JP2008160479A - Image imaging apparatus and image imaging system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image imaging apparatus and image imaging system in which the retrieval property and classification easiness of image files are improved. <P>SOLUTION: A writing means 107 writes identification data for identifying an image file in the image file, a reading means 112 reads the identification data written in the image file, and further, a managing means 113 identifies the image file on the basis of the identification data read by the reading means 112 and stores the image file in the same identification data file. A display part 110 displays a same identification data file name and displays the entire same identification data file hierarchically. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image capturing apparatus and an image capturing system, and more particularly to identification and classification of image files.

  With recent advances in image processing technology and image recording technology, and the spread of personal computers to general consumers, image capturing devices that record digital images, such as digital cameras and digital video cameras, are also widely used in general homes. It's getting on.

  In a digital camera which is an example of such an image capturing apparatus, when storing an image, first, the captured image data is temporarily recorded in a memory such as a memory inside the camera or a removable memory card. Thereafter, the data is transferred to a personal computer (PC) via a communication line, a memory card reader, or the like, and stored in a recording medium such as an HDD (hard disk), an MO disk, or a CD-R disk of the personal computer. .

  By the way, in an image capturing system provided with an image capturing device, in a method for storing image files on a recording medium so that a personal computer, a camera, etc. can automatically retrieve image data or exchange image data smoothly between devices. Several ideas have been made.

  For example, in the digital camera standards “CIFF” (Camera Image File Format) and “DCF” (Design rule for Camera File system), a directory arrangement method is defined. Also, directory and file naming rules are specified in detail.

  However, the file name specified in these standards, the name of the directory (folder) that stores the file, and the path name that indicates these hierarchically are specified in exchange for the convenience of handling between devices that handle images. It is mainly composed of uniform and enumerated numbers.

  For this reason, the user does not have the freedom to assign a file name or path name arbitrarily. As a result, the user cannot identify the contents of the image file from the directory (folder) name or the file name. In order to organize the images, the contents cannot be grasped without looking at the thumbnail images, so that the searchability and classification of image files are low.

  In order to solve such problems, conventionally, for example, an image management table is created, and images are searched from a plurality of image files using image attached information (keywords), and related images are displayed in a list. There is a thing (refer patent document 1).

  Further, for example, when image files of digital cameras with different serial numbers of the same model are transferred to the same recording medium or PC, there is a problem that image file names and directory (folder) names are duplicated. In order to solve such problems, for example, a file to be saved is given a user file name different from, for example, an existing file name (see Patent Document 2).

JP-A-9-054036 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-021130

  However, in recent years, with the increase in storage capacity of recording media, management of a large amount of recorded images has become more complicated. Along with this, image capturing systems are also required to efficiently sort, reproduce, and edit enormous amounts of image data captured by cameras.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such a current situation, and an object thereof is to provide an image pickup apparatus and an image pickup system in which searchability and classification ease of image files are improved.

  The present invention provides an image capturing apparatus that captures an image, a writing unit that writes identification data for identifying the image file in the captured image file, and a reading unit that reads the identification data written in the image file. Management means for identifying the image file based on the identification data read by the reading means, and hierarchically storing the image file in the same identification data file, and displaying the same identification data file name and And a display unit that hierarchically displays the same identification data file.

  In the present invention, the identification data written in the image file is used to identify and store the image file in the same identification data file, to display the same identification data file name, and to display the entire same identification data file hierarchically. can do. Thereby, the searchability of image files and the ease of classification can be improved.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image capturing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a digital camera which is an example of an image capturing apparatus, and reference numeral 102 denotes a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) which is an example of a recording display apparatus that records and displays an image file captured by the digital camera 101.

  Here, the digital camera 101 includes an optical lens 103 for imaging, an imaging sensor unit 104 including a CCD or CMOS type sensor, and a DSP unit 105 that processes an image captured by the imaging sensor unit 104. Yes.

  In addition, a memory card that stores image data processed by the DSP unit 105, a hard disk (HDD), a recording medium unit 106 such as an optical disk, and an operation unit 107 for user input such as operation keys and a keyboard are provided. In the present embodiment, the recording medium unit 106 includes a memory card.

  Further, a microcomputer unit 108, a communication unit 109 for exchanging image data such as USB and serial communication with an external device, an image display unit 110 including a liquid crystal screen and its control unit, and a control line group 111 such as a data bus and an address bus. It has.

