JP2004254176A - Digital camera, file transfer system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method of preventing an album file from being lost from a digital camera by mistake. <P>SOLUTION: The digital camera moves the album file from a recording medium (memory card or the like) being a transfer source to a file storage device (hard disk of a computer or the like) being a transfer destination to transfer the album file. The file name of the album file includes a serial number for identification. In this case, the maximum serial number of the album film stored in the recording medium of the digital camera is acquired and stored into a ROM of the digital camera (step SP 322). The digital camera determines a number resulting from incrementing the maximum serial number by one as a serial number of an album file to be created next. Further, in the menu of the digital camera, a transfer instruction for transferring a photographing file is accepted while leaving the album file. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a file transfer technique between a digital camera and a file storage device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a digital camera, a captured image is recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card. However, since there is an upper limit to the number of captured images that can be stored in the recording medium, normally, after the appropriate number of captured images are stored in the recording medium, the data of the captured images is transferred from the memory card to the personal computer (PC). (Hereinafter, also referred to as a personal computer) to secure the free space of the recording medium.
[0003]
However, since the image data moved to a personal computer or the like does not remain in the digital camera, the moved image cannot be viewed with the digital camera even if the user likes the image.
[0004]
As a technique for solving such a problem, there is a technique of storing a favorite image in a built-in memory of a digital camera (specifically, a digital camera EX-S2 / EX-M2 manufactured by Casio Computer Co., Ltd.). . In this digital camera, an image favorited by the user among the captured images can be copied to create an image for registration (also referred to as a favorite image or an album image) and stored separately from the captured image ( See Non-Patent Document 1 below).
[0005]
According to this, even after the captured image is moved to a personal computer or the like, the favorite image remains in the internal memory of the digital camera, so that the user can view the favorite image using the digital camera. Can be.
[0006]
Further, such an album file can be moved from a digital camera to a computer or the like by manual operation. Specifically, in a state where the digital camera is connected to the computer, the recording medium of the digital camera is recognized as one storage (storage device) by the computer, and is stored in a predetermined folder in the recording medium. The operator manually designates the photographed image or the like and moves it to another folder in the computer.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described related art, an album image or the like may be deleted from the digital camera due to an erroneous operation or the like.
[0008]
Specifically, there are situations where it is not possible to accurately determine whether an image is an album image or a photographed image just by looking at the image. In particular, it is recognized that the operator can determine whether the image is an album image or a photographed image by the storage folder of the image (for example, by whether the storage folder is an album folder). If not, you may fall into such a situation. In such a situation, if an album image that should be kept in the digital camera is accidentally moved by manual operation, the album image will be lost from the digital camera.
[0009]
In the above digital camera, a file name including a serial number for identification is given to each album image. Then, for example, when all the album images are once deleted by movement from the digital camera or the like, the serial number of the album image is reset. Therefore, when a new album image is created again in the digital camera, the file name of the same serial number as that of the old album image is given to the new album image. In such a case, if the new album image (for example, the album image with the serial number of 1) is further moved to the destination folder of the old album image, the old album image is overwritten by the new album image. Will be. That is, the old album image is lost by this overwriting operation.
[0010]
Such a problem exists regarding the transfer of an album image.
[0011]
In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for preventing an album file from being accidentally lost from a digital camera.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is an album file created based on a data file instructed to register an album and stored in a folder different from the data file. Obtaining a maximum serial number of the album file stored in the recording medium of the digital camera in a state where a file name having the serial number is attached, a procedure of storing the maximum serial number, A program for executing a procedure of transferring the album file by moving the album file from a recording medium to a transfer destination file storage device, and a procedure of notifying the digital camera of the maximum serial number. There is a feature.
[0013]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an album file created on the basis of a data file instructed to register an album in a computer and stored in a folder different from the data file, and stored in a recording medium of the digital camera. Receiving a first transfer instruction, moving a data file stored in the recording medium from the recording medium of the transfer source to the file storage device of the transfer destination while leaving the album file in the storage medium In response to the first transfer instruction, the data file stored in the recording medium is stored in the file storage device while the album file stored in the recording medium is left in the recording medium. And a program for executing the procedure.
[0014]
The invention according to claim 3 is a digital camera, wherein the album file is created based on the data file for which the album registration instruction has been issued and stored in a folder different from the data file, and has an identification serial number. Means for obtaining the maximum serial number of the album file stored in the recording medium of the digital camera in a state where the file name is assigned, means for storing the maximum serial number, and transfer from the recording medium of the transfer source Means for transferring the album file by moving the album file to a previous file storage device, and assigning a serial number larger than the maximum serial number to an album file newly created after the transfer. Means.
[0015]
The invention of claim 4 is a digital camera, wherein the album file is created based on the data file for which the album registration instruction has been issued and stored in a folder different from the data file, and is stored in the recording medium of the digital camera. Moving the data file stored in the recording medium from the recording medium of the transfer source to the file storage device of the transfer destination while leaving the album file stored in the storage medium in the recording medium; Means for receiving an instruction, and in response to the first transfer instruction, the data file stored in the recording medium is stored in the recording medium while the album file stored in the recording medium is left in the recording medium. Means for moving to a file storage device.
[0016]
The invention according to claim 5 is a file transfer system for performing file transfer between a digital camera and a file storage device, wherein the file is created based on a data file for which an album registration instruction has been issued and is stored in a folder different from the data file. The data file stored in the recording medium is transferred from the recording medium of the transfer source while the album file stored in the recording medium of the digital camera is left in the recording medium. Means for receiving a first transfer instruction, which moves to a file storage device at the transfer destination; and, in response to the first transfer instruction, an album file stored in the recording medium is left on the recording medium. Means for moving a data file stored in the recording medium to the file storage device. Characterized in that it obtain.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
<Configuration Overview>
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are views showing an external configuration of a digital camera 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view seen from the front side, and FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view seen from the back side.
[0019]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the digital camera 1 has a thin, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 1, a digital camera 1 includes a photographing lens 2, an optical finder 4, and a flash 6 on the front side thereof, and a power button 3, a shutter button (release button) 9, a microphone 12 And As shown in FIG. 2, the digital camera 1 has a liquid crystal display (hereinafter, referred to as an LCD) 5, a group of buttons 7, 8, a quick review button (hereinafter, also referred to as a QV button) 11, and a speaker on the back side thereof. 13 is provided. The button group 7 has cross cursor buttons (or cursor keys) 7a to 7d, and the button group 8 has an execute button 8a, a menu button 8b, a flash mode button 8c, and a liquid crystal monitor button 8d. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the digital camera 1 includes a lid 14, a DC input terminal 15, a USB terminal 16, and an AV output terminal 17 on its side surface.
[0021]
As will be described later, the digital camera 1 acquires image data on the subject by, for example, photoelectrically converting the subject image from the photographing lens 2 by a CCD (imaging device) 20 (FIG. 3).
[0022]
The power button 3 is used to receive a power-on operation and a power-off operation. Specifically, every time the power button 3 is pressed, the transition to the on state and the transition to the off state are alternately repeated.
[0023]
The shutter button 9 is a two-step push switch that can detect a half-pressed state (hereinafter also referred to as state S1) and a fully-pressed state (hereinafter also referred to as state S2) by a user (operator). The automatic focusing control is started in the pressed state S1, and the main photographing operation for photographing a recording image is started in the fully pressed state S2.
[0024]
The LCD 5 performs a preview display (also referred to as a live view display) before the actual photographing operation, a reproduction display of a recorded image, and the like. The LCD 5 has a predetermined number (320 × 240 in this case) of display pixels, and can display a color image.
[0025]
The operator can perceive the position, size, and the like of the subject in the captured image by the live view display on the LCD 5, and can perform the framing operation. The framing operation can be performed using only the optical viewfinder 4 without using the LCD 5.
[0026]
The QV button 11 has a function of switching among a plurality of operation modes of the digital camera 1, specifically, a shooting mode, a playback mode, and an album playback mode (described later). As described later, in principle, each time the QV button 11 is pressed, these three modes are sequentially and cyclically (cyclically) selected. As will be described later, the display image on the LCD 5 is also switched in accordance with the change of the operation mode, so that the QV button 11 can be expressed as a switching button for switching the display image on the LCD 5.
[0027]
The menu button 8b has a function of switching between display and non-display of the menu on the LCD 5. For example, each time the menu button 8b is pressed on the initial screen of each operation mode, a menu screen and a non-menu screen (display screen of a live view or a reproduced image) are alternately displayed on the LCD 5. The display cursor on the menu screen displayed on the LCD 5 can be moved in four directions using the cross cursor buttons 7a to 7d. Further, by pressing the execution button 8a while a desired option is selected, a setting operation or the like corresponding to the option is executed. Through such operations, it is possible to set various shooting parameters, register an album (described later), and the like.
[0028]
The flash mode button 8c is a button for determining the mode of the flash 6. Each time the flash mode button 8c is pressed, the flash mode switches in the order of automatic light emission, forced light emission, and light emission inhibition.
[0029]
The liquid crystal monitor button 8d is a button for switching display / non-display of the liquid crystal monitor. Each time the liquid crystal monitor button 8d is pressed, a state where an image or the like is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor (display state) and a state where it is not displayed (non-display state) are alternately switched. The power consumption can be reduced if the display is not displayed.
[0030]
The microphone 12 is used to acquire (record) audio data at the time of moving image shooting, voice memo, voice recording, and after-recording (after-recording).
[0031]
The speaker 13 has a function of outputting sound, and is used when reproducing sound data or image data with sound (still image, moving image) or the like.
[0032]
Further, the lid 14 is provided at a portion that covers the battery chamber and the memory card mounting portion. In other words, a battery chamber for accommodating the power supply battery BT and a memory card mounting portion for mounting a memory card as a removable recording medium (portable recording medium) are provided inside the lid 14. The power supply battery BT and the memory card 90 are detachably mounted to the battery compartment and the memory card mounting portion, respectively. Image data obtained by the main shooting, album image data to be described later, and the like are recorded on the memory card 90 set in the insertion mounting section. Further, the digital camera 1 can receive power supply from the power supply battery BT, or can receive power supply from an AC adapter (not shown) or the like using the DC input terminal 15.
[0033]
The USB terminal 16 is a terminal for performing data communication with a personal computer (also abbreviated as a personal computer) or the like. By connecting a USB cable or the like to the USB terminal 16, data communication with an external device (a personal computer or the like) can be performed.
[0034]
The AV output terminal 17 is a terminal for connecting to an external audiovisual device (AV device) such as a television. By connecting a predetermined AV code to the AV output terminal 17 and an input terminal of the external audiovisual device, images and / or sounds can be output to the external audiovisual device.
[0035]
Next, the internal configuration of the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal functions of the digital camera 1.
[0036]
The CCD (imaging device) 20 functions as an imaging unit that captures a subject image and generates an electronic image signal. The CCD 20 has, for example, 1600 × 1200 pixels, and is formed by the imaging lens 2. Is converted into an image signal of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) color components for each pixel (a signal composed of a signal sequence of pixel signals received by each pixel) and output. I do.
