JP2006113788A - Imaging device and program for imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging device easy to designate a folder for image file recording, especially, an imaging device easy to designate a folder to be deleted. <P>SOLUTION: A digital camera stores a latest date (T1) when an image file is recorded, and a latest date (T2) when the image file is read so as to reproduce and display an image with respect to the folder recording the image file, and varies color of the image according to whether lapsed times from the dates (T1, T2) exceed prescribed reference periods or not when displaying the image of the folder. The number of the recordable image folders increasing when deleting the folder is displayed together with the image of the folder. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus that records captured images in a folder as an image file, and more particularly to an imaging apparatus that can change a folder for recording an image file.

  In a digital camera, an image file representing a photographed image is created, and the image file is recorded on a recording medium. Conventionally, image files have been accommodated (recorded) in a single folder. However, in recent years, a folder for recording image files by providing a plurality of folders on a recording medium in order to facilitate management of image files. It is done to be able to change. The user specifies in advance which folder the image file is recorded in. In order to easily specify the folder, it is common to display an image representing the folder together with the folder name.

Some digital cameras automatically create a folder for each date and change the folder for each shooting date. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-262030 proposes a digital camera in which image files are classified and placed in another folder based on an input keyword.
JP-A-11-262030

  Regardless of the number of folders, if there is no remaining capacity on the recording medium, it is no longer possible to record a new image file, and in order to shoot a new image, the unnecessary image file is deleted from the recording medium. Need arises. Nowadays, the need for digital cameras is increasing.

  The deletion of the image file can be performed collectively for all the image files on the recording medium, or can be performed individually for each file. It is also possible to delete all image files recorded in the folder by deleting the folder.

  The method of deleting all the image files on the recording medium collectively is the most efficient, but cannot be adopted when there is even one image file to be saved. The method for deleting individual image files can be adopted in any case, but the image file to be deleted must be selected from many image files, which is inefficient and cumbersome. The method of deleting a folder can be adopted even when there is an image file to be stored, and is more efficient than a method of deleting an image file individually. In order to easily specify the folder to be deleted, it is common to display an image representing the folder together with the folder name, as in the case of specifying the folder in which the image file is recorded.

  However, even in the method of deleting a folder, the user must determine which folder is necessary and which is unnecessary. Here, in a digital camera having a function of creating a folder for each date and a function of allowing a user to set a folder name, it is possible to determine whether or not it is necessary from the folder name. However, in many digital cameras, it is impossible to determine whether or not it is necessary from the folder name, and the user displays the image represented by the image file included in each folder and confirms the contents of each folder. For this reason, it takes time to determine necessity.

  Further, when there is no remaining capacity at the time of shooting, it is only necessary to secure a recording capacity sufficient to record a new image file, and it is not always necessary to delete all unnecessary folders. However, with conventional digital cameras, it is not easy to know the number of image files that can be recorded by deleting a folder. For this reason, the number of folders to be deleted becomes excessive and insufficient, and a photo opportunity is lost. It is easy to happen.

  Furthermore, the folder name and the image of the folder are displayed as described above, both when specifying the folder for recording the image file and when specifying the folder to be deleted. However, the folder name and the image of the folder are all displayed in the same manner. Because it is displayed, the folder cannot be identified without reading the folder name. For this reason, it is not so meaningful to display a folder image.

  All of the above inconveniences occur not only in digital cameras that capture still images, but in any imaging device that can record image files in a plurality of folders. The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an imaging device that allows easy designation of a folder, particularly an imaging device that facilitates designation of a folder to be deleted, and a program therefor. .

  In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, an image pickup apparatus that records a captured image as an image file in a folder and displays an image of the folder to indicate an existing folder. The latest date and time recorded or the latest date and time when the image file recorded in the folder is read out is stored for each folder as the folder access date and time. The folder image color is made different between a folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time has exceeded the reference period and a folder that has not exceeded the reference period.

  In this imaging device, the folder image is displayed in different colors depending on whether the reference period has passed since the date and time when the most recent image file was recorded or the date and time when the most recent image file was read. You can see the old and new access to image files in a folder just by looking. Therefore, it is easy to specify a folder.

