JP2007027995A - Image processing apparatus and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus capable of facilitating classification of photographed image files by generating a new folder and recording a photographed image file thereto that realizes automatic classification of the photographed image files much more appropriate to the user's intention. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing apparatus for generating a new folder on the occurrence of a prescribed date and time change and recording the photographed image files to the new folder does not generate the new folder when a prescribed date and time change takes place during the photographing of a set of images. Then an image file by a succeeding photographing after the photographing of a set of the images is stored in the new folder. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that captures and records still images and moving images, and a control method thereof.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image processing apparatus such as a digital camera or a digital video camera that captures a still image or a moving image using an image sensor such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor has been widely used. In such an image processing apparatus, a photographed image is recorded as a digital data file (captured image file).

  The captured image file is generally recorded using a file system (folder structure) using a folder (directory). Then, it has been proposed to classify photographed image files at the time of recording using folders to facilitate searching after photographing. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an imaging apparatus that stores a captured image in a folder having a creation date that is the same date as the shooting date, and creates a new image if such a folder does not exist.

JP 2001-54041 A

  For example, a plurality of related images (combined images) obtained by continuous shooting or the like will be easily managed by storing them in the same folder, and the user is also expected to be stored in the same folder. It is highly probable that However, since the imaging apparatus described in Patent Literature 1 is premised on the classification for each shooting date, even a combined image is stored in another folder if the date changes midway.

  The present invention has been made for the purpose of solving such problems of the prior art. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of facilitating classification of photographed image files by generating a new folder and recording the photographed image file, and automatically capturing the photographed image file in accordance with the user's intention. To realize the classification.

  The above-described object is an image processing apparatus that records an image file obtained by shooting in a folder in a recording medium, and a storage folder for an image file obtained by the next shooting has a preset date / time change. If it does not occur, there is an existing folder in the recording medium, and if a preset date and time change occurs, there is a storage destination determining means for determining a new folder that does not exist in the recording medium, and an instruction for the next shooting. If the save destination is a new folder, the folder creation means for creating the new folder on the recording medium and the save destination folder determined by the save destination determination means are obtained in response to the next shooting instruction. Recording means for recording the image file, and the storage destination determining means, when a preset date and time change occurs during the shooting of the combined image, until the recording of the combined image is completed It is achieved by an image processing apparatus characterized by determining a destination folder existing folder in.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling an image processing apparatus that records an image file obtained by shooting in a folder in a recording medium, and sets a storage folder for the image file obtained by the next shooting in advance. A storage location determination step for determining an existing folder in the recording medium if the date / time change has not occurred, a new folder not existing in the recording medium if a preset date / time change has occurred, and If there is a shooting instruction, if the save destination is a new folder, respond to the next shooting instruction to the folder creation step for creating a new folder on the recording medium and the save destination folder determined by the save destination determination step. Recording step for recording the obtained image file, and when the storage destination determination step occurs during shooting of the combined image when a preset date and time change occurs, Also achieved by a control method for an image processing apparatus characterized by shooting set image determines the destination folder existing folder in the recording medium until the end.

  With such a configuration, according to the present invention, in the image processing apparatus capable of facilitating classification of photographed image files by generating a new folder and recording the photographed image file, it is more in line with the user's intention. Automatic classification of captured image files can be realized.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.
<< First Embodiment >>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital camera as an example of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a photographing lens, 12 is a shutter having an aperture function, 14 is an image sensor such as a CCD or CMOS sensor that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, and 16 is an A / A that converts an analog signal output of the image sensor 14 into a digital signal. D converter.

  The timing generation circuit 18 supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, and the D / A converter 26, and is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control circuit 50.

The image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 16 or the data from the memory control circuit 22.
The image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and the system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 based on the obtained calculation result. TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing are performed.

  Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using captured image data, and also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result.

  The memory control circuit 22 controls the A / D converter 16, the timing generation circuit 18, the image processing circuit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30, and the compression / decompression circuit 32.

  The output data of the A / D converter 16 is sent to the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or the output data of the A / D converter 16 is sent directly to the memory control circuit 22. Is written to.

  Display image data written in the image display memory 24 is displayed by an image display unit 28 such as an LCD or an organic EL display via a D / A converter 26. If captured image data (through image) is sequentially displayed on the image display unit 28, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) function can be realized.

  The image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to an instruction from the system control circuit 50. When the display is turned off, the power consumption of the digital camera 100 can be significantly reduced. it can.

The memory 30 is a storage device for storing captured still images and moving images, and has a storage capacity sufficient to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined time of moving images. Therefore, even in continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, it is possible to write a large amount of images to the memory 30 at high speed.
The memory 30 can also be used as a work area for the system control circuit 50.

The compression / decompression circuit 32 reads an image stored in the memory 30, performs well-known data compression processing or decompression processing using adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT), wavelet transform, etc., and stores the processed data in the memory 30. Write to.
The exposure control unit 40 controls the shutter 12 having a diaphragm function, and also has a flash light control function in cooperation with the flash 48.

The distance measurement control unit 42 controls focusing of the photographing lens 10, and the zoom control unit 44 controls zooming of the photographing lens 10. The barrier control unit 46 controls the operation of the protection unit 102 that is a lens barrier for protecting the photographing lens 10.
The flash 48 functions as an auxiliary light source at the time of photographing and also has a light control function. It also has a function of projecting AF auxiliary light.

The exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 are controlled using the TTL method. Based on the calculation result obtained by calculating the captured image data by the image processing circuit 20, the system control circuit 50 performs the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement. The controller 42 is controlled.
The system control circuit 50 is a CPU, for example, and controls the entire digital camera 100 by executing a program stored in the memory 52. The memory 52 stores constants, variables, programs, etc. for operating the system control circuit 50.

  The display unit 54 is configured by a combination of output devices such as an LCD, an LED, a speaker, and the like, and outputs an operation state, a message, and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like according to execution of a program by the system control circuit 50. . One or a plurality of display units 54 are installed at a position in the vicinity of the operation unit 70 of the digital camera 100 that is easily visible. A part of the display unit 54 is installed in the optical viewfinder 104.

  The display content of the display unit 54 includes, for example, single shot / continuous shooting display, self-timer display, compression rate display, recording pixel number display, recording number display, remaining image number display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, Exposure compensation display, flash display, red-eye reduction display, macro shooting display, buzzer setting display, clock battery level display, battery level display, error display, information display with multiple digits, and attachment / detachment status of recording media 200 and 210 Display, lens unit attachment / detachment status display, communication I / F operation display, date / time display, display indicating external computer connection status, focus display, shooting preparation completion display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, recording There are medium writing operation display and the like. A part of this is displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 as described later.

  Further, among the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed by an LED or the like includes, for example, in-focus display, shooting preparation completion display, camera shake warning display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, flash charge completion display, recording medium There are a writing operation display, a macro shooting setting notification display, a secondary battery charge state display, and the like.

  Of the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed by a lamp or the like includes, for example, a self-timer notification lamp. This self-timer notification lamp may be used in common with AF auxiliary light.

The nonvolatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable / recordable memory, and for example, an EEPROM or the like is used.
The mode dial 60, the shutter switches 62 and 64, the playback mode switch 66, the attitude mode switch 68, and the operation unit 70 constitute operation means for inputting various operation instructions to the system control circuit 50, and include buttons, switches, and dials. , Touch panel, pointing by line-of-sight detection, voice recognition device or the like.

Here, a specific description of these operating means will be given.
The mode dial switch 60 includes, for example, an automatic shooting mode, a program shooting mode, a shutter speed priority shooting mode, an aperture priority shooting mode, a manual shooting mode, a depth of focus priority (depth) shooting mode, a portrait shooting mode, a landscape shooting mode, and a close-up shooting. Each function shooting mode such as a mode, a sports shooting mode, a night view shooting mode, and a panorama shooting mode can be switched and set.

  The first shutter switch SW1 (62) is turned on during halfway operation of a shutter button (not shown) provided in the digital camera 100, and AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB Instructs the start of operations such as (auto white balance) processing and EF (flash pre-emission) processing.

  The second shutter switch SW2 (64) is turned on when the operation of a shutter button (not shown) is completed (fully pressed), and the signal read from the image sensor 12 is stored in the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22. Exposure processing to be written as image data, development processing using calculation in the image processing circuit 20 or memory control circuit 22, image data is read from the memory 30, compressed by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and recorded on the recording medium 200 or 210. It instructs the start of a series of processes called recording processes for writing data.

