JP2009104656A - Data retrieval device, data retrieval method, and its program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more efficiently retrieve various data such as desired image data. <P>SOLUTION: A map-style retrieval screen 100 having a matrix structure is displayed on a display device, and the data of images photographed at points in an area corresponding to each cell (a matrix position) of the retrieval screen 100 are retrieved, and the number of retrieval is displayed in each cell. Also, a movable cursor 200 is displayed on a prescribed cell. The map of the retrieval screen 100 is changed to a more detailed or wider-area map according to zoom-up or zoom-down instructions. At the same time, the number of image data of each cell of the corresponding changed area is re-retrieved, and the number of retrieval is updated. Afterwards, the data of images photographed at a point in the area corresponding to any cell selected by the cursor 200 according to prescribed operation are displayed as a list. Thus, a large number of images are automatically classified on the basis of the photographed locations, and furthermore the classification density at that time can be suitably adjusted by a user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data search device, a data search method, and a program thereof suitable for use in searching for data such as image data.

When searching for image data, a conventional data search device generates a thumbnail image for each image and displays a list of thumbnail images on the screen. If the list does not fit in the screen, the data search apparatus displays all thumbnail images on the screen, for example, by scrolling the list in the screen in response to a user operation. When the user selects a desired thumbnail image from the list displayed on the screen, the data search apparatus displays the original image corresponding to the selected thumbnail image on the screen.
Further, for example, the following cited document 1 describes a technique for easily searching a thumbnail image desired by a user from a plurality of thumbnail images. Specifically, in this publication, classification items (image quality type, program type, etc.) are arranged in the horizontal direction of the screen, and thumbnail images of images belonging to each classification are arranged in the vertical direction of the screen. And displaying a list of thumbnail images on the screen.

JP 2006-14237 A

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, when a lot of image data belongs to one classification, it may take a long time to search for the image data desired by the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a data search device, a data search method, and a program for searching for data desired by a user more efficiently. To do.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 corresponds to a storage unit that stores data, a search item classifying unit that divides a search condition related to a predetermined search item into a plurality of search condition categories, and a search condition category A search unit for classifying the data stored in the storage unit into each of a plurality of search condition categories divided by the search item classification unit by searching for data satisfying a search condition; and the plurality of search conditions An output unit that associates and outputs each of the categories and information related to the data classified into the search condition category by the search unit, an input unit to which an instruction from a user is input, and the input unit, When an instruction to select one search condition category from a plurality of search condition categories output by the output unit is input, the selected search condition category is further divided into a plurality of search condition categories. The division unit changing unit and the search unit are controlled, and the data classified into the search condition category selected via the input unit is assigned to each of the search condition divisions divided by the division unit changing unit. The data search device includes a search control unit for classification.

  In the invention according to claim 2, the output unit divides the screen into a plurality of areas, associates each of the plurality of search condition sections with the divided area, and associates the search condition sections with the areas. 2. The data retrieval storage according to claim 1, further comprising a display unit for displaying information relating to the data classified into the retrieval condition category.

  The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the display section divides the screen into a matrix structure, and associates each of the plurality of search condition sections with a matrix position area of the matrix structure. Data retrieval storage was used.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the search item classification unit includes a plurality of first search conditions obtained by classifying search line items belonging to the predetermined search item in a predetermined unit, and a search string belonging to the predetermined search item. A search condition section corresponding to a search condition that is a combination of a plurality of second search conditions obtained by classifying items in a predetermined unit is generated, and the search section uses the search condition section generated by the search item classification section. Corresponding to each of the matrix positions, the data stored in the storage unit is set as a search target, data satisfying the search condition corresponding to each of the matrix positions is classified into each of the matrix positions, and the display unit is A search screen having a matrix structure in which the plurality of first search conditions are set in a row and the plurality of second search conditions are set in a column, wherein the search is performed at each of matrix positions of the matrix structure. Search results showing A search screen on which result information is arranged is displayed, and the partition unit changing unit selects one matrix position from the instruction to change the partition unit and the matrix position displayed by the display unit to the input unit. And a unit for dividing the search line item and a unit for dividing the search column item at the selected matrix position when the instruction is input, and the search control unit A matrix condition selected via the input unit by associating a search condition obtained by combining a plurality of first search conditions and a plurality of second search conditions divided in units changed by the changing unit with each matrix position 4. The data search apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the data is classified as a search target, and the search unit classifies the data.

  In the invention according to claim 5, an instruction to display a list and an instruction to select one search condition category from a plurality of search condition categories output by the output unit are input to the input unit. 2. The data search apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a list output control unit for outputting a list of data classified into the selected search condition category.

  The invention according to claim 6 further includes a search item changing unit that changes the predetermined search item to another search item when an instruction to change the search item is input to the input unit. The search unit divides search conditions related to other search items changed by the search item change unit into a plurality of search condition categories, and the search unit uses data searched using the predetermined search items as a search target. 2. The data search apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data is newly classified into each of a plurality of search condition categories divided by the search item classification unit.