  Here, a plurality of reference times may be determined, and the color of the folder image may be different for each reference time. In this way, the image color of the folder becomes three or more, and the new and old access to the image file can be understood in more detail.

  The color used for displaying the image of the folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the reference period may be determined based on an instruction from the user. The user can specify a color that suits his / her preference or is easy to identify.

  The reference period may be determined based on an instruction from the user. In this way, the device becomes easier to use for the user.

  When a folder image is displayed, in response to an instruction from the user, all folder images are displayed and only images of folders whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the reference time are displayed. You may make it switch the state to display. It becomes easier to specify a folder.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention also provides an imaging apparatus for recording a captured image as an image file in a folder that displays an image of the folder to indicate an existing folder. The number of recordable image files that increase by deleting all the image files recorded in the folder is calculated for each folder, and when the folder image is displayed, the calculated number of image files is displayed as the folder image. It is made to display corresponding to.

  In this imaging device, the number of recordable images that increase when a folder is deleted is displayed in association with the image of the folder, so that the user can delete which folder to be able to take a new image. You can easily know what to do.

  Here, the captured image is compressed at a variable compression rate to form an image file, and when displaying the image of the folder, it is recorded in the folder and the folder based on the compression rate set at that time. It is also possible to calculate the number of recordable image files that increase by deleting all the image files. Since the size (capacity) of an image file changes depending on the compression rate of the image, if the compression rate is variable, the number of image files that can be recorded increases only from the folder to be deleted and the capacity of the image file in the folder. It cannot always be calculated correctly. However, by considering the compression rate at that time in this way, the number of image files that can be recorded can be accurately calculated.

  In this imaging device, the latest date and time when an image file is recorded in a folder or the latest date and time when an image file recorded in a folder is read is stored for each folder as a folder access date and a reference period is set. When displaying the folder image, the folder image color may be made different between a folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the reference period and a folder that does not exceed the reference period. As described above, only by looking at the image of the folder, it is possible to know whether the access to the image file in the folder is new or old, and the designation of the folder becomes easier.

  In any of the above imaging devices, when displaying an image of a folder, the image of any folder is designated by the user, and the designated image folder and its folder are specified according to an instruction from the user. It is possible to delete all the image files recorded in.

  You may make it memorize | store folder access date in the recording medium which records a folder. Even in a configuration that uses a recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the imaging apparatus, the folder access date and time may not be lost.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention further records an image in a folder in a program for an imaging apparatus that records a captured image as an image file in a folder and displays a folder image to indicate an existing folder. A process of storing the latest date and time of recording a file or the latest date and time of reading an image file recorded in a folder as a folder access date and time, a process of storing a predetermined reference period, It is assumed that an instruction for causing the imaging apparatus to execute processing for displaying an image of a folder with a color different between a folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time has exceeded the reference period and a folder that has not exceeded the reference period is described. .

  In addition, the captured image is recorded in the folder as an image file, and in the program for the imaging apparatus that displays the image of the folder to indicate the existing folder, the folder and all the image files recorded in the folder are stored. Instructions for causing the imaging apparatus to execute processing for calculating the number of image files that can be increased by deletion for each folder and processing for displaying an image representing the folder together with the calculated number of image files are described. Shall.

  When displaying an image of a folder, an image pickup apparatus and a program according to the present invention in which the color of the folder image is different between a folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds a reference period and a folder that does not exceed the reference period Then, it is easy to specify a folder because the access to the image file in the folder can be determined simply by looking at the image of the folder.