  On the other hand, the PC 102 includes a CPU unit 115, a bus control unit 116 for performing bus control, a main memory unit 117, a recording medium unit 118 such as an HDD or an optical disk, an operation unit 119 such as a keyboard or a mouse, an image including a display and its control unit. A display unit 120 is provided. In addition, a communication unit 121 that communicates with an external device by USB or serial communication, control line groups 122 and 123 such as a data bus and an address bus, and a communication line 125 are provided. In the present embodiment, a wired case is shown, but the communication unit 121 may be a wireless communication unit, and both may communicate wirelessly.

  In the image capturing system including the digital camera 101 and the PC 102 having such a configuration, image data captured by the image sensor unit 104 via the optical lens 103 is first subjected to image processing by the DSP unit 105. Thereafter, the data is stored in the recording medium unit 106 in accordance with the DCF standard by a file management unit (not shown) of the microcomputer unit 108. At this time, various image pickup data are written in the header portion of the image file together with the image data.

  FIG. 2 schematically shows the hierarchical structure of directories (folders) and files in the digital camera standard “DCF”. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a root directory (directory name: root) in the recording medium unit 106 of the digital camera 101. Reference numeral 202 denotes a DCF image root directory (directory name: Dcim) which is a basic directory for storing DCF standard data.

  Under the DCF image root directory 202, there are a DCF directory (directory name: 100ABCDE) 203 and a DCF directory (directory name: 101VWXYZ) 204 for storing image data. A directory (directory name: TEMP1) 205 other than the DCF directory can also exist under the DCF image root directory 202.

  Here, in the directory 203, file0001. jpg to file005. jpg, in the directory 204, file0006. jpg to file007. There is a DCF standard image file (= DCF file) of jpg.

  In the “DCF” standard, the DCF directory name defines a naming rule in which 8 characters of 3 characters of “100 to 999” +5 free characters are defined. In addition, the DCF file name has a naming rule in which four free characters + “0001 to 9999” are four numbers.

  Incidentally, the microcomputer unit 108 of the digital camera 101 includes an attached information read / write unit 112, a pseudo file management unit 113, and a file / path name conversion unit 114 as shown in FIG.

  Here, the attached information read / write unit 112 writes, in addition to the various types of imaging data written to the recording medium unit 106, the comment text input by the operation unit 107, which is a writing unit, as attached information in the header portion of the image file. Is what you do. Also, it acts as a reading means to read a comment sentence.

  In addition, the pseudo file management unit 113, which is a management unit, uses a variety of imaging data written in the header portion of the image file and attached information such as a comment sentence, and a pseudo file name different from the actual file name or directory name. The pseudo directory name is set for each file. The pseudo file management unit 113 manages a pseudo file hierarchy including a pseudo file and a pseudo directory <folder>.

  Further, when transferring the image file (data), the file / path name conversion unit 114 converts the actual file name or directory name according to the DCF standard into the pseudo file name or the pseudo file name managed by the pseudo file management unit 113. Converts to a pseudo directory name.

  The pseudo file name and pseudo directory name converted by the file / path name conversion unit 114 serving as the conversion means are used together with the image file when the image file is transferred from the digital camera 101 to the PC 102 via the communication line 125. Transferred to the PC 102.

  The image file transferred in this way is recorded in the recording medium unit 118 of the PC 102, and the pseudo file name and pseudo directory name are managed by the file management unit 124. Thereby, the file name of the image file managed by the file management unit 124 of the PC 102 and the directory name to be stored are not the file name / directory name according to the DCF standard, but an arbitrary file name / directory set on the camera side. You can name it.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the data structure of an image file. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes the start point of an image file called SOI (Start of Image). Reference numeral 302 denotes a header portion, and attached information of the image file is recorded in the header portion 302 by the attached information read / write unit 112.

  Reference numeral 303 denotes a thumbnail image portion, and the thumbnail image portion 303 records a reduced image for reference when listing images. A main image portion 304 is a portion where data of an original image portion is recorded. Reference numeral 305 denotes an end point of an image file called EOI (End of Image).

