal information display button 615 by operating the input unit 21.
When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 performs step S2.
Proceeding to 59, the personal information of the individual in which the image corresponding to the image information displayed on the image information edit screen 601 is registered is displayed on the display. Having displayed the personal information on the display, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S260.

In step S258, the CPU1
When the CPU 1 determines that the user has not operated the personal information display button 615 by operating the input unit 21, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S260.

The CPU 11 at step S260
It is determined whether the delete button 619 is operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S261, deletes the image information displayed on the display, and displays the next image information. Having displayed the next image information on the display, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S262.

When the CPU 11 determines in step S260 that the user has not operated the delete button 619 by operating the input unit 21, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S262.

In step S262, the CPU 11
It is determined whether the change button 618 is operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S263, changes the image information to the content displayed on the image information edit screen 601, and registers it. CPU11 which changed the image information,
It proceeds to step S264.

If the CPU 11 determines in step S262 that the change button 618 is not operated by the user operating the input unit 21, the CPU 11
In step 11, the process proceeds to step S264.

[0232] In step S264, the CPU 11
It is determined whether or not the close button 620 is operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S265,
The image editing screen is closed, and the image information editing process ends.

If the CPU 11 determines in step S264 that the close button 620 has not been operated by the user operating the input unit 21, the CP
The U11 proceeds to step S252 in FIG.

As described above, the user can display and edit the image information.

Further, the user can edit the category of the classification information. The user selects a menu from the menu display field 211 of the top screen 201 and executes the classification information editing process.

The classification information editing process will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 30 and 31.

First, the CPU 11 displays a classification information screen in step S271.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a display example of the classification information screen displayed on the display.

In FIG. 32, the upper part of the classification information screen 701 displayed on the display displays a screen for selecting various functions by the user operating the input unit 21 and selecting the displayed menu. A menu display column 711 that can be operated, a button column 712 that allows the user to directly operate various functions by operating the input unit 21 and selecting the displayed button, and the user can operate the input unit 21. The pull-down menu field 713 is configured so that various conditions such as the display size of the thumbnail image can be selectively determined by operation.

Below the pull-down menu column 713, a detailed information column 71 for displaying detailed information of the designated category.
4. Category column 715 for displaying categories in a tree form,
Thumbnail image display unit 716 that displays thumbnail images
Is configured.

Further, between the detailed information column 714 and the category column 715, a category creation button 721 for creating a category in the route, a subcategory creation button 722 for creating a category under the category designated by the user,
Delete category button 72 to delete the specified category
3. A category change button 724 for changing detailed information of the designated category is provided.

When the user selects a category displayed in the category column 715, detailed information of the category is displayed in the detailed information column 714, and the thumbnail image display column 71 is displayed.
At 6, thumbnail images corresponding to the images classified in that category are displayed.

Returning to FIG. 30, the classification information screen 70 described above is displayed.
The CPU 11 that has displayed 1 determines whether the category creation button 721 has been operated by the user operating the input unit 21 in step S272. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S273, and creates a new category immediately below the root of the tree-shaped category displayed in the category column 715. The CPU 11 that has created the category proceeds to step S274.

If it is determined in step S272 that the user has not operated the category creation button 721 by operating the input unit 21, the CPU 11
Advances to step S274.

In step S274, the CPU 11
It is determined whether or not the subcategory creation button 722 is operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 performs step S27.
Proceed to step 5 to create a new category under the category designated by the user. The CPU 11 that created the new category
It progresses to step S276 of FIG.

If it is determined in step S274 that the user has not operated the category creation button 721 by operating the input unit 21, the CPU 11
Proceeds to step S276 in FIG.

At step S276 in FIG. 31, the CPU
11 determines whether or not the category delete button 723 is operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 proceeds to step S277, and deletes the category designated by the user from the categories displayed in the category column 715.
In this case, the images registered in the deleted category are registered in the "unclassified" category. The CPU 11 having deleted the category proceeds to step S278.

Also, in step S276, the CPU 1
If the user determines that the category delete button 723 is not operated by the user operating the input unit 21, the process proceeds to step S278.