  The invention according to claim 7 is a unit for dividing the search line item and the search column item into the division unit change unit when an instruction to change the division unit is input to the input unit a predetermined number of times. Each time the instruction is input for the predetermined number of times, the unit for expanding the search screen displayed by the display unit is input until the instruction for changing the unit for the input is input the predetermined number of times. The data search device according to claim 4, further comprising a change control unit.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when an instruction to change the division unit is input to the input unit, the search line item is displayed in the division unit change unit while enlarging the search screen displayed by the display unit. 5. The data search apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a sorting unit change control unit for changing a unit for sorting and a unit for sorting the search string items.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, when the instruction to change the division unit is input to the input unit while the search unit change control unit is expanding the search screen displayed by the display unit. 9. The data search according to claim 8, wherein the expanding process is stopped, and the unit for changing the search line item and the unit for dividing the search column item are changed by the division unit changing unit. The device.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the segment unit change control unit displays a search screen displayed by the display unit when an instruction to change the segment unit is continuously input to the input unit for a predetermined time or more. 9. The data search apparatus according to claim 8, wherein an enlargement process is omitted, and the unit for changing the search line item and the unit for dividing the search column item are changed by the division unit changing unit.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when an instruction to change a division unit is input to the input unit, a unit for dividing the search line item and a unit for dividing the search column item are input to the division unit change unit. When the instruction for changing the division unit is input to the input unit for a predetermined time or longer, the unit for dividing the search line item and the search column item are divided into the division unit change unit. 5. The data search apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a division unit change control unit for changing the unit in a plurality of stages.

  The invention according to claim 12 is characterized in that the information related to the data classified into the search condition category output by the output unit includes the number of data classified into the search condition category by the search unit. A data search device according to claim 1 is provided.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the data search device according to the fourth aspect, the search unit classifies the image data by using the image data as a search target.

  The invention according to claim 14 is characterized in that the predetermined search item is a shooting location of an image, and the search line item and the search column item are latitude and longitude. The data search device was used.

  In the invention according to claim 15, the display unit has a plurality of first search conditions in which the latitude is divided into predetermined units in the search result information arranged at each of the matrix positions, and the longitude 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein a plurality of second search conditions that are divided by a predetermined unit are overlaid on a map of an area corresponding to a matrix structure set in a column. A data retrieval apparatus was used.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined search item is an image capturing time, the search line item and the search column item are both times, and the search line item is set to the plurality of first items. 14. The data search device according to claim 13, wherein a unit for dividing the search string item is different from a unit for dividing the search string item into the plurality of second search conditions.

  The invention according to claim 17 is characterized in that the search result information arranged at each of the matrix positions by the display unit includes image data classified into each of the matrix positions by the search unit. The described data retrieval apparatus was used.

  The invention according to claim 18 is characterized in that the search result information arranged at each of the matrix positions by the display unit includes information on the number of image data classified into each of the matrix positions by the search unit. A data search device according to claim 13 is provided.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the display unit is represented by a matrix position where the search result information is displayed from a plurality of images corresponding to the image data classified into the matrix position by the search unit. 18. The data search device according to claim 17, wherein one image is displayed.

  The invention according to claim 20 is characterized in that the display unit displays all images corresponding to the image data classified into the matrix position by the search unit at the matrix position where the search result information is displayed. The data search device according to claim 17, wherein the data search device is characterized.

  The invention according to claim 21 is such that the display unit reduces the display size of the image to a matrix position where the number of images corresponding to the image data classified by the search unit is larger, and the image is classified into the matrix position. 21. The data search apparatus according to claim 20, wherein all images corresponding to the data are displayed.

  The invention according to claim 22 is the data search device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined search item is an item related to information added to data to be searched.

  According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, a search item classification step that divides a search condition related to a predetermined search item into a plurality of search condition classifications, and data that satisfies the search conditions corresponding to the search condition classification is stored in the storage unit. A search step for classifying the stored data into each of a plurality of search condition categories divided by the search item category step, each of the plurality of search condition categories, and the search condition category classified by the search step An output step for associating and outputting information related to the data, and selecting one search condition category from among the plurality of search condition categories output by the output step as an input unit to which an instruction from the user is input When the instruction to input is input, a division unit changing step for dividing the selected search condition category into a plurality of search condition categories, Data including a search control step for returning to the search step and classifying the data classified into the search condition category selected via the input unit into each of the search condition categories divided by the category unit change step Search method.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, a computer stores a search item classification step for dividing a search condition related to a predetermined search item into a plurality of search condition categories, and data that satisfies a search condition corresponding to the search condition category. A search step for classifying the data stored in each of the plurality of search condition categories divided by the search item category step, each of the plurality of search condition categories, and the search condition category by the search step An output step that outputs information relating to the data classified in the above, and an input unit to which an instruction from the user is input, and one search condition from among the plurality of search condition categories output by the output step When an instruction to select a category is input, the segment unit variable that divides the selected search condition category into a plurality of search condition categories. A search control step for returning to the search step and classifying the data classified into the search condition category selected via the input unit into each of the search condition categories divided by the segment unit changing step; A program for executing,.

