JP2004274469A - Digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital camera capable of saving a number of kinds of contents as a favorite file separately from photographed images or th like. <P>SOLUTION: The digital camera 1 is configured to acquire audio data from a microphone 12. The audio data acquired by a recording operation are stored in a photographed image folder within a memory card 90. When a predetermined operation for album registration is performed, in response to the operation, an album audio file is produced from an audio file stored in the photographed image folder, and is stored in an album folder within the memory card 90. Therefore, in the album folder, the favorite audio file is registered separately from the audio file that is stored in the photographed image folder by the recording operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital camera configured to record data obtained by photographing or the like on a recording medium.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in order to set photographing conditions in a digital camera, a plurality of types of photographed image samples in which the photographing conditions are associated are registered in advance, and one sample is selected from among them to obtain the selected sample. A device that can automatically set the associated shooting conditions is known (for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
Further, a digital camera in which an operator (user) of a digital camera selects a favorite captured image from captured images and stores the favorite image as a favorite image in a built-in memory of the digital camera has been commercialized (for example, Casio LCD digital camera EX-S2).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-2002-152567
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional digital camera (particularly, the Casio LCD digital camera EX-S2) is configured to store only the still image that the operator likes in the built-in memory, and the versatility of the content that can be stored is poor. .
[0006]
Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a digital camera capable of storing many types of contents as favorite files separately from captured images and the like. And
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is a digital camera configured to record data on a recording medium, wherein the digital camera is configured to generate image data by a photographing operation, and to perform a recording operation. A sound acquisition unit for generating sound data, and a data file including sound data obtained by performing the recording operation with or without the photographing operation in response to a photographing operation. Generating an album file based on the data file stored in the first recording area in response to a predetermined operation; and storing the album file in the first recording area in response to a predetermined operation. And an album file recording means for storing in a second recording area different from the recording area.
[0008]
The invention according to claim 2 is the digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising display means for performing display based on the album file stored in the second recording area, wherein the photographing file recording means comprises: When the audio data obtained by the recording operation is related to specific image data, the audio data is recorded in association with the specific image data, and the album file recording unit stores an album file based on the audio data. When generating, the file generation unit is configured to generate a file while maintaining the association with the specific image data, and when the album file to be displayed includes audio data, the display unit associates the file with the audio data. The presence or absence of the image data is displayed in an identifiable state.
[0009]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera according to the second aspect, the display means is arranged so that the album file to be displayed is audio data, and the image data associated with the audio data is When there is no audio data, a display indicating that only audio data is provided is performed.
[0010]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the digital camera according to the first aspect, when the audio data obtained by the recording operation is related to specific image data, the photographing file recording unit may generate the audio data. The album file recording unit records the image data in association with the specific image data, and generates the file while maintaining the association with the specific image data when generating an album file based on the audio data. In the case where the recording operation is performed after the specific image data is acquired, the photographing file recording unit may assign a file number of audio data obtained by the recording operation to the specific image data. And stored in the first recording area as a number different from the When storing audio data stored in the first recording area with a file number different from image data in the second recording area, the file number of an album file relating to the audio data is changed to a file relating to the specific image data. It is characterized by being stored as the same number as the number or a continuous number.
[0011]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital camera configured to record, on a recording medium, image data relating to a still image or a moving image obtained by photographing, by performing a photographing operation in response to a photographing operation. A photographing file recording means for generating a data file including the obtained image data and storing the data file in a first recording area of the recording medium; and storing the data file in the first recording area in response to a predetermined operation Album file recording means for generating an album file based on the obtained data file and storing the album file in a second recording area different from the first recording area, wherein the album file recording means comprises: If the data file to be stored in the second recording area is image data relating to a moving image, the moving image is It generates the album file based on only a part of the frame of the plurality frames, and characterized in that stored in the second recording area.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0013]
<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. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the digital camera 1 has a thin, substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape.
[0014]
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 switch 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.
[0015]
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).
[0016]
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.
[0017]
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 a pressed state, and a main shooting operation for shooting a recording image is started in a fully pressed state.
[0018]
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.
[0019]
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.
[0020]
The QV button 11 has a function of switching between a shooting mode, a playback mode, and an album playback mode (described later). Specifically, as will be described later, each time the QV button 11 is pressed in principle, these three modes are sequentially and cyclically (cyclically) selected.
[0021]
The menu button 8b has a function of switching between display and non-display of the menu on the LCD 5. Specifically, every time the menu button 8b is pressed, the menu screen and the non-menu screen 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, and the like.
[0022]
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.
[0023]
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.
[0024]
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).
[0025]
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.
[0026]
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 90 as a removable recording medium are provided inside the lid 14. The power supply battery BT and the memory card 90 are detachably attached to the battery compartment and the memory card mounting portion, respectively. The photographed image data obtained by the actual photographing, the album image data described later, and the like are recorded on a memory card 90 set in the memory card mounting portion. 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.
[0027]
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.
[0028]
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.
[0029]
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.
[0030]
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.
