JP2006211278A - Method for storing image data and its apparatus, and method for registering name forming information therefor, its apparatus and its control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform release or the like of dependency on an image data storage device. <P>SOLUTION: When image data acquired by photographing with a camera 30 are stored, a prefix is inputted into a processor 40 from an input unit 20. The processor 40 registers the received prefix in a folder related with the prefix of a storage 50. The processor 40 having received directions to store the image data from the input unit 20 reads the prefix out registered in the storage 50, and forms a name on the basis of the prefix. Then, the processor 40 stores the image data in a folder related with the prefix of the formed name. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image data storage method and apparatus, a name generation information registration method and apparatus therefor, and a control program therefor, and more particularly to an image data storage method useful for removing the system dependence of a name associated with image data The present invention relates to a device, a name generation information registration method therefor, a device therefor, and a control program therefor.

As a first example of a technique for storing and managing image data obtained by photographing with an image photographing device, for example, a digital camera (including those equipped with a mobile phone), Exif 2.2 File name according to specifications (XXXXXXNNNN: XXXXXX is a character string, NNNN is a serial number that does not overlap), or a file name or title name that is automatically generated from the date and time of shooting (eg, YYYYMMDDDHHmm: YYYY is the year, MM is the month , DD for days, HH for hours, mm for minutes), etc. As for the file name and the title name, the range of characters or symbols used in the title name is more gradual.
The character string in this example is determined in the manufacture of the device, and is file name generation information that is difficult to change afterwards.

As a second example, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1. This technique adds image data indicating image capturing conditions at the time of image capturing to image data captured by a camera device, and transmits the image data to the image storage device. The image storage device stores the transmitted image data in an image storage unit. The stored image data is to be managed based on the photographing data. Specifically, the management is performed by grouping by scene title corresponding to the scene number included in the shooting data.
Then, it is shown that provision of image data managed as such to the user is performed in a state in which group management is inherited.

As a third example, there is a technique described in Patent Document 2. This technique relates to the management of image data when a digital camera or the like is shared and used by a plurality of people.
In other words, an event corresponding to the shooting date and time added to the image data shot by the digital camera or the like is provided by setting up a database for storing the event for each individual who shares the digital camera or the like and the date and time of the event. The image data selected from the database is to be classified based on the selected event.

JP 2003-338998 A JP 2004-214759 A

  The storage and management of the image data in the first example described above is performed by a file name that conforms to the specifications of Exif 2.2 or a file name or title name that is automatically generated from the shooting date and time. Although image data can be stored and managed, it is stored and managed under a name (management information) that depends on the system rather than the ease of use of the user. There is a difficulty in searching for specific image data from among the image data, which is not only inferior in the ease of searching but also spends a lot of time.

  In the second example, although image data can be classified, information that can be selected from shooting data stored in advance in the camera device, for example, a scene number added to the shot image data is used. Based on this, image data is grouped (classified) by scene title, stored, and displayed for each group. Therefore, not only does the dependency on the image storage system remain, but it also saves shooting data. The image recording means to perform is indispensable.

  Also, in the third example, even when a single digital camera or the like is shared by a plurality of people, it is possible to classify the image data for each person, but prior to shooting with a digital camera or the like, Since it is essential to construct a database, the dependency on the image classification device is not solved in the classification. In addition, nothing is shown about searching for single image data among the plurality of classified image data.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and inputs name generation information to be associated with image data at the time of imaging, so that the dependency on the image data storage device is eliminated and the image data stored quickly An object of the present invention is to provide an image data storage method and apparatus for enabling easy access, a name element name registration method and apparatus therefor, and a control program therefor.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 relates to an image data storage method for storing image data by associating a name with image data, and generation information for generating the name when inputting the image data. , The name is generated based on the input generation information, and the generated name is associated with the input image data.

  The invention according to claim 2 relates to the image data storage method according to claim 1, wherein the input generation information is registered for each group, and the generation information registered by the image data storage instruction is read and read. The name is generated based on the generated generation information.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image data storage method according to the second aspect, wherein the storage instruction includes the generation information.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to the image data storage method according to the first, second, or third aspect, wherein the generation information is a character string significant for storing the image data.

  A fifth aspect of the invention relates to the image data storage method according to the first, second, third or fourth aspect, wherein the name is a file synthesized based on the generation information and a serial number attached to the image data. It is a name or title name.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention relates to the image data storage method according to the second, third, fourth, or fifth aspect, wherein the registration of the generated information by group is performed in a folder associated with the generated information. .

  A seventh aspect of the invention relates to the image data storage method according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the image data is stored in a folder associated with the generation information.

  An invention according to claim 8 relates to an image data storage device for storing image data in association with a name to image data, and an input means for inputting generation information for generating the name when inputting the image data; First generation means for generating the name based on the generation information input from the input means, and association means for associating the name generated by the first generation means with the input image data It is characterized by that.