  Also, the number of recordable image files that increase by deleting a folder and all the image files recorded in that folder is calculated for each folder, and when displaying the folder image, the calculated image file In the imaging apparatus and program of the present invention in which the number is displayed corresponding to the image of the folder, the user knows from the display which folder should be deleted so that a new image can be taken. It is easy to specify the folder to be deleted.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An appearance of a digital camera 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, (a) is a perspective view from diagonally forward, and (b) is a rear view. The digital camera 1 has, on the front surface, an imaging lens 11 that guides light from a shooting target to a built-in imaging device (see FIG. 2), an optical finder front window 12a, a self-timer lamp 13, and a flash light emitting unit 14, and a side surface. In addition, a card slot 15 into which a memory card, which is a removable recording medium, is mounted, and a USB / AV output terminal 16 are provided. In addition, a shutter release button 17 and a power button 18 are provided on the upper surface, and an optical viewfinder rear window 12b and a display unit 19 including a liquid crystal panel are provided on the rear surface.

  The digital camera 1 can provide a live view by immediately displaying the captured image on the display unit 19 while capturing the image, and the display unit 19 functions as a viewfinder. An image taken immediately after the shutter release button 17 is operated is recorded on the memory card as an image file. The recorded image is displayed on the display unit 19 as an after view for a while. Further, the image of the image file recorded on the memory card can be reproduced and displayed on the display unit 19. The display unit 19 also displays an operation screen related to the settings of the digital camera 1.

  In the digital camera 1, a plurality of folders for recording image files can be created on the memory card, and the user designates a desired one among the folders already created. Until another folder is specified, the image file is recorded in the specified folder. There are folders for recording image files, one created automatically by the digital camera 1 and one created arbitrarily by the user. A folder automatically created by the digital camera 1 is called a standard folder.

  A folder in which image files are recorded can be deleted. When a folder is deleted, all image files recorded in the folder are deleted. By deleting the folder and the image file, the recording capacity for recording the image file increases. Although the standard folder can be deleted, when the standard folder is deleted, a standard folder with the same name is automatically created. In the digital camera 1, in addition to deleting all the image files in the folder by deleting the folder, all the image files on the memory card can be deleted at once, and the image files can be deleted individually. Is also possible.

  When designating a folder for recording an image file and designating a folder to be deleted, an image representing the folder is displayed on the display unit 19 together with the folder name. As will be described later, the color of the folder image to be displayed is variable.

  On the back of the digital camera 1, a playback button 21 for instructing to display and display an image, a folder selection button 22 for selecting a folder, and a folder color change button for instructing to change the color of the image of the folder to be displayed 23, a display switching button 24 for instructing switching of the state of a screen displaying a folder image, a folder creation button 25 for instructing creation of a folder, and a folder deletion button 26 for instructing deletion of a folder Is provided.

  A direction button 27 and an enter button 28 are also provided on the back. The direction button 27 includes an upper button, a lower button, a left button, and a right button that indicate up, down, left, and right, and is used to select a display item on the operation screen displayed on the display unit 19 and a folder image. When there are many images of items and folders to be displayed on the display unit 19 and only some of them are displayed, the display can be scrolled by continuing the operation of the direction button 27. The decision button 28 is used to decide the selected display item or folder image.

  The configuration of the digital camera 1 is schematically shown in FIG. The digital camera 1 includes an imaging element 31, an image processing unit 32, a recording unit 33, and a control unit 35 in addition to the photographing lens 11 and the display unit 19 described above. The image sensor 31 captures an image by converting the light guided by the imaging lens 11 into an electrical signal. The image processing unit 32 processes the output signal of the image sensor 31 and generates recording image data representing the captured image and display image data. The image data for recording is compressed. The compression rate is variable and can be specified via an operation screen displayed on the display unit 19. The recording unit 33 records the compressed image data on the memory card as an image file.

  The control unit 35 includes a CPU 35a and a memory 35b, and the CPU 35a controls each unit of the digital camera 1. A program describing the control operation of the CPU 35a is stored in the memory 35b. Processing related to a folder, which will be described later, is also performed by the CPU 35a in accordance with a program stored in the memory 35b.

  The operation unit 20 is a general term for operation members such as the shutter release button 17 and the power button 18 described above. FIG. 2 shows only operation members related to the folder.

  A folder structure on the memory card is schematically shown in FIG. In the folder named “FLDRMAIN”, folders (folder names “FLDR0001” to “FLDR0006”) for recording image files are created, and image files (file names “PICT0001.JPG” to “PICT0006. “JPG” is recorded in two folders, and a folder named “FLDR0001” is a standard folder.