[0031]
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.
[0032]
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.
[0033]
The audio signal obtained from the microphone 12 is input to the audio processing unit 53. The audio signal input to the audio processing unit 53 is converted into a digital signal by an A / D converter (not shown) provided in the audio processing unit 53, and is temporarily stored in the buffer memory 54.
[0034]
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.
[0035]
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.
[0036]
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.
[0037]
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.
[0038]
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.
[0039]
A card interface (card I / F) 60 is an interface for writing and reading image data to and from a memory card 90 mounted on a memory card mounting section on the side of the digital camera 1.
[0040]
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 according to, for example, the JPEG method. 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.
[0041]
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.
[0042]
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.
[0043]
<Shooting image and album image>
Next, the photographed image and the album image will be described.
[0044]
FIG. 4 is a diagram conceptually showing a folder configuration in the memory card 90. In the digital camera 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a file of a photographed image generated in accordance with a photographing operation is stored in a recording area (hereinafter, referred to as a folder) created 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”.
[0045]
Therefore, when the photographing mode functions in the digital camera 1 and the actual photographing operation for photographing the image for recording is performed, the photographed image obtained thereby is stored in the photographed image folder in the memory card 90. become. In other words, the photographed image folder is an area to be accessed for recording photographed images and the like acquired in the photographing mode.
[0046]
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 represent 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 of creation of the photographed image (photographed file). Serial number (file number).
[0047]
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.
[0048]
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 registered in an album is referred to as an “album image”. 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 “ALBUM” for registering an album image is created, for example, under a root folder. Hereinafter, this folder “ALBUM” is also referred to as “album folder”.
[0049]
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 (file number) that is continuously assigned accordingly.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 4, for example, when the operator registers a file named "Pict0006.jpg" as a favorite image in an album, a file (album image file) of an album image named "Albm0003.jpg" is generated. You. Here, since it is assumed that the third album image is generated, the serial number of the generated album image file is “0003”.
[0051]
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. As shown in FIG. 6, the album information file includes information on the album file name, the file attribute of the album file, the name of the photographing file of the registration source, the serial number of the digital camera used for photographing, and the photographing date and time. It is stored in list format for each. Therefore, the state of the file registered in the album can be easily grasped from the album information file.
[0052]
According to such an album registration function, the operator can register a favorite image among the captured images as an album image.
[0053]
Since the album image is handled separately from the photographed image, the image registered in the album remains in the memory card 90 even after the photographed image is moved to an external device such as a personal computer and erased from the memory card 90. Will do. 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 it is possible to use a memory card 90 having a larger capacity than the built-in memory, it is possible to store more images than when album images are stored in the built-in memory. It is possible to put.
[0054]
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.
[0055]
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.
[0056]
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.
[0057]
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. Further, among the tag information TG of the photographed image file exemplified above, “presence / absence of album registration” is not necessary for the album image file. Information such as "related audio file" is carried over as it is as tag information TG of the album image file.
[0058]
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 A read operation and a write operation are both permitted for a file given the “archive attribute”. For a file to which the “read-only attribute” is given, only a read operation is permitted, and an operation of modifying data contents such as a write operation and a delete operation is prohibited.
[0059]
The “archive attribute (A)” is given to the captured image file stored in the captured image folder with the capturing operation in the capturing mode at that time. On the other hand, the “read-only attribute (R)” is assigned to the album image file at the time of registration in the album folder. 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.
[0060]
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 a recording operation is generally referred to as a “photographing file”. Further, the data to be registered in the album is not limited to a still image, and a photographed file such as a moving image and a sound is also registered in the album. 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”. Hereinafter, an album registration operation and the like of an image (especially a still image) will be described.
[0061]
<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.
[0062]
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.
[0063]
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.
[0064]
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”.
[0065]
Hereinafter, the mode switching will be described in more detail.
[0066]
If the QV button 11 is pressed once in the state ST10, it is determined whether or not a photographed file is stored (stored) in the photographed image folder of the memory card 90 (state ST41).
[0067]
If at least one photographed file is recorded in the photographed image folder of 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 or the like is displayed on the LCD 5. When the process proceeds to the state ST20, the most recently captured image or the like is first displayed on the LCD 5. Further, each time the left or right key 7c or 7d is pressed, the file to be displayed on the LCD 5 is sequentially changed in the forward or backward direction.
[0068]
On the other hand, if no photographed file is recorded in the photographed image folder of the memory card 90, the process proceeds to state ST42.
[0069]
Also, when the QV button 11 is pressed again in the state ST20, the process shifts to the state ST42.
[0070]
In state ST42, it is determined whether or not an album file is stored (saved) in the album folder of memory card 90.
[0071]
If at least one album file is recorded in the album folder of the memory card 90, the process proceeds to the state ST30. The state ST30 is a state in which the digital camera 1 is set to the “album reproduction mode” and an album image or the like is displayed on the LCD 5. In the state ST30, the most recently registered album image or the like is first displayed on the LCD 5. Further, each time the left or right key 7c or 7d is pressed, the file to be displayed on the LCD 5 is sequentially changed in the forward or backward direction.