  A ninth aspect of the invention relates to an image data storage device according to the eighth aspect of the invention, the registration means for registering the input generated information for each group, and the registration means registered in the registration means by an image data storage instruction. It is characterized by comprising a reading means for reading the generation information and a second generation means for generating the name based on the generation information read by the reading means.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image data storage device according to the ninth aspect, wherein the storage instruction includes the generation information.

  An eleventh aspect of the present invention relates to the image data storage device according to the eighth, ninth, or tenth aspect, wherein the generation information is a character string significant for storing the image data.

  A twelfth aspect of the present invention relates to the image data storage device according to the eighth, ninth, tenth or eleventh aspect, wherein the name is a file synthesized based on the generation information and a serial number attached to the image data. It is a name or title name.

  A thirteenth aspect of the present invention relates to the image data storage device according to the ninth, tenth, eleventh or twelfth aspect of the present invention, wherein the registration of the generated information by group is performed in a folder associated with the generated information. .

  A fourteenth aspect of the invention relates to the image data storage device according to any one of the eighth to thirteenth aspects, wherein the image data is stored in a folder associated with the generation information.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a name generation information registration method for registering generation information used for generation of a name associated with image data when storing the image data, and for generating the name when inputting the image data. The generation information is input, and the input generation information is registered for each folder associated with the generation information.

  The invention described in claim 16 relates to the name generation information registration method according to claim 15, wherein the input generation information is not registered and a folder having the same name as the input generation information exists. The generation information and the folder are associated with each other and registered in the associated folder.

  The invention described in claim 17 relates to the name generation information registration method according to claim 15, and when a folder having the same name as the input generation information does not exist and a folder can be newly created, The generation information is associated with the created folder and registered in the associated folder.

  The invention described in claim 18 relates to a name generation information registration apparatus for registering generation information used for generation of a name associated with the image data when storing the image data, and for generating the name when inputting the image data. It is characterized by comprising an input means for inputting generation information, and a registration means for registering the generation information input from the input means for each folder associated with the generation information.

  The invention described in claim 19 relates to the name generation information registration apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the registration means is not registered with the generation information input from the input means, and the generation generated is input. When a folder having the same name as the information exists, the generated information and the folder are associated with each other and registered in the associated folder.

  The invention described in claim 20 relates to the name generation information registration apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the registration means does not have a folder having the same name as the generation information input from the input means, and a new folder is created. If the creation information can be created, the generation information is associated with the created folder and registered in the associated folder.

  According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control program for an image data storage method, characterized by causing a computer to perform the procedure of the image data storage method according to any one of the first to seventh aspects.

  According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control program for an image data storage device, wherein the computer controls the image data storage device according to any one of the eighth to fourteenth aspects.

  A twenty-third aspect of the present invention relates to a control program for a name generation information registration method, characterized by causing a computer to perform the procedure of the name generation information registration method according to any one of the fifteenth to seventeenth aspects.

  A twenty-fourth aspect of the invention relates to a control program for a name generation information registering apparatus, wherein the computer controls the name generation information registration apparatus according to any one of the eighteenth to twentieth aspects.

According to the present invention, the generation information of the name selected as being easily recognized by the user himself / herself is stored in the storage of the image data captured and acquired, the name is generated based on the generation information, and the generated name is Since the image data is stored in association with the image data, the dependency on the image data storage device is eliminated, which helps to improve the ease of searching and managing the image data.
If the image data is stored in a folder associated with the name generation information, the ease of searching and managing the image data is further improved.

In the present invention, when storing image data by associating a name with image data, the generation information for generating the name is input, a name is generated based on the input generation information, and the generated name is stored It is configured to be associated with the image data to be tried.
The storage is configured to be a folder associated with the name generation information.

  1 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of an image data storage device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a prefix registration flowchart of the image data storage device, and FIG. 3 is the image data storage device. It is an image data preservation | save flowchart of these.

  The image data storage device 10 of this embodiment inputs information (generation information) used to generate a name associated with image data to be stored when inputting image data, generates a name based on the generation information, and generates the name. As shown in FIG. 1, an image data storage device that stores names in association with image data includes an input device 20 such as a keyboard, a camera 30, a processing device 40, a storage device 50, and a display device 60. It is roughly structured.

The input device 20 is a device that inputs an input character string (prefix), a storage instruction, and a display instruction to the processing device 40.
This prefix is information that is selected as being easily recognizable by the user and improves the ease of searching and managing the image data. The prefix is search information that does not depend on the image data storage device, and is used as management information. The prefix is generation information used to generate a name associated with the image data when the image data is stored.