  According to the present invention, data desired by a user can be searched more efficiently.

It is a block diagram which shows the outline of a structure of the digital camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the data structure of an image file, and the example of the data structure in an image file storage area. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the digital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the digital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the search screen of a map format. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the screen in search mode. It is a figure which shows the example of a transition of the search screen of a calendar format. It is a block diagram which shows the outline of a functional structure of DSP / CPU. It is a figure which shows the example of the data structure of a search table.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a digital camera 1 having an image data file (image file) search function is taken as an example of a data search device. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an electrical configuration of a digital camera 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The digital camera 1 includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 2, a DSP / CPU 3, a TG (Timing Generator) 4, an analog signal processing circuit 5, a display device 6, a key input unit 7, and a GPS block 8. , An antenna 9, an optical system block 10, an address / data bus 11, a DRAM 12, a built-in flash memory 13, and a card interface 14.
The DSP / CPU 3 is a one-chip microcomputer having a function as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) for processing a digital signal and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) function for controlling each part of the digital camera 1. For example, the DSP / CPU 3 performs various digital signal processing including image data compression / expansion processing and audio data processing by the function of the DSP. The DSP / CPU 3 has a built-in clock circuit for performing a calendar function for engraving the date and time.

Connected to the DSP / CPU 3 are a TG 4, an analog signal processing circuit 5, a display device 6, a key input unit 7, a GPS block 8, an optical system block 10, and an address / data bus 11. .
The TG 4 supplies timing signals to the CCD 2 and the analog signal processing circuit 5.
The CCD 2 is driven by a timing signal from the TG 4. The CCD 2 converts an optical image formed through the lens group included in the optical system block 10 into an analog imaging signal and outputs it to the analog signal processing circuit 5. The lens group included in the optical system block 10 constitutes a focus lens and a zoom lens. The optical system block 10 includes the lens group and a drive circuit for driving the lens group based on a command from the DSP / CPU 3.

  The analog signal processing circuit 5 includes a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling), an AGC (Automatic Gain Control), and an AD (Analog-to-Digital converter). The CDS holds an input analog imaging signal. The AGC is a gain adjustment amplifier that amplifies the image pickup signal held by the CDS. The AD converts the analog imaging signal amplified by the AGC into a digital imaging signal. The signal output from the CCD 2 is sent to the DSP / CPU 3 as a digital signal through the analog signal processing circuit 5.

  A DRAM 12, a built-in flash memory 13, and a card interface 14 are connected to the DSP / CPU 3 via an address / data bus 11. The card interface 14 is connected to a memory card 15 that is detachably mounted in a card slot (not shown) of the main body of the digital camera 1.

  The DRAM 12 is used as a buffer for temporarily storing data such as image data and also as a working memory for the DSP / CPU 3. Specifically, the DRAM 12 temporarily stores image data of a subject imaged by the CCD 2 and digitized by the analog signal processing circuit 5. The image data temporarily stored in the DRAM 12 is subjected to various image processing by the DSP / CPU 3 when the digital camera 1 is in a shooting standby state in the shooting mode (recording mode), and the display device 6 displays a through image. Sent to. Also, during shooting in the shooting mode, the image data temporarily stored in the DRAM 12 is compressed (encoded) by the DSP / CPU 3 and finally as an image file (still image file) in a predetermined format such as the Exif format. It is recorded on the memory card 15.

  The display device 6 includes a color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and its drive circuit. The display device 6 displays the subject image picked up by the CCD 2 as a through image in the shooting standby state during the shooting mode. In the playback mode for playing back images recorded on the memory card 15, the display device 6 displays an arbitrary image read from the memory card 15 by the DSP / CPU 3 and expanded.

The key input unit 7 includes a plurality of operation keys such as a power key, a mode key, a shutter key, a zoom key, a MENU key, a cross key, and a set key. The key input unit 7 outputs a key input signal corresponding to the operation of the operation key by the user to the DSP / CPU 3.
The mode key is used to set the digital camera 1 to a shooting mode or a playback mode as a basic operation mode.

The MENU key is used to display a menu screen or the like on the display unit 6. The menu screen is a screen for setting various operation modes positioned below the photographing mode and the playback mode, which are basic operation modes, and for setting various operations of the digital camera 1.
The cross key is used to indicate the up, down, left, and right directions. The cross key is used, for example, to move a cursor when selecting various setting items and setting contents displayed on a menu screen or the like.