[0072]
On the other hand, when no album file is recorded in the album folder of the memory card 90, the process proceeds to the state ST43, and it is determined whether or not no photograph file is 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.
[0073]
Also, when the QV button 11 is pressed again in the state ST30, the process returns to the state ST10.
[0074]
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. 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. 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. 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.
[0075]
Next, further state transition from states ST10, ST20, and ST30 will be described.
[0076]
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, the shooting menu screen is displayed as an overlay while the live view image is displayed as the background image.
[0077]
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, the playback menu screen is displayed as an overlay while the captured image being played is displayed as a background image.
[0078]
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 manner while the album image being played is displayed as a background image.
[0079]
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.
[0080]
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.
[0081]
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.
[0082]
As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 9 and 10, the playback menu screen G21 and the album playback menu screen G22 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. Therefore, the operator can perform the same setting operation by the common operation, so that the operability is high. More specifically, in both the playback mode and the album playback mode, the setting operation for each of the items of “protect”, “delete”, “slide show”, “print designation”, and “camera setup” is performed in the same manner. It can be realized by a similar operation using the menu screen.
[0083]
On the other hand, the menu screen G21 in the playback mode clearly indicates that the menu is a “play menu”, and the menu screen G31 in the album playback mode clearly indicates that the menu is an “album playback menu”. 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.
[0084]
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 (specific operation) for the selection item is performed. Specifically, a further submenu screen display) is executed.
[0085]
Note that, instead of providing the X mark, the characters of the selected item may be displayed in light color to indicate that the item cannot be selected.
[0086]
<Album registration>
Next, the album registration operation will be described in detail.
[0087]
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.
[0088]
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 playback menu screen G21 displayed on the LCD 5 in the state ST21, when the item "additional registration to album" is selected and the execution button 8a is pressed, the process 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.
[0089]
In state ST22, a reproduction menu screen G22 for additional registration is displayed. On the reproduction menu screen G22 in the state ST22, the menu items are displayed in an overlay while the captured image being reproduced is displayed as the background image.
[0090]
On the reproduction menu screen G22, two items of "this image" and "collectively" are displayed. The former item “this image” is a command for instructing to register the photographed images displayed at the time on the background of the playback menu screen one by one, and the latter item “collective” is a photographed image. This is a command for instructing to collectively register all captured images in the folder (“100MLT09” (see FIG. 4)).
[0091]
When the execute button 8a is pressed after any item is selected on the reproduction menu screen G22, the digital camera 1 executes an album registration operation.
[0092]
This album registration operation will be described with reference to FIG.
[0093]
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.
[0094]
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.
[0095]
In step SP52, the first file (the file with the smallest serial number) in the captured image folder is specified as the file to be processed.
[0096]
In step SP53, it is confirmed that the file to be subjected to the additional registration processing is not a file already registered in the album. That is, duplicate registration is checked.
[0097]
If the file to be processed has already been registered in the album, the process proceeds to step SP55, for example, a character indicating that the file has already been registered is displayed on the LCD 5 as a warning. Then, in order to avoid duplicate registration, album registration of the processing target file is prohibited, and the process proceeds to step SP56 without registering the processing target file in the album.
[0098]
On the other hand, if the file to be processed has not been registered in the album yet, the process proceeds to the album file creation processing in step SP54.
[0099]
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.
[0100]
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.
[0101]
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.
[0102]
In step SP74, an album image file having this name "Albm0095.jpg" is created using the data resized to the VGA size and compressed by the JPEG method or the like. 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.
[0103]
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.
[0104]
FIG. 12 is referred to again.
[0105]
In the next step SP56, it is determined whether or not the album registration has been completed for all the captured images.
[0106]
If an unprocessed captured image exists in the captured image folder, the next file is designated as a file to be processed (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.
[0107]
On the other hand, if all the processes have been completed, this routine ends, and the process returns to the state ST21.
[0108]
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.
[0109]
By the way, in the overlapping registration check in the above-mentioned steps SP53 and SP63, for example, information of the album information file "Album.inf" is used.
[0110]
As shown in FIG. 6, the album information file includes information on each of a plurality of registered album files. That is, as described above, the album information file includes, for each album file included in the album folder, a file name, a file attribute, a file name of a photographed image file as a registration source, a serial number of a digital camera used for photographing, In addition, information of shooting date and time is described.
[0111]
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 of the digital camera used for shooting 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.
[0112]
In the above steps SP53 and SP63, whether the three conditions 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 all the same between the file to be registered and the registered file Whether or not the file to be registered is a registered file is determined based on whether the file is registered. 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.
[0113]
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 file to be registered 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 file to be registered and the file already registered. It may be determined whether or not it is a registered one. 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, it is possible to accurately determine that two files photographed by different digital cameras whose shooting date and time coincide with each other and whose file names coincide with each other are originally different photographed images.
[0114]
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.