  The digital camera 1 displays an image representing the folder together with the folder name to indicate to the user that there is a folder in which the image file has already been recorded and a folder in which the image file has not been recorded. It has a function specified by the user. FIG. 4 shows a procedure in which the user designates the color of the folder image. First, as shown in (a), images of all folders are displayed, and a frame F for selecting images is added to the display. The user operates the direction button 27 to position the frame F on the desired image, and operates the determination button 28 to determine the image of the folder whose color is to be changed.

  When the image is determined, a color palette is displayed as shown in FIG. Although the color is represented here by characters, the actual color is displayed in the color palette. The user selects a desired color by operating the direction button 27 and determines by operating the enter button 28. When the color is determined, as shown in (c), the images of all the folders are displayed, and the color of the image of the designated folder is changed to the designated color. In this case, the upper left image is a color designated by the user. In addition, the image of the folder which is not designated is represented by default color (for example, yellow).

  In other figures showing the folder images shown below, as shown in FIG. 4C, the difference in color is expressed by the presence or absence of diagonal lines, and the difference in color is also expressed by the type of diagonal lines.

  The digital camera 1 also stores the latest date and time when the image file is recorded in the folder and the latest date and time when the image file recorded in the folder for playback display is stored for each folder. The folder has a function of changing the color of the folder image to be displayed between a folder whose elapsed time from the date and time exceeds a predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as a reference period) and a folder that does not exceed the predetermined period.

  Information stored about the folder is shown in FIG. Information stored about the folder includes the date and time when the folder was created, whether or not the user specified the color of the folder image, the number of recorded image files, and the recorded image file. The storage capacity, the latest date and time T1 when the image file is recorded in the folder, and the latest date and time T2 when the image file recorded in the folder for reproduction display is read. Hereinafter, the latest date and time T1 when the image file is recorded in the folder and the latest date and time T2 when the image file recorded in the folder for reproduction display is read are referred to as folder access date and time.

  Information about the folder is recorded as a file in each folder. Information about the folder may be stored in the memory 35b of the control unit 35. However, if this is done, it is necessary to generate the information again when the memory card is replaced. preferable.

  The reference period is determined in advance, but can be changed by the user. It is also possible to set a plurality of reference periods and change the color of the folder image to be displayed each time the elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the reference period. FIG. 6 shows an example of an operation screen for setting the color of the image of the folder when the elapsed time from the reference period and the folder access date / time exceeds the reference period.

  In this example, it is possible to set up to five reference periods. The user can designate whether or not each reference period is valid (actual use), the value of the reference period, the unit of the value, and the color of the image when the reference period is exceeded. For these designations, an item is selected by operating the direction button 27, an item value is displayed by operating the decision button 28, an item value is selected by operating the direction button 27, and an item selected by operating the decision button 28. Do this by determining the value. There are four units of period: “hour”, “day”, “week”, and “month”.

  Further, a default color (referred to as a standard color) is prepared for an image when the reference period is exceeded, and the standard color differs for each reference period. The user can also set the color when the reference period is exceeded. This is done by displaying a color palette as shown in FIG. 4B and designating the colors in it. Note that the setting of the color of the image of the folder that does not exceed any reference period can be performed on the operation screen of FIG.

  Depending on the time when the image of the folder is displayed, whether or not the elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the reference period differs for each folder, and as a result, the color of the folder image changes. This is shown in FIG. In FIG. 7, the display timing is delayed in the order of (a) to (d). For example, the folder in the lower right image does not exceed the first (shortest) reference period in (a), and (b ) Exceeds the first reference period, and (c) and (d) exceed the second reference period.

  Note that, for a folder for which the user has individually designated the image color, the image color of the folder is maintained at the designated color regardless of whether the elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the reference period.