  The attached information that is identification data stored in the header section 302 includes model information such as a manufacturer name, a model name, and a serial number. In addition, there are various incidental information related to shooting such as original image generation date / time, digital data creation date / time, color space, shutter speed, aperture value, EV value, and comment text.

  The pseudo file management unit 113 can set the pseudo directory name and the pseudo file name for each date by using, for example, date and time information as the attached information stored in the header unit 302. If the file name is also set by adding the date and the serial number of the day according to the date information, the file is organized by date regardless of the model, and it becomes easier to follow the events of the day at a later date.

  Further, the pseudo directory can be divided according to the position by using position information by GPS (not shown) built in the camera. The location name can be obtained by registering the location name in the camera body in advance with respect to the coordinates obtained by GPS, or by searching the location name corresponding to the coordinates in the camera if there is no registration. . In addition, if the file name is set by adding the date and the serial number of the day according to the date information, the file is organized by location regardless of the model, so that it is easy to follow the events by location.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hierarchical structure of pseudo directories and files when such position information is used. In FIG. 4, 401 is a pseudo root directory, and there is a pseudo directory for each position immediately below this. 402 is a directory name of “XX kindergarten” and 404 is “XX exhibition hall”, which is a place name whose coordinates are registered in advance.

  Reference numeral 403 denotes a directory name of “Ota-ku, Tokyo”, which is a place name searched by coordinates since there is no registration in advance. Thus, the files 402, 403, and 404 are classified and stored for each position. Since date information is also added to the file name, for example, even if files shot at the same position coordinates are stored in the same pseudo-directory, it is possible to follow the date / time distinction by the file name.

  Next, processing for setting a pseudo directory and a pseudo file name based on position information will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, when the setting routine based on position information is entered, the position information is read from the header portion of the image file by the attached information read / write unit 112 of the microcomputer unit 108 (S502). Next, the microcomputer unit 108 determines whether there is a registered place name corresponding to the position coordinates by GPS (S503). If there is a registered place name (Y in S503), the recording medium unit 106 ( It is determined whether there is a directory with a registered location name (see FIG. 1) (S504).

  If there is a directory having a registered location name in the recording medium unit (Y in S504), the pseudo file management unit 113 (see FIG. 1) is set to store the corresponding file in the pseudo directory (S506). ). If there is no registered location name directory in the recording medium section (N in S504), a location name directory is created (S505).

  After that, the pseudo file management unit is set so as to store the corresponding file in the pseudo directory (S506), and the file is stored in the corresponding pseudo directory by the date and the serial number of the day. As a result, the pseudo file name is set in the storage directory by the date and the serial number of the day (S511).

  On the other hand, when there is no registered place name (N in S503), a place name corresponding to the coordinates is searched (S507). Next, it is checked whether there is a directory having the searched place name in the recording medium part (S508). If there is (Y in S508), the pseudo file management part is set to store the corresponding file in the pseudo directory. . As a result, the file is stored in the corresponding pseudo directory by the date and the serial number of the day (S510).

  If there is no directory with the searched place name in the recording medium part (N in S508), a place name directory is created (S509). Thereafter, the pseudo file management unit is set so as to store the corresponding file in the pseudo (location name) directory (S510), and the file is stored in the corresponding pseudo directory by the date and the serial number of the day. As a result, the pseudo file name is set in the storage directory by the date and the serial number of the day (S511). In this way, the setting routine ends.

  Further, a pseudo directory and a pseudo file name can be set using two comment sentences recorded in the header section 302 (see FIG. 3). In this case, for example, the pseudo directory has a hierarchical structure of a directory using the character string of comment 1 and a directory using the character string of comment 2.

  In addition, if the file name is set by adding the month and day + the serial number of the day according to the date information, the user can freely set the directory name and file name, so the degree of freedom in organizing image files is improved. To do.

  FIG. 6 shows a hierarchical structure of pseudo directories and files when two comment sentences are used. In FIG. 6, 401 is a pseudo root directory, and there is a pseudo directory by a comment sentence immediately below this. Reference numeral 602 denotes a “sports day” and 603 denotes a “work” directory name. 604 is “Tama-In”, 605 is “Relay”, 606 is “Seminar”, and 607 is “Exhibition”.

  Here, each file is classified according to the comment sentence, but since the date information is added to the file name, for example, even if a file given the same comment is stored in the same pseudo-directory, the file is distinguished by the date and time. It is possible to follow by name.