The GPS block 8 demodulates and decodes the L1 band C / A code sent from the plurality of satellites received by the antenna 9, and the current position (latitude, longitude, altitude) of the digital camera 1 and the current time (year / month) Acquire positioning data of day, hour, minute, etc.). The GPS block 8 sends the obtained positioning data to the DSP / CPU 3. For example, latitude and longitude data among the positioning data is added to the compressed image data as position information indicating a shooting location at the time of shooting. Furthermore, time data acquired from a clock circuit built in the DSP / CPU 3 at the time of shooting is added to the compressed image data as time information indicating the shooting date and time. Image data accompanied by additional information such as position information and time information is recorded on the memory card 15 as an image file (still image file). The time data may be obtained from the positioning data acquired by the GPS block 8.
FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of an image file. As shown in FIG. 2A, the image file 21 includes image data 22 and additional information 23 related to the image data 22 such as position information and time information.

  The built-in flash memory 13 stores various control programs and data necessary for the DSP / CPU 3 to control each unit of the digital camera 1. The control program includes, for example, a program for performing later-described image data search processing that is executed when a search mode, which is an operation mode lower than the playback mode, is set.

The memory card 15 has an image file storage area 16 for storing the image file 21 including the image data 22 and a map data storage area 17 for storing the map data.
FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of the data structure in the image file storage area 16. As shown in FIG. 2B, the image file 21 is stored in the image file storage area 16 in association with an identifier 24 for specifying the file.
The map data is composed of various types of data necessary for displaying a plurality of hierarchical (scaled) maps (so-called electronic maps) on the screen of the display device 6.

  Next, the operation of the digital camera 1 having the above-described configuration will be described. 3 and 4 are flowcharts showing an image data search process that is an operation of the digital camera 1 when the search mode is set. The search mode is an operation mode for searching for an image file desired by the user from a plurality of image files (still image files) recorded on the memory card 15. Further, the image data search process is executed by the DSP / CPU 3 controlling each part of the digital camera 1 in accordance with a program stored in the built-in flash memory 13.

This image data search process is started when a search mode is set in the digital camera 1.
First, the DSP / CPU 3 performs processing for displaying on the display device 6 a search screen having a matrix structure (mesh structure) partitioned by vertical lines and horizontal lines at predetermined intervals.
For this purpose, the DSP / CPU 3 assigns a plurality of image files 21 (including image data) recorded in the memory card 15 to each square of the matrix structure based on the additional information 23 included in the image file 21. The number of image files 21 classified (number of images) classified into each square is counted (step S1 in FIG. 3). In other words, the DSP / CPU 3 searches the image file 21 (image data) classified into orthogonal positions (matrix positions in the present embodiment) between the vertical scales and the horizontal scales on the search screen. For each orthogonal position, the number of retrieved image files 21 is acquired.
Subsequently, the DSP / CPU 3 displays on the display device 6 a search screen in which the number of image files 21 classified into the square is inserted in each square of the matrix structure (step S2).
Here, at the beginning of the image data search process, the number of files (number of images) of each cell is obtained based on the position information in the additional information 23. Therefore, the DSP / CPU 3 reads a map of a predetermined hierarchy (scale) from the map data storage area 17 of the memory card 15, and has a matrix structure partitioned by latitude lines and meridians at predetermined intervals according to the map of the hierarchy. It is displayed as a matrix structure of the search screen.
Note that the map hierarchy in the initial state immediately after the search mode is set is the first hierarchy having the smallest scale (reduction ratio).

Specifically, the DSP / CPU 3 displays a map-format first-level search screen 100 as shown in FIG. 5 on the screen of the display device 6 based on the map data stored in the map data storage area 17. indicate. The search screen 100 displays a map showing latitudes and meridians at predetermined intervals with the vertical axis representing latitude and the horizontal axis representing longitude, and the map is classified into squares divided by latitudes and meridians. The number of files (number of images) is displayed.
In this case, each square (matrix position) on the search screen 100 includes the number of files acquired in step S1, that is, the number of images shot in the area corresponding to each square (a predetermined number on the search screen 100 in FIG. 5). "45") is displayed on the square. At the same time, the cursor 200 is displayed so as to overlap one arbitrary cell in the search screen 100.
Note that the map shape and the like shown on the search screen 100 in FIG. 5 are for convenience. In addition, the map-format first-level search screen 100 may display not only a matrix structure partitioned by meridians and latitudes but also normal map data indicating topography and the like superimposed on the matrix structure. As a result, the user can easily confirm where and how many images were taken while looking at a normal map as well as longitude and latitude.

  In addition, the cursor 200 can be moved between cells in the matrix structure by operating the cross key of the key input unit 7 in a state where the search screen 100 is displayed. Therefore, the DSP / CPU 3 monitors the operation of the cross key by the user and determines whether or not the cursor movement is instructed (step S3). If the cursor movement is instructed (YES in step S3), the DSP / CPU 3 moves the cursor 200 by one square in the instructed direction (step S4). If the cursor movement is not instructed (NO in step S3), step S4 is skipped.