  Only one of the latest date and time when the image file was recorded in the folder and the latest date and time when the image file recorded in the folder for playback display was read can be used as the folder access date and time. It can also be a folder access date. The user can specify which of the latest date and time of image file recording and the latest date and time of image file reading, or both the folder access date and time is to be set via the operation screen. When both the latest date and time of image file recording and the latest date and time of image file reading are used as the folder access date and time, the newer one is actually used.

  In addition, when displaying the folder name and the image of the folder, the digital camera 1 displays all folders and displays only the folders whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the reference period. It has a function to switch the target. An example of switching the display is shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, (a) shows a state in which images of all folders are displayed, and (b) shows images of only folders whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the reference period. It represents the state. Naturally, the image of the folder displayed in (b) is smaller.

  This display switching is performed by operating the display switching button 24. Every time the display switching button 24 is operated, a state in which images of all folders are displayed and a state in which only images of folders whose elapsed time from the folder access date / time exceeds the reference period are switched. When a plurality of reference periods are set, the shortest reference period is used as a reference for switching the display.

  FIG. 9 shows the flow of processing for setting a folder for recording image files. This process is started by displaying an operation screen including an item for designating a folder by operating the direction button 27 and designating the item by operating the direction button 27 and the enter button 28.

  First, images of all folders created for recording image files are displayed together with folder names (step # 100). Next, it is determined whether or not there is a folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the first (shortest) reference period (# 102). If there is no folder, the process proceeds to step # 110.

  If there is a folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the first reference period, that fact is displayed as a character, for example, “There is an old folder”. Then, it is determined whether or not display switching is instructed by the operation of the display switching button 24 (# 106). When instructed, only the folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the initial reference period is determined. (# 108). When display switching is instructed again, all folders are displayed again.

  Next, it is determined whether or not an instruction to newly create a folder for recording an image file has been made by operating the folder creation button 25 (# 110). If no instruction has been given, the process proceeds to step # 118. When an instruction to create a new folder is given, a folder is created (# 112), and the above-described information (FIG. 5) is generated for the folder (# 114). In this case, the latest date and time of image file recording and the latest date and time of image file reading are left blank. After the information is generated, the display is updated to include the newly created folder image and folder name (# 116).

  Thereafter, a folder is designated by operating the direction button 27 and the enter button 28 (# 118), and the designated folder is stored as a folder for recording an image file (# 120).

  Further, it is determined whether or not an instruction to change the image color of the designated folder is instructed by operating the folder color change button 23 (# 122). If no instruction is given, the process ends. When an instruction to change the color is given, the above color palette (FIG. 4B) is displayed to accept the color designation (# 124), and the color of the image of the folder being displayed is set to the designated color. (# 126). In addition, the image color is designated and the designated color is added to the information generated in step # 114 (# 128), and the process is terminated.

  FIG. 10 shows a flow of processing for capturing an image and recording an image file representing the image in a folder. This process is started by operating the shutter release button 17. First, an image is taken to generate an image file (step # 200). Then, the captured image is displayed as an after view together with the image of the folder in which the image file is recorded and the folder name (# 202). Next, the generated image file is recorded in a folder (# 204), and the number of image files, the storage capacity used by the image file, and the latest date and time of image file recording are updated among the information related to the folder (# 204). # 206) The processing is terminated. The latest date and time of image file recording is adopted at that time.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of the live view immediately before shooting at step # 200 and the after view displayed at step # 202. (A) is a live view and (b) is an after view. As for the color of the folder image displayed with the after view, if the latest date and time when the image file was read is the folder access date and time, whether or not the elapsed time from the folder access date exceeds the reference period at the time of display If the latest date and time when the image file is recorded is used as the folder access date and time, the color when the reference period has not elapsed is used. However, if the color of the image has been designated by the user, that color is assumed.

  Here, only the folder name and the folder image are displayed together with the after view, but the recorded image file image and file name may also be displayed.

  When taking an image, there may be a situation in which the memory card does not have enough recording capacity to record the generated image file. FIG. 12 shows a flow of image capturing processing that can prevent such a situation in advance. Steps # 300 to # 306 are the same as steps # 200 to # 206 in FIG.