  Next, processing for setting a pseudo directory and a pseudo file name by a comment sentence will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, when the setting routine by comment is entered, the character strings of comment 1 and comment 2 are read from the header part of the image file by the attached information read / write unit 112 of the microcomputer unit 108 (S702). Next, the microcomputer unit 108 determines whether there is a character string in the comment 1 field (S703). If there is a comment 1 (Y in S703), the recording medium unit has a directory with the character string name of the comment 1 (S704).

  If the directory having the character string name of comment 1 exists in the recording medium unit (Y in S704), the pseudo file management unit is set to store the corresponding file or pseudo subdirectory in the pseudo directory having the name of comment 1. (S706). If there is no directory with the character string name of comment 1 in the recording medium section (N in S704), a directory with the name of comment 1 is created (S705). Thereafter, the pseudo file management unit is set to store the corresponding file or pseudo subdirectory in the pseudo directory (S706).

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is a character string in the comment 2 field (S707), and if there is (Y in S707), it is checked whether or not there is a directory with the character string name of comment 2 in the recording medium (S708). If the directory with the character string name of comment 2 exists in the recording medium unit (Y in S708), the pseudo file management unit is set to store the corresponding file or pseudo subdirectory in the pseudo directory with the name of comment 2 (S710).

  If not (N in S708), a directory with the name of comment 2 is created (S709), and then the pseudo file is stored in the pseudo directory with the name of comment 2 so that the corresponding file or pseudo subdirectory is stored. A management unit is set (S710). As a result, the file is stored in the corresponding directory by the date and the serial number of the day, and the pseudo file name is set by the date and the serial number of the day in the storage directory (S713).

  On the other hand, if there is no comment 1 (N in S703), it is next determined whether or not there is a character string in the comment 2 field (S711). If there is a character string (Y in S711), the processing from S708 described above is performed. .

  If there is no comment 2 (N in S711), the file storage directory is set to the pseudo root directory (S712), and then the pseudo file name is set in the storage directory by the date and the serial number of the day (S713). . In this way, the setting routine ends.

  Note that the comment text may be created using an operation key or a keyboard (not shown) provided on the operation unit 107 of the camera 101 shown in FIG. Comment text may be communicated from the telephone communication means to the digital camera. Moreover, it is good to create beforehand with PC etc.

  The comment text may be written into the image file by inputting a comment text to be written before shooting or selecting a comment text candidate prepared in advance. Further, a comment text may be input after shooting, or selected from candidate comment texts prepared in advance, and added to the header portion of the image file.

  Next, a pseudo path including a directory displayed on the image display unit 110 shown in FIG. 1, a file name, and a selection operation will be described with reference to FIG. 8. 8A is a diagram illustrating a pseudo path including a directory displayed on the image display unit 110, a file name, and the like. FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating a part of the operation unit 107. . In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes a screen, and 821 denotes a part of the operation unit 107.

  Here, the screen 801 is roughly divided into four display areas 802 to 805. The first display area 802 is an area that displays which mode is currently selected from the “directory selection” mode, the “file selection” mode, and the “pseudo display switching” mode. The first display area 802 is an area for displaying the name of the currently selected pseudo file and the path name indicating in which hierarchy the file is located.

  In FIG. 8, the “directory selection” mode is selected, and the path “root / athletic meet” is currently selected. In the first display area 802, displays 808 to 811 for assisting the operation of the operation key 821 are also displayed. For example, the display shown in 808 is displayed differently from the display shown in 809 to 811 indicating other directions, and the left selection item cannot be selected.

  The second display area 803 displays the hierarchical structure of the directory shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, the pseudo root directory 812, the directory 813, and the directories 815 and 816 in the lower hierarchy are displayed in a hierarchy in the vertical direction. In the horizontal direction, directories 814 of the same hierarchy and directories 817 and 818 of the hierarchy below are displayed in a hierarchy.

  In the directories 813 to 818, directory names referring to the character strings indicated in the comment text are displayed. Here, since the path of “root / athletic meet” is selected, the directory 813 is displayed differently from the other directories 814 to 818.

  The third display area 804 is a display area for displaying a list of pseudo file names included from the root / athletic meeting directory as the directory 813 to the lower hierarchy. Note that 819 is a marker display indicating the currently selected file, and 820 is a list of file names.