  Subsequently, the DSP / CPU 3 determines whether or not the zoom key of the key input unit 7 is operated by the user (step S5). If the zoom key is operated (YES in step S5), the DSP / CPU 3 changes the scale interval between the horizontal axis and the vertical axis on the search screen 100 according to the operation content (step S6). In other words, the DSP / CPU 3 increases or decreases the division units of the row items and the column items, which are the conditions for searching the file classified into each square, by narrowing or widening the axis scale interval. After changing the axis interval, the DSP / CPU 3 updates the search screen based on the changed axis interval by repeating steps S1 and S2.

For example, when the operation content of the zoom key is a zoom-up instruction, the DSP / CPU 3 displays a map on the search screen 100 in order to make the area corresponding to the square selected by the cursor 200 further a matrix structure. Change to a lower level map. That is, the DSP / CPU 3 changes the map on the search screen 100 to a detailed map with a narrower latitude and longitude scale interval, and narrows the area corresponding to each square of the matrix structure.
Conversely, when the zoom key operation is a zoom-down instruction, the DSP / CPU 3 uses the map on the search screen as a higher hierarchy with the area corresponding to the cell specified by the cursor 200 as the center of the screen. Change to the map. In other words, the DSP / CPU 3 changes the map on the search screen to a wide area map having a wider interval between latitudes and longitudes, and widens the area corresponding to each square of the matrix structure.
At the same time, the DSP / CPU 3 counts the number of images taken in the area corresponding to the square for each square of the new search screen whose map has been changed, and displays the number of images counted in the square. To do.

  Accordingly, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the zoom-up instruction is continuously performed while the search screen 100 is displayed on the display device 6, the search screen is the search screen 100, search The screen changes in the order of the screen 101, the search screen 102, and the search screen 103. In addition, for example, when the search screen 103 is displayed on the display device 6, when the zoom-down instruction is continuously performed, the search screen is the search screen 103, the search screen 102, the search screen 101. The search screen 100 changes in this order.

However, in the present embodiment, when the map-format search screen is updated according to the operation of the zoom key, the map hierarchy is not switched until the zoom key is operated a predetermined number of times. For example, in the case of zooming up, the search screen 101 to the search screen 102 shown in FIG. 5 is used. In the meantime, a search screen in which the map of the same hierarchy is simply enlarged or reduced is displayed. That is, the search screens 101 and 102 are both map-format second-level search screens. A search screen 103 is a map-type third-level search screen.
As a result, even if the number of map layers in a matrix structure that can be displayed as a search screen is relatively small, zooming can be performed by supplementing the display of the search screen by enlarging and reducing the display while switching the map layers. Can be performed more smoothly.

For example, when a relatively large number of map layers having a matrix structure that can be displayed as a search screen are prepared, the layers may be switched without enlarging and reducing the search screen. Even if the number of map hierarchies prepared in the map data storage area 17 is small, it is possible to switch the hierarchies without enlarging and reducing the search screen according to the user's judgment. good.
In the above embodiment, for example, when the user presses the zoom key once, the search screen is enlarged, when the zoom key is pressed again, the search screen is further enlarged, and when the zoom key is pressed again, the hierarchy is reduced by one step. Has been done. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Each time the user presses the zoom key, the hierarchy is switched, and the search screen is enlarged or reduced when the hierarchy is switched, so that the hierarchy can be switched smoothly visually. .
In addition, when the zoom key is repeatedly pressed, that is, when the zoom key is continuously pressed a plurality of times, the search screen is not enlarged or reduced, or the enlargement and reduction processes are simplified and the hierarchy is reduced. May be switched. For example, when the zoom key is pressed, a process for enlarging or reducing the search screen is started. If the zoom key is further pressed during the process, the process is stopped and the hierarchy is switched. Further, when the zoom key is repeatedly hit, the hierarchy may be switched by skipping the hierarchy by a predetermined step according to the state of continuous hit.
In addition, when the zoom key is pressed for a long time, that is, when the zoom key is continuously pressed for a predetermined time or longer, the search screen is not enlarged and reduced, or the enlargement and reduction process is simplified. Then, the hierarchy may be switched. Furthermore, when the zoom key is pressed for a long time, the hierarchy may be skipped by a predetermined level according to the pressing time, and the hierarchy may be switched.
Thereby, the processing of the program can be lightened.

If it is determined in step S5 that the zoom key has not been operated (NO in step S5), the DSP / CPU 3 determines whether or not switching of axis items has been instructed by a predetermined key operation of the key input unit 7 by the user. Is determined (step S7). When switching of axis items is instructed (YES in step S7), the DSP / CPU 3 changes items on the vertical axis and horizontal axis of the search screen (step S8). Specifically, when a map-type search screen is displayed, the items on the horizontal axis and the vertical axis on the search screen are changed from items indicating the place (latitude and longitude) to items indicating the date and time. . After changing the item of the axis, the DSP / CPU 3 updates the search screen based on the changed item of the axis by repeating steps S1 and S2.
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, when switching of axis items is instructed when a map-type search screen 110 having a matrix structure in which the vertical axis is latitude and the horizontal axis is longitude is displayed, the search screen is displayed. The calendar-type search screen 120 having a matrix structure in which the vertical axis is a week (1 week to 5 weeks) and the horizontal axis is a day of the week (Sunday to Saturday) is updated.