  After updating the information related to the folder in step # 306, the number of recordable image files, that is, the number of shootable images, is calculated from the remaining capacity of the memory card and the compression rate set at that time (# 308). Then, it is determined whether or not the number of recordable image files is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (# 310). If the number of recordable image files is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the process is terminated. On the other hand, when the number of recordable image files is less than the predetermined value, the process is terminated after performing the process of deleting unnecessary folders (# 312). Processing for deleting a folder will be described later.

  By deleting unnecessary folders after shooting, the image file can be surely recorded in the folder at the next shooting. The predetermined value referred to in step # 310 is determined in advance, but can be changed by the user.

  It should be noted that steps # 308 to # 312 and steps # 300 to 306 can be interchanged so that the number of recordable image files and unnecessary folder deletion can be calculated immediately before shooting. In this case as well, the number of recordable image files is calculated based on the compression rate set at that time. However, if you calculate the number of recordable image files or delete unnecessary folders immediately before shooting, you may miss a photo opportunity. Is preferred.

  FIG. 13 shows the flow of processing when reproducing and displaying the image represented by the image file. This process is started by operating the playback button 21. First, images of all folders are displayed together with folder names (step # 400). Then, it is determined whether or not display switching is instructed by the operation of the display switching button 24 (# 402). If not, the process proceeds to step # 406. When the display switching is instructed, the display is switched to only the folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the first reference period (# 404). When display switching is instructed again, all folders are displayed again.

  Next, in response to the designation of the folder by the operation of the direction button 27 and the decision button 28 (# 406), all the image files recorded in the designated folder are displayed (# 408). Further, in response to the designation of the image file by the operation of the direction button 27 and the decision button 28 (# 410), the image represented by the designated image file is displayed (# 412). Finally, the latest date and time when the image file is read out of the information related to the folder is updated (# 414), and the process ends. The latest date and time for reading the image file is the one at that time.

  FIG. 14 shows the flow of processing for deleting a folder. This process is automatically started in step # 312 of FIG. 12, and is also started by operating the folder deletion button 26.

  First, images of all folders are displayed together with folder names (step # 500). Then, it is determined whether or not display switching has been instructed by operating the display switching button 24 (# 502). If not instructed, the process proceeds to step # 506. When display switching is instructed, the display is switched to only the folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the first reference period (# 504). When display switching is instructed again, all folders are displayed again.

  Next, in response to the designation of the folder by the operation of the direction button 27 and the decision button 28 (# 506), the file names, the recording date / time, the capacity, etc. of all the image files recorded in the designated folder are displayed (#). 508). Thereafter, upon receiving either a deletion execution instruction by operating the folder deletion button 26 or a deletion cancellation instruction by operating the decision button 28 (# 510), the designated folder is deleted when the execution instruction is received. If the cancel instruction is received (# 512), the process is terminated without deleting the folder.

  When deleting a folder, all files contained in the folder are also deleted. As a result, there is no image file, and no file describing the information about the folder. When information about the folder is stored in the memory 35b of the control unit 35, the information about the deleted folder is deleted.

  In the digital camera 1, since the color of the folder image to be displayed differs depending on whether or not the elapsed time from the folder access date / time exceeds the reference period, only image files that are likely to be unnecessary are recorded. It is easy to understand the folder, and it is easy to specify the folder in step # 506. In addition, since it is possible to display only folders whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the reference period, it is easier to specify the folder.

  Not only the color of the image of the folder but also the size of the image of the folder may be made different depending on whether or not the elapsed time from the folder access date / time exceeds the reference period. FIG. 15 shows an example in which an image of a folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the reference period is displayed smaller than an image of a folder that does not exceed the reference period. In FIG. 15, (a) shows a state in which no folder is designated, and (b) designates one folder as a folder for recording image files or as a folder for deletion. Represents a state.

  The image of the designated folder is displayed in the same size as the folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time does not exceed the first reference period, and a frame F indicating that it is designated is displayed in an overlapping manner. The color of the folder image is the same as before.