  Conventionally, when the file names under the directory are listed, the file names directly under the selected directory are displayed, but the files in the subdirectory cannot be listed and only the subdirectory name can be seen. However, as in the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the viewability by putting an image related to a common item (here, an athletic meet image) represented by a pseudo directory name into the same selection item. In addition, the operation procedure of the digital camera 101 can be reduced.

  The fourth display area 805 is an area for displaying a reduced image of the pseudo file name represented by the currently selected path name “root / athletic meeting / 6 — 4 — 0002.jpg”.

  On the other hand, the operation key 821 includes left / right / up / down selection buttons 822 to 825, a determination button 826, and a directory selection button 827 for shifting to a “directory selection” mode for selecting a desired directory in the hierarchy display. An operation key 821 is a pseudo display switching button 828 for shifting to a “pseudo display switching” mode for switching which information sets the pseudo file name.

  In some cases, neither the directory selection button 827 nor the pseudo display switching button 828 is selected. In this case, a “file selection” mode is selected in which any of the file names 820 listed in the third display area 804 is selected and displayed in the fourth display area 805.

  In this way, by displaying the hierarchical structure of the pseudo directory in the second display area 803, efficient image classification on the digital camera body, which was not possible with a conventional directory or file name, is possible. This makes it possible to quickly check images taken at the time of shooting or checking images, and makes it easier for users to organize images and change directory (folder) names and file names, which were necessary up to now. improves.

  Simultaneously with the hierarchical display, the file list in the directory is displayed in the third display area 804, and the selected image is reduced in the fourth display area 805, so that the pseudo directory and pseudo file name display function can be efficiently displayed. Operation becomes possible. Furthermore, it is possible to assist the user in understanding the hierarchical structure.

  Next, a process for switching the pseudo file name by the pseudo display switching button 828 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the pseudo display switching routine is entered by depressing the pseudo display switching button 828, first, the variable n is incremented by 1 and n = n + 1 (S902). Then, it is determined whether the variable n incremented by 1 is larger than 5 (S903), and if it is smaller than 5 (N in S903), the pseudo file name in the header of the image file is determined according to the value of the variable n. Whether to set based on information is switched.

  Thus, every time the pseudo display switching button 828 is pressed, the pseudo display is “date and time information” → “position information” → “comment (1)” → “comment (2)” → “pseudo display OFF” → “date and time information” again. → ... and so on. If it is greater than 5 (Y in S903), the variable n is set to 1 (S904), and thereafter, the pseudo file name corresponding to the variable 1 is set based on the date / time information. Thereafter, the routine ends.

  As described above, the pseudo display can be easily switched only by operating the pseudo display switching button 828, and thus is effective at the time of shooting where quick operation is desired. Heretofore, the method of switching the pseudo display every time the pseudo display switching button button 828 is pressed has been described. However, by pressing the button 828, a menu for selecting the pseudo display method is displayed and selected. Even operability is good.

  Next, a file transfer process when a file name is converted into a pseudo directory or pseudo file name and image data is transferred to the PC 102 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the file transfer routine is entered, the user selects whether to transfer with a pseudo file name (S1002). When the user selects transfer with a pseudo file name (Y in S1002), conversion from the header portion of each image file to be transferred to the currently selected pseudo file name by the attached information read / write unit 112 of the microcomputer unit 108 Information is read out (S1003).

  Thereafter, the image file is transferred to the PC while the file name of each image file is converted by the file / path name conversion unit 114 of the microcomputer unit 108 (S1004). At this time, a directory having a pseudo directory name is simultaneously created in the recording medium portion of the PC 102 and the transferred image file is stored. On the other hand, when the transfer with the pseudo file name is not selected (N in S1002), the image transfer is performed with the same DCF file name as the conventional one (S1005). Thereafter, the routine is terminated.

  As described above, by performing image transfer with a pseudo file name, the PC 102 can receive an image file as if it were captured by a digital camera with a pseudo file name when viewed from the PC side. In addition, since images are organized as in the past, there is an advantage that the trouble of creating a directory or changing a file name can be saved.

  Here, the setting and display function of the pseudo file name is provided on the digital camera side, but the display function using the pseudo file name may be provided on the PC side. As a result, there is an advantage that the degree of freedom in handling the image increases in the entire image capturing system that handles the transferred image.