[0037]
An image signal obtained from the CCD 20 is supplied to an analog signal processing circuit 21, and the analog signal processing circuit 21 performs predetermined analog signal processing on the image signal (analog signal). The analog signal processing circuit 21 has a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS) and an automatic gain control circuit (AGC). The analog signal processing circuit 21 performs image signal noise reduction processing using the correlated double sampling circuit, and performs gain control using the automatic gain control circuit. Is adjusted to adjust the level of the image signal.
[0038]
The A / D converter 22 converts each pixel signal of the image signal into a 12-bit digital signal. The converted digital signal is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 54 in the RAM 50a as image data. After the image data stored in the buffer memory 54 is subjected to WB (white balance) processing, γ correction processing, color correction processing, and the like by the image processing unit 51 described below, the compression / decompression unit The compression processing by 52 is performed.
[0039]
The audio signal obtained from the microphone 12 is provided to the analog signal processing circuit 21 and then transferred to the A / D converter 22. The A / D converter 22 converts the transferred audio signal from an analog signal to a digital signal. The converted digital signal is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 54 as audio data. Then, various processes are performed by the audio processing unit 53 on the audio data stored in the buffer memory 54.
[0040]
The operation unit 30 is an operation unit including the power button 3, the button groups 7 and 8, the shutter button 9, the QV button 11, and the like, and is used when a user changes a setting state of the digital camera 1 or performs a shooting operation. Used occasionally.
[0041]
The power supply 40 is a power supply source for the digital camera 1. The digital camera 1 is driven using a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery as a power supply battery BT.
[0042]
The overall control unit 50 is configured by a microcomputer including a RAM 50a and a ROM 50b therein, and functions as a control unit that controls the above-described units as a whole by the microcomputer executing a predetermined program. The overall control unit 50 also controls, for example, a live view display process and a recording process on a memory card. Note that the RAM 50a is a semiconductor memory (for example, DRAM) that can be accessed at high speed, and the ROM 50b is configured as a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (for example, flash ROM) that can electrically rewrite data. A part of the area in the RAM 50a functions as a buffer area for temporary storage. Here, this buffer area is referred to as a buffer memory 54. The buffer memory 54 temporarily stores image data and audio data.
[0043]
The overall control unit 50 has an image processing unit 51, a compression / decompression unit 52, and an audio processing unit 53. Each of these processing units 51, 52, 53 is a functional unit realized by the microcomputer executing a predetermined program.
[0044]
The image processing unit 51 is a processing unit that performs various digital image processing such as WB processing and γ correction processing. The WB process is a process of performing level conversion of each of the R, G, and B color components to adjust the color balance, and the γ correction process is a process of correcting the gradation of pixel data. The compression / expansion unit 52 is a processing unit that performs compression processing and expansion processing of image data. As a compression method, for example, a JPEG method is employed. The audio processing unit 53 is a processing unit that performs various digital processes on audio data.
[0045]
A card interface (card I / F) 60 is an interface for writing and reading image data to and from the memory card 90 mounted on the insertion mounting portion on the side of the digital camera 1.
[0046]
When reading / writing image data from / to the memory card 90, the compression / expansion unit 52 performs a compression process or an expansion process on the image data by, for example, the JPEG method, and transfers the image data between the buffer memory 54 and the memory card 90 via the card interface 60. Sent and received between Also, when reading and writing audio data, the audio data is transmitted and received between the buffer memory 54 and the memory card 90 via the card interface 60.
[0047]
Further, using the card interface 60, the digital camera 1 can not only transmit and receive data such as images and voices, but also fetch programs that operate on the digital camera 1. For example, the control program recorded on the memory card 90 can be loaded into the RAM 50a or the ROM 50b of the overall control unit 50. This makes it possible to update the control program.
[0048]
In addition, various data such as images and sounds, control programs, and the like can be transmitted and received by communication with an external device (such as an external computer) via the USB terminal 16 or the like. For example, various data and programs recorded on a recording medium (CD-R / RW, CD-ROM, etc.) set in a reading device (optical drive device, etc.) of an external computer are obtained via the USB terminal 16. It is possible to do.
[0049]
<Shooting image and album image>
Next, the photographed image and the album image will be described.
[0050]
FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing a folder configuration in the memory card 90. As shown in FIG. 4, a file of a captured image is created and recorded according to a DCF (Design rule for Camera File system) format. Here, each captured image file is stored in the folder “100MLT09”. The folder “100MLT09” is a folder created under the folder “DCIM”, and the folder “DCIM” is a folder created under the root folder. Hereinafter, this folder “100MLT09” is also referred to as a “photographed image folder” (or “recording folder”).
[0051]
The name of each captured image file is composed of the first eight characters (Pict0005), followed by a period (.), And a three-character extension (jpg), such as "Pict0005.jpg". Of the first eight characters, the first four alphabets indicate the type (to be a photographed file such as a photographed image (to be described later)), and the last four numbers are consecutive in the order in which the photographed image (photographed file) was created. Serial number.
[0052]
Therefore, by repeating the photographing operation by the digital camera 1, “Pict0001.jpg”, “Pict0002jpg”, “Pict0003.jpg”, “Pict0004.jpg”, “Pict0005.jpg”, “Pict0005.jpg” are stored in the memory card 90. ". . . Are created and stored in this order.
[0053]
By the way, in the digital camera 1, an image that the operator likes among the captured images can be registered separately from the captured images. In this specification, such a function is referred to as an “album registration” function, and an image newly created corresponding to an original file such as a photographed image file by the album registration is referred to as an “album image”. Shall be referred to as Each album image is stored as a separate image from the captured image in a folder different from the captured image (specifically, the folder “ALBUM”). A folder for storing album images (hereinafter, also referred to as “album folder”) “ALBUM” is a folder created under the root folder.
[0054]
The file name of each album image is given based on the same rule as that of the photographed image. However, among the first eight characters of the file name, the first four alphabets (Albm) represent the type (being registered in the album), and the last four numbers are in the order of creation of the album images and the like. It is a serial number given continuously.
[0055]
As shown in FIG. 4, for example, when the operator registers a file named “Pict0006jpg” as a favorite image in an album, a file (album image file) of an album image named “Albm0003.jpg” is generated. Here, since it is assumed that the third album image is generated, the serial number of the generated album image file is “0003”.
[0056]
The album folder has a file (hereinafter, also referred to as an “album information file”) in which basic information on a plurality of files registered in the album is recorded, in addition to the album image file and the like. This album information file is shown as a file named "Album.inf" in FIG. 4, and has a configuration as shown in FIG. The contents of the album information file will be described later.
[0057]
According to such an album registration function, the operator can register a favorite image among the captured images as an album image.
[0058]
Since the album image is handled separately from the photographed image, even after the photographed image is moved to an external device such as a personal computer and deleted from the memory card 90, the image registered in the album is stored in the memory card 90. Will remain. Therefore, even after the photographed image is deleted from the memory card 90, the operator can read the favorite image registered in the album from the memory card 90 and display it on the LCD 5. That is, it can be easily viewed. In particular, since the capacity of the memory card 90 is larger than that of the built-in memory, more images can be stored than when album images are stored in the built-in memory.
[0059]
Printing can also be performed using the album image remaining in the memory card 90. According to this, a favorite image can be easily printed. In particular, if the memory card 90 is directly inserted into a printer that supports direct printing and direct printing is performed, a favorite image can be printed very easily.
[0060]
FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing the configuration of each file. FIG. 5 shows the configuration of the captured image file, but the album image file also has the same configuration.
[0061]
As shown in FIG. 5, each captured image file is created as a file in a predetermined format (here, Exif format). More specifically, the file of each captured image includes tag information TG, high-resolution image data (here, an image signal of 1600 × 1200 pixels) DP compressed in JPEG format, and image data for thumbnail display (here, 1600 × 1200 pixels). Here, an image signal of 80 × 60 pixels) DM is provided. Among these, the tag information TG includes information such as “file name”, “shooting date and time”, “serial number of the camera used for shooting”, “related audio file”, and “presence or absence of album registration”. Have been.
[0062]
Each album image file is also created as a file in a similar format (here, Exif format). Similarly, each album image file has tag information TG, high-resolution image data DP compressed in the JPEG format, and image data DM for thumbnail display. However, in order to reduce the amount of data, it is assumed that data converted to an image signal having a lower resolution than the resolution of the captured image is stored as the high-resolution image data DP. Specifically, the image data DP of the album image is temporarily expanded by the compression / expansion unit 52 by compressing / decompressing the image data DP of the captured image of 1600 × 1200 pixels stored in the memory card 90 in a compressed state. After being converted to a size of 640 × 480 pixels by resolution conversion processing by the image processing unit 51 or the like, the image data is further recompressed by the compression / expansion unit 52 in the JPEG format. In the tag information TG of the photographed image file exemplified above, “whether or not an album is registered” is unnecessary, but “photographing date and time”, “serial number of camera used for photographing”, and “related audio Information such as "file" is carried over as it is as tag information TG of the album image file.
[0063]
Each file has its attribute AT defined. Specifically, one of the four attributes of “read-only attribute (R)”, “archive attribute (A)”, “system file attribute (S)”, and “hidden file attribute (H)” is assigned to each file. Is determined for Usually, one of the “archive attribute (A)” and the “read-only attribute (R)” is given to the captured image. A read operation and a write operation are both permitted for a file to which the “archive attribute” is given, but only a read operation is permitted to a file to which the “read-only attribute” is given, Write operation is prohibited.
[0064]
The “archive attribute (A)” is assigned to the captured image file at the time of capturing. On the other hand, a “read-only attribute (R)” is assigned to the album image file at the time of registration. As described above, since the “read-only attribute (R)” is initially assigned to the album image file, it is possible to prevent an important album image registered as a favorite image from being deleted by mistake. be able to.
[0065]
The digital camera 1 can not only capture a still image, but also capture a moving image, record a sound, and the like. In this specification, a data file obtained by such a photographing operation or the like is generically referred to as a “photograph file (or recording file)”. The shooting file is also expressed as a file containing image data and / or audio data.
[0066]
Also, the object of album registration is not limited to still images, and photographed files such as moving images and sounds are also objects of album registration. In this specification, a file newly created and registered in an album corresponding to a photographed file is referred to as an “album registration file (or album registration object)” or simply an “album file”. The album file is created based on the photographing file (data file) of the registration source under the control of the overall control unit 50, and is stored in a folder different from the photographing file of the registration source.
[0067]
Hereinafter, an album registration operation and the like of an image (especially a still image) will be described.
[0068]
<Outline of state transition in digital camera>
FIG. 7 is a state transition diagram of the digital camera 1, mainly showing a display state of the LCD 5. The display screen on the LCD 5 is shown in the rounded square in FIG. Before describing the details of the album registration operation, an outline of the state transition in the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0069]
First, when the power is turned on in response to the pressing of the power button 3, the digital camera 1 shifts to the state ST10. In the state ST10, the digital camera 1 is set to the “shooting mode”, and a live view image, which is a preview image for shooting, is displayed on the LCD 5. “Shooting mode” is a mode for shooting or recording an image (moving image, still image) or sound.