  It is also possible to display the number of recordable image files that increase by deleting the folder and the image files in the folder in addition to the image of the folder. An example of the display is shown in FIG. In FIG. 16, (a) and (b) show a state in which images of all folders are displayed. Among these, (b) shows a folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the reference period. A statue is also included. Further, (c) shows a state in which only the image of the folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the reference period is displayed. In (c), the image of the folder is reduced as described above.

  A numerical value indicating the number of recordable image files that increase when the folder is deleted is added to any folder image. When the numerical value is displayed on the folder image as shown in (a) and (b), the numerical value is displayed in a color different from the color of the folder image. Also, as shown in (c), when the folder image is made smaller, a numerical value is displayed in the vicinity of the folder image.

  The number of recordable image files that increase by deleting a folder depends on the storage capacity occupied by the image file and the compression rate of the image to be recorded. Therefore, the number of image files that can be recorded is calculated using the currently set compression rate. Therefore, if the compression ratio is set to another value, the numerical value displayed together with the folder image changes. This makes it easy to understand which folder should be deleted in order to record an image to be photographed thereafter.

  FIG. 17 shows another processing flow for deleting a folder. This process is an alternative to the process of FIG. 14 and is automatically started at step # 312 of FIG. 12, and is also started by operating the folder deletion button 26.

  First, for all folders, the number of recordable image files that increase when deleted is calculated (step # 600). Then, all the folder images are displayed together with the folder name and the calculated number (# 602). Next, it is determined whether or not display switching is instructed by operating the display switching button 24 (# 604). If not, the process proceeds to step # 608. When the display switching is instructed, the display is switched to only the folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the first reference period (# 606). When display switching is instructed again, all folders are displayed again.

  Next, in response to the designation of the folder by the operation of the direction button 27 and the decision button 28 (# 608), the file names, recording date and time, capacity, etc. of all the image files recorded in the designated folder are displayed (#). 610). Thereafter, in response to either an instruction to execute deletion by operating the folder delete button 26 or an instruction to cancel deletion by operating the decision button 28 (# 612), when the execution instruction is received, the designated folder is deleted. Then (# 614), when a cancellation instruction is received, the processing is terminated without deleting the folder.

  In step # 602 and step # 606, the folder images may be displayed side by side in the order of increasing recordable image files. This makes it easier to specify the folder to be deleted.

  In addition, here, the number of image files that can be increased is indicated by a numerical value. However, the number of image files that can be increased is changed by deleting the size of the image of the folder to be displayed. The size of the folder image may be indicated. An example is shown in FIG. In FIG. 18, (a) displays the increasing number of recordable image files, and the larger the number of increasing recordable image files, the larger the image of the folder, and (b) , (A) except for the display of numerical values.

  Here, the size of the folder image is set to three levels depending on whether the number of image files that can be recorded is 0 to 4, 5 to 9, 10 or more. The number of image size steps may be increased. It is also possible not to display an image for a folder in which the number of recordable image files does not increase even if deleted, that is, a folder in which no image file is recorded. Also, the color of the folder image can be changed according to whether or not the elapsed time from the folder access date / time exceeds the reference period.

  In this embodiment, an example of a digital camera that captures a still image has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to any imaging device in which a folder for recording an image file is variable, for example, a video camera that captures a moving image. it can. The present invention is also useful for an imaging apparatus that allows a user to specify a folder name.