  In this embodiment, an example of a digital camera that handles still images is shown, but an imaging device that handles moving image files such as digital videos may be used. In the present embodiment, an image pickup apparatus having a memory card as a recording unit is illustrated. However, the image file recording medium may be an optical disk, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, an HDD, or the like in addition to the memory card. Furthermore, the recording unit may not be integrated with the main body, but may be in a device such as a server through communication.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in an imaging device such as a digital camera, by recognizing individual files from header information of an image file and reconstructing a pseudo hierarchical structure, user operability and image Can be improved.

  In other words, the image file is identified and stored in the same identification data file using the attached information written in the image file, and the entire same identification data file is displayed hierarchically, so that the searchability and classification of the image file can be performed. Can be improved.

  In addition, it is possible to provide an environment in which images are arranged in a pseudo manner by performing hierarchical display according to the purpose in a pseudo manner without requiring a complicated operation from the user during imaging. Furthermore, since the transfer is performed by changing the file name together with the directory structure at the time of transfer, an image group actually arranged in a desired hierarchical structure is automatically obtained at the transfer destination. Thereby, the operability of the image capturing system is greatly improved.

  As described above, displaying the pseudo path name including the pseudo file name and the directory (folder) name improves the handling of the image data of the image capturing system and has the effect of increasing the functionality.

  In this embodiment, the setting of the pseudo path name and the file name is performed using character strings such as imaging data and comment text written in the header portion as attached information in the image file. It may be used. For example, apart from the image file, pseudo display may be realized by creating and referring to a file describing the correspondence between the real file name, the real path name and the pseudo file name, and the path name.

  Next, in addition to such an image file, a second file that realizes pseudo display by creating and referring to a file describing the correspondence between the real file name, the real path name and the pseudo file name, and the path name. The embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an image capturing system according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 11, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 described above indicate the same or corresponding parts.

  In FIG. 11, 1102 is a corresponding file creation / reference unit, 1103 is a pseudo file management unit which is a management unit, and 1104 is a file / path name conversion unit which is a conversion unit.

  The pseudo file management unit 1103 uses information set in advance from various image data and a character string input from the operation unit 107, and uses a pseudo file name and pseudo directory name other than the actual file name and directory name. Is set for each file.

  That is, the pseudo file management unit 1103 uses information set in advance from various types of imaging data and character strings input from the operation unit 107 and the like, and uses a pseudo file name, a path name and a real file name, and a real path name. Create a file that describes the correspondence of. Then, the pseudo file hierarchy including the pseudo file and the pseudo directory <folder> set as described above is managed.

  When transferring image data from the digital camera 101 to the PC 102, the file / path name conversion unit 1104 converts an actual file name or directory name into a pseudo file name or pseudo directory name managed by the pseudo file management unit 1103. To do.

  When the image file is transferred to the PC 102 by the file / path name conversion unit 1104, the actual file name or directory name is converted into the pseudo file name or pseudo directory name managed by the pseudo file management unit 1103. Before being transferred.

  Thereby, the file name of the image file recorded on the recording medium unit 118 of the PC 102 and managed by the file management unit 124 and the stored directory name can be any file name / directory name set on the camera side. I can do it. That is, it can be an arbitrary file name / directory name set on the camera side, not a file name / directory name according to the DCF standard.

  The corresponding file created by the pseudo file management unit 1103 is stored in a directory different from the DCF directory in which images are stored, such as the TEMP1 directory 205 shown in FIG. Further, this corresponding file can be created for the same pseudo file name and path name as in the first embodiment described above, and the hierarchical structure of the pseudo directory and file is the same as that in FIG. It is a structure.

  In the present embodiment, the corresponding file is read by the corresponding file creation / reference unit 1102 that functions as a reading unit.

  Next, a setting routine for items set in advance to create a correspondence table of pseudo file names, pseudo directory names and real file names, and real directory names will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Here, FIG. 12 is a display screen of the display unit 120 of the digital camera at the time of setting. In FIG. 12, reference numeral 1201 denotes the entire display screen, and reference numeral 1202 denotes a state display unit that displays the current state. In FIG. 12, the current state displayed on the state display unit 1202 is a “pseudo folder name selection menu”.

