JP2005175957A - Image management device, digital camera, and image management method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve user's convenience when image data are stored by a file format according to a predetermined rule. <P>SOLUTION: In a device configured for storing image data by a file format in a recording medium according to a predetermined rule, the device identifies a directory (KATSUO) specified by a user as a directory to store the image data as a storing directory. When image data which should be newly stored are input, a default directory (DCIM) is once evacuated which is defined to be the highest directory to store the image in the predetermined rule, and the default directory is recovered after the image data is stored in the storing directory by a file format. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image management apparatus, a digital camera, and an image management method. More specifically, the present invention relates to a storage area (directory) for storing an image captured by a digital camera or the like in a recording medium in a file format according to a predetermined rule. Regarding management.

  In recent years, with the development of digital technology, digital cameras that process captured image information electronically have become widespread. In such a digital camera, the subject light beam that has passed through the photographic lens reaches a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD, converts the subject image into an electrical signal, outputs it as an image signal, and further converts the image signal into an image processing circuit. Are subjected to various conversion processes, and finally stored as an image file in a recording medium such as a memory card. In general, a digital camera is provided with a means for displaying an image such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and has a function of displaying (reproducing) a captured image.

  For the purpose of playing back images on the LCD, the user can display the images for quick review playback for the purpose of checking the shot images immediately after shooting, and for the user to check or operate the images that have already been shot. There is playback playback. In quick review playback, after image processing after shooting, an image is automatically displayed on the LCD for a certain period of time in a size corresponding to the LCD screen. On the other hand, in playback playback, not only the image of the specified image file is played, but also the function to select the image file in the specified folder in order and play that image, or multiple thumbnail images on the LCD Some cameras have a display function.

  In recent years, digital cameras have been reduced in weight and size, and can be easily carried by users, and are extremely portable. In addition, since the digital camera does not require film costs and development costs as in the case of a silver halide film, it is advantageous for the user to easily shoot without worrying about costs. .

  However, in many digital cameras used by current general users, the release time lag, which is the time from when the shutter button is pressed until an image is actually recorded, is large. For this reason, a focus shift (so-called defocus) due to the movement of the subject or a shift due to camera shake is likely to occur. Further, there are many cases where an image intended by the user cannot be taken due to insufficient light quantity in night scene shooting, and an image unnecessary for the user is recorded on a recording medium such as a memory card of a digital camera. That is, an unnecessary image consumes a capacity on the recording medium.

  However, with a conventional digital camera, it is difficult to determine whether an image stored on a recording medium is a useless image. Accordingly, when there are many unnecessary images on the recording medium, many images that are not required to be reproduced or that the user does not intend to reproduce are reproduced during playback. Each time the operation is performed, the operation becomes very troublesome, such as executing a skip operation. In addition, playing back an image that the user does not intend to play back leads to wasteful power consumption.

  Also, in a general home, each individual rarely owns a digital camera, and when sharing one digital camera with a family, he wants to distinguish the images taken for each individual. There is a desire. Similarly, if an individual owns a digital camera, the usage or type of captured image, such as a landscape image, a person image, a private (private) image, a work-related image, There is also a demand for distinguishing image files on a recording medium according to an image that the user does not want to show.

  As a standard for managing image files on a recording medium of a digital camera, a DCF (JEIDA standard: Design rule for Camera File system) which is a camera file system standard is currently mainstream. However, in the DCF standard, there is no clear agreement on a method for discriminating the type of image, such as which photographer took an image file on a recording medium, and for what purpose. Not done. Therefore, in most digital cameras, during playback playback, all image data is played back sequentially in the storage order (specifically, combination order of directory number and file number) according to the range defined by the DCF standard. Just doing.

  As described above, the conventional digital camera has a problem that “an image that the user does not intend to reproduce is reproduced”. Various methods have been proposed for such problems in the following literature.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-176604 (Patent Document 1) adds a group number to a header for recording image information of image data, and the user inputs the group number, so that the group in the header of the image data at the time of reproduction is recorded. A method for referring to the number and controlling the reproduction of the image as desired by the user is described.

  In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-238168 (Patent Document 2), a priority is added to a header for recording imaging information of image data, or a list describing the priority of each image is created, and the user sets the priority. There is described a method of controlling the reproduction of an image as desired by a user by referring to the priority order of the header or list of the image data during reproduction.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-334121 (Patent Document 3) discloses a method for registering image search attributes in a list and allowing the user to input the search attributes to control the image reproduction as desired by the user during reproduction. Is described.

  In JP-A-2002-199334 (Patent Document 4), a correspondence list between a directory defined by the DCF standard, a directory (virtual directory) name and a file (virtual file) name that can be arbitrarily named by the user is created. A method for controlling the reproduction of an image as desired by the user by inputting a virtual directory name or the like that the user has named is described.

  In addition to the proposals described above, many methods have been proposed for adding search information to the header of image data and creating a search list in order to reproduce an image as desired by the user. .