[0070]
In addition, as described above, the digital camera 1 has a “playback mode” and an “album playback mode” in addition to the “shooting mode”. The “playback mode” is a mode for playing back a file of a captured image (and a recorded sound or the like), and the “album playback mode” is a mode for playing back an album file.
[0071]
The QV button 11 is used for switching between these modes. In principle, each time the QV button 11 is pressed, the digital camera 1 sequentially and cyclically (cyclically) shifts to the three modes. However, in exceptional cases, when the photographed file does not exist in the memory card 90, the mode does not shift to the “playback mode”, and when the album file does not exist in the memory card 90, the mode does not shift to the “album mode”.
[0072]
Hereinafter, the mode switching will be described in more detail.
[0073]
If the QV button 11 is pressed once in the state ST10, it is determined whether or not the photographed file is stored (stored) in the memory card 90 (state ST41).
[0074]
If at least one photographing file is recorded in the memory card 90, the process proceeds to state ST20. The state ST20 is a state in which the digital camera 1 is set to the “playback mode” and a playback image such as a captured image is displayed on the LCD 5. When the state is shifted to the state ST20, a reproduced image related to the most recently photographed image or the like is displayed on the LCD 5 first. Also, each time the left or right key 7c or 7d is pressed, the file to be displayed on the LCD 5 is sequentially changed to the front or rear in the shooting order.
[0075]
On the other hand, when no photographing file is recorded in the memory card 90, the process shifts to the state ST42.
[0076]
Also, when the QV button 11 is pressed again in the state ST20, the process shifts to the state ST42.
[0077]
In state ST42, it is determined whether or not an album file is stored (saved) in memory card 90.
[0078]
If at least one album file has been recorded in the memory card 90, the process proceeds to state ST30. The state ST30 is a state where the digital camera 1 is set to the “album reproduction mode” and an album image is displayed on the LCD 5. Upon transition to the state ST30, first, an album image related to the most recently registered album file is displayed on the LCD 5. Each time the left or right key 7c or 7d is pressed, the file to be displayed on the LCD 5 is sequentially changed to the front or rear in the registration order.
[0079]
On the other hand, if no album file has been recorded in the memory card 90, the process proceeds to the state ST43, and it is determined whether or not no photograph file has been recorded in the memory card 90. Then, when it is determined that neither the photographed file nor the album file is recorded in the memory card 90, the process shifts to the state ST44, and displays "No image on the memory card" and returns to the state ST10. When it is determined that the photographed file is recorded in the memory card 90, the process returns to the state ST10 without shifting to the state ST41.
[0080]
Also, when the QV button 11 is pressed again in the state ST30, the process returns to the state ST10.
[0081]
According to the above operation, when both the photographing file and the album file are recorded in the memory card 90, each time the QV button 11 is pressed, these three modes (“photographing mode”, “reproduction mode” , “Album reproduction mode”) are sequentially and cyclically (cyclically) selected. Then, in response to the pressing of the QV button 11, the display image is changed between the live view image in the shooting mode, the playback image related to the data file in the playback mode, and the album image related to the album file in the album playback mode. Therefore, since the album image and the like can be displayed only by pressing the button, the album image can be easily browsed.
[0082]
When the photograph file is recorded in the memory card 90 but the album file is not recorded, the “photograph mode” and the “play mode” are sequentially and cyclically switched in response to the pressing of the QV button 11. Is selected. In other words, only when the memory card 90 has the album file, the state is changed to a state in which the album image is displayed in response to the pressing of the QV button 11. As described above, when the album file does not exist in the memory card 90, the screen is not switched to the screen displaying the album file. Therefore, unnecessary switching can be eliminated.
[0083]
Further, when the album file is recorded in the memory card 90 but the photographed file is not recorded, the “photographing mode” and the “album reproducing mode” are sequentially and circulated in response to the pressing of the QV button 11. Is selected. In other words, when the memory card 90 has no photographed file, the display image is changed only between the live view image and the album image in response to the pressing of the QV button 11. That is, when the shooting file does not exist in the memory card 90, the screen does not switch to the screen displaying the shooting file. Therefore, unnecessary switching can be eliminated.
[0084]
When neither the album file nor the photographing file is recorded in the memory card 90, only the "photographing mode" can be selected. At this time, in response to the pressing of the QV button 11, the character "No image is present in the memory card" is displayed on the LCD 5, so that the operator can recognize that the mode cannot be changed.
[0085]
Next, further state transition from states ST10, ST20, and ST30 will be described.
[0086]
When the menu button 8b is pressed in the state ST10, the process shifts to the state ST11. When the menu button 8b is pressed again, the process returns to the state ST10. The state ST11 is a state in which it is possible to change to a sub mode in the shooting mode, and a “shooting menu” for setting a shooting type and the like is displayed on the LCD 5. In state ST11, each item of the shooting menu screen is displayed in an overlay while the live view image is displayed as the background image.
[0087]
When the menu button 8b is pressed in the state ST20, the process shifts to the state ST21. When the menu button 8b is pressed again, the process returns to the state ST20. The state ST21 is a state in which various settings in the reproduction mode can be performed, and a “reproduction menu” which is a menu screen for performing various setting operations is displayed on the LCD 5. In the state ST21, each item of the playback menu screen is displayed in an overlay while the captured image (reproduced image) is displayed as a background image.
[0088]
Further, when the menu button 8b is pressed in the state ST30, the process shifts to the state ST31, and when the menu button 8b is pressed again, the process returns to the state ST30. The state ST31 is a state in which various settings in the album reproduction mode can be performed. An “album reproduction menu” which is a menu screen for performing various setting operations is displayed on the LCD 5. In the state ST31, each item of the album playback menu screen is displayed in an overlay state while the album image is displayed as the background image.
[0089]
FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 show menu screens G11, G21, and G31 displayed on LCD 5 in state ST11, state ST21, and state ST22, respectively.
[0090]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the shooting menu screen G11 in the state ST11. According to various setting operations using the shooting menu screen G11 and the like, the type of shooting can be changed. Specifically, if "single shot" or "continuous shooting" is selected from the menu screen G11, a still image can be shot, and if "moving picture" is selected, a moving picture can be shot. It is also possible to perform a voice recording operation. For example, if "voice memo" is selected, voice can be recorded for a certain period after one still image is captured. If "voice record" is selected, only voice can be recorded without recording a still image.
[0091]
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the playback menu screen G21 in the state ST21, and FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the album playback menu screen G31 in the state ST31. According to various operations using the menu screens G21, G31, etc., it is possible to perform various setting operations for captured images and the like.
[0092]
As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 9 and 10, the playback menu screen G21 and the album playback menu screen G31 have similar configurations. Specifically, each item of “protect”, “delete”, “slide show”, “print designation”, and “camera setup” exists in any menu. That is, the items on both menu screens G21 and G22 partially match.
[0093]
In other words, the menu screens in both the playback mode and the album playback mode have a hierarchical structure, and the menu screens of the same hierarchy in both modes (for example, the first screens after the initial screens G20 and G30 in both modes) The menu screens G21 and G31 of the first hierarchy displayed in (1) indicate items that match each other (items of "protect", "delete", "slide show", "print designation", and "camera setup"). Have.
[0094]
Therefore, in any of the playback mode and the album playback mode, the setting operation for each of the items “protect”, “delete”, “slide show”, “print designation”, and “camera setup” is performed on the same menu screen G21. , G31 and the like. This increases the sense of unity in operation. In other words, the operability is high because the operator can perform the same setting operation by the common operation.
[0095]
On the other hand, the menu screen G21 in the playback mode clearly indicates the “play menu” using characters, and the menu screen G31 in the album playback mode uses the characters “album playback menu”. Is specified. That is, each of the menu screens G21 and G31 in the playback mode and the album playback mode has an “identification part” indicating which mode of the playback mode or the album playback mode. Therefore, the operator can surely recognize whether the menu screen displayed on the LCD 5 is the menu screen G21 in the reproduction mode or the menu screen G31 in the album reproduction mode.
[0096]
In particular, in this embodiment, the playback mode (state ST20) and the album playback mode (state ST30) can be easily switched in response to the pressing of the QV button 11. Further, in response to a further operation (specifically, pressing the menu button 8b), it is possible to easily shift from the state ST20 to the state ST21, and similarly, easily shift from the state ST30 to the state ST31. You can also. Then, since it is easy to change the mode, the operator may erroneously recognize which mode the menu screen in the states ST21 and ST31 is.
[0097]
However, even in such a case, the display screen is a menu screen in either the playback mode or the album playback mode due to the above-described identification portion displayed on each of the menu screens G21 and G31 in each of the states ST21 and ST31. Can be easily recognized. Therefore, erroneous operation due to erroneous recognition of the mode can be prevented. Here, the identification part is configured using characters, but the identification part may be configured using a predetermined figure or the like.
[0098]
At the left end of each item on the menu screen, one of three types of symbols (specifically, a white diamond, a black diamond, and a cross) is displayed. An X mark indicates that the item is not selectable, and a diamond symbol indicates that the item is selectable. The black diamond indicates the currently selected item. When the operator changes the selection item using the up / down keys 7a or 7b, and presses the execution button 8a in a state where the symbol of the desired selection item is changed to a black diamond, the operation for the selection item ( Specifically, further display of a submenu screen is executed.
[0099]
<Album registration>
Next, the album registration operation will be described in detail.
[0100]
11 to 13 are diagrams for explaining the registration procedure. FIG. 11 shows a state transition diagram in the reproduction mode. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the entire flow of the registration operation, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a part of the flow.
[0101]
First, as shown in FIG. 11, when the menu button 8b is pressed in the state ST20, the process shifts to the state ST21. Then, in the reproduction menu screen G21 displayed on the LCD 5 in the state ST21, when the item "additional registration to the album" is selected by using the key 7 and the execution button 8a is pressed, the state shifts to the state ST22. In the state ST22, when the menu button 8b is pressed, the state can be returned to the state ST21.
[0102]
In state ST22, a menu screen G22 for additional registration is displayed. On the menu screen G22 in the state ST22, the menu items are displayed as an overlay while the captured image being reproduced is displayed as a background image.
[0103]
On this menu screen G22, two items, "this image" and "batch" are displayed. The former item “this image” is a command for instructing to register the photographed images one by one, and the latter item “batch” is a command in the photographed image folder (“100MLT09” (see FIG. 4)). This is a command for instructing to collectively register a plurality of (here, all) captured images.
[0104]
When the execute button 8a is pressed after any item is selected on the menu screen G22, the overall control unit 50 determines that the batch registration instruction input has been received, and executes the album registration operation. .
[0105]
This album registration operation will be described with reference to FIG.
[0106]
First, in step SP50, it is determined whether an instruction for batch registration has been given. If the instruction for batch registration has been given, the process proceeds to step SP51; otherwise (ie, if the instruction to register images one by one) has been given, the process proceeds to step SP61.