Specifically, in step S1, the DSP / CPU 3 is positioned at a position orthogonal to the day of the week that is the scale interval of the new horizontal axis item (column item) and the week that is the scale interval of the new vertical axis item (row item). The image files 21 (image data) to be classified are searched, and the number of searched image files 21 is acquired for each orthogonal position. That is, the DSP / CPU 3 is photographed on the date and time indicated by the combination of “day of the week” and “week” corresponding to each square for each square in the matrix structure of the search screen 120 based on the time information in the additional information 23. Count the number of images. However, at this time, the DSP / CPU 3 searches for the image file 21 in which the area corresponding to one of the squares on the map-type search screen 110 displayed immediately before changing the axis item is the shooting location. The display range of each axis item is determined so that In addition, the DSP / CPU 3 performs a search using the axis item after switching, with the image file 21 classified as a cell selected by the cursor 200 on the search screen before switching the axis item as a search target. Also good.
In step S 2, the DSP / CPU 3 displays a calendar-type search screen 120 as shown in FIG. 6 on the screen of the display device 6. At the same time, the DSP / CPU 3 displays the number of image files acquired in step S1 on each square of the calendar-type search screen 120 and displays the cursor 200 on any one square.

  By such change of the axis item, the map-type search screen 110 is switched to the calendar-type search screen 120 as shown in FIG. At this time, for example, among the image files 21 classified into the square where the cursor 200 is positioned on the map-type search screen 110, the image file 21 with the newest (or oldest) date / time is displayed on the calendar-type search screen 120. The scale intervals of the axis items are determined so as to be classified into predetermined squares (second row in the search screen 120 shown in FIG. 6), and the cursor 200 is displayed on the predetermined squares.

In addition, when the zoom key is operated even when the calendar-type search screen is displayed (YES in step S5), the horizontal and vertical scale intervals on the calendar-type search screen are set according to the operation content. Change (step S6) and repeat steps S1 and S2.
For example, if the operation content of the zoom key is a zoom-down instruction, the DSP / CPU 3 changes the scale interval on the horizontal axis of the calendar-type search screen in the order of day of week, week, month, and scale interval on the vertical axis. Change from week to month to year. Conversely, if the zoom key operation is a zoom-up instruction, the horizontal scale interval is changed from month to week and day of the week, and the vertical scale interval is changed from year to month and week. . In other words, the hierarchy of the calendar-type search screen is changed.
At the same time, the DSP / CPU 3 counts the number of images taken at the date and time corresponding to the square for each square of the new search screen whose scale interval is changed, and the number of images counted in the square is calculated. indicate.

  Specifically, when the scale interval on the horizontal axis is changed to week and the scale interval on the vertical axis is changed to month by the operation of the zoom key, the DSP / CPU 3 performs a new search screen square (horizontal) in step S1. The image file 21 in which the combination of the week and month corresponding to the square and the photographing date / time matches is searched for every orthogonal position between the axis interval and the axis interval. When the scale interval on the horizontal axis is changed to month and the scale interval on the vertical axis is changed to year by the operation of the zoom key, the DSP / CPU 3 changes the month corresponding to the square for each square on the new search screen. The image file 21 in which the combination of the year and the year and the shooting date and time match is searched.

  Thereby, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the zoom-down instruction is continuously performed while the calendar-type search screen 121 is displayed on the display device 6, the search screen 121 is displayed on the search screen. 122 and the search screen 123 are changed in this order. Further, for example, when the zoom-up instruction is continuously performed while the calendar-type search screen 123 is displayed on the display device 6, the search screen 123 is displayed on the search screen 122 or the search screen 121. It changes in order. Although omitted in FIG. 7, the number of the image files 21 classified into each cell is displayed in each cell of each calendar-type search screen 121, 122, 123.

  In addition, when any of the calendar-type search screens 121, 122, 123 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed, if a cursor movement is instructed (YES in step S3), in response to the instruction The DSP / CPU 3 moves the cursor 200 by one square in the designated direction (step S4). Note that, as in the search screens 122 and 123 shown in FIG. 7, since the horizontal axis or the vertical axis is the month or year, all the cells in the search screen cannot be displayed on one screen of the display device 6. In this case, the DSP / CPU 3 scrolls the search screen in the horizontal axis direction or the vertical axis direction according to the movement of the cursor 200.

  Further, when the calendar item search screen with the axis item as the date and time is displayed, if switching of the axis item is instructed (YES in step S7), the DSP / CPU 3 selects the items on the horizontal axis and the vertical axis. Switching from the date and time to the place (step S8), steps S1 and S2 are repeated. Accordingly, for example, when the switching of the axis item is instructed while the calendar-type search screen 120 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed, the map-type search screen 110 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed again.