  Further, although it does not directly solve the problem that “the image that the user does not intend to reproduce is reproduced”, there is the following patent document as a document describing related technology.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-287163 (Patent Document 5) describes a method of recording image data on a recording medium by dividing a directory for each category such as a still image and a moving image. However, in the method described in the document, when recording, the file name including serial numbers generated in time order is recorded regardless of the category, and when reproducing, the serial number of the file name is recorded regardless of the category. And play back in the order in which they were shot.
JP 2002-176604 A JP 2001-238168 A JP-A-10-334121 JP 2002-199334 A JP 2000-287163 A

  Among the methods described in the above-mentioned documents, there is the following problem when the user adds information to the header of image data. Of the time required for the digital camera to play back an image file, the time required to access a recording medium as an external device accounts for a large proportion. Therefore, in order to control the reproduction according to the information added to the header of the image data, it is necessary to access all the image files after all, and the image is actually reproduced after the user is instructed to reproduce the image. By the time, the time required for accessing the recording medium and the power consumption increase. That is, according to this method, it takes a long time until an image desired by the user is reproduced, and the power consumption of the digital camera increases.

  When adopting the method of creating a list, the following problems exist. There is a possibility that a recording medium such as a memory card is taken out from the digital camera and connected to a personal computer or the like to move or delete an internal image file. That is, the image file on the recording medium may be deleted or the storage position may be changed, and the consistency between the contents of the recording medium and the contents of the list is not guaranteed. Therefore, when the contents of the recording medium are rewritten after the list is created, reproduction itself according to the list may not be possible. Even if reproduction according to the list is possible, the user Images are not always reproduced as desired.

  Further, when the user connects the recording medium of the digital camera to a personal computer, the digital camera and the communication means attached to the digital camera (for example, a communication cable such as USB or a wireless communication means such as Bluetooth). Or a recording medium such as a memory card is taken out from the digital camera and attached to a personal computer directly or via an adapter such as a PC card. When connected to a personal computer, a recording medium such as a memory card can be handled in the same manner as a storage device such as a hard disk, and an image file on the memory card can be easily captured (copied) into the hard disk of the personal computer. Thus, in the state of being taken into the hard disk of the personal computer, if there is no information in the list created by the digital camera, it cannot be determined whether the image is an image desired by the user or an unnecessary image.

  In order to avoid such an inconvenience, the list information created by the digital camera is copied to the personal computer during or after communication or capture, and a program for analyzing the list information is also stored in the personal computer. Must be installed. If it does in this way, the user will need knowledge about the operation and setting of the program, and the burden on the user will increase. Furthermore, since it is necessary to make (synchronize) the list information of the digital camera and the personal computer the same, very complicated control is required.

  The method of recording the directory separately for each category is not fully described in the above-mentioned document, but for the user, the image file is classified for each category directory on the recording medium. When referring to the recording medium by connecting to the above, it is considered that it is somewhat easier to handle from the viewpoint that the storage location of the image file is divided for each category. However, it seems that the camera is supposed to have a preset shooting mode such as still image shooting or movie shooting of the digital camera. There is no category input means for recording / playback by the user, and the category is set during playback. Regardless of the file name, the file name including the serial number corresponding to the shooting order is referred to, and playback is performed in the shooting order.

  Therefore, the problem that “the image that the user does not intend to reproduce is reproduced” is not solved. Also, other than one category may not be playable by other digital cameras. For example, when a still image is recorded in a directory conforming to the DCF standard and a moving image is recorded in a directory not defined in the DCF standard by the digital camera based on this proposal, an image photographed by the digital camera is recorded. Even if the recording medium is attached to a digital camera capable of reproducing other moving images, the moving images cannot be reproduced unless such categorization is assumed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above situation. For example, when image data is stored in a file format according to a predetermined rule such as the DCF standard, the image data can be stored in a directory designated by the user. It aims at improving the convenience of the user.

An image management apparatus as one aspect of the present invention that achieves the above object is an image management apparatus that stores image data in a file format on a recording medium in accordance with a predetermined rule.
A storage directory identifying means for identifying, as a storage directory, a directory designated by the user as a directory for storing image data;
When new image data to be stored is input, the default directory defined as the highest directory for storing images in the rules is temporarily saved, and the image data is stored in the save directory in a file format. And recording directory management means for recovering the default directory later.

Further, a digital camera as another aspect of the present invention that achieves the above object is a digital camera that stores captured image data in a file format on a removable recording medium according to a predetermined rule,
A storage directory identifying means for identifying, as a storage directory, a directory designated by the user as a directory for storing image data;
When storing newly captured image data, after temporarily saving the default directory defined as the highest directory for storing images in the rules, and storing the image data in the file format in the storage directory Recording directory management means for restoring the default directory.

An image management method according to still another aspect of the present invention is an image management method for storing image data in a file format on a recording medium according to a predetermined rule,
Identify the directory specified by the user as the directory to store the image data as the storage directory,
When image data to be newly stored is input, the default directory defined as the highest directory for storing images in the rules is temporarily saved,
Storing the image data in the storage directory in a file format;
Restore the default directory.

  That is, according to the present invention, in a device configured to store image data in a file format on a recording medium in accordance with a predetermined rule, a directory designated by the user as a directory for storing image data is identified as a storage directory and newly added. When the image data to be stored is input, the default directory defined as the highest directory for storing images according to the specified rule is temporarily saved, and after the image data is stored in the file format in the save directory, the default directory To restore.

  If it does in this way, the image data which image | photographed the predetermined rule in the directory which a user desires as a storage area will be stored.

  Therefore, it is possible to store images taken in different directories for different purposes and users. Even if the contents of the recording medium are copied to the hard disk of a personal computer in the same directory structure, the images are stored in a directory with a different name for each purpose and user, so that the user can save the target image. It will be easier to find the directory that was created.

  The above object can also be achieved by a computer program for realizing the above image management method by a computer device and a recording medium storing the computer program.