  An item display unit 1203 displays a specific item list. In this item display unit 1203, in addition to the date and time information 1204 and the position information 1205, a preset elementary school 1206, athletic meet 1207, ball holder 1208, The item of relay 1209 is displayed. In addition, items of an exhibition 1210, a seminar 1211, information 1212, and a presentation 1213 are displayed. In addition, as indicated by 1214, there is an additional input item. When this item is selected, a new item can be additionally created.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a specific pseudo display setting process. As shown in FIG. 13, when the pseudo display setting button of the operation unit is pressed to enter the pseudo display setting routine, the user is first asked whether or not to set a pseudo folder (S1302).

  When setting a pseudo folder (Y in S1302), a pseudo folder selection menu is displayed. At this time, a list is displayed on the setting screen 1201, and a folder name is selected from the list (S1304) by user input (S1303). At this time, for example, in FIG. 12, “Sports Day” 1207 is selected.

  Next, when the folder name is selected in this way, the user is confirmed whether or not to set a subfolder of the pseudo folder in the lower hierarchy (S1305). If setting is to be made (Y in S1305), the process returns to S1304, and the pseudo folder name in the lower hierarchy is further selected from the selection menu.

  If not set (N in S1305), the user is asked whether or not to set a pseudo file name (S1306). When a pseudo file name is set (Y in S1306), a file name creation method is selected from the list by user input (S1307) (S1308).

  For example, when the date / time information is selected, it is selected that the date / time information is generated as the serial number of the day / day. When “Tama-In” is selected, it is selected that “Tama-In” is created as a serial number.

  Thereafter, a file creation method describing the correspondence between the pseudo directory name / file name and the real directory / file name is recorded (S1309), and the setting routine ends.

  At the time of actual imaging, when an image file is generated, a pseudo file name is also generated based on this recorded setting, and a corresponding file describing the correspondence between the pseudo directory name / file name and the real directory / file name Is updated or newly created.

  Next, FIGS. 14 and 15 show display examples of pseudo paths and file names including directories displayed on the image display unit 110 shown in FIG.

  Here, the screen 1401 of the image display unit 110 is roughly divided into ten display areas 1402 to 1411.

  The first display area 1402 indicates which of the “directory selection” mode, “file selection” mode, and “pseudo display switching” mode is currently selected, and the currently selected pseudo file name and the level of the file. This is a display area for a path name indicating whether or not

  In FIG. 14, the “file selection” mode is selected, and currently a file 1406 is selected.

  The second to tenth display areas 1403 to 1411 are display areas for displaying a list of reduced images of image data having pseudo file names included from the directory root / athletic meeting directory to the lower hierarchy. Here, since there are only five corresponding files, they are displayed in the second to sixth display areas 1403 to 1407. If there are more than nine images, all the corresponding files are displayed by scrolling up, down, left and right.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 15, the “directory selection” mode is selected, and the “root / athletic meet / relay” directory is currently changed to the “root / athletic meet / relay” directory.

  Reference numerals 1503 to 1511 denote display areas for displaying a list of reduced images of image data with pseudo file names included from the directory root / athletic meet directory to the lower layers. Here, since there are only three corresponding files, they are displayed in 1503-1505.

  By using this embodiment, it is possible to display thumbnails of images related to the common items (here, images of athletic meet and relay) represented by the pseudo directory name on the same screen. This realizes efficient image classification in the digital camera body, which was not possible with a conventional directory or file name.

  This makes it possible to quickly check images taken at the time of shooting or checking images, and makes it easier for users to organize images and change directory (folder) names and file names, which were necessary up to now. Be improved.

  Next, a file transfer process when transferring the image data to the PC 102 by converting the file name into the pseudo directory or pseudo file name used in the camera body of FIG. 11 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the file transfer routine is entered, the user selects whether to transfer with a pseudo file name (S1602). If the user selects transfer with a pseudo file name (Y in S1602), file name conversion information is read from the file indicating the correspondence between the real path / file name and the pseudo path / file name (S1603). .

  Thereafter, the image file is transferred to the PC while the file / path name conversion unit 1104 converts the file name of each image file (S1604). At this time, a directory having a pseudo directory name is simultaneously created in the recording medium portion of the PC, and the transferred image file is stored.