The camera 30 is a device that captures an image of an object to be imaged and inputs the image data to the processing device 40.
The processing device 40 includes a prefix management processing unit 41, an image storage processing unit 42, a name composition processing unit 43, a serial number generation processing unit 44, and a display processing unit 45, and includes the input device 20 and the camera 30. The storage device 50 and the display device 60 are connected.
The processing device 40 receives various control information from the input device 20, receives image data from the camera 30, performs various processes related to image storage with the storage device 50, and stores image data stored in the storage device 50. Is read based on a display instruction from the input device 20, and the image is displayed on the display device 60.

The storage device 50 includes a prefix storage unit 51 and an image data storage unit 52.
The prefix storage unit 51 stores the prefix in a folder associated with the prefix when registration of the prefix input from the input device 20 is allowed as described later.
The image data storage unit 52 stores image data in a folder associated with a prefix of a name (file name or title name) generated as described later.

The prefix management processing unit 41 of the processing device 40 writes, reads, and deletes the prefix input from the input device 20 to the prefix storage unit 51, and reads the prefix requested by the name synthesis processing unit 43. Do.
The name composition processing unit 43 composes and generates a name (file name or title name) based on data obtained by inquiring the prefix management processing unit 41 and the serial number generation processing unit 44.

The image storage processing unit 42 stores the image data obtained by capturing with the camera 30 in a folder associated with the prefix of the name (file name or title name) in the image data storage unit 52.
The serial number generation processing unit 44 refers to the image data storage unit 52 based on the inquiry from the name composition processing unit 43 and generates a serial number that does not overlap.
The display processing unit 45 reads the image data stored in the image data storage unit 52 in accordance with a display instruction from the input device 20 and causes the display device 60 to display the image.
And each part which comprises the processing apparatus 40 is comprised so that the function may be produced by execution of a control program.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, the prefix registration operation will be described.
When an input character string (prefix) is supplied from the input device 20 to the prefix management processing unit 41, the prefix management processing unit 41 has already registered the prefix same as the input character string in the prefix storage unit 51. It is checked whether or not there is (S11, S12 in FIG. 2).
If the same prefix as that of the input character string has already been registered in the prefix storage unit 51 (YES in S12), the presence of a plurality of the same prefixes is the same because it causes problems in management and use. Is not allowed, and a message to that effect is returned to the input device 20 (S13).

If the same prefix as the input character string has not been registered in the prefix storage unit 51 (NO in S12), after registering the prefix in the prefix storage unit 51 (S14), a folder having the same name as the prefix Is checked (S15). This is for avoiding duplication with a folder used in storing separate image data.
If a folder having the same name as the prefix exists (YES in S15), the prefix is associated with the folder and registered in the prefix storage unit 51 (S16, S17).
If a folder with the same name as the prefix does not exist (NO in S15), it is checked whether a new folder can be created (S18). If it can be created (YES in S18), the same name as the prefix (S19), the prefix is associated with the folder, the prefix is registered in the associated folder of the prefix storage unit 51 (S16), and the registration completion is returned to the input device 20 (S16). S17).
If it cannot be created (NO in S18), the prefix is registered by associating the input prefix with the default folder, and the registration completion is returned to the input device 20 (S17).

Next, image data storage processing using a prefix will be described.
When an image data storage instruction is issued from the input device 20, the image storage processing unit 42 requests the name composition processing unit 43 to perform name composition processing. The save instruction includes a prefix.
The name composition processing unit 43 requests the prefix management processing unit 41 to obtain a prefix. Upon receiving the request, the prefix management processing unit 41 acquires the prefix from the prefix storage unit 51 and returns it to the name composition processing unit 43 (S31 in FIG. 3).

The name composition processing unit 43 passes the prefix returned from the prefix management processing unit 41 to the serial number generation processing unit 44, and requests generation of a serial number that does not overlap (S32).
The serial number generation processing unit 44 refers to the data registered in the image data storage unit 52, takes into account the data and the prefix passed from the name composition processing unit 43, and does not overlap when generating names. A number is generated and returned to the name composition processing unit 43 (S32).

The name composition processing unit 43 returns the name generated by combining the prefix obtained from the prefix management processing unit 41 and the serial number obtained from the serial number generation processing unit 44 to the image storage processing unit 42 (S33). ).
The image storage processing unit 42 that has obtained the name as described above stores the name in the image data storage unit 52 in association with the image data captured by the camera 30. Save it to the folder associated with the prefix.