[0115]
Further, at the time of reproducing the photographed image, it is determined whether or not the photographed image has already been registered in the album based on the album information file or the tag information TG of the photographed image file. In the case of, the mark indicating registration is superimposed on the captured image and displayed on the LCD 5.
[0116]
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 the state ST20 but also on the screens in the states ST21 and ST22. Thereby, a similar effect can be obtained in any state.
[0117]
Further, here, the case where duplicate registration is avoided by the determination operation in steps SP53 and SP63 after shifting from the state ST21 to the state ST22 has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the following mode is also possible. Specifically, in state ST21, a reproduction menu screen as shown in FIG. 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 to the next state ST22 (FIG. 11) in which the registration operation is performed, so that duplicate registration can be avoided.
[0118]
<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 of the memory card 90 by a photographing operation and / or a recording operation of the digital camera 1.
[0119]
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.
[0120]
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.
[0121]
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.
[0122]
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. Then, a still image file “Pict0011.jpg” obtained by this photographing operation is acquired together with the voice 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. Information for associating the two files with each other is also given to the tag information TG of each file. Therefore, the overall control unit 50 can determine whether or not there is a captured image file associated with the audio file.
[0123]
When the shutter button 9 is pressed after the shooting mode is set to “voice record”, only sound recording starts, and when the shutter button 9 is pressed again, sound 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.
[0124]
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.
[0125]
In addition, audio data by “after recording” is obtained by following a state transition as shown in FIG. Specifically, first, in the state ST21 (see also FIG. 7), an item of “image editing” is selected from the options of the reproduction menu screen G21 displayed on the LCD 5 and the execution button 8a is pressed, whereby the state is changed. The process moves to ST26. 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.
[0126]
For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the post-recording operation is performed on the still image file “Pict0021.jpg” after the shooting of the still image file “Pict0031.jpg” (that is, the still image file “Pict0021.jpg”). (When the dubbing operation is performed while displaying an image based on the background image), the audio file “Pict0032.wav” is generated in a state associated with the still image file “Pict0021.jpg”. This association information is recorded by the digital camera 1 in the tag information TG of the still image file “Pict0021.jpg”. Specifically, “Pict0032.wav” is described as the name of the related file in the tag information TG, so that the two files are associated with each other. Still image file "Pict0021.jpg" may also be described in tag information TG of audio file "Pict0032.wav" so that the audio file can refer to the still image file. That is, in the case of post-recording, when the post-recording operation ends, an audio file “Pict0032.wav” having a file number different from the still image file “Pict0021.jpg” is recorded in the captured image folder, and the tag information of each file is recorded. The TG associates each other.
[0127]
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.
[0128]
Also, on the display screen of the reproduction mode (more specifically, the display screens in the states ST20, ST21, ST22 (see FIG. 11), etc.), various files are stored in the state shown in FIG. It is displayed as a background image on the screen. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a screen when each file is reproduced.
[0129]
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.
[0130]
A still image file associated with an audio file (for example, a still image file subjected to “after-recording” or a still image file shot in a “voice memo” mode) has associated audio data. The mark MK2 reminding the user is displayed on the LCD 5 in a state where the mark MK2 is added to a part of the still image (specifically, a state where the mark MK2 is overlaid on the still image). This clearly indicates that the image is associated with the sound. In other words, when the file to be played back and displayed is audio data, the presence or absence of image data associated with the audio data is displayed in an identifiable state. When the execute button 8a is pressed, the sound associated with the still image file is reproduced and output from the speaker 13.
[0131]
Furthermore, for audio files not associated with other image files (for example, audio files recorded in the “voice recording” mode), it is assumed that the audio data is not associated with an image without an image. The mark MK3 to be specified is displayed on the LCD 5 on the full screen. That is, the mark MK3 is a display indicating that only the audio data is present, and the mark MK3 is displayed large on the entire screen of the LCD 5. When the execution button 8a is pressed in this state, the sound recorded as the sound file is reproduced and output from the speaker 13.
[0132]
For a moving image file, a part of a frame constituting the moving image, for example, a leading frame is displayed as a still image when the reproduction mode is shifted. When the execute button 8a is pressed in this state, the frames are updated sequentially from the first frame, and the moving image is reproduced and displayed.
[0133]
The above is the outline of the data file.
[0134]
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.
[0135]
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.
[0136]
First, in step SP81, it is determined whether the file to be registered in the album is 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.
[0137]
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 an audio-only file (that is, an audio file by “voice recording”), the process proceeds to step SP96. If the registration target is not an audio-only file (that is, audio data and still image data are If the data is associated with each other), the process proceeds to step SP83.
[0138]
If the captured image file to be registered is merely a still image file (that is, if no audio data is associated with the still image data), after the steps SP83, SP84, and SP85, the audio associated with the captured image is processed. Does not exist in step SP86, and further proceeds to step SP89 via steps SP87 and SP88.
[0139]
Here, each processing of steps SP83, SP84, SP85, SP87, and SP88 is the same as each processing of steps SP71, SP72, SP73, SP74, and SP75 (see FIG. 13), respectively. In step SP89, the album information file ("Album.inf") is updated.