The playback mode switch 66 can set various function modes such as a playback mode, a multi-screen playback / erase mode, and a PC connection mode.
The posture mode switch 68 sets the posture mode ON / OFF. The posture mode is a mode in which the posture of the digital camera 100 detected at the time of shooting by the camera posture detection unit 106 is recorded on the recording medium as auxiliary information (image posture flag) in the shot image file and used at the time of playback. Specifically, with reference to the image orientation flag at the time of reproduction, it is possible to perform control such as automatically displaying an image shot in the vertical position in the vertical position and an image shot in the horizontal position in the horizontal position. .

  The operation unit 70 includes various buttons and a touch panel. Specific examples are as follows. Menu button, set button, macro button, multi-screen playback page break button, flash setting button, single / continuous / self-timer switching button, menu move + (plus) button, menu move-(minus) button. Playback image move + (plus) button, playback image-(minus) button, shooting image quality selection button, exposure compensation button, date / time setting button. A selection / switching button for setting selection and switching of various functions, and a determination / execution button for setting determination and execution of various functions. An image display ON / OFF switch for setting ON / OFF of the image display unit 28. Quick review ON / OFF switch that sets a quick review function that automatically plays back image data taken immediately after shooting. A compression mode switch for selecting a compression rate of JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) compression, or for selecting a CCD RAW mode in which a signal of an image sensor is directly digitized and recorded on a recording medium.

  In the present embodiment, for example, a normal mode and a fine mode are prepared as JPEG compression modes. The user of the digital camera 100 can perform shooting by selecting the normal mode when emphasizing the data size of the captured image and selecting the fine mode when emphasizing the image quality of the captured image.

  In the JPEG compression mode, the compression / decompression circuit 32 reads out the image data written in the memory 30, compresses it to the set compression rate, and then records it on the recording medium 200, for example.

  In the RAW mode, image data is read as it is for each line according to the pixel arrangement of the color filter of the image sensor 14, and the image data written in the memory 30 is read via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22. Read and record on the recording medium 200.

The power switch 72 switches between power on and power off.
The new folder creation request button 74 sets that a new folder is created in the recording medium 200 or 210 at the time of the next photographing, and the photographed image file is recorded in the created new folder.

  The power control unit 80 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches a block to be energized, and the like, detects whether or not a battery is installed, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. The DC-DC converter is controlled based on an instruction from the system control circuit 50, and a necessary voltage is supplied to each part including the recording medium for a necessary period.

  The power source 86 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, or an AC adapter, and is attached to the digital camera 100 by connectors 82 and 84.

  The recording media 200 and 210 such as a memory card and a hard disk have recording units 202 and 212 constituted by a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk, interfaces 204 and 214 and connectors 206 and 216 with the digital camera 100. The recording media 200 and 210 are attached to the digital camera 100 via connectors 206 and 216 on the medium side and connectors 92 and 96 on the digital camera 100 side. Interfaces 90 and 94 are connected to the connectors 92 and 96. Whether or not the recording media 202 and 212 are attached is detected by the recording medium attachment / detachment detection unit 98.

In the present embodiment, the digital camera 100 is described as having two interfaces and connectors for attaching a recording medium. However, any number of interfaces and connectors for attaching a recording medium can be provided. Different standard interfaces and connectors may be used for each system.
As the interface and connector, for example, a PCMCIA card, a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, or the like conforming to a standard can be used.

  Further, when the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96 are configured using a PCMCIA card or the like, LAN cards, modem cards, USB cards, IEEE 1394 cards, P1284 cards, SCSI cards, PHS, etc. By connecting various communication cards such as a communication card, image data and management information attached to the image data can be transferred to and from peripheral devices such as other computers and printers.

The barrier 102 covers the imaging unit including the lens 10 of the digital camera 100 to prevent the imaging unit from being dirty or damaged.
The optical finder 104 is, for example, a TTL finder, and forms an image of a light beam that has passed through the lens 10 using a prism or a mirror. By using the optical viewfinder 104, it is possible to take a picture without using the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28. Further, as described above, some functions of the display unit 54, for example, in-focus display, shooting preparation completion display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, flash charge completion display, shutter speed display, are included in the optical viewfinder 104. Information display such as aperture value display, exposure correction display, and recording medium writing operation display is performed.

  The camera posture detection unit 106 includes a switch that is turned on and off depending on the posture of the camera, for example, and detects the posture state of the digital camera 100. The posture state mentioned here means a state in which it is possible to determine whether the state is horizontal position shooting or vertical position shooting.

The communication unit 110 performs various communication processes such as RS232C, USB, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, and wireless communication.
A connector (antenna in the case of wireless communication) 112 connects the digital camera 100 to another device via the communication unit 110.

(Description of operation)
Hereinafter, the operation of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment will be described.
2 and 3 are flowcharts for explaining the overall operation of the digital camera 100 of this embodiment.
When the main power is turned on by battery replacement or the like, the system control circuit 50 initializes flags and control variables (S101), and performs a file search process in the storage medium (S102). Details of the file search processing in S102 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 determines the set position of the power switch 72 (S103), and if the power switch 72 is set to power OFF, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to S104 and performs a predetermined end process. The termination process includes the following process, for example. The display on each display unit is changed to the end state, and the lens barrier 102 is closed to protect the imaging unit. Parameters, setting values, and setting modes including flags and control variables are recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56. The power control unit 80 cuts off the power to the parts including the image display unit 28 that do not require power supply. When the termination process is completed, the process returns to S103.

  On the other hand, if the power switch 72 is set to ON in S103, the system control circuit 50 sets folder creation conditions (S105). Details of the folder creation condition setting process in S105 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the system control circuit 50 determines the setting position of the mode dial 60 (S106), and if it is set to the shooting mode, sets shooting conditions (S108) and proceeds to S109. Details of the photographing condition setting process in S108 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If the mode dial 60 has been set to another mode in S106, the system control circuit 50 executes processing according to the selected mode (S107), and returns to S103 when the processing is completed. Here, a mode other than the shooting mode is, for example, a playback mode.

  In S109, the system control circuit 50 uses the power supply control unit 80 to determine the remaining capacity and the operating status of the power supply 86 constituted by a battery or the like. When it is determined that there is a problem with the operation of the digital camera 100 in the state of the power supply 86, a predetermined warning corresponding to the problem is given by using an image or sound using the display unit 54 (S111), and the process returns to S103.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no problem with the power supply 86, the system control circuit 50 checks the recording medium in S110. That is, it is determined whether or not the recording medium 200 or 210 is attached, and management information of image data recorded on the attached recording medium is acquired. In this process, it is determined whether or not there is a problem in the recording / reproducing operation with respect to the recording medium such that neither the recording medium 200 or 210 is attached or normal reading / writing cannot be performed. If there is any problem here, a predetermined warning corresponding to the problem is given by using an image or sound using the display unit 54 (S111), and the process returns to S103.

  If it is determined in S110 that there is no problem in the recording medium, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not to create a new folder for storing a captured image file (also simply referred to as an image file) generated by the next shooting. Determine (S112). In other words, this folder creation determination process can be interpreted as a storage destination determination process that determines whether a storage folder of an image file obtained in the next shooting is an existing folder or a new folder. Details of the folder creation determination process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the system control circuit 50 displays various setting states of the digital camera 100 using images and sounds using the display unit 54 (S113). When the image display unit 28 is set to ON, the image display unit 28 is also used to display various setting states of the digital camera 100 using images and sounds. Details of this setting display processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Shifting to FIG. 3, the state of the shutter switch SW1 is detected (S121). If the shutter switch SW1 is not ON (the release button is not half pressed), the process returns to S103. If the shutter switch SW1 is ON, the process proceeds to S122.

  In S122, the system control circuit 50 performs a distance measurement process (AF process), focuses the photographing lens 10 on the subject, performs a photometry process (AE process), and determines an aperture value and a shutter speed (S122). In the photometric process, the flash is set if necessary. Details of the distance measurement / photometry processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

When the distance measurement / photometry processing is completed, the state of the shutter switches SW1 and SW2 is checked (S123, S124). If the shutter switch SW2 is not turned on (S123) and the shutter switch SW1 is turned off (S124), the process returns to S103.
If the shutter switch SW1 is ON with the shutter switch SW1 being ON (the release button is fully pressed) (S123), the process proceeds to S125.

  In step S125, the system control circuit 50 manages files and folders such as determining a storage file name in preparation for shooting and creating a new folder according to the setting. Details of the folder and file management processing in S125 will be described later with reference to FIG.

In step S126, the system control circuit 50 performs shooting processing. First, captured image data is stored in the memory 30 via the image sensor 12, the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22, or directly from the A / D converter via the memory control circuit 22. Is written (exposure processing). Then, using the memory control circuit 22 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 20, image processing written in the memory 30 is read and image processing including development processing is performed (S 126). Details of this photographing process will be described later with reference to FIG.
When the photographing process is completed, a quick review process for displaying the photographed image on the image display unit 28 is performed (S127).