[0107]
In step SP51, the free space of the memory card 90 is checked. Then, the capacity required for collective registration (in other words, the capacity required for registering all the files in the photographed image folder in the album) and the free space (capacity of the unused area) in the memory card 90 are compared. If it is determined that the capacity required for batch registration does not remain in the memory card 90, characters indicating that the memory card has insufficient capacity are displayed on the LCD 5 for a certain period (for example, several seconds) (step SP59). ), Returning to the state ST21 (FIG. 11). On the other hand, if it is determined that the capacity required for batch registration remains in the memory card 90, the process proceeds to step SP52.
[0108]
In step SP52, the first file (the file with the smallest serial number) in the captured image folder is designated as a file to be registered (file to be registered).
[0109]
In step SP53, it is determined whether an album file corresponding to the data file to be registered has already been created, in other words, whether the file to be registered is a file that has already been registered in the album. That is, duplicate registration is checked.
[0110]
If it is detected that the file to be registered has already been registered in the album, the process proceeds to step SP55, and a warning of duplicate registration is output. For example, a character indicating that the same captured image file as the file to be registered is already registered in the album is displayed on the LCD 5 as a warning. Then, in order to avoid duplicate registration, the album registration of the registration target file is prohibited, and the process proceeds to step SP56 without registering the registration target file in the album. This can prevent the same captured image file (data file) from being registered in the album in duplicate.
[0111]
On the other hand, if the file to be registered has not been registered in the album yet, the process proceeds to the album file creating process in step SP54.
[0112]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the detailed operation (step SP70) of the album file creation processing in steps SP54 and SP64. Here, the description will be made on the assumption that the registration processing target file is a still image file.
[0113]
First, in step SP71, high-resolution (1600 × 1200 pixels) image data of a target captured image file is expanded, and in step SP72, the image data is resized to a VGA size (640 × 480 pixels) and recompressed.
[0114]
In step SP73, the file name of the new album image file is determined. In particular, the serial number of the new file name is determined. Specifically, the digital camera 1 refers to the album information file (“Album.inf” (see FIG. 6)), and refers to the largest serial number of the registered file (ie, the serial number of the most recently registered file). Is determined as the serial number of the new file. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when the last registered file is “Albm0094.jpg”, the serial number of the new file is “0095”. At this time, the name of the new album image file is determined to be “Albm0095.jpg”. This name is generated by combining “Albm” indicating an album file, its serial number, and an extension “jpg” indicating that the type of data content is a still image.
[0115]
In step SP74, an album image file having this name “Albm0095.jpg” is created using the resized VGA size data. Then, in step SP75, the attribute of the new file is set to read-only (read only). As a result, the new file is protected.
[0116]
Then, in step SP76, the information of the file "Albm0095.jpg" is added to the album information file ("Album.inf"), and the album information file is updated.
[0117]
FIG. 12 is referred to again.
[0118]
In the next step SP56, it is determined whether or not the album registration has been completed for all the captured images.
[0119]
If an unprocessed captured image exists in the captured image folder, the next file is designated as a file to be registered (step SP57), and then the progress status is displayed (step SP58), and the processing after step SP53 is performed again. repeat. The progress display shows that the album is being registered and the number of the file being processed. For example, the display "Album registered ... 2/10" can indicate that the second file of all 10 files is being processed.
[0120]
On the other hand, if the album registration process has been completed for all the captured images in the captured image folder, this routine ends, and the process returns to state ST21. In this manner, in the state ST22 (FIG. 11), a plurality of album files are created in response to selecting “batch” and pressing the execution button 8a once (ie, inputting a batch registration instruction). . Since there is no need to repeat a series of operations such as a button operation for specifying a registration target image and a pressing operation of the execution button 8a for starting registration, the operation at the time of batch registration is easy. In particular, the album registration process for “all” captured images in the captured image folder is frequently performed by the operator, and such a registration operation can be facilitated.
[0121]
The same processing is performed when the process proceeds from step SP50 to step SP61 (when an instruction for individual registration is given). Steps SP61, SP63, SP64, and SP65 are the same processing as steps SP51, SP53, SP54, and SP55, respectively. However, in step SP61, it is determined whether or not the capacity required for album registration of one file remains in the memory card 90.
[0122]
Incidentally, the information of the album information file “Album.inf” is used in the overlapping registration check in the above step SP53.
[0123]
As shown in FIG. 6, the album information file includes information on each of a plurality of registered album files. Specifically, the album information file includes, in addition to the file name and file attribute of each album file included in the album folder, the file name of the photographed image file from which each album file is registered, The information describes the serial number of the digital camera used for the image data and the date and time of photographing of the photographed image file.
[0124]
For example, regarding the album file “Albm0003.jpg”, the file attribute is read-only (read only), the original image at the time of registration of the corresponding album is “Pict0006.jpg”, and the shooting date and time of the original image is 2002 It is 12:34:56 on December 01, and it is described that the product serial number (camera identification number) of the digital camera used to capture the original image is “01234567”. The product serial number is stored in the ROM 50b of each digital camera 1 or the like, is read at the time of shooting, and is described in tag information TG of a shot image file. The shooting date and time are also described in the tag information TG. Therefore, the digital camera 1 can read out the information of the tag information TG of each file to be registered and record various kinds of information in the album information file.
[0125]
In the above step SP53, the three conditions (three pieces of information) of the file name of the original image, the serial number of the digital camera, and the shooting date and time in the album registration are as follows. It is determined whether or not the captured image file to be registered has already been registered in the album, based on whether or not all of them match. Considering whether the serial number of the digital camera and the shooting date and time as well as the file name of the original image match, it is possible to more accurately determine duplicate registration.
[0126]
The present invention is not limited to this, and the overlap registration may be determined based on whether any one or two of the three conditions match. For example, the registration target is determined by whether or not the two conditions of the file name of the original image and the serial number of the digital camera in the album registration all match between the registered image file and the registered image file. It may be determined whether or not the captured image file has already been registered in the album. Since whether or not not only the file name of the original image but also the serial number of the digital camera is matched is considered, it is possible to determine the duplicate registration more accurately. For example, according to this, it is possible to accurately determine that two files which are shot by different digital cameras and whose shooting date and time coincide with each other and whose file names also match by chance are originally different captured images.
[0127]
Further, in the above embodiment, all the files in the photographed image folder can be collectively registered in the album simply by selecting “Batch” in the state ST22 and pressing the execution button 8a, so that the operation is easy. It is.
[0128]
In the case of batch registration, since the serial numbers of newly registered album files are assigned in ascending order of the serial numbers of the photographing files of the registration source, the order does not change in the correspondence between the two. Therefore, it is easy to grasp the relationship between the original photographed file and the album file.
[0129]
Further, at the time of reproducing the photographed image, it is determined whether or not the photographed image is already registered in the album registration. The image is displayed on the LCD 5 so as to be superimposed on the photographed image.
[0130]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display screen on LCD 5 when returning to state ST20 again after album registration. As shown in FIG. 14, the captured image is displayed on this screen, and a mark MK1 is displayed on the lower right side of the screen so as to overlap the captured image. This mark MK1 indicates that registration has been completed. The operator can easily determine whether or not the image is already registered in the album by the mark MK1. The same mark MK1 is displayed not only on the screen in state ST20 but also on the screens in states ST21 and ST22. Thereby, a similar effect can be obtained in any state.
[0131]
In the above description, a case where a warning of duplicate registration is output and creation of a plurality of album files (album image files) based on the same data file (photographed image file) is prohibited has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. .
[0132]
For example, creation of a plurality of album files based on the same data file may be prohibited without outputting a duplicate registration warning. In other words, for a data file for which a corresponding album file has already been created, re-creation of an album file based on the data file may be prohibited.
[0133]
More specifically, when duplicate registration is detected in step SP53 (FIG. 12), the album file creation processing in step SP54 may not be performed without displaying the duplicate registration warning screen in step SP55. .
[0134]
Alternatively, as described above, instead of avoiding duplicate registration by the determination operation in steps SP53 and SP63 after shifting from the state ST21 (FIG. 11) to the state ST22, a screen as shown in FIG. May be displayed so as not to shift to the state ST22 to avoid duplicate registration. In FIG. 15, the symbol on the left side of the option of “additional registration to album” is indicated by a cross, and cannot be selected even by an operator's key operation. Therefore, it is not possible to proceed from the state ST21 to the next state ST22 (FIG. 11) where the registration operation is performed, so that duplicate registration can be avoided. As described above, in the menu screen for each photographed image file (data file) in the playback mode, for example, it is not possible to select an option for album registration. The registration operation may be prohibited.
[0135]
Conversely, even when a warning of duplicate registration is output, re-creation of an album file may be permitted under certain conditions. Specifically, on the warning display screen of step SP55, a warning of duplicate registration is issued, an inquiry as to whether or not to perform album registration is made, and the album registration process is performed only when an instruction to perform the registration is received. It may be. In this case, an opportunity for the user to make a determination is obtained, so that duplicate registration can be avoided.
[0136]
<Register album other than still image file>
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a group of files stored in a captured image folder in the memory card 90 by a capturing operation or the like in the digital camera 1.
[0137]
In the digital camera 1, files other than still image files (for example, "Pict0010.jpg"), specifically, data files relating to moving images and audio, as shown in FIG. it can. More specifically, an audio file based on “voice memo” (eg, “Pict0011.wav”), an audio file based on “voice record” (eg, “Pict0012.wav”), and an audio file based on “after-recording (abbreviated as“ after-recording ”)” For example, each of the moving image files (eg, “Pict0013.avi”) related to “moving image” (“Pict0032.avi”) can be the object of album registration.
[0138]
Prior to the description of such an operation of registering various data files in an album, an outline of each data file will be described.
[0139]
Each file of "voice memo", "voice record", and "moving image" is obtained by a predetermined operation using the shooting menu screen G11 or the like.
[0140]
For example, if the shutter button 9 is pressed after the photographing mode is set to “voice memo”, a sound is recorded for a certain period of time together with the photographing of the still image. FIG. 16 shows a case where a still image file “Pict0011.jpg” obtained by a shooting operation is acquired together with an audio file “Pict0011.wav” recorded as a voice memo. The two files have different extensions, but have the same file number. By making the file numbers the same, it can be easily determined that both files are associated with each other.
[0141]
When the shutter button 9 is pressed after the shooting mode is set to “voice record”, voice recording starts. When the shutter button 9 is pressed again, voice recording ends. By this recording operation, only an audio file (for example, “Pict0012.wav”) by “voice record” is generated. Since no file with the same number exists in the captured image folder, it can be determined that the captured image is not associated with the audio data.
[0142]
Further, after the shooting mode is set to “movie file”, when the shutter button 9 is pressed, the moving image recording operation starts, and when the shutter button 9 is pressed again, the moving image recording operation ends. By this recording operation (photographing operation), only a moving image file (for example, “Pict0013.avi”) is generated.
[0143]
In addition, audio data by “after recording” is obtained by following a state transition as shown in FIG. More specifically, first, in the state ST21 (see also FIG. 7), an item of “image editing” is selected from the options of the reproduction menu displayed on the LCD 5 and the execution button 8a is pressed, so that the state ST26 is entered. Transition. Then, when the item "after recording" is selected from the menu screen (submenu of "image editing") G26 displayed on the LCD 5 in the state ST26 and the execute button 8a is pressed, the process proceeds to the state ST27. In the state ST27, recording by the microphone 12 is performed, and the ratio of the recorded time to the maximum recordable time is displayed on the LCD 5 by a progress bar. Thereafter, when the maximum recordable time elapses or when the execution button 8a is pressed again, the post-recording is ended. Then, an audio file is generated, and the audio file is associated with the still image file.