[0140]
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, and SP95, after both the photographed image file and the audio file associated with each other are registered in the album, the process proceeds to step SP89. That is, when there are files associated with each other, the other is also registered in the album in association with the registration of one of the albums while maintaining the association. Then, in step SP89, the album information file (“Album.inf”) is updated.
[0141]
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.
[0142]
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. Also, the file numbers of the album audio file and the album image file that are registered in association with each other may not be the same file number, but may be consecutive numbers. As described above, when the file numbers are registered in the album folder, the file numbers of the files related to each other are stored as the same number or consecutive numbers, so that the relation between the files can be easily identified.
[0143]
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.
[0144]
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 (copying) the file “Pict0032.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.
[0145]
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).
[0146]
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 the album information file when the audio file “Pict0012.wav” is created in the album folder as the album audio file “Albm0101.wav”.
[0147]
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 of the following two options has been selected as the album registration file: registering only the first frame as part of the moving image in the album, or registering all frames of the moving image in the album. You.
[0148]
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.
[0149]
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. In the case of a moving image, the capacity of files stored in the memory card 90 can be reduced by registering only some frames in an album. Then, 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 the album information file when the 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”.
[0150]
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.
[0151]
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. FIG. 25 shows a part of the album information file when the moving image file “Pict0013.avi” itself is created in the album folder as the album moving image file “Albm0101.avi”.
[0152]
After the files are registered in the album by the above operation, when the mode is shifted to the album playback mode, the screen is displayed on the LCD 5 in the same manner as in the playback mode shown in FIG.
[0153]
For example, when the album file to be played back is a file in which audio data and still image data are associated with each other, the image is displayed on the LCD 5 and a mark MK2 indicating that the associated audio data exists. Is displayed (see FIG. 18). In other words, if the file to be played back and displayed is audio data, the presence / absence of image data associated with the audio data is displayed in an identifiable state. If the album file to be played back is only audio data, a mark MK3 indicating that only the audio data is displayed on the LCD 5 (see FIG. 18).
[0154]
Therefore, the operator can easily determine whether the file to be played back as the album is only the sound or the sound associated with the image, and it is possible to prevent confusion at the time of the operation. .
[0155]
As described above, the digital camera 1 is configured to store a photographed image obtained by photographing and a sound obtained by recording in a photographed image folder with a photographing operation or a recording operation. When the operator performs a predetermined operation to store a favorite photographed image or the like, an album file is generated from the photographed files stored in the photographed image folder, and the album file is stored in the photographed image folder. Is stored in an album folder in an area different from that of the album folder.
[0156]
When the photographed image file and the audio file are associated with each other, the other file is also registered in the album folder at the same time as the registration of at least one of the albums. Therefore, by simply performing a registration operation on one of the highly relevant data, both data are registered, and the operability of the digital camera 1 is improved. In addition, it is possible to prevent data associated with each other from being easily deleted.
[0157]
Since the file attribute of the album file is set to read-only at the time of registration in the album folder, each album file is protected, thereby preventing data modification or deletion due to erroneous operation or the like. The protection set in the album file can be released as described later.
[0158]
If the album file is protected, the screen display is displayed in the album playback mode so as to clearly indicate that the file is in a state in which data deletion and alteration are prohibited (protected state). Is For example, as shown in FIG. 26, in state ST30 in the album playback mode, an album image and the like are displayed, and mark MK4 is displayed on the upper right side of the screen so as to overlap the album image and the like. This mark MK4 indicates that the album file to be reproduced is protected. The operator can easily determine from the display of the mark MK4 that the album file such as the image displayed on the LCD 5 is in a state in which deletion or the like is prohibited. The mark MK4 is displayed not only on the screen of the state ST30 but also on the screen of the state ST31 and the like. Thereby, a similar effect can be obtained in any state.
[0159]
<Protection of data stored in the captured image folder>
Next, protection of a photographed file stored in the photographed image folder will be described.
[0160]
As described above, image data or audio data obtained by photographing or recording is stored in the photographed image folder as a photographing file to which an archive attribute has been given in association with photographing or recording. In other words, a photographed file obtained by photographing or recording is stored in the photographed image folder with data modification or deletion permitted. For this reason, the photographed file may be easily deleted due to an erroneous operation or the like.
[0161]
In order to prevent this, the digital camera 1 can protect the photographed files stored in the photographed image folder based on the protect setting operation by the operator.
[0162]
FIG. 27 is a state transition diagram of the digital camera 1, showing a state transition in the case where a photographed file is protected, focusing on a change in the display state of the LCD 5. As shown in FIG. 27, in the state ST20 in which a captured image or the like is displayed on the LCD 5 in the reproduction mode, when the operator presses the menu button 8b, a reproduction menu screen is displayed, and the process proceeds to the state ST21. At this time, when the operator selects the item of “protect” from the options of the reproduction menu displayed on the LCD 5 and presses the execution button 8a, the process shifts to the state ST23.