  If there is no deletion instruction, for example, during the predetermined quick review period, the system control circuit 50 performs a recording process in S128. That is, the photographed image data written in the memory 30 is read out, and various image processing is performed using the memory control circuit 22 (also the image processing circuit 20 as necessary). Then, the compression / decompression circuit 32 is used to perform image compression processing according to the set mode, add additional information such as a posture flag to the header and the like, and generate a photographed image file according to a predetermined recording file format To do. Thereafter, the photographed image file is written to a predetermined recording destination of the recording medium 200 or 210 such as a memory card or a compact flash (registered trademark) card via the interface 90 or 94 and the connector 92 or 96.

  When the image display unit 28 is ON, a display such as “BUSY” that clearly indicates that the writing operation is being performed while the image data is being written to the recording medium 200 or 210 is displayed on the image display unit 28. To do. Further, the display unit 54 also displays a recording medium writing operation display such as blinking the LED.

  The system control circuit 50 determines the state of the bracket flag stored in the internal memory (not shown) or the memory 52 (S129). The bracket flag is a flag representing execution / non-execution of bracket shooting. If the bracket flag has been released, the process proceeds to S132.

  If the bracket flag is set (S129) and the remaining number of bracket shooting is 1 or more (S130), the system control circuit 50 changes the shooting conditions for bracket shooting (S131), and returns to S125. Shooting conditions in bracket shooting include, for example, an exposure correction value and a white balance value.

  In S132, the state of the shutter switch SW2 is detected. If the shutter switch SW2 is OFF, the process returns to S103. On the other hand, if the shutter switch SW2 is ON, the state of the continuous shooting flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 is detected in S133. If the continuous shooting flag is set, the process proceeds to S134.

  In S134, the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the bracket flag in the same manner as in S129, and if the bracket flag has been released (S134), the process returns to S125 to perform the next photographing process. If the bracket flag is set, the process returns to S103. This is because in this embodiment, if the bracket flag is ON, it is set not to perform continuous shooting.

(Setting display process)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing details of the setting display process in S113 of FIG.
First, the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the folder creation flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 (S401). If the folder creation flag has been set, the fact that a new folder will be created in the next shooting is notified by image or sound using the display unit 54 (S402). If the image display unit 28 is ON, the image display unit 28 is also used to notify the folder creation using an image or sound.

  If the folder creation flag has been canceled (S401), the notification of folder creation on the display unit 54 (including the image display unit 28) is stopped (S403). However, as will be described later, when the display unit that has received the notification that the folder has been created immediately updates the status, that is, stops reporting the folder creation, S403 need not be executed again.

  In S404, the system control circuit 50 uses the display unit 54 (and also the image display unit 28 if it is ON) to notify various setting states of the digital camera 100 other than the folder creation flag by image or sound (or notify the notification content). Update), and the process ends.

  FIG. 14 is a display example of the display unit 54 (and the image display unit 28) when the processes of S403 and S404 are performed. The single shot / continuous shooting display (28a), flash display (28b), metering method display (28c), compression rate display (28d), recording pixel number display (28e), remaining image number display (28f) by the processing of S404. ) Is displayed.

  On the other hand, FIG. 15 is a display example of the display unit 54 (and the image display unit 28) when the processes of S402 and S404 are performed. As in FIG. 14, single shot / continuous shooting display (28a), flash display (28b), metering method display (28c), compression rate display (28d), recorded pixel number display (28e), and remaining shot number display ( 28f) is displayed, and a folder creation display (28g) is further displayed by the processing of S402.

  As described above, the setting display process of S113 is not performed in the mode other than the shooting mode, and the folder creation display is not displayed by the process of S106. For example, in the playback mode, the display for the playback mode is performed by the process of S107, and the folder creation display is not displayed.

  Further, during the quick review process of S127, the folder creation display (for example, 28g in FIG. 15) may or may not be displayed. Similarly, during the quick review process in S127, various setting displays (for example, 28a to 28f in FIG. 15) of the digital camera 100 other than the folder creation display may or may not be displayed.

(Ranging / photometry processing)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the distance measurement / photometry processing in S122 of FIG.
The system control circuit 50 reads the charge signal from the image sensor 14 and sequentially reads the captured image data into the image processing circuit 20 via the A / D converter 16 (S501). Using the sequentially read image data, the image processing circuit 20 performs TTL (through-the-lens) AE (automatic exposure) processing, EF (flash pre-flash) processing, AF (autofocus) processing, and AWB (autofocus) processing. Predetermined calculation used for (auto white balance) is performed.

  In each processing here, a specific portion of the total number of photographed pixels is extracted by extracting a necessary portion according to necessity and used for calculation. As a result, in each of the TTL method AE, EF, AWB, and AF processes, it is possible to perform an optimal calculation for each different mode such as the center weight mode, the average mode, and the evaluation mode.

  Using the calculation result in the image processing circuit 20, the system control circuit 50 performs AE control using the exposure control unit 40 (S503) until it is determined that the automatic exposure value is appropriate (S502). Using the measurement data obtained by the AE control, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the flash is necessary (S504). If the flash is necessary, the flash flag is set and the flash 48 is charged (S505).

  If it is determined in S502 that the automatic exposure value is appropriate, measurement data and / or setting parameters (photometry data) for automatic exposure control are stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50.

  When the AE control process ends, the system control circuit 50 performs an auto white balance process in S506 and S507 using the calculation result in the image processing circuit 20 and the measurement data obtained by the AE control. That is, the color processing parameters are adjusted using the image processing circuit 20 in S507 until the auto white balance value is determined to be appropriate in S506.

  If it is determined that the auto white balance value is appropriate (S506), measurement data and / or setting parameters in the AWB control are stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50.

  Next, the system control circuit 50 performs AF control using the measurement data obtained by AE control and AWB control in S508 and S509. That is, until the focus is determined in S508, the AF lens drive and the focus degree are calculated using the distance measurement control unit.

  If it is determined that the subject is in focus (S508), measurement data and / or setting parameters for AF control are stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52, and the distance measurement / photometry process is terminated.

(Shooting process)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the photographing process in S126 of FIG.
In accordance with the photometric data stored in the internal memory or the memory 52, the system control circuit 50 opens the shutter 12 having an aperture function according to the aperture value by the exposure control unit 40 and starts exposure of the image sensor 10 ( S601, S602).
It is determined whether or not the flash 48 needs to be issued based on the flash flag (S603). If necessary, the flash 48 is caused to emit light (S604).

  The system control circuit 50 waits for the exposure time of the image sensor 12 to elapse according to the photometric data (S605), closes the shutter 12 (S606), and ends the exposure. Then, a charge signal is read out from the image sensor 14, and the memory 30 is connected via the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22, or directly from the A / D converter 16 via the memory control circuit 22. The photographed image data is written in (S607). When the photographic image data has been written into the memory 30, the photographing process is terminated.

(File search process)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the file search process in S102 of FIG.
If the final image has not been searched (S701), the system control circuit 50 reads the root directory entry from the recording medium 200 or 210 (S702).

  Next, the root directory entry read in S702 is analyzed to determine whether or not there is a “/ DCIM” folder (directory) (S703). If “/ DCIM” does not exist, it is determined that there is no reproduced image, and the process ends.

  If "/ DCIM" exists in the root directory entry, the directory entry "/ DCIM" is read, and the search folder number (DirNum) is set to 999, which is the maximum number in the DCF standard (Design rule for Camera File system). Is set to 0 (S705).

  Then, it is checked whether or not the corresponding folder exists (S706). Specifically, it is checked whether a [/ DCIM / (DirNum) XXXXX] folder (directory) exists in the recording medium. Here, in the folder name, (DirNum) is the value of the variable DirNum, that is, the DCF directory number (999 to 100), and X is any ASCII single-byte alphanumeric character. For example, when the value of the variable DirNum is “100” and XXXXX is “ABCDE”, [/ DCIM / 100ABCDE] is represented.

  In S706, if there is such a folder having a name in the format of “number of 100 to 999 + 5 single-byte alphanumeric characters”, its contents (directory entry) are read (S707). Then, the presence / absence of a reproducible file is determined (S708). This determination can be made, for example, by examining the presence or absence of a file having a predetermined extension (for example, .jpg).

  If there is no reproducible file in S708, it is determined whether DirNum has reached the minimum value (= 100). If the value of DirNum is> 100, the current value is decremented by 1 (S711), and the process returns to S706 to search for the next folder. If the value of DirNum is 100 in S710, the process proceeds to S713.