[0144]
For example, when the still image file “Pict0021.jpg” is subjected to the after-recording operation after the shooting of the still image file “Pict0031.jpg”, the audio file “Pict0032.wav” is converted to the still image file “Pict0021.jpg”. Generated in an associated state. This association information is recorded by the digital camera 1 in the tag information TG of the still image file “Pict0021.jpg”. Specifically, both files are associated by describing “Pict0032.wav” as the name of the related file.
[0145]
It should be noted that the audio file based on the post-recording is different from the audio file based on the voice memo in the following points. That is, the former is generated at the time of reproducing the captured image, whereas the latter is generated at the time of capturing the image.
[0146]
In addition, on the display screen in the reproduction mode (more specifically, the display screen in the states ST21 and ST22 (see FIG. 11)), various files are displayed as reproduced images in the state shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a screen when various files are reproduced. In the album playback mode, a display screen similar to that of FIG. 18 is displayed as an album image according to the type of each file.
[0147]
More specifically, a still image file that is not associated with an audio file is displayed on the LCD 5 without being marked with an association with audio.
[0148]
Further, it is reminded that a still image file associated with the audio file (for example, a still image file subjected to “dubbing” or a still image file shot in the “voice memo” mode) is audio data. The mark MK2 is displayed on the LCD 5 in a state where it is added to the still image. This clearly indicates that the image is associated with the sound. The operation of reproducing the audio data is started in response to the subsequent pressing of the execution button 8a.
[0149]
Furthermore, audio files that are not associated with other image files (for example, audio files recorded in the “voice recording” mode) must be audio data that is not associated with a captured image without accompanying an image. Is displayed on the LCD 5. Note that the reproduction operation of the audio data is started in response to the pressing of the execution button 8a.
[0150]
For a moving image file, the first frame is displayed first. Then, the reproduction operation of the moving image is started in response to the pressing of the execution button 8a.
[0151]
The above is the outline of the data file.
[0152]
Next, the operation of registering an album of various data files will be described. The overall flow is as described above with reference to FIG. In the playback mode state ST22, when at least one file of at least one type in the captured image folder is designated as an album registration target file, the album registration operation is executed in the above-described flow.
[0153]
The above description has been made on the assumption that the file to be registered is a still image file with reference to FIG. 13. However, here, a more general album file creation process (steps SP54 and SP64) will be described. ) Will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. The album file creation processing of FIGS. 19 and 20 can be applied to files other than still images, specifically, a plurality of types of files as shown in FIG.
[0154]
First, in step SP81, it is determined whether the file to be registered in the album is a moving image file (also simply referred to as a moving image file). When the registration target file is a moving image file, the process proceeds to step SP101. When the registration target file is not a moving image file (specifically, when the registration target file is a still image file or an audio file), the process proceeds to step SP82.
[0155]
Proceeding to step SP82, it is further determined whether or not the registration target is a file containing only audio. If the registration target is a file containing only audio (ie, a voice file by “voice recording”), the process proceeds to step SP96, and if the registration target is not a file containing only voice (ie, a still image associated with audio data) If it is data, the process proceeds to step SP83.
[0156]
If the captured image file to be registered is a mere still image file, after steps SP83, SP84 and SP85, it is determined in step SP86 that there is no sound associated with the captured image, and further steps SP87 and SP88. Then, the process proceeds to Step SP89.
[0157]
Here, each processing in steps SP83, SP84, SP85, SP87, and SP88 is the same as each processing in steps SP71, SP72, SP73, SP74, and SP75, respectively. In step SP89, the album information file ("Album.inf") is updated.
[0158]
On the other hand, if the captured image file to be registered has an associated audio file, after steps SP83, SP84, and SP85, it is determined in step SP86 that there is audio associated with the captured image, and further in step SP91. , SP92, SP93, SP94, SP95, and after both the photographed image file and the audio file are registered in the album, the process proceeds to step SP89. In step SP89, the album information file (“Album.inf”) is updated.
[0159]
For example, a case will be described in which a still image file “Pict0021.jpg” on which an “after-recording” operation has been performed is registered in an album. Note that the still image file “Pict0021.jpg” is associated with the audio file “Pict0032.wav” by the “after-recording” operation (see FIG. 16). FIG. 21 shows the contents of the album information file after the update in step SP89.
[0160]
In this case, first, in step SP91, the file name of the new album audio file is determined. More specifically, it is determined that the new album audio file is given the same name (excluding the extension part) as the name of the new album image file determined in step SP85. For example, when the name “Albm0101.jpg” is given to the album registration file of the still image file “Pict0021.jpg”, “Albm0101.wav” is given to the album registration file of the audio file “Pict0032.wav”. Is given. As described above, the first eight characters (the first four characters of “Albm” and the following four characters indicating the serial number) are the same in the new album image file and the new album audio file. Therefore, it is easy to identify the relevance.
[0161]
In the next step SP92, a new album audio file name related to the new album image file is recorded as tag information of the new album image file. For example, in the tag information of the new album image file “Albm0101.jpg”, the association information for the new album audio file “Albm0101.wav” is described. The association between the two files can also be recognized based on this association information.
[0162]
Then, in step SP93, an album image file is actually newly created in the album folder, and a read-only attribute is given to the new album image file. In step SP94, an album audio file is actually newly created in the album folder. The new album audio file is created by copying (duplicating) the file “Albm0101.wav”, and the name determined in step SP91 is given as the file name. Then, in step SP95, the read-only attribute is also given to the album audio file.
[0163]
If the file to be registered is audio data obtained by "voice recording", the process proceeds from step SP82 to step SP96, and through steps SP94 and SP95, the audio file by "voice recording" is solely registered in the album. Is done. The registered contents in the album registration are described in the album information file (“Album.inf”) (step SP89).
[0164]
Specifically, in step SP96, the name of the new album audio file is determined. Specifically, it is determined by adding a four-character serial number after four characters “Albm” indicating that the file is an album file. The serial number is determined as a value obtained by adding 1 to the last serial number of the album file described in the album information file. As a file extension, “wav” indicating that the file is an audio file is added. Thereafter, an album audio file having a new name determined in step SP96 is actually created in the album folder (step SP94), and a read-only attribute is given to the album audio file (step SP95). Then, in step SP89, the album information file (“Album.inf”) is updated as shown in FIG. 22, for example. FIG. 22 shows a part of an album information file when a copy file of the audio file “Pict0012.wav” is created in the album folder as the album audio file “Albm0101.wav”.
[0165]
If the file to be registered is a moving image, the process proceeds from step SP81 to step SP101. In step SP101, it is determined which option is selected as the album registration file, that is, to register only the first frame of the moving image in the album or to register all the frames of the moving image in the album.
[0166]
In the digital camera 1, it is possible to perform a selection operation regarding such settings in advance using a screen as shown in FIG. This screen is displayed on the LCD 5 by further selecting the item "Registration of moving image file album" on the menu screen displayed by selecting the item "camera setup" in states ST11, ST21 and ST31. Then, by selecting a desired option from "only the first frame" and "all frames" on this screen using the up and down keys 7a and 7b and the execution button 8a, a desired setting state is obtained. it can.
[0167]
If it is determined in step SP101 that only the first frame of the moving image is registered in the album, only the first frame of the moving image is cut out (step SP102), and the process proceeds to step SP84. After that, the still image, which is the first frame of the moving image, is registered as an album file in the album folder via steps SP85, SP86, SP87, and SP88. Thereafter, in step SP89, the album information file (“Album.inf”) is updated as shown in FIG. 24, for example. FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a part of an album information file when a copy file of a still image of the first frame of the moving image file “Pict0013.avi” is created in the album folder as the album image file “Albm0101.jpg”. It is.
[0168]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step SP101 that all frames of the moving image are registered in the album, the moving image file itself is registered in the album.
[0169]
Specifically, the digital camera 1 determines the file name of the new album file (Step SP103). More specifically, a file name is determined with reference to the album information file, where the serial number is a value obtained by incrementing the largest serial number of the existing album file by one. Then, the moving image file to be registered is copied into the album folder to create an album moving image file (step SP104). The name determined in step SP103 is assigned to the new album moving image file. Then, the file attribute of the album moving image file is set to read-only (step SP105). Then, in step SP89, the album information file (“Album.inf”) is updated as shown in FIG. 25, for example.
[0170]
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a part of the album information file when a copy file of the moving image file “Pict0013.avi” itself is created in the album folder as the album moving image file “Albm0101.avi”.
[0171]
As described above, various types of files can be registered in the album.
[0172]
As described above, the digital camera 1 is configured to store a photographed image obtained by photographing in the photographed image folder with the photographing operation. Then, when the operator performs a predetermined operation to save a favorite photographed image, the album file corresponding to the photographed file stored in the photographed image folder is stored in an area different from the photographed image folder. It is stored in the album folder.
[0173]
Further, in this embodiment, when an image file associated with the audio file (for example, an image file shot by “voice memo”) is designated as an object for album registration, not only the image file but also the image file The associated audio file is also registered as an album file. Therefore, both the image file and the audio file can be registered in the album without the need to separately register the audio files. That is, the operation is simple. As described above, when a file associated with another file (for example, a voice memo image file) is to be collectively registered, a file based on the other file (for example, a voice memo audio file) is also regarded as an album file. Since it is created, the album registration operation is simple.
[0174]
Also, at the time of batch registration, not only an album file based on an image file is created, but also an album file based on a file such as audio data associated with the image with the file. Therefore, it is possible to reliably register the album including the associated files without omission. In particular, when all the files in the predetermined folder are registered in the album by the batch registration operation as described above, all the files in the predetermined folder including the associated data file can be easily registered in the album. It is.
[0175]
Further, album file association information is collectively managed in an album information file. Specifically, the album information file has association information between album files corresponding to the files associated with each other, and the overall control unit 50 manages the association information using this album information file. are doing. As described above, since the association information between the album files is collectively managed using the album information file, the list information is higher in listing and easier to manage than the case where the association information is managed only in the album file unit.
[0176]
In the case where the registration of only the first frame of the moving image in the album is selected in FIG. 23, a still image file corresponding to a specific frame (here, the first frame) of the moving image file is stored in the moving image file. It is created as an album file corresponding to the file. In this case, the file capacity (data size) can be reduced as compared with the case where the entire moving image file is registered as an album file in an album.
[0177]
<Data transfer>
Next, a transfer operation of a file such as a photographing file and an album file will be described.
[0178]
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a file transfer system 300 that performs such a transfer operation. As shown in FIG. 26, the file transfer system 300 includes the digital camera 1 described above and a computer 200. Here, a personal computer (PC) is illustrated as the computer 200. The computer 200 has a hardware configuration as shown in FIG.