[0163]
On the protection operation screen shown in state ST23, four items of "this image", "collectively", "unprotection of this image" and "unprotection of all images" are displayed as selection items. “This image” is a selection item for performing protection setting on an image or the like to be reproduced and an image or the like displayed on the screen background at that time. "Batch" is a selection item for collectively setting protection for all the photographed files stored in the photographed image folder. “Unprotect this image” is a selection item for canceling the protection setting that is set for the image, etc. that is the playback target, etc., and is currently displayed on the screen background. It is. “Batch protection release” is a selection item for collectively releasing protection of all photographed files stored in the photographed image folder.
[0164]
When the operator selects one of the above selection items and presses the execute button 8a, the file attribute AT of the specified photographed file is changed, and the process returns to the state ST21. For example, when the protection setting operation is selected, the file attribute of the selected photographed file is changed from “archive attribute” to “read-only attribute”. When the protection setting is performed on the captured image file, a mark MK5 is displayed on a part of the screen to clearly indicate that the image to be reproduced is protected (see FIG. 27). By displaying the mark MK5, the operator can easily determine that the photographed file such as the image displayed on the LCD 5 is in a state in which deletion or the like is prohibited.
[0165]
<Delete data registered in album>
Next, a case where an album file registered in an album folder is deleted will be described.
[0166]
As described above, when a file stored in a captured image folder by shooting or recording is registered in the album folder by an album registration operation, the album file is protected at that time, and the album file is not directly stored in the album folder. The stored album file cannot be deleted.
[0167]
Therefore, when deleting an album file, it is necessary to first release the protection set for the album file. The release of the protection is executed by the operator performing the operation of releasing the protection.
[0168]
FIG. 28 is a state transition diagram of the digital camera 1, showing a state transition when the protection setting state is changed for an album file, with a focus on a change in the display state of the LCD 5. As shown in FIG. 28, in the state ST30 in which album images and the like are displayed on the LCD 5 in the album playback mode, when the operator presses the menu button 8b, an album playback menu screen is displayed, and the process proceeds to the state ST31.
[0169]
In the state ST31, if the protection setting of the album file has not been released, the item of “delete” on the album playback menu screen is displayed in a non-selectable state (marked with “x” in FIG. 28), and becomes a playback target. It is prohibited to select the deletion of the album file. At this time, when the operator selects the item “protect” from the options of the reproduction menu displayed on the LCD 5 and presses the execution button 8a, the process shifts to the state ST33.
[0170]
On the protect operation screen shown in state ST33, the same items as the items for the photographed file (see state ST23 in FIG. 27) are displayed as selection items. That is, four items of “this image”, “all at once”, “unprotection of this image”, and “unprotection at once” are displayed. Each item is a selection item similar to the case where the protection setting is performed on the photographed file. Therefore, when the operator wants to release the protection of one album file displayed as a background image or the like on the LCD 5, the operator selects “release of protection of this image” and protects all the album files stored in the album folder. If you want to remove all protection at once, select "Release batch protection". Then, by pressing the execution button 8a, the file attribute AT of the selected album file is changed from “read-only attribute” to “archive attribute”. At this time, the album information file (“Album.inf”) stored in the album folder is rewritten.
[0171]
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of rewriting the album information file. With the release of protection of the album file (Albm0003.jpg) stored in the album folder, the file attribute AT of the album file (Albm0003.jpg) is changed to the archive attribute, and as shown in FIG. The file attribute indicated in “Album.inf” is also changed from “read-only attribute (ReadOnly)” to “archive attribute (Archive)”.
[0172]
Then, after changing the file attribute, the process returns to the state ST31, and the "delete" item in the options of the album reproduction menu is displayed in a selectable state. At this time, the mark MK4 displayed on a part of the screen of the LCD 5 is switched to non-display, so that it is possible to visually grasp that the protection set for the album file to be displayed has been released. ing.
[0173]
With the above operation, the protection setting of the album file is released, and the protected album file can be deleted. When the protection setting is performed again on the album file once the protection is released, the same operation as the protection setting operation for the photographed file described above may be performed.
[0174]
FIG. 30 is a state transition diagram of the digital camera 1, showing a state transition in the case of deleting an unprotected album file, focusing on a change in the display state of the LCD 5.
[0175]
As shown in FIG. 30, in the state ST30 in which album images and the like are displayed on the LCD 5 in the album playback mode, when the operator presses the menu button 8b, an album playback menu screen is displayed, and the process proceeds to the state ST31. In the state ST31, when the protection setting of the album file has been released, the item "Delete" on the album reproduction menu screen is displayed in a selectable state. At this time, when the operator selects the item of “delete” from the options of the reproduction menu displayed on the LCD 5 and presses the execution button 8a, the process shifts to the state ST34.