  If it is determined in S708 that a reproducible file exists, the file having the largest DCF file number among the reproducible files is determined as the final image (S709). The DCF file number is a number from “0001 to 9999” constituting the lower 4 characters of the DCF file name (8 characters). In step S712, the DCF file number of the final image is set in the variable FileNum. In step S713, the value of the variable FileNum is stored as final image related information in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50, and the process advances to step S714.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S701 that the final image has already been confirmed, the determined values of DirNum and FileNum are stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 as the final image related information (S713). Proceed to S714. In S701, it is determined that the final image has been finalized. For example, the DCF directory number (DirNum) and DCF file number (FileNum) of the final image determined in the previous file search process are stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 or the like. This is the case, for example.

  The final image related information stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 in S713 includes the DCF directory number (DirNum) of the folder in which the final image exists and the DCF file number (FileNum) of the final image. In the present embodiment, in addition to these, the total number of reproducible files existing in the folder (directory), the shooting time and time stamp of the final image, and the like are also recorded as the final image related information.

  In the above description, the DCF file number of the final image is stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 or the like, and the final image related information is stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 of the system control circuit 50. However, in addition to the DCF file number of the final image, other final image related information may be held in the nonvolatile memory 56 or the like.

  In the new image shooting, the save destination folder and file name are determined using the DCF directory number and DCF file number following the DCF directory number and DCF file number of the final image searched in this process.

  In step S714, the last shooting date and time of the digital camera 100 stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 or the like is compared with the shooting date and time of the final image determined by the above-described processing. Then, the older date and time is stored as the last shooting date and time (S715). This final photographing date and time is used in the date and time change determination described in FIG. Here, the older one of the last shooting date and time stored in the digital camera 100 and the shooting date and time of the last image in the recording medium is used as the last shooting date and time.

  This is because, for example, when a storage medium in which an image older than the last shooting date / time stored in the digital camera 100 is recorded as the final image is loaded, the next shot image file is not an existing folder in the storage medium, This is to make it easier to save in a new folder.

  In other words, in the date / time change determination process described later with reference to FIG. 10, this is an embodiment for increasing the probability of determining that there is a date / time change (= new folder creation). Of course, without performing the processing of S713 and S714, either the last shooting date / time stored in the digital camera 100 or the shooting date / time of the final image may be used as the last shooting date / time in the processing of FIG. . In addition, the user can select which value is used as the final shooting date and time.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the file having the largest DCF file number is searched as the final image. This is an example, and the final image in the specific DCF directory on the DCF standard or the recording medium is searched. The last recorded image file or the like may be used.

(Folder creation condition setting process)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the folder creation condition setting process in S105 of FIG.
If the system control circuit 50 determines that the user has instructed the folder creation condition setting from the operation unit 70 (S801), it performs a folder creation condition setting process to be described later.

Here, it is determined that there has been an instruction to set folder creation conditions in any of the following cases.
-When the new folder creation request button 74 is pressed-When there is a folder creation request (including forced creation request) through the folder creation condition setting menu screen described later

In step S802, it is determined whether there has been a forced folder creation request.
here,
-When the new folder creation request button 74 is pressed in the state where the forced creation request flag is not set-When there is a forced folder creation request from the folder creation condition setting menu screen, it is determined that there is a forced creation request. .

  If it is determined that the forced supply process has been performed, a forced creation request flag provided as one area of the nonvolatile memory 56 or the like is set (S803). If it is determined that there is no request, the forced creation request flag is cleared (S804). Accordingly, when the new folder creation request button 74 is pressed while the forced creation request flag is set, the forced creation request flag is cleared.

  Next, in S805 to S807, the folder creation conditions that can be set from the menu screen are checked. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that any one of date, week, and month (date change) can be set from the menu screen as a folder creation condition. It is assumed that such a folder creation condition is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56 or the like as a folder creation request due to a date / time change factor.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that an offset time can be set in association with a folder creation condition due to a date change. The offset time is a value for shifting the reference time for determining that there has been a date change from midnight. If there is no offset, it is processed as if the date has changed after midnight. For example, if there is an offset time and a setting of “7 AM” (or “+7 hours”), the time is 0 AM. Even after the time, it is not determined that the date has changed until 7 am. Since the offset time can be set, for example, it is possible to record a shooting at an event across days or the like in one folder, or to create a new folder based on the normal wake-up time. . The offset time can be specified by a specific time such as “7 am” or by a relative time difference (+7 hours, −2 hours, etc.) with respect to the reference time (usually midnight). It is also possible.

FIG. 24 shows an example of a folder creation condition setting menu screen in the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment.
The folder creation condition setting menu screen is displayed on the display unit 54 and the image display unit 28. Such a menu screen can be displayed by following the menu hierarchy from an initial menu screen that is generally displayed by pressing a menu key. Of course, it is also possible to provide a shortcut key for directly calling this menu screen.

  The folder creation condition setting menu screen has a first area 28i for making a forced folder creation request, a second area 28j for making a folder creation request by a date / time change factor, and a third area 28k. Yes.

  When making a forced folder creation request, the user operates a predetermined key such as the up / down direction key of the operation unit 70 to select the first area 28i. Then, a predetermined key such as a left / right direction key is operated so that the check box 28m in the area 28i is checked, and then the execution key of the operation unit 70 is pressed. As a result, the menu screen closes (switches to the upper menu screen), and a forced folder creation request is instructed to the digital camera 100. In order to cancel the forced folder creation request, the execution key may be pressed while the check box 28m is not checked.

  As described above, in this embodiment, by pressing the new folder creation request button 74, it is possible to instruct and cancel a folder forced creation request without operating the menu screen.

  On the other hand, when making a folder creation request due to a date / time change factor, the region 28j is selected to set the change factor. Then, the left and right direction keys are operated so that a desired condition is displayed. Here, date change factors include date change (“daily”), weekly change (“Monday”, “Tuesday”, “Wednesday”, “Thursday”, “Friday”, “Saturday”, “Sunday”), There is a monthly change ("Monthly", a specific date (1st to 31st)).

  However, this is for facilitating the explanation and understanding of the present embodiment. Actually, it may be possible to specify "○ month x day", "holiday", or to set in a more detailed time unit. . For example, it may be possible to specify a time unit or a specific date and time (for example, * month * day * hour). Moreover, the conditions which can designate a specific time interval may be sufficient. This is a designation method, for example, from what time to what time. Thus, the date / time change factor can be considered as a condition related to the passage of date / time and the calendar with respect to a predetermined reference date / time. When canceling a folder creation request due to a date / time change factor, for example, “off” may be displayed.

  If there is no change in the setting of the offset time, the execution key of the operation unit 70 is pressed. As a result, the menu screen is closed (switched to the upper menu screen), and a folder creation request due to a date / time change factor is instructed to the digital camera 100.

  When it is desired to set the offset time or to change the existing set time, the third area 28k is operated. That is, with the third area 28k selected, the left / right direction key is operated to display a desired time and the execution key is pressed. As described above, the offset time may be set, for example, in increments of 1 minute from 0:00 to 23:59 minutes, or a relative time difference (± 0: 00 to 11: 59) may be settable.

  Returning to FIG. 8, if there is an instruction to create a folder due to a date change (S805), a daily unit is set as a creation request due to a date / time change factor stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 or the like (S808). If there is an instruction for creation due to weekly changes (S806), a weekly setting is made as a creation request due to a date / time change factor stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 or the like (S809). If there is an instruction for creation due to a change in month (S807), a monthly unit is set as a creation request due to a date / time change factor stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 or the like (S810). If there is no instruction for folder creation in any date unit, the creation request due to the date factor stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 or the like is cleared (S811), and the process is terminated.

If there is an instruction to create a folder in any date unit, the presence / absence of an offset instruction at the date / time change detection point is confirmed (S812). If there is an offset instruction, the offset time is stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 or the like (S813), and if there is no offset instruction, the offset time is cleared, that is, the offset is set to 0 (S814).
The folder creation conditions set here are referred to in a folder creation determination process and a file management process described later, and are used to determine whether a new folder is created.

  Here, the case where the creation conditions based on the date / time change factors such as day, week, month, etc. are exclusively set has been described, but the setting may be made by combination. For example, it may be possible to set so that a folder is created on both conditions of every Monday and one day of every month. The date / time change factor may be a time unit, not a day unit, or a condition that allows a specific date / time to be specified. This is a designation method such as what month, what day, and what time. Furthermore, the conditions may be such that a specific time interval can be specified. This is a designation method, for example, from what time to what time.