[0179]
Specifically, the computer 200 includes a CPU 202, a storage unit 203 having a main storage unit 203a including a semiconductor memory such as a RAM (and / or a ROM) and an auxiliary storage unit 203b such as a hard disk drive (HDD); It includes various media drives 204, a display unit 205 such as a display, an input unit 206 such as a keyboard 206a and a mouse 206b, and a communication unit 207 such as a network card. As the media drive 204, a flexible disk drive 204a, a memory card drive (memory card reader / writer) 204b, an optical drive (for example, a DVD-ROM drive), and the like are provided. With these media drives 204, information recorded in various portable recording media 209 such as a flexible disk, a memory card, a CD-ROM, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) can be read.
[0180]
The computer 200 reads a program (file transfer program) recorded on a recording medium 209 (for example, a CD-ROM 209c), and executes the program using the CPU 202 or the like, thereby transferring files to and from the digital camera 1 or the like. It functions as a file transfer device to transfer. The computer 200 also functions as a file storage device that stores the transferred file. Note that a program for causing a computer to function as a file transfer device and a file storage device is not limited to the case where it is supplied (or distributed) via the recording medium 209, and may be transmitted via a network such as a LAN and the Internet. It may be supplied (or distributed) to a computer.
[0181]
In the file transfer system 300, the computer 200 and the digital camera 1 are mechanically and electrically connected via a signal line such as a USB standard connection cable (USB cable). Then, in this connection state, a file transfer operation between the digital camera 1 and the computer 200 is performed.
[0182]
As the transfer source file, a file in the memory card 90 attached to the digital camera 1 or a file in the memory card 209b attached to the memory card drive 204b of the computer 200 is selected. As a file transfer destination, a predetermined folder or the like in the hard disk (auxiliary storage unit 203b) of the computer 200 is selected.
[0183]
FIG. 27 to FIG. 32 are flowcharts showing this transfer operation. The transfer operation will be described with reference to these drawings. The operation of the digital camera 1 is described on the left side of FIG. 27, and the operation of the computer 200 is described on the right side of FIG. FIGS. 28 and 29 are flowcharts showing the operation of the digital camera 1, and FIGS. 30, 31, and 32 are flowcharts showing the operation of the computer 200 (PC).
[0184]
First, in step SP201 of FIG. 27, a connection process with the computer 200 is performed. Specifically, the digital camera 1 determines whether or not the digital camera 1 is connected to the computer 200 at a predetermined cycle. If it is detected that both are connected, the operation mode of the digital camera 1 is changed to the file transfer mode, and the process proceeds to the next step SP202. Note that the “file transfer mode” is one of the operation modes in the digital camera 1 as in the above-described shooting mode, playback mode, and album playback mode.
[0185]
As described above, when detecting that the connection state with the computer 200 is established, the digital camera 1 automatically shifts its operation mode to the file transfer mode. The operation mode of the digital camera 1 is automatically switched to the file transfer mode according to the connection status, so that the operation is easy.
[0186]
In the next step SP202, the digital camera 1 determines whether or not a predetermined transfer program is operating in the computer 200, and performs the following branch processing according to the determination result (detection result).
[0187]
Specifically, when it is detected that the predetermined file transfer program is being started (executed) on the computer 200, the digital camera 1 functions as the slave device using the digital camera 1 (DSC) itself. Set to. At this time, the computer 200 (PC) functions as a master device in the system 300 by the function of the file transfer program (step SP204). Then, the digital camera 1 displays on the LCD 5 a screen G211 indicating that the digital camera 1 is connected to the computer 200 (FIG. 28, step SP211). In this state, the file transfer program running on the computer 200 plays a leading role to execute the transfer process. Such an operation will be described later in detail.
[0188]
On the other hand, when it is detected that the predetermined file transfer program is not being executed, the digital camera 1 sets the digital camera 1 itself to function as a master device, and the computer 200 functions as a slave device. (Step SP203). Then, the digital camera 1 displays a menu screen G61 as shown in FIG. 33 on the LCD 5 (FIG. 28, step SP205). In this state, the transfer processing is executed with the digital camera 1 playing the leading role.
[0189]
Here, when it is detected that the digital camera 1 is connected to the computer 200 and the computer 200 detects that a predetermined file transfer program is not being executed, a menu screen for accepting various transfer instructions G61 is displayed on the LCD 5 of the digital camera 1. This clearly indicates that the transfer operation should be performed using the digital camera instead of the computer 200, so that confusion of the operator can be prevented.
[0190]
Hereinafter, first, the latter case (that is, the case where the digital camera 1 functions as a master-side device) will be described with reference to FIG. 28 and the like.
[0191]
The menu screen G61 (see FIG. 33) has three selection items, namely, “transfer only photographed images”, “transfer of photographed images and album images”, and “backup of album images”.
[0192]
The first “transfer only photographed images” is to move all photographed files (photographed images, etc.) in the memory card 90 to a predetermined folder in the computer 200 while leaving the album files (album images, etc.) in the memory card 90. Transfer instruction. Since the photographed file whose transfer has been completed is deleted from the digital camera 1, the free space of the memory card 90 can be increased.
[0193]
The next “transfer of photographed image and album image” means a transfer instruction to move all album files in the memory card 90 and all photographed files in the memory card 90 to a predetermined folder in the computer 200. ing. The photograph file and the album file are deleted from the digital camera 1 when the transfer is completed. Thereby, the free space of the memory card 90 can be increased.
[0194]
The last “album image backup” means an instruction to copy (duplicate) all the album files in the memory card 90 to a predetermined folder in the computer 200 for backup. The album file in the memory card 90 remains stored in the digital camera 1 even after this backup processing. In addition, the shooting file is not copied or deleted, and remains stored in the memory card 90.
[0195]
The digital camera 1 determines whether or not the execution button 8a is pressed while the menu screen G61 is displayed on the LCD 5 (step SP206), and determines whether or not the QV button 11 is pressed (step SP206). Step SP207) is performed.
[0196]
Specifically, when none of the buttons 8a and 11 is pressed, the loop processing of steps SP205 and SP206 is repeatedly executed again. When the press of the QV button 11 is detected, the digital camera 1 releases the connection with the computer 200 (step SP213), and changes its operation mode to the photographing mode (step SP214).
[0197]
Then, when the operator selects one of the items using the up / down keys 7a and 7b and the execution button 8a, a process according to the selected item is started (step SP208). In other words, when the transfer instruction is given from the operator to the digital camera 1 by pressing the execution button 8a, the digital camera 1 starts processing corresponding to the selected item in response to the instruction.
[0198]
In step SP208, a transfer process for one file is performed as described later.
[0199]
When the transfer processing for one file is completed, it is determined whether the transfer processing for all files is completed (step SP209).
[0200]
If an unprocessed file remains, the process returns to step SP208 via step SP210, and the process according to the item is further executed. Further, when the pressing of the QV button 11 is detected in step SP210, the digital camera 1 releases the connection state with the computer 200 (step SP213), and changes its operation mode to the photographing mode (step SP214).
[0201]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step SP209 that all the processes have been completed, the process returns to step SP205 again.
[0202]
Next, step SP208 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing the detailed operation of step SP208.
[0203]
First, in step SP311, it is determined which selection item is selected. If “Transfer photographed image only” is selected, the process proceeds to step SP312. If “Transfer photographed image and album image” is selected, the process proceeds to step SP316, and “Backup of album image” is selected. If yes, the process proceeds to step SP323.
[0204]
When “Transfer only captured image” is selected, the digital camera 1 specifies a folder “100MLT09” in which a captured file, which is a transfer source file, is stored (step SP312), and the transfer in the folder is performed. The target file (photographing file) is specified (step SP313). Then, the specified photographing file is transferred to the folder for storing the photographing file in the computer 200 (step SP314), and the photographing file whose transfer has been completed is deleted from the memory card 90 (step SP315). Thereafter, the same processing is repeated until it is determined in step SP209 (FIG. 28) that the processing is completed, and all the files in the captured image folder “100MLT09” in the memory card 90 are transferred to the computer 200. You.
[0205]
If “transfer of photographed image and album image” is selected, it is determined whether or not the transfer of the photographed file has already been completed among these two types of image files (step SP316). If an untransferred photograph file remains in the photographed image folder “100MLT09”, the process proceeds to steps SP312 to SP315, and the same photograph file transfer operation as described above is executed. On the other hand, if all the files in the captured image folder “100MLT09” have already been transferred, the process proceeds to step SP317, and it is determined whether the transfer of the album file has already been completed.
[0206]
If an untransferred album file remains in the album folder ("ALBUM") of the memory card 90, the process proceeds to steps SP318 to SP321, and the operation of transferring the album file is performed.
[0207]
Specifically, a folder “ALBUM” in which an album file as a transfer source file is stored is specified (step SP318), and a transfer target file (album file) in the folder is specified (step SP319). Then, the specified album file is transferred to a folder for storing the album file in the computer 200 (step SP320), and the transferred album file is deleted from the memory card 90 (step SP321). Thereafter, the same processing is repeated until all the files in the album folder “ALBUM” in the memory card 90 are transferred to the computer 200 until it is determined in step SP209 (FIG. 28) that the processing is completed. . In the transfer processing in steps SP318 to SP321, not only the album file but also the album information file is specified (specified) and transferred.
[0208]
Thereafter, when it is determined in steps SP316 and SP317 that all the files in the captured image folder “100MLT09” have been transferred and all the files in the album folder “ALBUM” have been transferred, Proceed to SP322. In step SP322, the largest number (maximum serial number) among the serial numbers of the album file to be transferred is stored in the ROM 50b of the digital camera 1. This serial number (in ascending order) can also be expressed as a number (identification number) for identifying a plurality of album files from each other.
[0209]
As described above, the photographed file and the album file in the memory card 90 are transferred to the computer 200.
[0210]
If “album image backup” is selected, the process proceeds from step SP311 to step SP323. Then, the folder “ALBUM” in which the album file as the backup source file is stored is specified (step SP323), and the copy target file (album file) in the folder is specified (step SP324). Then, the specified album file is copied to a folder for storing the album file in the computer 200 (step SP325). Note that the album file in the memory card 90 is maintained without being deleted from the memory card 90 even after the backup operation is completed. In the transfer processing in steps SP323 to SP325, not only the album file but also the album information file is designated (specified) and transferred.
[0211]
Thereafter, the same processing is repeated until all the files in the album folder “ALBUM” in the memory card 90 are copied to the computer 200 until it is determined in step SP209 (FIG. 28) that the backup processing is completed. .
[0212]
As described above, various file transfer operations and the like using the digital camera 1 as a master-side device are realized by executing a program incorporated in the digital camera 1.
[0213]
In the above description, if it is detected in steps SP207 and SP210 that the QV button 11 has been pressed, as long as the file-by-file transfer is completed during the transfer of a plurality of files, the digital camera 1 Can be changed to the shooting mode. Therefore, it is possible to avoid missing a photo opportunity. The present invention is not limited to this, and the pressing of the QV button 11 may be detected by interrupt processing that is repeated in a short time cycle. Then, when the press is detected, the operation mode of the digital camera 1 may be changed to the shooting mode even during the file transfer in file units. According to this, the shooting mode can be immediately set.