  In that case, a map of the following display range and hierarchy (scale) is displayed as the search screen 110 in the map format. First, the DSP / CPU 3 shoots images out of all the images whose shooting dates are the days specified by “day of the week” and “week” corresponding to the square selected by the cursor 200 on the calendar-type search screen 120. Select the image with the oldest (or latest) date and time. Next, the DSP / CPU 3 sets the range centered on the shooting location of the selected image as the display range, and the total number of image files to be displayed on each square in the display range becomes maximum within a predetermined limit. Display a hierarchical map. Note that a map of a hierarchy in which the number of files to be displayed on each square in the display range is the maximum within a predetermined limit may be displayed.

  If it is determined in step S7 that switching of axis items has not been instructed (NO in step S7), the DSP / CPU 3 displays a map-type search screen or a calendar-type search screen. It is determined whether display of the list screen is instructed by a predetermined key operation (for example, a set key operation) of the key input unit 7 by the user (step S9). When the display of the list screen is instructed (YES in step S9), the DSP / CPU 3 displays the list screen on the display device 6 (step S10). In the list screen, thumbnail images corresponding to all the image files 21 classified into the cells in the selected state when the cursor 200 is overlapped at the time of instruction are shown. At the same time, the cursor 200 is displayed over any one of the thumbnail images 300.

  Specifically, when the display of the list screen is instructed during the display of the map-format search screen 110 of FIG. 6, thumbnail images 300 of all images taken in the area corresponding to the selected square are displayed. A list screen 130 is displayed. When the display of the list screen is instructed while the calendar-type search screen 120 of FIG. 6 is displayed, the list screen 140 showing the thumbnail images 300 of all the images photographed on the day corresponding to the selected square. Is displayed.

At this time, the arrangement order of the plurality of thumbnail images 300 on the list screen 130 is, for example, the order from the center point of the area corresponding to the square selected on the map-type search screen 110. In addition, the arrangement order of the plurality of thumbnail images 300 on the list screen 140 is, for example, the order of shooting date / time. Note that the arrangement order of the thumbnail images 300 on the list screen is not necessarily limited to the arrangement order. For example, a plurality of thumbnail images 300 may be arranged in order of shooting date and time on the list screen 130 that is transitioned from the search screen 110 in the map format.
If it is determined in step S9 that display of the list screen is not instructed (NO in step S9), the process returns to step S3, and the DSP / CPU 3 responds to the key operation by the user on the search screen having the matrix structure. Wait for instructions.

  When the list of thumbnail images 300 is displayed on the list screen 130 or 140 shown in FIG. 6, the DSP / CPU 3 determines whether or not the cursor movement is instructed (step S11). If the cursor movement is instructed (YES in step S11), the DSP / CPU 3 responds to the instruction by moving the cursor 200 on the thumbnail image 300 over another thumbnail image 300 adjacent in the instructed direction. (Step S12). If the thumbnail screen 300 is included in the list screen and all the thumbnail images cannot be displayed on one screen of the display device 6, the list screen is scrolled according to the movement of the cursor 200. All thumbnail images 300 are displayed.

In the state where the list of thumbnail images 300 is displayed on the list screen 130 or 140 shown in FIG. 6, the DSP / CPU 3 instructs the switching of the axis item by a predetermined key operation of the key input unit 7 by the user. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S13). If switching of axis items is instructed (YES in step S13), the DSP / CPU 3 changes the thumbnail image 300 displayed on the list screen (step S14). For example, when the switching of the axis item is instructed while the list screen 130 is displayed, the list screen 140 is displayed, and when the switching of the axis item is instructed while the list screen 140 is displayed, the list is displayed. A screen 130 is displayed.
Specifically, the thumbnail image 300 displayed on the list screen is changed by the following procedure.
When the list screen at the time when the switching of the axis item is instructed is the list screen 130 shown in FIG. 6 transitioned from the map-type search screen 110, first, the DSP / CPU 3 is displayed immediately before the list screen 130. The axis item of the map-type search screen 110 that has been stored is changed to generate a calendar-type search screen 120. Next, the DSP / CPU 3 assumes that the calendar-type search screen 120 is displayed, and displays thumbnails in the list screen as thumbnail images to be displayed when the display of the list screen is instructed in that state. Change the image.
When the list screen at the time when the switching of the axis item is instructed is the list screen 140 shown in FIG. 6 transitioned from the calendar-type search screen 120, first, the DSP / CPU 3 immediately before the list screen 140. The axis item of the displayed calendar-type search screen 120 is changed, and a map-type search screen 110 is generated. Next, the DSP / CPU 3 assumes that the map-format search screen 110 is displayed, and displays thumbnail images in the list screen as thumbnail images to be displayed when the display of the list screen is instructed in that state. To change.