  According to the present invention, in a system for recording / reproducing images such as a digital camera, directories that a user desires are created and renamed so that a directory conforming to a rule defined by a standard for managing images can be moved. It is possible to reproduce an image desired by the user by recording the image file on the recording medium while switching the image or reproducing the image file from the recording medium. Even if the directory structure on the recording medium is directly copied to a hard disk of a personal computer, the user can easily determine where the desired image is. In addition, if the user adds a deletion attribute to the directory created by the user, even if the free space on the recording medium is insufficient to record the captured image, the image of the directory to which the deletion attribute is added It is possible to continue shooting by automatically deleting.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the components described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to them.

  First, a digital camera as an embodiment of an image management apparatus according to the present invention common to the following embodiments will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital camera as an embodiment of an image management apparatus according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, 101 is a lens that forms a subject image, 102 is a diaphragm mechanism that adjusts the amount of incident light from the lens 101, and 103 is an optical signal that converts an optical signal incident from the lens 101 through the diaphragm mechanism 102 (photoelectric). An image sensor 104 for conversion, a CDS / AGC circuit that controls gain by sampling a signal photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 103, and an analog− that converts an analog signal output from the CDS / AGC circuit 104 into a digital signal. A digital converter (hereinafter referred to as an A / D converter).

  Reference numeral 110 denotes a camera signal processing circuit that performs predetermined processing on the signal A / D converted by the A / D converter 105, and 130 denotes digital data output from the camera signal processing circuit 110, etc. A data bus for transferring to other parts, 111 is a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as CPU) for controlling the entire digital camera, 131 is a CPU bus for transmitting control signals output from the CPU 111, and 112 is a data bus A storage device (hereinafter, referred to as a memory) that temporarily stores digital data such as image data and control data transmitted via 130.

  Reference numeral 109 denotes an AF signal processing circuit that performs predetermined processing for AF (autofocus) control, 108 denotes an AF control circuit that performs AF control based on a signal output from the AF signal processing circuit 109, and 107 denotes a lens 101. , A focus lens motor 106 as a driving source of the lens 101, and a control area setting circuit 113 for setting a control area such as AF.

  Reference numeral 115 denotes an image enlargement processing circuit for enlarging a part of image data output from the camera signal processing circuit 110, the memory 112, etc., and 116 denotes image management information and image data temporarily stored in the memory 112 as a file. A secondary storage device that stores the image data in a removable recording medium such as a memory card or a disk drive in a format, 117 compresses the raw image data output from the camera signal processing circuit 110 using a compression algorithm such as JPEG, An image compression / decompression apparatus that performs the reverse decompression processing; 118, means for adding various header information to the compressed image data to create an image file; and means for extracting header information and image data from the image file Directory operations (directories), which is a general process required to store image files, etc. Creating creating or deleting) and file operations (file, delete, move) is an image file creation and reading apparatus having a means for the.

  Reference numeral 122 denotes a VRAM that holds a video signal output to the LCD liquid crystal display device 124, and reference numeral 123 denotes a digital-analog converter (hereinafter referred to as a D / A converter) that converts a digital signal output from the VRAM 122 into an analog signal. 124 is an LCD liquid crystal display device as display means for displaying an analog video signal output from the D / A converter 123, 119 is a directory input selection device for the user to input or select a directory, and 120 is secondary recording. A directory extracting device 121 for searching a directory in the same hierarchy as the highest directory for storing images on the recording medium mounted on the device 116, 121 is the highest directory for storing images on the recording medium and the highest directory for storing images. Temporary directory and user's finger input / selected by directory input device 119 A directory renaming device 114 for renaming a directory displays a list of directory names on the LCD liquid crystal display device 123 in order for the user to input a directory name by the directory input device 119 or to select from the directory extracted by the directory extraction device 120. This is a directory name display device that performs processing to be displayed in

  In the digital camera configured as described above, light from the subject forms an image on the image sensor 103 through the lens 101 and the diaphragm mechanism 102, is converted into an electrical signal, and is output. The output electric signal is input to the CDS / AGC circuit 104, sampled and gain-controlled, and then input to the A / D converter 105 to be converted into a digital signal. The converted digital signal is input to the camera signal processing circuit 110 and subjected to predetermined processing, and then input to the D / A converter 123. The signal converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 123 is output to the LCD liquid crystal display device 124 or the like. This signal flow is a general one constituting an EVF (electronic viewfinder).

  Next, an example of processing when various image processing is performed on the captured image and the image file such as JPEG is stored in the recording medium will be described. The digital data output from the camera signal processing circuit 110 is stored in the memory 112 via the data bus 130, and then subjected to image processing such as compression processing by the image compression / decompression device 117, and shooting information (Tv value, Av The image file creating / reading device 118 generates an image file to which attribute information such as a value and a selected distance measuring frame is added. Thereafter, the image file is again sent to the recording device 116 via the data bus 130 and recorded on the recording medium.

  Next, an example of processing at the time of reproduction for displaying image data from an image file stored in a recording medium will be described. The image file stored in the recording medium attached to the recording device 116 is subjected to image processing such as expansion processing by the image compression / expansion device 117, finally transferred to the VRAM 122, and displayed on the LCD liquid crystal display device 124. The Also, header information in the image file is extracted by the image file creation / reading device 118. When each piece of information of the image data and header information of these image files is processed, temporary loading of data onto the memory 112 via the data bus 130 is repeated several times.