[0214]
Next, various file transfer operations and the like when the computer 200 is the master device will be described.
[0215]
First, the operation of the digital camera 1 during such file transfer will be described.
[0216]
When the digital camera 1 (DSC) is set to function as a slave device (FIG. 27, step SP204), the digital camera 1 displays a screen G211 indicating that the digital camera 1 is connected to the computer 200 on the LCD 5. (FIG. 28, step SP211). Then, the state is maintained until the pressing of the QV button 11 is detected in step SP212. When the pressing of the QV button 11 is detected, the digital camera 1 releases the connection state with the computer 200 (step SP213), and changes its operation mode to the shooting mode (step SP214).
[0219]
Next, the operation of the computer 200 during such file transfer will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the processing of the file transfer program executed by the computer 200.
[0218]
In the file transfer program, in step SP401, the computer 200 detects whether a digital camera is connected. When the connection with the digital camera is detected, the computer 200 sets the file transfer source to the digital camera (step SP403). On the other hand, if it is determined that the digital camera is not connected, it is further determined whether or not the memory card 209b is mounted on the memory card drive 204b (FIG. 26). If it is determined that the memory card 209b is inserted, the computer 200 sets the file transfer source to the memory card 209b (step SP404). If neither the digital camera nor the memory card is connected to the computer 200, an error display is output to the display unit 205 (step SP405), and the process returns to step SP401.
[0219]
As described above, the computer 200 determines whether or not the digital camera 1 and the computer 200 are connected to each other, and determines whether or not the memory card drive 204b (recording medium reading device) built (or connected) to the computer 200 is connected. Then, it is determined whether or not the memory card is mounted, and a recognition result is obtained. Then, in accordance with the recognition result, switching is performed between designating the memory card 90 attached to the digital camera 1 or the memory card 209b attached to the memory card drive 204b as the memory card of the transfer source.
[0220]
According to this, it is possible to automatically switch between the memory card 90 and the memory card 209b as the recording medium of the transfer source according to the connection status to the computer 200, so that the operability is good. .
[0221]
When the transfer source is determined in this way, the process proceeds to step SP406, and the menu screen G71 (FIG. 34) is displayed on the display unit 205.
[0222]
The menu screen G71 has four selection items, ie, “transfer only photographed images”, “transfer photographed images and album images”, “backup album images”, and “restore album images”.
[0223]
Among them, the first to third selection items are the same as the selection items on the menu screen G61. When these selection items are selected, processing similar to the above-described processing is realized, except that the file transfer processing is primarily performed by the computer 200.
[0224]
The last selection item “restore album image” is an item unique to this menu screen G71. “Restore album image” refers to transferring an album file (including an album image) stored in the computer 200 to the same memory card as the transfer source or a different memory card from the transfer source by a transfer operation by copying or moving. This is a transfer instruction command for copying and restoring the file structure of the album file in the memory card of the re-transfer destination.
[0225]
The menu screen G71 has such four items. In addition, a transfer source folder and a transfer destination folder are displayed on the screen. In the initial state, those determined by automatic recognition are displayed as these folders. Further, when the fourth selection item is selected, the transfer destination and the transfer source are displayed in reverse to each other as compared with the case where the first to third selection items are selected. By pressing the buttons BN3 and BN4, the transfer destination and the transfer source of the file can be changed by a manual operation.
[0226]
After that, when the operator selects the radio button on the left side of these four items by operating the mouse 206b or the like, it is determined that one of the items is selected and the transfer start button BN1 is pressed (step SP401). In response to the pressing of the transfer start button BN1, the process (step SP409) corresponding to the selected item is started. In other words, when the transfer instruction is given to the computer 200 from the operator by pressing the transfer start button BN1, the computer 200 starts processing corresponding to the selected item in response to the instruction. When it is determined that the end button BN2 has been pressed (step SP407), the software processing ends in response to the press of the end button BN2.
[0227]
In step SP409, a transfer operation for one file is performed. Then, when the transfer operation for one file is completed, it is determined whether or not the processing for all the files is completed (FIG. 30, step SP410). If unprocessed files remain, the process returns to step SP409 again, and the process according to the selected item is further executed. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the processes have been completed, the process returns to step SP401 again.
[0228]
Next, step SP409 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing the detailed operation of step SP409.
[0229]
First, in step SP411, it is determined which selection item is selected. If “Transfer photographed image only” is selected, the process proceeds to step SP412, and if “Transfer photographed image and album image” is selected, the process proceeds to step SP416, and “Backup of album image” is selected. If it is, the process proceeds to step SP423, and if "restore album image" is selected, the process proceeds to step SP426.
[0230]
When any one of “Transfer photographed image only”, “Transfer photographed image and album image”, and “Backup album image” is selected, the same processing as the processing in FIG. 29 is performed. In FIGS. 31 and 29, steps having the same last two digits of the step number represent the same processing. However, FIG. 31 differs from the case of FIG. 29 in that the control operation is mainly performed by the computer 200 instead of the digital camera 1. Also, step SP422 of FIG. 31 differs from step SP322 of FIG. 29 in the following points. Specifically, in step SP422, the computer 200 acquires the maximum serial number, temporarily stores it in the storage unit 203 (RAM or hard disk) of the computer 200, and notifies the digital camera 1 of the maximum serial number. Then, the digital camera 1 receiving the notification stores the maximum serial number in the ROM 50b of the digital camera 1. It should be noted that the notification in step SP422 can also be expressed as storing the maximum serial number in the ROM 50b of the digital camera 1.
[0231]
If “restore album image” has been selected, the process proceeds to step SP426. In step SP426, a process as shown in FIG. 32 is performed.
[0232]
Specifically, first, it is determined whether or not the album folder “ALBUM” exists in the memory card designated as the re-transfer destination (restoration destination) (step SP431). If the album folder does not exist, an album folder “ALBUM” is created in the re-transfer destination memory card (step SP432).
[0233]
Then, in step SP433, the album file in the album folder of the computer 200 is copied into the album folder of the memory card 90. This process (step SP433) is repeated until it is determined in step SP434 that copying of all files has been completed.
[0234]
In this way, the backup processing of the album file is performed.
[0235]
As described above, various file transfer operations and the like using the computer 200 as the master-side device are realized by executing the file transfer program on the computer 200.
[0236]
FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a file configuration in the hard disk in the computer 200. Specifically, it is assumed that the photographed file and the album file have been transferred from the memory card 90 to the computer 200 by the above-described transfer operation. Note that the same result can be obtained regardless of which of the digital camera 1 and the computer 200 is set as the master device.
[0237]
For example, among the plurality of photograph files shown in FIG. 4, a total of three photograph image files “Pict0005.jpg”, “Pict0006jpg”, and “Pict0007.jpg” are stored in the photograph image folder in the memory card 90. Assume a state. In this state, when a transfer instruction of “transfer only photographed images” is issued, these three photographed image files “Pict0005.jpg”, “Pict0006jpg”, and “Pict0007.jpg” are stored in the computer 200 as shown in FIG. Is transferred (moved) to At this time, the folder structure is also moved as it is. More specifically, each captured image file is stored in a folder (folder for storing captured files) “100MLT09” under the folder “DCIM”. The folder “DCIM” at the time of each transfer is created under a folder (for example, “00000001”, “00000002”) to which an order number indicating the transfer order is given as its name. As a result, the file transferred by the first transfer and the file transferred by the second transfer are stored in different folders in the computer 200, and there is no possibility of being overwritten.
[0238]
It is also assumed that two album files “Albm0001.jpg” and “Albm0002.jpg” are stored in the album folder in the memory card 90 among the plurality of album folders in FIG. In this state, when a transfer instruction of “transfer of captured image and album image” or “backup of album image” is issued, as shown in FIG. 35, these two album files “Albm0001.jpg” and “Albm0002.jpg”. Is transferred (moved or copied) into the computer 200. At this time, the album file is created under a predetermined album folder (folder for saving an album file) in the computer 200 in principle. This is because album images are desirably stored together without being dispersed. At this point, the files “Albm0003.jpg” and “Album002.inf” have not been transferred yet and do not exist in the computer 200.
[0239]
Further, at the time of this transfer, "2" is stored in the ROM 50b as the maximum serial number by the control operation of the digital camera 1 itself or the computer 200. When the digital camera 1 creates an album file for the first time after the transfer operation, the digital camera 1 assigns a number (for example, a number obtained by adding 1 to the maximum serial number) larger than the maximum serial number at the time of the transfer to the newly created album. Determined as the file serial number. For example, a serial number "3", which is obtained by adding 1 to the maximum serial number "2", is given to the file name of the album file created next in the digital camera 1. That is, an album file “Albm0003.jpg” is created.
[0240]
Assuming that the serial number of the album file to be created next is reset and returns to “1” again, the recreated album file is given the name “Albm0001.jpg” again, and is created first. Cannot be distinguished from the album file. Therefore, if the file is transferred to the same album folder in the computer 200 in the next transfer operation, the album file “Albm0001.jpg” in the computer 200 will be overwritten. That is, the first created album file (old album file) is lost.
[0241]
On the other hand, according to the above embodiment, different album files are given file names with at least different serial numbers, so that different album files are prevented from being given the same file name. it can. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the album file from being lost by overwriting during file transfer.
[0242]
Further, the album information file transferred together with the album file at each transfer time is given a different name for each transfer and stored in the album folder of the computer 200. Specifically, the album information file at the time of the first transfer is renamed from “Album.inf” to “Album001.inf” and stored in the album folder of the computer 200. The album information file at the time of the second transfer is renamed from “Album.inf” to “Album002.inf” and stored in the album folder of the computer 200. At the time of the second transfer, the album file “Albm0003.jpg” is also stored in the album folder of the computer 200, and the album information file “Alb002.inf” has information on the album file “Albm0003.jpg”. ing.
[0243]
As described above, after changing the file name of the album information file so that the album information file does not overlap with the file name of the file in the transfer destination folder, the album information file is transferred from the transfer source memory card 90 to the transfer destination computer 200. Will be transferred. Thereby, even when the album information file is stored in the same album folder in the computer 200, it is possible to prevent the album information file from being overwritten. That is, loss of the album information file can be avoided.
[0244]
When restoring an album file, the information of the album file to be restored can be reconstructed using the information of a plurality of album information files (“Album001.inf”, “Album002.inf”). For example, information on the first transfer target file (“Albm0001.jpg”, “Albm0002.jpg”) included in “Album001.inf” and the second transfer target file (“Albm0003” included in “Album002.inf”) .Jpg ”), the album information may be reconstructed, the reconstructed new album information file may be given a name“ Album.inf ”and stored in a new memory card.
[0245]
Further, in the above embodiment, under the control of the digital camera 1 or the computer 200, the transfer instruction of “transfer only the photographed image” is given, so that the photograph file can be securely stored in the memory card 90 while the album file remains. Can be moved to the computer 200 or the like. Therefore, the possibility that the album file is deleted from the digital camera 1 due to an erroneous operation can be reduced.