[0176]
In state ST34, a delete operation screen with a screen title of "delete album image" is displayed. This makes it possible to grasp that the deletion target is an album image or the like stored in the album folder. In addition, on this deletion operation screen, two items of “this image” and “collectively” are displayed as selection items. “This image” is a selection item for deleting an image or the like to be reproduced, which is currently displayed on the screen background, from the album folder. “Batch” is a selection item for collectively deleting all album files stored in the album folder.
[0177]
When the operator selects one of the above selection items and presses the execution button 8a, the specified album file is determined to be deleted. Then, the flow shifts to the state ST34a.
[0178]
In state ST34a, a warning display indicating that the operator is about to delete the album file is displayed on LCD5. If the operator presses the menu button 8b while the warning is displayed, the process returns to the state ST31 without deleting the selected album file. On the other hand, if the operator presses the execution button 8a while the warning is displayed, the process proceeds to the state ST35, and the process of deleting the selected album file is executed. The warning display in the state ST34a is performed to prevent the album file from being deleted due to an erroneous operation or the like. When the warning display prompts the operator to perform further input operation, the album file is erroneously deleted. Has been prevented.
[0179]
In the state ST35, a message that the album file is being deleted is displayed on the LCD 5, and the specified album file is deleted from the album folder. At this time, by referring to the album information file, the overall control unit 50 identifies the shooting file as the registration source of the album file to be deleted, and determines whether the shooting file as the registration source exists in the shooting image folder. Determine whether or not. Then, when the photographing file as the registration source exists, the tag information TG of the photographing file as the registration source is rewritten (state ST35a). Specifically, the information on “presence or absence of album registration” in the tag information TG is rewritten from “present” to “absent”. Then, information about the album file to be deleted is deleted from the album information file (“Album.inf”) (state ST35b), and the process returns to the state 31.
[0180]
With the above operation, the deletion of the album file stored in the album folder with the registration operation is completed.
[0181]
Next, a case where a photograph file stored in the photograph image folder is deleted will be described. In principle, an archive attribute is assigned to a photograph file stored in the photograph image folder. When the protection setting has been performed on the photographed file by the operator, an operation of canceling the protection is performed prior to the deletion operation, as in the case of the album file. Then, after the protection is released, it becomes possible to delete.
[0182]
FIG. 31 is a state transition diagram of the digital camera 1, showing a state transition in the case of deleting a shooting file for which protection has not been set, centering on a change in the display state of the LCD 5. As shown in FIG. 31, in the state ST20 in which a captured image or the like is displayed on the LCD 5 in the reproduction mode, when the operator presses the menu button 8b, a reproduction menu screen is displayed, and the process proceeds to the state ST21. In the state ST21, when the protection setting is not performed on the photographed file, the item of “delete” on the playback menu screen is displayed in a selectable state. At this time, when the operator selects the item of “delete” from the options of the reproduction menu displayed on the LCD 5 and presses the execution button 8a, the process shifts to the state ST24.
[0183]
In the state ST24, a deletion operation screen with a screen title of "deletion of a captured image" is displayed. Thereby, it is possible to grasp that the deletion target is a captured image or the like stored in the captured image folder. In addition, on this deletion operation screen, two items of “this image” and “collectively” are displayed as selection items. These items are the same as those for deleting an album file (see state ST34 in FIG. 30). When the operator selects one of the selection items and presses the execution button 8a, the specified photographed file is determined as a deletion target. Then, the process shifts to the state ST25, where a display indicating that the photographed file is being deleted is displayed on the LCD 5, and the designated photographed file is deleted from the photographed image folder. When the deletion process is completed, the process returns to the state 21.
[0184]
With the above operation, the deletion of the photographed file stored in the photographed image folder along with the photographing operation and the recording operation is completed.
[0185]
As described above, when deleting a file stored in the memory card 90, the digital camera 1 gives a title so that it can be clearly distinguished whether the file to be deleted is a photographed file or an album file. Since the screen display is performed, the possibility that the album file is accidentally deleted can be reduced.
[0186]
In particular, when a delete instruction is given to an album file, a warning display (for example, the state ST34a in FIG. 30) that is not displayed for a photographed file is performed. , And it is possible to prevent the album file from being deleted due to an erroneous operation of the operator. In other words, if the same screen display mode is adopted for the case where the file to be deleted is a shooting file and the case where it is an album file, the operator may mistakenly delete the album file in an attempt to delete the shooting file. On the other hand, when the album file is deleted as described above, the display is different from that in the case where the photographed file is deleted, thereby preventing the album file from being accidentally deleted.
[0187]
Also, the album file is protected at the time of registration, and when deleting or changing the album file, it is necessary to first unprotect the album file. Can be prevented from being deleted or changed.
[0188]
When the album file deletion process is executed, the selected album file is deleted from the album folder. However, the album file deleted from the album folder is stored in another folder (for example, a trash folder folder). (Specific folder). By storing the deleted file in another specific folder, the file deleted due to an erroneous operation or the like can be restored, which is advantageous in terms of file protection. Further, the file may be moved to a specific folder even when the photographed file is deleted.
[0189]
<Others>
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described contents, and it is needless to say that various modifications can be applied.
[0190]
The contents described above include the following inventive concept.