(Folder creation judgment process)
FIG. 9 shows a detailed flowchart of the folder creation determination process in S112 of FIG.
First, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not a new folder can be created due to restrictions such as the DCF standard (S901). For example, in the DCF standard, since the DCF directory number is limited to 100 to 999, a folder having a DCF directory number outside this range cannot be created. More specifically, in the specification that creates folders and files in ascending order with respect to the DCF directory number and file number, the DCF directory number of the folder in which the final image exists is 999.

  If it is determined that a new folder cannot be created, the folder creation flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 is cleared (S908), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S901 that a new folder can be created, a new folder creation determination is performed. First, in S902, it is determined whether there is a forced creation request. In the present embodiment, if the forced creation request flag stored in the nonvolatile memory 56 or the like is set in S803 of FIG. 8, it is determined that there is a forced creation request. In this case, the system control circuit 50 sets a folder creation flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S907), and ends the process.

  If it is determined in S902 that there has been no forced creation request, a date / time creation determination process (S903), which is a determination of the presence / absence of a new folder creation request due to a date / time change, is performed. If it is determined that the new folder creation condition due to date / time change is satisfied, the system control circuit 50 sets a folder creation flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S907), and ends the process.

  If it is determined in S904 that the new folder creation condition is not satisfied, a combined image creation determination process (S905), which is a determination of the presence / absence of a new folder creation request based on the combined image condition described later, is performed. If it is determined that the new folder creation condition based on the combined image condition is satisfied, the system control circuit 50 sets a folder creation flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S907), and the process is terminated. In addition, information indicating that the flag is set by the combined image creation determination may be stored together with the flag.

  If it is determined in S906 that the new folder creation condition is not satisfied, the system control circuit 50 clears the folder creation flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S908) and ends the process.

(Date creation judgment processing)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the date / time creation determination process in S903 of FIG. Note that “the date and time when the last image was taken” in this process is the date and time determined in S714 of the file search process described above and stored in S715.
When the creation request due to date / time change is in units of days (S1001), it is determined whether the date of the last image shooting date (time stamp) and the current date (based on the value of the built-in clock of the digital camera 100) are different (S1002). ). If it is determined that the dates are different, the process proceeds to offset condition determination (S1007) to date conditions. If it is determined that the dates are equal, the process proceeds to S1009.

  If the creation request due to date / time change is in units of weeks (S1003), it is determined whether the week of the last image shooting date and the current date / time is different (S1004). If it is determined that the week is different, the date condition is entered. To the offset condition determination (S1007). If it is determined that the weeks are equal, the process proceeds to S1009. Note that it is possible to determine by using the calendar function that the digital camera 100 normally has to include the specific date in the week of the year or month.

If the creation request due to the date / time change is in units of months (S1005), it is determined whether the month of the last image shooting date and the current date / time are different (S1006). The process proceeds to the determination of the offset condition (S1007). If it is determined that the months are equal, the process proceeds to S1009.
If it is determined in S1009 that there is no creation request due to any date / time change, in S1009 of the current date / time and the shooting date / time of the final image, a date change determination is made and the process is terminated.

  In step S1007, the offset condition to the date / time change condition is determined. Specifically, when the offset time is set and the difference in date is one day, the determination taking the offset time into account is performed. For example, when it is determined that the week or month is different because the date is different by one day, it is determined here whether the date is determined to be different even if the offset time is taken into account. For example, when it is determined in S1006 that the months are different, the shooting date and time of the final image is January 31, 2005, the current date and time is February 1, 2005, 3:00 am, and the offset time is 7:00 am (or “ +7 hours ") is set. In this case, since the current date does not reach the offset time, it is determined that there is no date / time change.

  If it is determined that there is a date / time change even when the offset time is taken into account, the determination condition is satisfied by the date / time creation determination (S1008), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the date / time has not changed when the offset condition is considered, the determination condition is not satisfied by the date / time creation determination (S1009), and the process is terminated.

  Further, in the example of FIG. 10, it is described that the creation condition due to the date / time change factor such as day, week, month, etc. is exclusively determined in accordance with the condition setting described in FIG. However, as in the setting, determination by combination may be possible. For example, it may be possible to determine that a folder is created on both the conditions of every Monday and every day of the month. The date / time change factor is not a unit of date, but may of course be a time unit, or may be a condition that allows a specific date / time to be determined. This is, for example, a determination method such as what month, what day, and what time. Furthermore, the conditions may be such that a specific time interval can be determined. This is, for example, a determination method from what time to what time.

(Combination image creation judgment process)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating details of the combined image creation determination process in S905 of FIG.
First, it is checked whether or not the current shooting mode is the continuous shooting mode (S1101). If it is the continuous shooting mode, in S1102, the number of sheets for guaranteeing that a series of continuous shot image files are stored in the same folder is set. In the present embodiment, for example, 50 sheets.

  If the current shooting mode is not the continuous shooting mode, it is checked in step S1103 if it is the bracket mode. The bracket mode is a mode in which several pictures are taken while changing photographing conditions (for example, exposure and white balance). If the mode is the bracket mode, in step S1104, the number of images that guarantees that a series of bracketed image files are stored in the same folder is set. In this embodiment, for example, four sheets are used.

  When it is determined that neither the continuous shooting mode nor the bracketing mode is selected, it is determined that the mode is the normal single shooting mode, and the number of images guaranteed to be stored in the same folder is set. In this embodiment, for example, the number is one (S1105).

  Next, it is checked whether the number of files that can be stored in the existing folder of the recording medium 200 or 210 is equal to or greater than the guaranteed number of files stored in the same folder set in S1102, S1104, and S1105 (S1106). The number of files that can be stored in the existing folder can be obtained from the upper limit of the number of files in the folder, the DCF file number of the final image in the folder, or the like. For example, when an upper limit is set for the number of files in the folder, it can be obtained as a difference between the number of existing files and the upper limit value, and a difference between the DCF file number of the final image and 9999 which is the upper limit of the DCF file number.

  If it is determined that the number of files that can be stored in the existing folder is less than the guaranteed number, the new folder creation condition is satisfied by the group image determination (S1107), and the process ends. If it is determined that the number of files that can be stored in the existing folder is equal to or greater than the guaranteed number of files stored in the same folder, it is determined that the new folder creation condition is not satisfied by the group image determination (S1108), and the process is terminated.

  As described above, when it is determined that a predetermined number of files that are desired to be recorded in the same folder cannot be stored in the existing folder according to each condition, a new folder creation condition based on the group image determination is satisfied. Therefore, a new folder is created in the subsequent shooting process, and it is possible to record the number of shot image files that are guaranteed to be stored in the same folder in the new folder.

(File management processing)
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining details of the folder and file management processing in S125 of FIG.
First, it is checked whether or not the folder creation flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 is set (S1201). If neither flag is set here, a file name to be stored in an existing folder having a DCF directory number equal to the value of the variable DirNum is determined in S1208.

  On the other hand, if the folder creation flag is set, a new folder is created (S1202), and the folder creation flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 and the forced memory stored in the nonvolatile memory 56, etc. The creation request flag is cleared (S1203). As a result, duplicate folders are not created. Furthermore, a new folder is not created even when the date changes during the second and subsequent shots during combined shooting such as continuous shooting or bracket shooting, and the folder creation conditions are met, and a series of shot images Files are saved in the same folder. In other words, when a combined image is shot, a new folder creation request due to a date / time change factor is ignored.

  By referring to this flag again, it is possible to detect that the folder creation request has been cleared, that is, that a folder has been created by shooting. The folder creation display 28g (FIG. 15) indicating that a new folder creation is set by updating the display with reference to this flag in S402 of the setting display process described above with reference to FIG. It can be erased.

Next, the DCF directory number of the new folder is stored in the variable DirNum (S1204), and the save file name in this new folder is determined (S1205). It is assumed that the DCF directory number of the new folder has a value added to the DCF directory number of the folder where the final image is stored, for example. In addition, among the file names stored in the new folder, the file number is assumed to have an initial value of 0001. The upper 4 characters of the file name are character strings preset in the digital camera 100.
If the save file name is determined, the DCF file number of the save file is stored in the variable FileNum (S1206).

  Next, the last photographing date / time update process is performed. In S1207, it is checked whether or not this photographed image is the second and subsequent images of the combined image. If it is not the second or later of the combined image, that is, if it is the first image of combined image shooting such as shooting in single shooting mode (single shooting) or continuous shooting, the current date and time of shooting is non-volatile as the last shooting date and time Stored in the memory 56 or the like.

  This last shooting date / time is used again in the date / time change determination described with reference to FIG. Here, the last shooting date / time is updated only when shooting a single image or the first shot of continuous image shooting such as continuous shooting, especially when shooting after shooting a combined image. It is one embodiment for increasing the probability that it is determined that there is a change.