The figure which shows typically the external appearance of the digital camera of one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the said digital camera typically. The figure which shows typically the folder structure on the memory card which the said digital camera records an image file. The figure which shows the procedure in which a user designates the color of the image of the folder which the said digital camera displays. The figure which shows the information which the said digital camera memorize | stores regarding each folder. The figure which shows the operation screen displayed in order for the said digital camera to set the color of the image of a folder when the elapsed time from a reference | standard period and folder access date and time exceeds a reference | standard period. The figure which shows a mode that the color of the image of the folder displayed in the said digital camera changes with display time. The figure which shows the display mode from which the image of the folder in the said digital camera differs. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for setting an image file recording folder in the digital camera. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for capturing an image and recording an image file in a folder in the digital camera. The figure which shows the example of the image which the said digital camera displays before and after imaging | photography of the image for recording. 6 is a flowchart showing another flow of image capturing and image file recording processing in the digital camera. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of image reproduction display processing in the digital camera. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of folder deletion processing in the digital camera. The figure which shows a mode that the magnitude | size of the image of the folder which the said digital camera displays differs. The figure which shows the state which attached | subjected and displayed the number of the image files which can be recorded when the said digital camera deletes a folder on the image of a folder. 10 is a flowchart showing another flow of folder deletion processing in the digital camera. The figure which shows the state which displayed the image of the folder by changing the magnitude | size according to the number of the recordable image files which increase when the said digital camera deletes a folder.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital camera 11 Imaging lens 12a, 12b Optical finder window 13 Self-timer lamp 14 Flash light emission part 15 Card slot 16 USB / AV output terminal 17 Shutter release button 18 Power button 19 Display part 20 Operation part 21 Playback button 22 Folder selection button 23 Folder color change button 24 Display switching button 25 Folder creation button 26 Folder deletion button 27 Direction button 28 Enter button 31 Image sensor 32 Image processing unit 33 Recording unit 35 Control unit 35a CPU
35b Memory T1 Latest image file recording date and time T2 Latest image file reading date and time

Claims (12)

An imaging device that records captured images in a folder as an image file that displays an image of a folder to indicate an existing folder,
The latest date and time when the image file is recorded in the folder or the latest date and time when the image file recorded in the folder is read out is stored for each folder as the folder access date and time, and the reference period is determined.
An image pickup apparatus, wherein when displaying a folder image, a folder image color is different between a folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds a reference period and a folder that does not exceed the reference period.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of reference times are determined, and the color of the folder image is different for each reference time.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a color used for displaying an image of a folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds a reference period is determined based on an instruction from a user.   The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reference period is determined based on an instruction from a user.   When a folder image is displayed, in response to an instruction from the user, all folder images are displayed and only images of folders whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds the reference time are displayed. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a display state is switched. An imaging device that records captured images in a folder as an image file that displays an image of a folder to indicate an existing folder,
Calculate the number of image files that can be recorded by deleting a folder and all the image files recorded in that folder for each folder.
An image pickup apparatus, wherein when displaying an image of a folder, the calculated number of image files is displayed in correspondence with the image of the folder. The captured image is compressed with a variable compression ratio to make an image file,
When displaying an image of a folder, the number of image files that can be recorded increases by deleting the folder and all the image files recorded in that folder based on the compression rate set at that time. The imaging device according to claim 6, wherein the imaging device is calculated. The latest date and time when the image file is recorded in the folder or the latest date and time when the image file recorded in the folder is read out is stored for each folder as the folder access date and time, and the reference period is determined.
The folder image color is different between a folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time exceeds a reference period and a folder that does not exceed the reference period when displaying the folder image. Imaging device.   When displaying the image of a folder, the image of one of the folders is specified by the user, and according to the instruction from the user, the folder of the specified image and all images recorded in that folder The image pickup apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the file is deleted.   9. The imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the folder access date and time is stored in a recording medium for recording the folder. In a program for an imaging device that records a captured image as an image file in a folder and displays an image of the folder to indicate an existing folder,
Storing the latest date and time when an image file is recorded in a folder or the latest date and time when an image file recorded in a folder is read out for each folder as a folder access date and time,
A process for storing a predetermined reference period;
An instruction is written that causes the imaging apparatus to execute a process of displaying an image of a folder with a color different between a folder whose elapsed time from the folder access date and time has exceeded the reference period and a folder that has not exceeded the reference period. Program. In a program for an imaging device that records a captured image as an image file in a folder and displays an image of the folder to indicate an existing folder,
A process for calculating for each folder the number of recordable image files that increase by deleting the folder and all the image files recorded in the folder;
A program in which an instruction for causing an imaging device to execute a process of displaying an image representing a folder together with the calculated number of image files is written.

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