In step S278, the CPU 11
It is determined whether or not the category change button 724 is operated by the user operating the input unit 21. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, the CPU 11 advances to step S279, and changes the detailed information of the category designated by the user to the content displayed in the detailed information column 714. The CPU 11 that has changed the detailed information of the category proceeds to step S280.

If it is determined in step S278 that the category change button 724 is not operated by the user operating the input unit 21, the CPU 11
Proceeds to step S280.

The CPU 11 at step S280
It is determined whether or not the user operates the input unit 21 to instruct to register the thumbnail image. If the user operates the input unit 21 to display a thumbnail image displayed on another screen in the thumbnail image display field 716 of the classification information screen 701, it is determined that the user has been instructed to register the thumbnail image. The CPU 11 proceeds to step S281 and registers the thumbnail image in the category designated by the user among the categories displayed in the category column 715. The CPU 11 that has registered the category proceeds to step S282.

If it is determined in step S280 that the user has not instructed to register the thumbnail image by operating the input unit 21, the CPU 11 determines that
It proceeds to step S282.

In step S282, the CPU 11
It is determined whether or not the user has instructed to end by operating the input unit 21. When determining that the end is instructed, the CPU 11 ends the classification information editing process. When the CPU 11 determines that the termination is not instructed, the CPU 11 returns to step S272 and repeats the subsequent processing.

As described above, the user can create a category of classification information, register an image, and edit detailed information of a category.

As described above, image data acquired from another electronic still camera or the like can be classified and managed according to event information, personal information, classification information, etc., so that image data can be searched easily. become.

The present invention can also be realized in a system as shown in FIG.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing system to which the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 33, the terminal device 801 is connected via a network 802 to a server 803 which manages a database 804 in which image data is stored.

GUIs such as the top screen 201 and the image reading registration screen 231 described above are displayed on the display of the terminal device 801, and the user of the terminal device 801 is displayed.
Based on the GUI, the server 803 is requested to search and display image data via the network 802. Upon acquiring the request transmitted from the terminal device 801, the server 803 performs processing based on the request and transmits the processing result to the terminal device 801 via the network 802.

As described above, the image processing system operates, and the user can manage the image data stored in the database 804 from the terminal device 801.

In the above example, the terminal device 8
01, server 803, and database 804 are 1 each
The number is one by one, but the number is not limited to this.

When a series of processes is executed by software, a program that constitutes the software is installed in a computer in which dedicated hardware is installed, or various programs are installed to perform various functions. Is installed from a network or a recording medium into a general-purpose personal computer or the like capable of executing.

This recording medium, as shown in FIG. 1, is a magnetic disk 4 on which a program is recorded, which is distributed in order to provide the program to the user separately from the apparatus main body.
1 (including floppy disk), optical disk 42 (CD-R
OM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versa
tile disk)), magneto-optical disk 43 (MD (Mini
(Including -Disk)), or package media including semiconductor memory 44, etc.
A ROM 12 in which a program is recorded, which is provided to the user in a state of being incorporated in the apparatus body in advance, and a storage unit 2
3 is composed of a hard disk and the like.

In the present specification, the steps for describing the program recorded on the recording medium are not limited to the processing performed in time series according to the order described, but are not necessarily performed in time series. It also includes processing executed in parallel or individually.

In this specification, the system means
It represents the entire apparatus composed of a plurality of devices.

[0266]

As described above, according to the image processing apparatus and method, the recording medium, and the program of the present invention, the user can easily create a plurality of management information for managing the image data, and use the management information as the management information. Based on this, the image data can be easily searched.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an image processing apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing how the CPU 11 of FIG. 1 manages image data stored in a storage unit 23.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an Exif format file.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of APP1 marker 102A in FIG. 3 and its attached data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of a GUI top screen displayed on a display.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an image capturing process.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of an image reading registration screen displayed on a display.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating details of automatic registration processing executed in step S7 of FIG.

9 is a diagram showing a display example in a category detailed display field 238 created in step S36 of FIG.