[0246]
Further, under the control of the digital camera 1 or the computer 200, an album file can be moved from the memory card 90 to the computer 200 or the like by giving a transfer instruction of “transfer of photographed image and album image”. Therefore, free space in the memory card 90 can be secured.
[0247]
Also, under the control of the digital camera 1 or the computer 200, an album file can be backed up on the computer 200 or the like by giving a transfer instruction of “backup of album image”.
[0248]
Further, under the control of the computer 200, when the transfer instruction of “Restore album image” is given, the album file once transferred (moved or copied) from the memory card 90 to the computer 200 and stored in the computer 200. Can be transferred to the re-transfer destination memory card. Therefore, the album file can be easily restored to the re-transfer destination memory card.
[0249]
If a detachable memory card that can be attached to and detached from the digital camera 1 is used as the re-transfer destination memory card, the album file can be restored to the detachable memory card. Therefore, the album file can be reproduced in any digital camera to which a re-transfer destination memory card can be attached. In other words, the album file can be reproduced by a plurality of digital cameras.
[0250]
Further, by re-transferring to a memory card (for example, a new memory card) different from the memory card 90 of the transfer source using this transfer instruction, an album similar to that of the memory card of the transfer source is stored in the different memory card. The file structure of the file can be easily restored.
[0251]
In particular, at the time of the above transfer, each transfer instruction of “transfer of photographed image only”, “transfer of photographed image and album image”, “backup of album image”, and “restoration of album image” is performed on menu screen G61, The operation is very easy because it is accepted within 71 within a selection operation for selecting a corresponding item.
[0252]
<Modified examples>
The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described contents.
[0253]
For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the album image is stored in the memory card 90 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the album image may be stored in the built-in memory of the digital camera.
[0254]
Further, in the above embodiment, the computer 200 (more specifically, the hard disk in the computer 200) is exemplified as the file storage device, but the file storage device is not limited to this. For example, the file storage device may be a hard disk in another computer connected to the computer 200 via a network.
[0255]
The specific embodiments described above include inventions having the following configurations.
[0256]
(1) In the program according to claim 1, the computer has:
The album information file describing the information of the album file to be transferred is transferred from the recording medium of the transfer source after changing the file name of the album information file so as not to overlap the file name of the file in the transfer destination folder. Transferring to the file storage device,
Program to further execute.
[0257]
According to this, it is possible to prevent the album information file from being lost by overwriting during file transfer.
[0258]
(2) The program according to claim 2, wherein the computer
Accepting a second transfer instruction to move an album file stored in the recording medium from the recording medium to the file storage device;
Moving an album file stored in the recording medium to the file storage device in response to the second transfer instruction;
Program to further execute.
[0259]
According to this, the album file can be moved to the file storage device to secure the free space of the recording medium.
[0260]
(3) The program according to claim 2, wherein the computer has:
Accepting a third transfer instruction for transferring an album file once transferred from the recording medium to the file storage device and stored in the file storage device to a re-transfer destination recording medium;
Transferring an album file stored in the file recording device to the re-transfer destination recording medium in response to the third transfer instruction;
Program to further execute.
[0261]
According to this, the album file can be easily restored to the recording medium at the re-transfer destination.
[0262]
(4) In the program according to (3),
The re-transfer destination recording medium is a recording medium different from the transfer source recording medium.
[0263]
According to this, it is possible to easily restore the same file configuration of the album file as the transfer source recording medium on a different recording medium (for example, a new recording medium).
[0264]
(5) In the program according to (3),
The recording medium as the re-transfer destination is a detachable recording medium that is detachable from the digital camera.
[0265]
According to this, since the album file can be restored to the removable recording medium, the album file can be reproduced by any digital camera to which the removable recording medium can be mounted. In other words, the album file can be reproduced by a plurality of digital cameras.
[0266]
(6) The program according to claim 2, wherein the computer has:
The digital camera recognizes whether the digital camera is connected to the computer and whether the recording medium is attached to a recording medium reading device built in or connected to the computer. To obtain the recognition result,
A procedure for, according to the recognition result, specifying whether a recording medium built in or attached to the digital camera is designated as the recording medium of the transfer source or a designation of a recording medium attached to the recording medium reading device. ,
Program to further execute.
[0267]
According to this, it is possible to switch between a recording medium built in or attached to a digital camera and a recording medium attached to a recording medium reading device as a recording medium of a transfer source according to a connection state to a computer. Operability is good.
[0268]
(7) The digital camera according to claim 3,
The album information file describing the information of the album file to be transferred is transferred from the recording medium of the transfer source after changing the file name of the album information file so as not to overlap the file name of the file in the transfer destination folder. Means for transferring to the file storage device,
A digital camera, comprising:
[0269]
According to this, it is possible to prevent the album information file from being lost by overwriting during file transfer.
[0270]
(8) The digital camera according to claim 4,
Means for receiving a second transfer instruction for moving an album file stored in the recording medium from the recording medium to the file storage device;
Means for moving an album file stored in the recording medium to the file storage device in response to the second transfer instruction;
A digital camera, further comprising:
[0271]
According to this, the album file can be moved to the file storage device to secure the free space of the recording medium.
[0272]
(9) In the digital camera according to claim 4,
Means for receiving a change in the operation mode to the shooting mode even during file transfer,
A digital camera, further comprising:
[0273]
According to this, even during the file transfer, the mode can be changed to the shooting mode, so that it is possible to avoid missing a photo opportunity.
[0274]
(10) In the digital camera according to claim 4,
Means for changing the operation mode of the digital camera to a file transfer mode when it is detected that the digital camera is connected to a computer,
A digital camera, further comprising:
[0275]
According to this, since the mode is automatically switched to the file transfer mode, the operation is easy.
[0276]
(11) In the digital camera according to (10),
When it is detected that the digital camera is connected to the computer, and when it is detected that the predetermined file transfer program is not being executed in the computer, a menu screen for receiving the first transfer instruction is displayed. A digital camera, wherein the image is displayed on display means of the digital camera.
[0277]
According to this, when the computer detects that the predetermined file transfer program is not being executed, a menu screen for receiving the first transfer instruction is displayed on the display unit of the digital camera. That is, since it is specified that the transfer operation should be performed using the digital camera, confusion of the operator can be prevented.
[0278]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the invention, the maximum serial number of the album file stored in the recording medium of the digital camera is notified to the digital camera. Therefore, in the digital camera, it is possible to prevent the same file name from being given to different album files, and it is possible to prevent the album files from being lost by overwriting during file transfer.
[0279]
According to the second, fourth, and fifth aspects of the present invention, the data file can be moved to the file storage device while the album file is securely left on the recording medium. Can be prevented from being deleted from the digital camera.
[0280]
According to the invention described in claim 3, the maximum serial number of the album file stored in the recording medium of the digital camera is stored in the digital camera, and the maximum serial number of the album file newly created after transfer is stored in the digital camera. A serial number larger than the maximum serial number is assigned. Therefore, in the digital camera, it is possible to prevent the same file name from being given to different album files, and it is possible to prevent the album files from being lost by overwriting during file transfer.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a digital camera 1 as viewed from the front side.
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the digital camera 1 as viewed from the back side.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital camera 1.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a folder configuration in a memory card 90.
FIG. 5 is a diagram conceptually showing a configuration of each image file.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the contents of an album information file.
FIG. 7 is a state transition diagram of the digital camera 1.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a shooting menu screen.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a playback menu screen.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an album playback menu screen.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a state transition in a reproduction mode.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an overall flow of an album registration operation.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a part of the flow of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a reproduced image to which an album registered mark MK1 is added.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a playback menu screen according to a modification.
16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a file group stored in a captured image folder in a memory card 90. FIG.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a state transition in the “after recording” operation.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a screen when various files are reproduced.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing album creation processing.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an album creation process.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the contents of an album information file after the post-recording file is registered in the album.
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the contents of an album information file after a voice recording file has been registered in an album.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a menu screen for making settings relating to album registration of a moving image file.
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the contents of an album information file after the first frame of a moving image file has been registered in an album.
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing the contents of an album information file after the entire moving image file has been registered in an album.
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a file transfer system 300.
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a file transfer operation.
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an operation of the digital camera 1.
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation of the digital camera 1.
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an operation of the computer 200.
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a detailed operation of the computer 200.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed operation of the computer 200 in the restoration operation.
FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a menu screen G61 of the digital camera 1.
FIG. 34 is a view showing a menu screen G71 of the computer 200.
FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a file configuration in a hard disk in the computer 200.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Digital camera
2 Shooting lens
3 Power button
4 Optical viewfinder
5 LCD
6 Flash
7a-7d Cross cursor button (key)
8a Execute button
8b Menu button
8c Flash mode button
8d LCD monitor button
9 Shutter button
11 QV button
12 microphone
13 Speaker

Claims (5)

On the computer,
An album file created based on the data file for which the album registration instruction has been issued and stored in a folder different from the data file, and recorded by the digital camera in a state where a file name having a serial number for identification is given. A procedure for obtaining the maximum serial number of the album file stored in the medium,
Storing the maximum serial number;
Transferring the album file by moving the album file from the transfer source recording medium to the transfer destination file storage device;
Notifying the digital camera of the maximum serial number,
The program to execute. On the computer,
An album file created on the basis of the data file for which the album registration instruction has been issued and stored in a folder different from the data file and stored in the recording medium of the digital camera has been left on the recording medium. Moving a data file stored in the recording medium from the recording medium of the transfer source to the file storage device of the transfer destination, receiving a first transfer instruction,
In response to the first transfer instruction, the data file stored in the recording medium is transferred to the file storage device while the album file stored in the recording medium is left in the recording medium. Steps to move,
The program to execute. A digital camera,
An album file created based on the data file for which the album registration instruction has been issued and stored in a folder different from the data file, and recorded by the digital camera in a state where a file name having a serial number for identification is given. Means for obtaining the maximum serial number of the album file stored in the medium; means for storing the maximum serial number;
Means for transferring the album file by moving the album file from the transfer source recording medium to the transfer destination file storage device;
Means for giving a serial number larger than the maximum serial number to an album file newly created after the transfer,
A digital camera, comprising: A digital camera,
An album file created based on the data file for which the album registration instruction has been issued and stored in a folder different from the data file and stored in the recording medium of the digital camera is left on the recording medium. Means for receiving a first transfer instruction for moving a data file stored in the recording medium from the recording medium of the transfer source to the file storage device of the transfer destination,
In response to the first transfer instruction, move the data file stored in the recording medium to the file storage device while leaving the album file stored in the recording medium on the recording medium. Means to
A digital camera, comprising: A file transfer system for transferring files between a digital camera and a file storage device,
An album file created based on the data file for which the album registration instruction has been issued and stored in a folder different from the data file and stored in the recording medium of the digital camera is left on the recording medium. Means for receiving a first transfer instruction for moving a data file stored in the recording medium from the recording medium of the transfer source to the file storage device of the transfer destination,
In response to the first transfer instruction, move the data file stored in the recording medium to the file storage device while leaving the album file stored in the recording medium on the recording medium. Means to
A file transfer system comprising:

Images