That is, at the time of combined image shooting, the last shooting date and time is not updated at the time of the second and subsequent shots, so that the last shooting date and time after the combined image shooting is maintained as the first shooting date and time of the combined image. As a result, at the time of the next shooting, the difference between the last shooting date and the current date and time becomes larger than the actual date, and a new folder is easily created when a new folder creation request due to a date / time change factor is set. As a result, the captured image of the combined image and the subsequent captured file are easily stored in different folders, and the image files after the capture are easily organized.
However, such control is not essential, and the last shooting date and time may be updated for every shooting. It is also possible for the user to arbitrarily select.

(Shooting condition setting process)
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the photographing condition setting process in S108 of FIG.
First, it is checked whether or not the mode dial 60 is in the continuous shooting mode position (S1301). If it is in the position of the continuous shooting mode, the system control circuit 50 sets a continuous shooting flag indicating that the current shooting mode is the continuous shooting mode in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S1302), and ends the processing. .

  If the mode dial 60 is not in the continuous shooting mode position, it is checked in step S1303 if it is in the bracket mode position. If it is in the bracket mode position, the system control circuit 50 sets a bracket flag indicating that the current shooting mode is bracket shooting in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S1304), and ends the processing.

  When the mode dial 60 is not positioned in either the continuous shooting mode or the bracket mode, the system control circuit 50 clears both the continuous shooting flag and the bracket flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S1305), The processing process ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a new folder is automatically generated according to the settings, and the photographed image file is saved in the new folder. Therefore, it is not necessary to create a new folder each time, which is convenient.

  In addition, since a new folder is created after a shooting instruction is actually given, it is possible to replace the storage medium. That is, there is no conventional problem that a folder created in advance is left unused and there is no folder that should have been created.

In addition, since the user can select and set conditions for automatically creating a new folder, it is possible to automatically classify photographed image files according to the desires of individual users.
In addition, since it is determined whether the conditions for automatic creation are satisfied based on the last shooting date and the shooting date of the next shot image, any unit (for example, year, month, week, day, etc.) can be changed in common. It can be determined by the processed. Therefore, an appropriate determination can be made even if the automatic folder creation conditions are changed.

  In addition, when the automatic creation condition is a date / time change factor, it is possible to create a new folder according to the actual situation or desire of each user by making it possible to set an offset time for the determination condition.

  In addition, the last shooting date / time is set to the shooting date / time of the last image in the recording medium or the last shooting date / time performed by the image processing apparatus, so that even when the recording medium is replaced (appropriate reference date / time information) Target) can be acquired.

  Further, by storing the shooting date and time of the final image in the recording medium, it is possible to determine whether or not to create a folder without reexamining the recording medium or the like when the image processing apparatus is activated. Therefore, it is possible to start the subsequent shooting process quickly.

  In addition, since the last shooting date and time and / or the last shooting date and time of the last image stored in the recording medium are updated when the recording medium is replaced or when a new shooting occurs, the inspection in the recording medium and the storage work in the image processing are performed. Is the minimum number of times, and prevents information inconsistencies.

  In addition to setting conditions for automatic creation, it is possible to set so that a new folder is created unconditionally at the time of the next shooting, so that it is possible to respond to various requests of users. In particular, by providing a configuration that can be set with one touch, such as the new folder creation request button 74, it is possible to respond to a case where it is desired to instruct folder creation immediately before shooting, which is highly convenient.

  In addition, when a new folder cannot be created as a storage destination, it is stored in an existing folder, so that a situation in which a photographed image file cannot be recorded can be prevented.

  Further, when a file cannot be additionally saved in an existing folder as a save destination, a new folder is created and the shot image file is saved there, so that a situation in which the shot image file cannot be recorded can be prevented.

  Furthermore, if it is desired to handle a series of multiple captured image (combined image) files obtained by continuous shooting or bracket shooting as a group, depending on whether a predetermined number of images can be saved in an existing folder To create a new folder. This ensures that a series of captured image files are saved in the same folder even when the existing folder is the storage destination.

In addition, since the user is notified whether or not a new folder is generated at the time of the next shooting, the user can confirm that the folder is created. Since the preset condition is not always satisfied immediately, it is important that the user can grasp whether the set condition is correctly recognized and executed. In addition, since the creation of a new folder can be grasped in advance, it is possible to flexibly construct a desired folder structure by changing settings such as canceling the folder creation reservation as necessary at the time of notification.
In addition, even when the image processing apparatus automatically changes the storage folder for captured images to a new folder, the user can know that fact. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the top image stored in the new folder, and it is possible to easily search for the image after shooting.

  In addition, since a new folder is not created during the combined image shooting period regardless of whether there is a new folder creation request due to the date change factor, even if the new folder creation request due to the date change factor is satisfied, there are multiple save destinations for the combined image. Never become a folder.

  In addition, the shooting time is set as the final shooting date in shooting in the single shooting mode, and the shooting time of the first image in the combined image shooting mode. As a result, when a change in date and time that causes the creation of a new folder occurs during combined image shooting, the shot image file is reliably stored in the new folder at the next shooting.

  If the final image file in the recording medium is determined to be a captured image in single shooting mode, the shooting time is determined. If the final image file is determined to be a part of the combined image, the shooting time of the first image of the combined image is determined. Used as the last shooting date and time in the recording medium. As a result, even if the image saved in the recording medium is an image when a date change that causes folder switching occurs during combined image capture, the captured image file is surely placed in the new folder at the next capture. It will be saved.

  In addition, the last shooting date and time held by the image processing apparatus and the shooting date and time of the final image data in the recording medium are used as the final shooting date and time in the new folder creation necessity determination. This makes it possible to make an appropriate determination even when a plurality of recording media are used.

<< Second Embodiment >>
Next, the operation of the digital camera as an example of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 5 to 13, 15, 16, 16, 17, and 23. explain.
Similar to the digital camera 100 described in the first embodiment, the digital camera of this embodiment also has the functional configuration shown in FIG.

First, the overall operation of the digital camera 100 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
After power-on such as battery replacement, the system control circuit 50 initializes flags, control variables, etc. (S2301), and sets the immediately preceding mode name stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 to “startup” (S2302), a file search process in the storage medium is performed (S2303).
Details of the file search processing in S2303 of FIG. 23 are as described above with reference to FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 determines the set position of the power switch 72 (S2304). If the power switch 72 is set to power OFF, the system control circuit 50 proceeds to S2305 and performs a predetermined end process. The termination process includes the following process, for example. The display on each display unit is changed to the end state, and the lens barrier 102 is closed to protect the imaging unit. Parameters, setting values, and setting modes including flags and control variables are recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56. The power control unit 80 cuts off the power to the parts including the image display unit 28 that do not require power supply. When the termination process is completed, the process returns to S2304.

  On the other hand, if the power switch 72 is set to ON in S2304, the system control circuit 50 sets folder creation conditions (S2306). The details of the folder creation condition setting process in S2306 are as described above with reference to FIG.

  Next, the system control circuit 50 determines the setting position of the mode dial 60 (S2307), and if it is set to the shooting mode, sets shooting conditions (S2308) and proceeds to S2311. Details of the photographing condition setting processing in S2308 are as described above with reference to FIG.

  If the mode dial 60 is set to another mode in S2307, the system control circuit 50 executes processing according to the selected mode (S2309). When the process is finished, the immediately preceding mode name stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52 is set to the current mode name (S2310), and the process returns to S2304.

  In step S2311, the system control circuit 50 uses the power supply control unit 80 to determine the remaining capacity and operation status of the power supply 86 configured by a battery or the like. When it is determined that there is a problem with the operation of the digital camera 100 in the state of the power supply 86, a predetermined warning corresponding to the problem is given by using an image or sound using the display unit 54 (S2313), and the process returns to S2304.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no problem with the power supply 86, the system control circuit 50 checks the recording medium in S2312. That is, it is determined whether or not the recording medium 200 or 210 is attached, and management information of the image file recorded on the attached recording medium is acquired. In this process, it is determined whether or not there is a problem in the recording / reproducing operation with respect to the recording medium such that neither the recording medium 200 or 210 is attached or normal reading / writing cannot be performed. If there is any problem here, a predetermined warning corresponding to the problem is given using the display unit 54 by image or sound (S2313), and the process returns to S2304.

  If it is determined in S2312 that there is no problem with the recording medium, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not to create a new folder for storing the captured image file generated by the next capturing (S2314). Details of the folder creation determination process are as described above with reference to FIG. Details of the date / time creation determination process in S903 of FIG. 9 are as described above with reference to FIG. The details of the combined image creation determination process in S905 of FIG. 9 are as described above with reference to FIG.