  On the other hand, when the transfer with the pseudo file name is not selected (N in S1602), the image transfer is performed with the same DCF file name as the conventional one (S1605). Thereafter, the routine is terminated.

  In this way, by easily transferring an image with a pseudo file name, the PC 102 can receive the image as if it were captured with a pseudo file name by a digital camera when viewed from the PC side. In addition, since images are organized as in the past, there is an advantage that the trouble of creating a directory or changing a file name can be saved.

  Here, the setting and display function of the pseudo file name is also provided on the camera side, but the file indicating the correspondence between the real path / file name and the pseudo path / file name is also transferred to the PC side, and the pseudo file name is set. The display function may also be provided on the PC side. As a result, there is an advantage that the degree of freedom in handling the image increases in the entire image capturing system that handles the transferred image.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, an actual file name or path name recorded in a file other than an image file that is automatically assigned automatic identification data, a pseudo file name or path name, and Creates and references a file that describes the correspondence relationship. Thereby, the searchability of image files and the ease of classification are improved.

  Further, since it is not necessary to newly create a new directory (folder) or change the file name after transferring the image file to the PC, the ease of handling the image data is improved. Furthermore, since this operation is also performed in a series of operations at the time of transfer, it takes almost no time to start the transfer operation, and a user interface that does not feel complicated operation can be realized.

1 is a schematic diagram of an image capturing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Explanatory drawing of the hierarchical structure of the general directory / file of the digital camera which comprises the said imaging system. The figure which shows typically the data structure of the image file of the said digital camera. The figure which shows the hierarchical structure of a pseudo directory and a file at the time of using the positional information on the said digital camera. The flowchart which shows the process which sets a pseudo directory and a pseudo file name with the said positional information. The figure which shows the pseudo | simulation directory at the time of using the two comment sentences of the said digital camera, and the hierarchical structure of a file. The flowchart which shows the process which sets a pseudo directory and a pseudo file name with the said comment sentence. 4A is a diagram illustrating a pseudo path including a directory displayed on an image display unit, a file name, and the like, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a part of an operation unit. The flowchart which shows a process when switching the said pseudo filename. 6 is a flowchart showing file transfer processing when image data of the digital camera is transferred to a PC after converting a file name into a pseudo directory or pseudo file name. The schematic diagram of the imaging system which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the display of the display part at the time of the setting of the digital camera which comprises the said imaging system. The flowchart which shows the pseudo display setting process of the said digital camera. FIG. 4 is a first diagram illustrating a display example of a pseudo path and a file name including a directory displayed on the image display unit of the digital camera. The 2nd figure which shows the example of a display of the pseudo path and file name containing the directory displayed on the image display part of the said digital camera. 6 is a flowchart showing file transfer processing when image data of the digital camera is transferred to a PC after converting a file name into a pseudo directory or pseudo file name.

Explanation of symbols

101 Digital Camera 102 Personal Computer (PC)
107 Operation unit 108 Microcomputer unit 110 Image display unit 112 Attached information read / write unit 113 Pseudo file management unit 114 File / path name conversion unit 201 Root directory 302 Header unit 801 Screens 802, 803, 804, 805 Display area 1102 Create corresponding file 1103 pseudo file management unit 1104 file / path name conversion unit

Claims (7)

In an image capturing device that captures an image,
Writing means for writing identification data for identifying the image file in the captured image file;
Reading means for reading identification data written in the image file;
Management means for identifying the image file based on the identification data read by the reading means, and hierarchically storing the image file in the same identification data file;
An image pickup apparatus comprising: a display unit that displays the same identification data file name and hierarchically displays the entire same identification data file.   The image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image file name and an image stored in the same identification data file are displayed on the display unit.   The image capturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the identification data is any one of a comment, date / time information, position information, and model information written in a header of the image file.   4. The file according to claim 1, further comprising a file for referring to a correspondence relationship between automatic identification data automatically given to the image file and identification data written by the writing unit. An image capturing apparatus according to claim 1.   5. The image capturing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising conversion means for converting the automatic identification data into the identification data when transferring the image file.   An image capturing system comprising: the image capturing apparatus according to claim 1; and a recording display device that records and displays an image file captured by the image capturing apparatus.   The image capturing system according to claim 6, wherein the same identification data file name is displayed on a display unit provided in the recording and display device, and the entire same identification data file is displayed hierarchically.

Images