10 is a diagram showing another display example in the category detailed display field 238 created in step S36 of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example in an event detail display field 238 created in step S40 of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating details of manual registration processing executed in step S9 of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another display example of the top screen of the GUI displayed on the display.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating event information tab processing.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating details of event information registration processing executed in step S86 of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example of an event registration edit screen displayed on the display.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating details of event information change processing executed in step S88 of FIG.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing still another display example of the top screen of the GUI displayed on the display.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a personal information tab process.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating details of personal information registration processing executed in step S156 of FIG.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating details of the personal information registration process executed in step S156 of FIG. 19, following FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a display example of an event registration edit screen displayed on the display.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating details of personal information change processing executed in step S158 of FIG.

24 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the personal information changing process executed in step S158 of FIG. 19, following FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing still another display example of the top screen of the GUI displayed on the display.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an image search tab process.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an image information editing process.

28 is a flowchart illustrating the image information editing process, following FIG. 27. FIG.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a display example of an image information edit screen displayed on the display.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating classification information editing processing.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating the classification information editing process, which is continued from FIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a display example of a classification information screen displayed on the display.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image processing system to which the present invention has been applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

11 CPU 23 Memory 24 Communication Department 61 Read image data storage area 62 Thumbnail image data storage area 63 Edited image data storage area 70 Management Information Area 71 Classification information table 72 Event information table 73 Personal Information Table

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06F 17/30 380 G06F 17/30 380F H04N 1/21 H04N 1/21 (72) Inventor Akiko Fujii Kanagawa Prefecture 2-3-3 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Nikon System Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoshinobu Kondo 2-3-3 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Yokohama-shi, Nikon System (72) Inventor Minako Mori Yokohama, Kanagawa Nishi-ku Minato Mirai 2-3-3 Nikon System F-term (reference) 5B050 BA10 CA05 CA06 CA07 FA19 GA08 5B075 ND06 ND34 NK10 NR02 NR12 NS10 UU40 5C073 AB01 AB07 AB11 AB17

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus for editing an image, comprising: acquisition means for acquiring image data corresponding to the image from another information processing apparatus; and storage means for storing the image data acquired by the acquisition means. Creating means for creating a plurality of management information for managing the image data stored by the storage means, and searching means for searching the image data based on the plurality of management information created by the creating means An image processing apparatus comprising: 2. The plurality of management information is management information that classifies and manages the image data according to related information added to the image data, and manages the image data based on information about an event related to the image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus includes personal information for managing the image data based on event information to be set and information about a user of the image processing apparatus. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the classification information manages the image data in a tree structure for each category. 4. The search means, when searching based on the classification information, searches the image data by using the related information added to the image data as a search condition, and searches based on the event information. In this case, the image data corresponding to each event related to the image data is searched, and when the search is performed based on the personal information, the image data corresponding to each user of the image processing apparatus is searched. The image processing device according to claim 2 or 3. 5. The image according to claim 4, wherein the search means accepts a request from a user to search for the image data on the same GUI screen regardless of which management information is used. Processing equipment. 6. An image processing method for an image processing apparatus for editing an image, comprising: an acquisition control step of controlling acquisition of image data corresponding to the image from another information processing apparatus; and an acquisition control step. A storage control step of controlling the storage of the image data controlled, a creation step of creating a plurality of management information for managing the storage-controlled image data by the processing of the storage control step; And a search step of searching the image data based on the plurality of pieces of management information created by the processing. 7. A program for a computer controlling an image processing apparatus for editing an image, the acquisition control step controlling acquisition of image data corresponding to the image from another information processing apparatus, and the acquisition control step. A storage control step of controlling storage of the image data whose acquisition is controlled by the processing of, and a creation step of creating a plurality of management information for managing the image data of which storage is controlled by the processing of the storage control step, And a search step of searching the image data based on the plurality of pieces of management information created by the process of the creating step. 8. An acquisition control step of controlling acquisition of image data corresponding to the image from another information processing apparatus by a computer controlling an image processing apparatus for editing an image, and acquisition by the processing of the acquisition control step. A storage control step of controlling the storage of the image data controlled, a creation step of creating a plurality of management information for managing the storage-controlled image data by the processing of the storage control step; A program for executing a search step of searching the image data based on the plurality of management information created by processing.