  Next, the system control circuit 50 displays various setting states of the digital camera 100 using images and sounds using the display unit 54 (S2315). When the image display unit 28 is set to ON, the image display unit 28 is also used to display various setting states of the digital camera 100 using images and sounds. Details of this setting display processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The system control circuit 50 sets the previous mode name stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 to “shooting” (S2316), and proceeds to S121 in FIG. The subsequent processing of the digital camera 100 is as described above with reference to FIG.

Details of the distance measurement / photometry processing in S122 of FIG. 3 are as described above with reference to FIG.
Details of the folder and file management processing in S125 of FIG. 3 are as described later with reference to FIG.
Details of the photographing process in S126 of FIG. 3 are as described above with reference to FIG.

(Setting display process)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the setting display process in S2315 of FIG.
First, in S1601, the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the folder creation flag stored in the internal memory of the system control circuit 50 or the memory 52. If the folder creation flag has been canceled, the folder creation display on the display unit 54 and the image display unit 28 is hidden (S1602), and the process proceeds to S1606.

  On the other hand, if the folder creation flag is set, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not the immediately preceding mode name stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 is equal to the current mode name (S1603). If not, the process proceeds to S1604.

  In step S1604, the system control circuit 50 causes the folder creation display to blink for a predetermined time using the display unit 54 and the image display unit 28 (S1604). A display example of the display unit 54 and the image display unit 28 in S1604 is shown in FIG. FIG. 17 shows a state in which various setting states of the digital camera 100 other than the folder creation display are already displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 17, only the folder creation display (28g) blinks, and various setting states of the digital camera 100 other than the folder creation display 28g are lit. In FIG. 17, these various setting states include single shot / continuous shooting display (28a), flash display (28b), photometry method display (28c), compression rate display (28d), recording pixel number display (28e), There is an indication of the number of remaining shots (28f).

  By flashing only the folder creation display (28g), the folder creation display (28g) that is likely to be overlooked by other setting displays (28a to 28f) at the time of mode switching is emphasized. This makes it possible to more reliably notify the user that a folder will be created in the next shooting. In particular, by setting the immediately preceding mode name to “activated” at the time of activation in S2302 of FIG. 23, in the setting display processing S2315 immediately after activation, the immediately preceding mode name is “activated” and the current mode name is “shooting”. When starting up, the folder creation display blinks and is highlighted.

  In step S <b> 1605, the system control circuit 50 displays the folder creation display 28 g using images and sounds using the display unit 54 and the image display unit 28. That is, the folder creation display 28g is turned on. If the folder creation display is blinking in S1604, the folder creation display is switched from blinking to lighting. Display examples of the display unit 54 and the image display unit 28 in S1605 are the same as those in FIG. FIG. 15 also shows a state in which various setting states of the digital camera 100 other than the folder creation display are already displayed, as in FIG. The folder creation display (28g) is lit in the same manner as the various setting status displays (28a to 28f) of the digital camera 100 other than the folder creation display.

  The system control circuit 50 displays (updates display) various setting states of the digital camera 100 other than the folder creation flag using images and sounds using the display unit 54 (S1606), and ends the setting display process.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the folder creation display that is likely to be overlooked by other setting displays at the time of start-up or mode switching is highlighted (flashing), so that the user can create a new folder in the next shooting. It is possible to convey more reliably that will be created.
In the above description, the case of blinking display as an example of highlight display has been described. However, other highlight display methods such as changing the display color to a more conspicuous color or increasing the display size may be used.

<< Third Embodiment >>
Next, the operation of the digital camera as an example of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 5 to 13, 15, 18, and 19. explain.
Similar to the digital camera 100 described in the first embodiment, the digital camera of this embodiment also has the functional configuration shown in FIG.

  The operation of the digital camera 100 of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the folder creation determination process in S112 of FIG. 2 and the setting display process in S113. Only the processing will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the folder creation determination process executed in S112 of FIG. 2, specifically, which conditions are satisfied and the flag is set when the folder creation flag is set in S907 of FIG. It is characterized by storing information together. That is, information indicating whether the request is based on a forced creation request, date / time creation determination, or combined image creation determination is stored in the internal memory or the memory 52. Information on the setting factor may be included in the folder creation flag itself.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating details of processing executed by the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment as the setting display processing in S113 of FIG.
First, the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the folder creation flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S1801). If the folder creation flag has been canceled, the folder creation display on the display unit 54 and the image display unit 28 is hidden (S1802), and the process proceeds to S1807.

  On the other hand, if the folder creation flag has been set, the system control circuit 50 determines the folder creation factor from the information stored in the internal memory or the memory 52 (S1803). If a folder is created as a result of the creation conditions being satisfied in the combined image creation determination, the folder creation display format is set to “display 1” (S1804). For example, the folder creation display is set to a gray display of the folder icon. Gray display indicates that folder creation cannot be canceled by the user.

  On the other hand, when a forced creation request is made by the user or a folder is created as a result of creation conditions being satisfied in the date and time creation determination, the folder creation display format is set to “display 2” (S1805). For example, the folder creation display is set to the normal display of the folder icon. “Display 1” and “Display 2” have different display formats.

  The system control circuit 50 uses the display unit 54 and the image display unit 28 to display a folder creation display using images and sounds (S1806). Here, the folder creation display is displayed in accordance with the display format set in S1804 or S1805. The display example of the display unit 54 and the image display unit 28 in S1806 when the normal display of the folder icon is set to the folder creation display in S1805 is the same as that in FIG. However, in FIG. 15, various setting states of the digital camera 100 other than the folder creation display are already displayed. FIG. 15 shows a display when a new folder is created according to user settings, and the user can cancel creation of a new folder by setting folder creation conditions as necessary.

  On the other hand, FIG. 19 shows a display example of the display unit 54 and the image display unit 28 in S1806 when the “display 1” format is set in S1804. In FIG. 19, as in FIG. 15, various setting states of the digital camera 100 other than the folder creation display are already displayed. In FIG. 19, various setting states (28a to 28f) of the digital camera 100 other than the folder creation display are displayed, and the folder icon is displayed in gray (28g). FIG. 19 is a display when a folder is forcibly created by the camera due to the number of recordable images per folder, and gray display indicates that the creation of a new folder cannot be canceled by user settings. Yes.

  The system control circuit 50 displays (updates) various setting states of the digital camera 100 other than the folder creation display using images and sounds using the display unit 54 (S1807), and ends the setting display processing.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the display format of the folder creation display is changed depending on the folder creation factor. Therefore, it is possible not only to simply notify whether or not a new folder is created in the next shooting, but also to inform whether or not the user can cancel the folder creation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from following the menu hierarchy wastefully in order to cancel the folder creation setting even though the folder creation cannot be canceled.

<< Fourth Embodiment >>
Next, the operation of the digital camera as an example of the image processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 5 to 13, 20, 21, and 22. explain.
Similar to the digital camera 100 described in the first embodiment, the digital camera of this embodiment also has the functional configuration shown in FIG.

  Since the operation of the digital camera 100 of the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment except for the setting display processing in S113 of FIG. 2, only the processing characteristic of this embodiment will be described below.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating details of processing executed by the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment as the setting display processing in S113 of FIG.
First, the system control circuit 50 determines whether or not folder creation based on a date / time change factor is set (S2001). Here, when the folder creation by the date change factor is set (S2001), the set date change factor (that is, the folder creation condition) is displayed on the display unit 54 and the image display unit 28 (S2002). The process proceeds to S2004.

  FIG. 21 is a display example of the display unit 54 and the image display unit 28 in S2002. FIG. 21 shows a state in which the folder creation flag is released, that is, the date and time when the folder creation is reserved is not reached. FIG. 21 shows a state in which various setting states of the digital camera 100 other than the folder creation display are already displayed.

  In FIG. 21, various setting states (28a to 28f) of the digital camera 100 other than the folder creation display are displayed, and the date / time change factor (date setting: “daily 0:00” here) set as the folder creation condition is displayed. ) Is displayed. By displaying the folder creation conditions that have been set, the user can confirm that the folder creation conditions have been set correctly before the new folder is actually created, and while suppressing setting mistakes, A sense of security can be given to the user.

If the folder creation reservation due to the date change factor is not set in S2001, the folder creation display on the display unit 54 and the image display unit 28 is not displayed (S2003), and the process proceeds to S2004.
In step S2004, the system control circuit 50 determines the state of the folder creation flag stored in the internal memory or the memory 52. If the folder creation flag is set, the folder creation display is displayed using the display unit 54 and the image display unit 28 (S2005), and the process proceeds to S2007.