  Next, an example of processing of an operation performed only when requested by the user during shooting or playback mode will be described. When the user sets to the directory input selection mode by the directory input selection device 119, the directory extraction device 120 extracts the directory, and the directory name display device 114 finally transfers the information formed in the directory list to the VRAM 122, and the LCD. It is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 124. When a directory other than an existing directory is input by the directory input selection device 119, a new directory is created by the image file creation / reading device 118, and the new directory is stored in a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk via the data bus 130. Created by the recording device 116. After the directory to be imaged / reproduced is renamed to a directory name other than the object to be imaged / reproduced by the directory rename device 121, the directory input by the directory input selection device 119 is imaged / reproduced by the directory rename device 121. Renamed to the target directory name.

  Note that detailed operations such as data processing and control at the time of shooting and playback in the digital camera of the present embodiment are as described above, and thus will not be described below.

  In addition, the processing procedure described below with reference to the flowcharts is not limited to the example described, and any combination of procedures, multiple processes may be combined, as long as the gist of the present invention is satisfied. It is also possible to subdivide each process, and to cut out each process individually and implement it as a single functional element, and use it in combination with processes other than those shown.

  In the following description, for the sake of brevity, the description will be based on the DCF standard. However, as long as the gist of the present invention is satisfied, the system conforms to any standard for managing image files, or a certain level. The present invention can be applied to a system that manages image files according to rules.

  Embodiments of a digital camera according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a directory structure formed on a recording medium such as a memory card in the first embodiment of the digital camera according to the present invention.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 212 denotes the root of the recording medium. Directories and files are created from this hierarchy. Reference numeral 201 denotes a top directory of a directory hierarchy defined by the DCF standard. The directory name is defined as “DCIM” and corresponds to a directory defined as “image storage top directory” in this specification. Reference numeral 202 denotes a directory for storing an actual image file, which is formed in a hierarchy below the “DCIM” directory. The directory name is composed of three digits (100 to 999) and five free characters as “100CANON”. "Is an example of a directory defined as" image storage directory "in this specification. 203 is an image file actually stored in the directory “100CANON”, and the file name is composed of 4 free characters and 4 digits (0001 to 9999) (excluding extension) file name (Img — 0001. jpg) is an example of a file defined as “image storage file” in this specification.

  Reference numeral 204 denotes an image storage directory formed in the same manner as the directory 202 (100 CANON). An image file 205 indicates an image file stored in the directory 204 (101CANON).

  Reference numeral 206 denotes a directory (user-specified directory) created in the same hierarchy as the “DCIM” directory according to a user instruction in the present embodiment, and an image storage directory below the directory according to the same rules as in the hierarchical structure of the “DCIM” directory. And an image file are formed. However, the directory name is not limited as 202, and can be defined by a free character up to a predetermined maximum number of characters (eight characters in this embodiment). Reference numeral 207 denotes an image storage directory created under the user-specified directory 206 (KATSUO) by shooting after the image file 205 (Img_0101.jpg) is stored, and has the same directory name as the directory 204 (101CANON). Has been created. Reference numeral 208 denotes an image file created by shooting after the image file 205 (Img_0101.jpg) is stored, and the file name (Img_0102.jpg) next to the image file 205 (Img_0101.jpg) is attached. Yes. Similarly to the directory 206 (KATSUO), 209, 210, 211, 212, and 213 indicate user-specified directories created by user instructions.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a menu screen displayed on the operation unit operated by the user and the LCD according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 5A showing the operation unit, reference numeral 501 denotes a menu button. The user presses this button when he / she wants to make some setting. Reference numeral 502 denotes a setting button. The user presses this button when he / she wants to set (determine) the content selected from the menu or the like. Reference numeral 503 denotes a cross key, and the user presses the up / down / left / right key of this key to move the item (focus) selected from the items displayed on the menu screen.

  FIGS. 5B to 5E show examples of menu screens displayed on the LCD 504. (B) 505 is a top menu displayed on the LCD 504 when the user presses the menu button 501 when the menu is accepted. Reference numeral 506 denotes a portion visually showing the currently selected item (selection of shooting / playback folder) among the items displayed on the top menu 505. When the user presses the up / down key of the cross key 503, the control is also performed. The part can be moved up and down.

  (C) 507 shows a shooting folder selection menu displayed on the LCD 504 when the setting button 502 is pressed when the digital camera is in the shooting mode and the state 506 is on the “select shooting / playback folder”. Show. Reference numeral 508 denotes an item currently selected (creates a new folder) by the user's operation of the cross key 503 among items displayed on the shooting folder selection menu 507.

  509 of (d) is a folder name for inputting a new folder name displayed when the setting button 502 is pressed in a state where the shooting folder selection menu 507 has 508 on the “create new folder”. This is an input field. The folder name input operation will be described. For example, one alphabetic character is displayed in the folder name input field 509, and the alphabet input every time the user operates the upper key of the cross key 503 is A, B, C, .. Are displayed in the reverse order, and the alphabets input every time the lower key of the cross key 503 is operated are displayed in the reverse order. By pressing the right key of the cross key 503, the character to be input is provisionally determined and the next character can be selected. When the folder name is finally input, the input can be performed by pressing the setting button 502. A new folder with the specified name will be created.