  The image data stored in the image data storage unit 52 in this way is read from the image data storage unit 52 under the control of the display processing unit 45 that has received a display instruction from the input device 20, and is displayed on the display device 60. Is displayed.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the prefix selected as being easily recognized by the user when the image is captured by the camera is registered in the folder, and is registered based on the instruction to save the captured image data. The name is generated by reading the stored prefix, the image data is stored in the folder associated with the name prefix, and the image data stored by the user-recognized prefix can be searched and managed. As a result, the dependence on the image data storage device is eliminated, which helps to improve the ease of searching and managing the image data.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the design does not depart from the gist of the present invention. These changes are included in the present invention.
For example, the example in which the prefix is a character string has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be a symbol string, search of image data, other information significant in management, and the like.
In the above embodiment, the example is described in which the name is generated by combining the prefix and the serial number. However, other generation methods may be used. There is no present invention in the generation method.
In addition, the example of registering a prefix has been explained, but the registration is not performed, the prefix input when saving image data is temporarily stored, and the name is generated based on the prefix. The present invention may be implemented by attaching the name to the image data and storing the image data.

  The invention disclosed herein can be used in an image capturing apparatus that needs to store various images, for example, an apparatus that acquires an image from a subject and diagnoses the subject.

It is a figure which shows the electrical constitution of the image data storage apparatus which is Example 1 of this invention. It is a prefix registration flowchart of the image data storage device. It is an image data preservation | save flowchart of the image data preservation | save apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

10 image data storage device 20 input device (part of input means and association means)
30 Camera 41 Prefix management processing part (part of registration means and reading means)
42 Image registration processing unit (remaining part of associating means, remaining part of reading means)
43 Name composition processing unit (first generation means, part of second generation means)
44 Serial number generation processing unit (remainder of second generation means)

Claims (24)

An image data storage method for storing image data by associating a name with image data,
Input generation information for generating the name when inputting the image data,
Generate the name based on the input generation information,
A method of storing image data, wherein the generated name is associated with the input image data. Register the generated generation information by group,
Read the generated information registered in the image data storage instruction,
2. The image data storage method according to claim 1, wherein the name is generated based on the read generation information.   The image data storage method according to claim 2, wherein the storage instruction includes the generation information.   4. The image data storage method according to claim 1, wherein the generation information is a character string significant for storing the image data.   5. The image data storage method according to claim 1, wherein the name is a file name or a title name synthesized based on the generation information and a serial number attached to the image data. .   6. The image data storage method according to claim 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the registration of the generation information by group is performed in a folder associated with the generation information.   The image data storage method according to claim 1, wherein the image data is stored in a folder associated with the generation information. An image data storage device that associates a name with image data and stores the image data,
Input means for inputting generation information for generating the name when inputting the image data;
First generation means for generating the name based on the generation information input from the input means;
An image data storage device comprising: an association unit that associates the name generated by the first generation unit with the input image data. Registration means for registering the input generation information by group;
A reading means for reading out the generation information registered in the registration means by an instruction to store image data;
9. The image data storage device according to claim 8, further comprising: a second generation unit that generates the name based on the generation information read by the reading unit.   The image data storage device according to claim 9, wherein the storage instruction includes the generation information.   The image data storage device according to claim 8, wherein the generation information is a character string significant for storing the image data.   12. The image data storage device according to claim 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the name is a file name or a title name synthesized based on the generation information and a serial number attached to the image data. .   13. The image data storage device according to claim 9, wherein the registration of the generation information by group is performed in a folder associated with the generation information.   14. The image data storage device according to claim 8, wherein the image data is stored in a folder associated with the generation information. A name generation information registration method for registering generation information used to generate a name associated with image data when storing the image data,
Input generation information for generating the name when inputting the image data,
A name generation information registration method, wherein the generated generation information is registered for each folder associated with the generation information.   When the input generation information is not registered and a folder with the same name as the input generation information exists, the generation information and the folder are associated with each other and registered in the associated folder. The name generation information registration method according to claim 15, wherein:   If a folder with the same name as the input generation information does not exist and a new folder can be created, create the folder and associate the generation information with the generated folder and register it in the associated folder The name generation information registration method according to claim 15, wherein: A name generation information registration device for registering generation information used to generate a name associated with image data when storing the image data,
Input means for inputting generation information for generating the name when inputting the image data;
A name generation information registration apparatus comprising: registration means for registering the generation information input from the input means in association with the generation information for each folder.   The registration unit associates and associates the generation information with the folder when the generation information input from the input unit is not registered and a folder having the same name as the input generation information exists. 19. The name generation information registration apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the name generation information registration apparatus is registered in the designated folder.   When the registration unit does not have a folder with the same name as the generation information input from the input unit and the folder can be newly created, the registration unit adds the generation information to the folder created by creating the folder. 19. The name generation information registration apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the name generation information registration apparatus is registered in the associated folder.   A control program for causing a computer to perform the procedure of the image data storage method according to claim 1.   A control program for causing a computer to control the image data storage device according to any one of claims 8 to 14.   A control program for causing a computer to perform the procedure of the name generation information registration method according to any one of claims 15 to 17. A control program for causing a computer to control the name generation information registration device according to any one of claims 18 to 20.

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