  FIG. 22 is a display example of the display unit 54 and the image display unit 28 in S2005. In FIG. 22, folder creation based on a date / time change factor is set, and here, various setting states of the digital camera 100 other than the folder creation display are also displayed. As can be seen from the figure, the setting change display (28h) of the date / time change factor as the folder creation condition, various setting states (28a to 28f) of the digital camera 100 other than the folder creation display, and the folder creation display (28g) are displayed. ) Is also displayed. Therefore, the user can confirm that the folder creation conditions are set correctly and that a new folder is created at the next shooting.

  If the folder creation flag has been canceled in S2004, the system control circuit 50 hides the folder creation display on the display unit 54 and the image display unit 28 (S2006), and proceeds to S2007.

  In step S2007, the system control circuit 50 uses the display unit 54 to display (display update) various setting states of the digital camera 100 other than the folder creation flag using an image or sound, and ends the setting display processing.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the folder creation by the date / time change factor is set, the setting content (folder creation condition) is displayed. Therefore, the user can confirm that the folder creation conditions are correctly set before the new folder is actually created, thereby suppressing setting mistakes and giving the user a sense of security.

<< Other Embodiments >>
In the display examples in each of the embodiments described above, a folder icon is used as the folder creation display 28g. However, it may be displayed in another format, for example, using characters. Also, notification by voice message may be performed simultaneously with display or instead of display. Further, another means may be used as long as it is a notification means that can notify the user that a folder is newly created in the next shooting.

  If the image processing device does not have a display device that can display icons, characters, etc., or if the display on the display unit that can display icons, characters, etc. is turned off by setting, etc., other methods are used. Can be used. For example, a simpler display device as the folder creation display, for example, may be displayed by turning on / off the LED, or may be notified by voice. In particular, when a through image cannot be displayed as in a digital single-lens reflex camera, it is conceivable that display on the display unit is not performed, and notification by LED or sound is also assumed.

  It is also conceivable that various status displays (for example, 28a to 28f in FIG. 15) other than the folder creation display of the digital camera 100 are hidden by the user setting. Even in such a case, only the folder creation display (for example, 28g in FIG. 15) may be displayed to reliably notify the user of the folder creation. By doing so, it is easy to grasp the folder creation display even at the time of startup or mode switching, so the necessity of blinking and highlighting as in the second embodiment is reduced.

  In the above-described embodiments, the case of still image shooting has been described. However, as the shooting mode in S106 of FIG. 2, a moving image mode can be considered in addition to the still image mode. In the case of movie shooting, the folder creation judgment processing and setting display processing are performed before shooting, and when creating a new folder and saving the shot movie, the folder creation display is hidden, It is clear that the same effect can be obtained. In the case of a moving image, the shooting time becomes longer. However, since the folder creation display is displayed until a new folder is actually created and the image is saved, the folder creation display is displayed during shooting.

  The recording media 200 and 210 include not only memory cards such as PCMCIA cards and compact flash (registered trademark), hard disks, but also micro DAT, magneto-optical disks, optical disks such as CD-R and CD-RW, and DVD phases. You may comprise a changeable optical disk etc.

  Further, the recording media 200 and 210 may be a composite medium in which a memory card and a hard disk are integrated, or may be configured to be partly removable from the composite medium.

In the above-described embodiment, the recording media 200 and 210 are described as being separated from the digital camera 100 and arbitrarily connectable. However, any or all of the recording media are fixed to the digital camera 100. May be.
Further, the digital camera 100 may be configured such that any one or a plurality of recording media 200 or 210 can be connected.

In the above embodiment, the recording medium 200 and 210 are described as being mounted on the digital camera 100. However, the recording medium may have a single or a plurality of combinations.
Note that the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device.

  Also, an object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium (or recording medium) in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is recorded to a system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or CPU) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the MPU) reading and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an operating system (OS) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion card inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the card or 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.
In addition, you may make it this invention combine the above-mentioned each embodiment or those technical elements as needed.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to all or a part of the structure of the claims or the embodiment to form one device or to be combined with another device. It may be an element constituting the apparatus.

  As described above, in the present invention, in particular, in the file management process (FIG. 7) before shooting, at least one of the last shooting date and time held in the image processing apparatus and the shooting date and time of the last image file in the recording medium is set. Based on this, a final shooting date and time serving as a reference is determined. Then, the final photographing date and time are compared with the current time to determine whether or not a new folder needs to be created.

  And since the last shooting date / time is updated for the first or single shot of the combined image, even if a date / time change that causes new folder creation occurs during combined image shooting, Is not created. That is, the storage destination of the combined image is not divided. In addition, since the last shooting date and time is updated only for the first shot when shooting a combined image, if a date / time change that causes a new folder to occur during combined image shooting, a new folder is created at the next shooting. The Therefore, the photographed image file at the time of the next photographing is not mixed in the same folder, which is useful for organizing image files.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a digital camera as an example of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. , 3 is a flowchart illustrating an overall operation of the digital camera 100 according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the setting display process in S113 of FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining details of distance measurement / photometry processing in S122 of FIG. 3; FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining details of photographing processing in S126 of FIG. 3; FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the file search process in S102 of FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining details of a folder creation condition setting process in S105 of FIG. It is a detailed flowchart of the folder creation determination process in S112 of FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining details of a date / time creation determination process in S903 of FIG. 9; FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining details of a combined image creation determination process in S905 of FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining details of a folder and file management process in S125 of FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating details of a shooting condition setting process in S108 of FIG. , It is a figure which shows the example of a display by the setting display process of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the setting display process in the digital camera of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display which the digital camera of 2nd Embodiment performs by a setting display process. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the setting display process in the digital camera of 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display which the digital camera of 3rd Embodiment performs by a setting display process. It is a flowchart explaining the detail of the setting display process in the digital camera of 4th Embodiment. , It is a figure which shows the example of a display which the digital camera of 4th Embodiment performs by a setting display process. It is a flowchart explaining a part of whole operation | movement of the digital camera 100 of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the folder creation condition setting menu screen which the digital camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention shows.

Claims (12)

An image processing apparatus for recording an image file obtained by shooting in a folder in a recording medium,
The storage folder of the image file obtained in the next shooting is an existing folder in the recording medium when the preset date / time change has not occurred, or the preset folder / date change when the preset date / time change has occurred. A storage location determination means for determining a new folder that does not exist in the recording medium;
When there is an instruction for the next shooting, when the storage destination is the new folder, folder creation means for creating a new folder in the recording medium;
Recording means for recording the image file obtained in response to the next shooting instruction in the storage destination folder determined by the storage destination determination means;
When the preset date and time change occurs during shooting of a combined image, the storage destination determining means determines an existing folder in the recording medium as the storage destination folder until shooting of the combined image is completed. An image processing apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage destination determination unit determines whether or not the preset date / time change has occurred based on a predetermined last shooting date / time and a current date / time.   3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the last shooting date / time is a shooting time when the last shot image is not a combined image, and a shooting time of the head image when the last shot image is a combined image.   The last shooting date / time is the shooting time of the image when the last file of the image file existing in the recording medium is not a combined image, and the shooting time of the first image when the image file is a combined image. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2.   The last shooting date / time is an older date / time of the last shooting date / time of the image file existing in the recording medium and the last shooting date / time of the image file existing in the recording medium. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the combined image is an image obtained in a continuous shooting mode or a bracket shooting mode. An image processing apparatus control method for recording an image file obtained by shooting in a folder in a recording medium,
The storage folder of the image file obtained in the next shooting is an existing folder in the recording medium when the preset date / time change has not occurred, or the preset folder / date change when the preset date / time change has occurred. A storage location determination step for determining a new folder that does not exist in the recording medium;
When there is an instruction for the next shooting, when the storage destination is the new folder, a folder creation step of creating a new folder in the recording medium;
A recording step of recording the image file obtained in response to the next shooting instruction in the storage destination folder determined by the storage destination determination step;
If the preset date and time change occurs during shooting of a combined image, the storage destination determining step determines an existing folder in the recording medium as the storage destination folder until shooting of the combined image is completed. A control method for an image processing apparatus.   8. The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the storage destination determining step determines whether or not the preset date / time change has occurred based on a predetermined last shooting date / time and a current date / time.   9. The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the last photographing date / time is a photographing time when the last photographed image is not a combined image, and a photographing time of the head image when the last photographed image is a combined image. .   The last shooting date / time is the shooting time of the image when the last file of the image file existing in the recording medium is not a combined image, and the shooting time of the first image when the image file is a combined image. The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 8.   The last shooting date / time is an older date / time of the last shooting date / time of the image file existing in the recording medium and the last shooting date / time of the image file existing in the recording medium. The method for controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 8.   The method of controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the combined image is an image obtained in a continuous shooting mode or a bracket shooting mode.

Images