  In (e) 510, when the digital camera is in the playback mode, the playback folder selection displayed on the LCD 504 when the setting button 502 is pressed in a state where 506 is on the “select shooting playback folder”. Menu is shown. Reference numeral 511 denotes a folder name (KATSUO) currently selected by the user's operation of the cross key 503 among the folder names displayed on the reproduction folder selection menu 510.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the directory structure after shooting by performing the operation illustrated in FIG. 5 from the state shown in FIG. 2 of the directory structure of the recording medium. This detailed description will be described together with the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a series of processes from shooting standby in a shooting mode state until shooting is performed and an image is stored in a recording medium. Each process of the flowchart in FIG. 3 will be described with reference to the menu screen and operation unit in FIG. 5 and the directory structure in FIGS.

  In this embodiment, the processing after step 301 is started when the digital camera mode is the shooting mode and the power switch is turned on or when the playback mode is switched to the shooting mode.

  In step 302, it is checked whether shooting has started. Specifically, it is checked whether or not a release switch (such as a shutter button) has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step 311, and if not, the process proceeds to step 303.

  In step 303, it is checked whether or not the function (directory input selection function) set by the user for the folder storing the captured image data is turned on. If the function is turned on, the process proceeds to step 304. If not, return to Step 302. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the user presses the menu button 501 and the item “select photographing / playback folder” 506 is selected, the process proceeds to step 304.

  In step 304, the directory extraction device 120 extracts a directory in the same hierarchy as the image storage top-level directory “DCIM” 201. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 2, “KATSUO” 206, “NAMIHEI” 209, “HUNE” 210, “SAZAE” 211, “MASUO” 212, “WAKAME” 213, and “DCIM” 201 are extracted.

  In step 305, the directory name display device 114 formats the information extracted in step 304 (for example, “DCIM” 201 is not a directory created by the user but a directory defined by the DCF standard. Displays a list of directories (changed to the name "standard folder"). Specifically, it is displayed like a shooting folder selection menu 507 shown in FIG.

  In step 306, the directory input selection device 119 accepts directory input (or selection) from the user. Specifically, in the shooting folder selection menu 507 shown in FIG. 5C, when the user operates the cross key to select a displayed folder and the setting button 502 is pressed, the directory input selection device 119 is selected. Thus, the selected directory is determined. Further, as shown in the figure, when “Create new folder” 508 is selected in the shooting folder selection menu 507, a new directory is created, and as shown by the input menu 509 in FIG. Users can enter new directory names.

  In step 307, it is checked whether or not the user specified directory input in step 306 is a new directory. If it is a new directory, the process proceeds to step 308. If it is an existing directory, the process proceeds to step 309.

  In step 308, a new directory is created by the image file creation / reading device 118. Specifically, similarly to “WAKAME” 213, a directory “TARAO” 611 is created in the example of FIG. 6.

  In step 309, the directory rename device 121 renames the image storage top directory to another directory name. Specifically, “DCIM” 201 is renamed to “DCIM_org” 601 which is the image storage highest temporary directory name in the example of FIG. Reference numeral 602 in FIG. 6 indicates that “DCIM” is stored as the original directory name of “DCIM_org” 601.

  In step 310, the user specified directory created in step 308 is renamed to the image storage top directory. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 6, “TARAO” 611 is renamed “DCIM” 603 by referring to 602 stored as the original name of the image storage top directory. At this time, “TARAO” which is the directory name before renaming of “DCIM” 603 is stored as a user-specified directory name (604).

  In step 311, it is checked whether there is an image storage directory that is a directory for storing image files. If it does not exist, the process proceeds to step 312, and if it exists, the process proceeds to step 313. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 6, the information “101” of the image storage directory 607 indicating the location where the image file is stored next is referred to, and the directory “101CANON” corresponding to the information is set to “DCIM” 603 (user Search from the specified directory name “TARAO”).

  In step 312, an image storage directory is created by the image file creation / reading device 118. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 6, the information “101” in the image storage directory 607 is referred to, and the directory 605 is created under the “DCIM” 603 with the name “101CANON” corresponding to “101”.

  In step 313, the captured image is processed in response to the user pressing the shutter button. In step 314, image data that has been photographed and subjected to predetermined processing is converted into an image file format.

  In step 315, the image file created in step 314 is saved in the directory created in step 312 or the directory stored in 607 as the image saving directory. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 6, the information “0106” stored in the image storage file 608 indicating the name of the next image file is referred to, and the file name “Img — 0106.jpg” corresponding to the information is used. The image file is stored in the directory “101CANON” 605 (the stored state is indicated by 606 “Img — 0106.jpg”).

  In step 316, the information of the image storage directory and the image storage file for storing the next photographed image data is updated only when necessary. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 6, in the information of the image storage directory 607 and the image storage file 608, the image storage directory is determined to be the same directory as the previous one according to a predetermined rule, and is set as the image storage directory 609. The same information as the image storage directory 607 is stored (that is, the information is not updated). If the same file name is overwritten as the image storage file, the numerical value of the file name is updated (incremented) and the image storage file is updated. 610 information is stored. The predetermined rule for updating the information of the image storage directory and the image storage file may be a rule defined by a standard for managing image files or a rule uniquely determined by the manufacturer.

  Note that in the processing in step 309, as described in step 310, if the current image storage top directory is the directory originally created by the user in step 308, the stored user specified directory is stored. The name is referenced and renamed to the directory name (original name). Specifically, when “DCIM” is renamed, by referring to the user-specified directory name information 604, when the directory name is originally “TARAO”, it is not “DCIM_org” but the original name. Will be renamed to "TARAO" which is the directory name.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a series of processes from the standby state in the playback mode until the playback is performed and the image is displayed on the LCD. The flowchart of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the menu screen and operation unit shown in FIG. 5 and the directory structure of FIGS.