[0191]
(1) In the digital camera according to (2), when the album file to be displayed includes audio data and there is image data associated with the audio data, the display unit is based on the image data. A digital camera, wherein an image is displayed as a background image, and a display relating to audio is displayed as an overlay on the background image.
[0192]
Thereby, it is possible to easily grasp that the audio data and the image data are associated with each other.
[0193]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an album file is generated based on a data file including audio data, and the album file is stored in a second recording area different from the first recording area. Since the audio data can be stored, the audio data can be stored separately from the captured image and the like. Therefore, for example, not only a captured image but also audio information can be registered as a favorite file, and the types of contents that can be registered are increased, and the degree of freedom when using a digital camera is increased.
[0194]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the album file to be displayed is audio data, the presence / absence of image data associated with the audio data is displayed in an identifiable state. It is possible to easily determine whether the file is a sound only or a sound associated with an image, and it is possible to prevent confusion at the time of operation.
[0195]
According to the third aspect of the invention, when the album file to be displayed is audio data, and there is no image data associated with the audio data, it is determined that only the audio data is present. Since the display is performed, for example, it is possible to easily understand that, for example, the file to be played back as the album is only audio.
[0196]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when an album file is generated and stored in the second recording area, the file numbers of the files related to each other can be stored as the same number or consecutive numbers. The association between the data and the specific image data can be easily grasped, and the operability of the digital camera is improved.
[0197]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the data file to be stored in the second recording area is image data related to a moving image, the album is created based on only a part of a plurality of frames constituting the moving image. Since the file is generated and stored in the second recording area, the file capacity of the album file stored on the recording medium can be reduced. For example, an album file is a file that is always desired to be stored in a digital camera. Therefore, by reducing the file capacity, the number of files that can be stored in the second recording area can be increased. The convenience of the digital camera is improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a digital camera viewed from the front side.
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the digital camera as viewed from the rear side.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the digital camera.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a folder configuration in a memory card.
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.
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 is added.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a playback menu screen according to a modification.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a group of files stored in a captured image folder in a memory card.
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 display screen in a state where an album image or the like to be reproduced in the album reproduction mode is protected.
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a state transition when a protection is applied to a photographed file.
FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a state transition when the protection setting state is changed for an album file.
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of rewriting an album information file when protection is released.
FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a state transition in a case where an unprotected album file is deleted.
FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a state transition when a shooting file for which protection setting is not performed is deleted.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Digital camera
5 LCD (display means)
12 Microphone (voice acquisition means)
20 CCD (imaging means)
30 Operation unit
50 overall control unit (photographing file recording means, album file recording means)
90 Memory card (recording medium)

Claims (5)

A digital camera configured to record data on a recording medium,
Imaging means for generating image data by a shooting operation;
Voice acquisition means for generating voice data by a recording operation;
In response to a shooting operation, storing a data file including audio data obtained by performing the recording operation with or without the shooting operation in a first recording area of the recording medium. File recording means;
An album that generates an album file based on the data file stored in the first recording area in response to a predetermined operation, and stores the album file in a second recording area different from the first recording area File recording means;
Digital camera equipped with. The digital camera according to claim 1,
Display means for performing display based on the album file stored in the second recording area,
When the audio data obtained by the recording operation is related to specific image data, the shooting file recording unit records the audio data in association with the specific image data,
The album file recording means is configured to, when generating an album file based on the audio data, generate a file while maintaining the association with the specific image data,
When the album file to be displayed includes audio data, the display means displays the presence / absence of image data associated with the audio data in an identifiable state. The digital camera according to claim 2,
When the album file to be displayed is audio data and there is no image data associated with the audio data, the display means performs a display indicating that only the audio data is present. Digital camera that features. The digital camera according to claim 1,
When the audio data obtained by the recording operation is related to specific image data, the shooting file recording unit records the audio data in association with the specific image data,
The album file recording means is configured to, when generating an album file based on the audio data, generate a file while maintaining the association with the specific image data,
In the case where the recording operation is performed after the specific image data is obtained, the photographing file recording unit may have a file number of audio data obtained by the recording operation different from a file number assigned to the specific image data. Stored in the first recording area as a number,
The album file recording means, when storing the audio data stored in the first recording area with a file number different from the specific image data in the second recording area, a file of an album file related to the audio data A digital camera, wherein a number is stored as the same number or a serial number as a file number relating to the specific image data. A digital camera configured to record, on a recording medium, image data related to a still image or a moving image obtained by shooting,
A photographing file recording unit that generates a data file including the image data obtained by performing a photographing operation in response to a photographing operation, and stores the data file in a first recording area of the recording medium;
An album that generates an album file based on the data file stored in the first recording area in response to a predetermined operation, and stores the album file in a second recording area different from the first recording area File recording means;
With
When the data file to be stored in the second recording area is image data related to a moving image, the album file recording unit may store the album file based on only a part of a plurality of frames constituting the moving image. A digital camera, and storing the generated data in the second recording area.

Images