  In the present embodiment, the processing after step 401 is started when the power switch is turned on in the playback mode or when the shooting mode is switched to the playback mode.

  In step 402, it is checked whether or not playback has started. Specifically, it is checked whether or not a playback button or the like has been pressed. If it has been pressed, the process proceeds to step 403, and if not, the process proceeds to step 409.

  In step 403, it is checked whether or not the directory input selection function set by the user is turned on for the folder for reproducing the image. If the function is turned on, the process proceeds to step 404; Proceed to 402. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 5, when “select shooting / playback folder” is selected as indicated by 506 on the menu screen (b) displayed when the user presses the menu button 501, step 404 is executed. Proceed to

  In step 404, the directory extraction device 120 extracts a directory in the same hierarchy as the image storage top-level directory “DCIM” 201. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 2, “KATSUO” 206, “NAMIHEI” 209, “HUNE” 210, “SAZAE” 211, “MASUO” 212, “WAKAME” 213, and “DCIM” 201 are extracted.

  In step 405, the directory name display device 114 formats the information extracted in step 404 (for example, “DCIM” 201 is not a directory created by the user but a directory defined by the DCF standard. Displays a list of directories (changed to the name "standard folder"). Specifically, it is displayed as a reproduction folder selection menu 510 shown in FIG.

  In step 406, the directory input selection device 119 accepts directory input (or selection) from the user. Specifically, in the reproduction folder selection menu 510 shown in FIG. 5E, when the user selects a displayed folder by operating the cross key and the setting button 502 is pressed, the directory input selection device 119 is selected. Thus, the selected directory is determined. In the illustrated example, “KATSUO” indicated by 511 is selected in the reproduction folder selection menu 510.

  In step 407, the directory rename device 121 renames the image storage top directory to another directory name. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 6, “DCIM” 201 is renamed to “DCIM_org” 601 which is the image storage highest temporary directory name. Reference numeral 602 in FIG. 6 indicates that “DCIM” is stored as the original directory name of “DCIM_org” 601.

  In step 408, the user designated directory selected in step 406 is renamed to the image storage top directory. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 6, “KATSUO” is renamed to “DCIM” by referring to 602 stored as the original name of the image top directory. At this time, “KATSUO”, which is the directory name before renaming “DCIM”, is stored as a user-specified directory name (604).

  In step 409, normal reproduction processing is performed according to the user's operation. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 6, “DCIM” (the user-specified directory name “KATSUO” is renamed to “DCIM” in step 408) is “Img_0102.jpg” in the “101CANON” directory under the directory. Played. When there is an instruction for continuous playback, playback is performed sequentially such as “Img — 0104.jpg” and “Img — 0105.jpg” in the same directory. That is, only the image file under “DCIM” (user-specified directory name “KATSUO”) is reproduced. However, the rule regarding the reproduction order may be any of a rule defined by a standard for managing image files or a rule uniquely determined by the manufacturer.

  In the processing in step 407, when the current image storage top directory is originally a directory created by the user, the stored user-specified directory name is referred to and the directory name (original Name). Specifically, when “DCIM” is renamed, by referring to the user-specified directory name information 604, when the directory name is originally “WAKAME”, it is not “DCIM_org” but the original name. Will be renamed to "WAKAME" which is the directory name.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the name of the image storage top-level directory defined by the “standard for managing image files” is temporarily renamed to the image storage top-level temporary directory name. By renaming the name of the user-specified directory set by the user to the name of the top-level directory for storing images, the user-specified directory is temporarily made a directory that complies with the “standard for managing image files”. Accordingly, recording (saving) and reproduction of the image file can be performed.

  As a result, for the user, the captured image can be stored in a directory designated by the user, so that the captured image can be stored in a different directory for each purpose or user. Also in the case of reproduction, it is possible to reproduce an image according to the purpose and the user by designating a directory. In addition, even if the contents of a recording medium such as a memory card are copied to the hard disk of a personal computer in the same directory structure, images are stored in directories with different names for different purposes and users. It is easy to find the directory where the images are stored.

  Furthermore, when the function of the present embodiment is realized by an apparatus for managing image files such as a conventional digital camera, almost no changes to the conventional configuration and modules are required, and the configuration for realizing the function of the present embodiment Just add modules. For this reason, the burden on the development process for realizing the functions of this embodiment is light, and it is considered very unlikely that defects such as bugs will enter the configuration and modules that realize the functions of this embodiment. Therefore, the quality can be stabilized, and an image management apparatus or system with improved user convenience can be provided easily and inexpensively.

<Second Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the digital camera according to the present invention will be described. In the following description, description of parts similar to those of the first embodiment will be omitted, and description will be made focusing on characteristic parts of the second embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, processing for reproducing all images on a recording medium will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 4, when the process proceeds from step 403 to step 406 and the user selects “all folders” from the playback folder selection menu 510 of FIG. The user-specified directory selection operation is automatically performed sequentially, and the subsequent processing is repeated to reproduce all images on the recording medium.

  For example, if “all folders” is selected, the directories (“DCIM” 201, “KATSUO” 206, “NAMIHEI” 209, “HUNE” 210, “SAZAE” 211, “MASUO” 212 and “WAKAME” 213) are stored. Next, all the image files under the “DCIM” directory 201 of the normal DCF standard are reproduced as a folder to be reproduced first. When all the reproduction of the image files under “DCIM” 201 is completed, after “DCIM” 201 is renamed to “DCIM_org” in step 407 and step 408, as described in the first embodiment, One of the directories extracted and stored in the above, for example, “KATSUO” 206 is renamed to “DCIM”, and all images under the “DCIM (originally“ KATSUO ”206)” directory are reproduced. When the reproduction of the image file under “DCIM (originally“ KATSUO ”206)” is completed, “DCIM (originally“ KATSUO ”)” is renamed to the original “KATSUO”. In the same manner, the same processing is automatically repeated for “NAMIHEI” 209, “HUNE” 210, “SAZAE” 211, “MASUO” 212, and “WAKAME” 213, so that all images on the recording medium are displayed. Can be played.

  In the example described here, playback is performed in the order in which user-specified directories are created. However, playback in the order in which images are recorded on the recording medium is also possible. For example, when recording an image on a recording medium, the “DCIM” 201, “KATSUO” 206, “NAMIHEI” 209, “HUNE” 210, “SAZAE” are referred to by referring to the image storage directory and the image storage file. Even if an image file is recorded in any of the directories 211, “MASUO” 212, and “WAKAME” 213, the value included in the image file name is incremented each time it is photographed (for example, “ After the image data photographed in “101CANON” 204 of “DCIM” 201 is stored as “Img_0101.jpg” 205, the image data photographed in “101CANON” 207 of “KATSUO” 206 is “Img_0102.jpg” 208. When stored, all images can be displayed in the order in which they were shot by searching all these directories.

  Alternatively, by continuously storing the order of shooting before reproduction and the position information stored in the image file in a list or the like, continuous reproduction in the order of shooting is possible.

  However, if the list is not created, all directories are searched, so if the number of directories is large, reproduction takes time. On the other hand, when creating a list, once the recording medium is removed from the digital camera, the contents of the list are not guaranteed. For example, the list is recreated each time the recording medium is loaded. It is necessary to perform special processing.

<Third Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the digital camera according to the present invention will be described. In the following description, the description of the same parts as those of the first and second embodiments will be omitted, and the characteristic parts of the third embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, processing for moving an image on a recording medium to another directory will be described with reference to FIG.

  For example, a description will be given of processing in a case where image data recognized as having failed to be photographed is stored in the user-specified directory “TRASH” for the trash can.

  When the user presses the menu button during quick review playback or image playback playback immediately after shooting an image, for example, a menu screen as shown in FIG. 8A is displayed on the layer above the played back image. When “Move image” 801 is displayed, a menu for specifying a user-specified directory for moving the image shown in (b) is displayed. By selecting “TRASH” 802, an image file is displayed. The creation / reading device 118 moves to the directory “TRASH” in which the image file is designated.

  At this time, if the name of the image file to be moved overlaps with the name of the image file in the destination directory, a message to that effect is displayed on the LCD, and the file name is changed to the user or the move is stopped. It is better to let them select the necessary operations.

<Fourth Embodiment>
Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the digital camera according to the present invention will be described. In the following description, description of the same parts as those in the first to third embodiments will be omitted, and the characteristic parts of the fourth embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, processing for deleting a directory on a recording medium or an image file below the directory will be described with reference to FIG.

  For example, as described in the third embodiment, the user has created a user-specified directory “TRASH” for the trash can, and the number of image files under the “TRASH” increases to increase the capacity. A description will be given assuming that the terminal is occupied.

  In such a case, the user deletes the “TRASH” directory or deletes all image files under “TRASH” in order to increase the capacity for storing new image data in the recording medium.

  As an operation in this case, first, the user presses the menu button to display a menu screen as shown in FIG. 7A on the LCD and selects “delete folder” 701. In response to this, a list of directories for selecting a folder to be deleted is displayed as shown in (b). By selecting “TRASH” 702 here, the image file creating / reading device 118 selects “TRASH”. It is possible to delete the directory. (C) shows a list of directories after the “TRASH” directory has been deleted.

  At this time, a menu item for deleting all image files under “TRASH” may be provided while the directory of “TRASH” remains. As an example of a simple process for leaving the “TRASH” directory, it is conceivable that the image file creating / reading device 118 once deletes “TRASH” including the image file for each directory and then creates the directory “TRASH” again. . Even if such processing is performed, it is recognized by the user that only all image files under “TRASH” have been deleted.

<Fifth Embodiment>
The fifth embodiment of the digital camera according to the present invention will be described below. In the following description, the description of the same parts as those in the first to fourth embodiments will be omitted, and the characteristic parts of the fifth embodiment will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, a process for automatically deleting an image file under a user-specified directory on a recording medium will be described with reference to FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an image file is automatically deleted when the user-specified directory on the recording medium of the present invention has an attribute that can be deleted will be described with reference to FIG.

  For example, as described in the third embodiment, the user has created a user-specified directory “TRASH” for the trash can, and recognizes that the image file under the “TRASH” may be deleted. This will be explained assuming that

  As an operation in this case, the user creates a user specified directory “TRASH” and then presses the menu button to display a menu screen as shown in FIG. 9A on the LCD. “Add” 901 is selected. In response to this, a list of user-specified directories for selecting a folder to which a deletion attribute is added is displayed as shown in (b). By selecting “TRASH” 902 here, a deletion attribute is added to the memory 112. “TRASH” is stored as the directory that has been set.

  After performing such operations, if the number of image data stored in the recording medium after shooting is increased and the usable capacity of the recording medium becomes less than a predetermined value, a capacity for storing the captured image is secured. Therefore, under the control of the CPU, the necessary number of image files in the directory with the deletion attribute are automatically deleted. In this case, it is preferable to display a screen for allowing the user to confirm execution of deletion on the LCD.

  However, the deletion attribute added to the user-specified directory is that there is a possibility that the directory or image file on the recording medium may be edited by the user once the recording medium such as a memory card is taken out from the digital camera. In order to protect the information, the deletion attribute information stored in the memory 112 is cleared at the timing when the recording medium is taken out. The deletion attribute information should also be cleared when the battery or the like is removed and the mounting state of the recording medium cannot be confirmed.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention may be applied to an image management system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus (such as a digital camera or its peripheral device) composed of a single device.

  In the present invention, a software program (in this embodiment, a program corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is directly or remotely supplied to a system or apparatus. This includes the case where the object is also achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code by the computer of the system or apparatus. In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, the form does not need to be a program.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. That is, the claims of the present invention include the computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In this case, the program may be in any form as long as it has a program function, such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, or script data supplied to the OS.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R).

  As another program supply method, a client computer browser is used to connect to an Internet homepage, and the computer program of the present invention itself or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is downloaded from the homepage to a recording medium such as a hard disk. Can also be supplied. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the scope of the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  In addition to the functions of the above-described embodiments being realized by the computer executing the read program, the OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program is a part of the actual processing. Alternatively, the functions of the above-described embodiment can be realized by performing all of them and performing the processing.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or The CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the digital camera as embodiment of the image management apparatus concerning this invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a directory configuration formed on a recording medium such as a memory card in the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a series of processes from shooting standby in a shooting mode state until shooting is performed and an image is stored in a recording medium. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a series of processes from a state of waiting for playback in a playback mode to when an image is displayed on the LCD. It is a figure which shows the example of the menu screen displayed on the operation part and LCD which a user operates. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a directory configuration after an operation is performed from the directory configuration of the recording medium in FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows the example of the menu screen in the case of deleting an image file in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the menu screen in the case of moving an image to another directory etc. in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a menu screen in the case of performing the setting which deletes automatically the image file under a user designation directory in 5th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Shooting lens 102 Aperture apparatus 103 Image pick-up element 104 CDS, AGC circuit 105 A / D converter 106 Focus lens motor 107 Focus lens drive circuit 108 AF control circuit 109 AF signal processing circuit 110 Camera signal processing circuit 111 CPU
112 Memory 113 Control Area Setting Circuit 114 Directory Name Display Device 115 Image Enlargement Processing Circuit 116 Recording Device 117 Image Compression / Expansion Device 118 Image File Creation / Reading Device 119 Directory Input Selection Device 120 Directory Extraction Device 121 Directory Rename Device 122 VRAM
123 D / A converter 124 LCD liquid crystal display 130 Data bus 131 CPU bus

Claims (12)

An image management apparatus for storing image data in a file format on a recording medium according to a predetermined rule,
A storage directory identifying means for identifying, as a storage directory, a directory designated by the user as a directory for storing image data;
When new image data to be stored is input, the default directory defined as the highest directory for storing images in the rules is temporarily saved, and the image data is stored in the save directory in a file format. An image management apparatus comprising recording directory management means for restoring the default directory later.   The recording directory management means changes the name of the default directory to another name at the time of the evacuation, changes the name of the storage directory to the name of the default directory, and changes the name of the storage directory at the time of the restoration. 2. The image management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising directory renaming means for restoring the name and the name of the default directory.   3. The directory creation means for creating the storage directory according to a user input, and the directory creation means creates the storage directory at the same level as the default directory. Image management device. Display means for displaying the image data and information relating to the operation;
The image management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising operation means for a user to perform input and selection. Extraction means for extracting the default directory and a directory in the same hierarchy;
5. The image management apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising directory name display means for displaying the name of the extracted directory on the display means.   The apparatus further comprises attribute adding means for adding information indicating that an image stored in the directory can be deleted to a directory selected from the directory name displayed on the display means. The image management apparatus according to claim 5.   Moving means for moving an image file in a directory below the default directory to the destination directory when a directory selected from the directory name displayed on the display means is designated as the destination; The image management apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising:   6. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a deletion unit that deletes an image file under the directory when a directory selected from the directory name displayed on the display unit is designated as a deletion target. Image management device.   The image management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording medium is detachable.   The image management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined rule includes a DCF (Design Rule for Camera File system) standard. A digital camera that stores captured image data in a file format on a removable recording medium according to a predetermined rule,
A storage directory identifying means for identifying, as a storage directory, a directory designated by the user as a directory for storing image data;
When storing newly captured image data, after temporarily saving the default directory defined as the highest directory for storing images in the rules, and storing the image data in the file format in the storage directory And a recording directory management means for restoring the default directory. An image management method for storing image data in a file format on a recording medium according to a predetermined rule,
Identify the directory specified by the user as the directory to store the image data as the storage directory,
When image data to be newly stored is input, the default directory defined as the highest directory for storing images in the rules is temporarily saved,
Storing the image data in the storage directory in a file format;
An image management method, comprising: restoring the default directory.

Images