  After changing the thumbnail image 300, the DSP / CPU 3 returns to step S10 and displays a list of the changed thumbnail images 300. Thereby, the thumbnail images displayed as a list from the list screen 130 to the list screen 140 or from the list screen 140 to the list screen 130 shown in FIG. 6 are updated.

  If it is determined in step S13 that switching of axis items is not instructed (NO in step S13), the DSP / CPU 3 performs a predetermined key operation on the key input unit 7 by the user on the matrix structure search screen. It is determined whether or not display is instructed (step S15). If the display of the search screen is instructed (YES in step S15), steps S1 and S2 are repeated, and the DSP / CPU 3 displays the search screen displayed immediately before the list screen on the display device 6. Specifically, the DSP / CPU 3 uses a matrix structure search screen (for example, a map format or a calendar format) with the axis items set when the list screen is displayed as horizontal axis and vertical axis items. Search screen). Accordingly, the display is switched from the list screen 130 shown in FIG. 6 to the map-type search screen 110 or from the list screen 140 to the calendar-type search screen 120. Note that the cursor position on the search screen at this time is a square into which the thumbnail images 300 displayed as a list are classified.

  If it is determined in step S15 that the search screen display is not instructed (NO in step S15), the DSP / CPU 3 instructs the individual screen display by a predetermined key operation of the key input unit 7 by the user. It is determined whether or not it has been done (step S16 in FIG. 4). If the display of the individual screen is instructed (YES in step S16), the DSP / CPU 3 displays the image data 22 of the image file 21 corresponding to the thumbnail image selected by the cursor 200 on the list screen on the individual screen ( Step S17). That is, the selected thumbnail image 300 is enlarged and displayed on the entire screen. If the display of the individual screen is not instructed (NO in step S16), the process returns to step S11, and the DSP / CPU 3 waits for an instruction corresponding to the key operation by the user on the list screen.

In a state where the individual screen is displayed, the DSP / CPU 3 determines whether display of the list screen is instructed (step S18). When the display of the list screen is instructed (YES in step S18), the process returns to step S10, and the list screen displayed immediately before the individual screen is displayed.
If display of the list screen is not instructed (NO in step S18), the DSP / CPU 3 determines whether or not display of a search screen having a matrix structure is instructed (step S19). If display of the search screen is instructed (YES in step S19), the process returns to step S1, and a map-type search screen or a calendar-type search screen is displayed.
When the display of the search screen is not instructed (NO in step S19), the DSP / CPU 3 determines whether or not the end of the search mode is instructed by a predetermined key operation of the key input unit 7 by the user. (Step S20). If the end of the search mode has not been instructed (NO in step S20), the process returns to step S18, and the DSP / CPU 3 waits for an instruction corresponding to the user's key operation while the individual screen is displayed. When the end of the search mode is instructed (YES in step S20), this image search process is ended.
In the flowchart, the image search process ends when YES is obtained in step S20. However, even in the middle of this image search process, for example, when the operation mode shifts from the search mode to the shooting mode, the image search process may be interrupted by an interrupt process.
Further, the DSP / CPU 3 stores the interruption state in the DRAM 12 when the image search process is interrupted, and reads the interruption state from the DRAM 12 when the interrupted image search process is executed again. The image search process may be resumed from the interrupted state.

As described above, when searching for an image desired by the user using the search mode, the user first causes the display device 6 to display a map-type search screen. Next, the user operates the zoom key to change the map-type search screen to search screens 100, 101, 102, and 103 shown in FIG. Accordingly, the number of candidate image files to be confirmed on the list screen can be narrowed down to an appropriate number based on the shooting location.
In addition, the user can change the map-type search screen to a calendar-type search screen. In this case, for example, the user operates the zoom key to change the calendar-type search screen to search screens 123, 122, and 121 shown in FIG. Thereby, the number of candidate image files to be confirmed on the list screen can be narrowed down to an appropriate number based on the shooting date and time.

  That is, in the search mode, when the user searches for a desired image from among a large number of images recorded on the memory card 15, the large number of images are not only automatically classified based on the shooting location or the shooting date and time. The classification density can be appropriately adjusted by the user. Therefore, an image desired by the user can be searched more efficiently.

  Further, a map-type search screen for searching for an image at a shooting location and a calendar-type search screen 101 for searching for an image by shooting date / time can be switched as necessary. Accordingly, the image files narrowed down by the search before switching can be further narrowed down by search items different from those before switching. Therefore, the user can search for a desired image even more efficiently.

  In the present embodiment, when the interval between the horizontal axis and the vertical axis (row item and column item division unit) on the map-type search screen is increased or decreased according to the zoom key operation, the zoom key is operated a predetermined number of times. In the meantime, the map is simply enlarged or reduced without switching the map hierarchy. However, regardless of the number of operations of the zoom key, the search screen 101 to the search screen 103 shown in FIG. 5 is displayed in the case of zooming up, and the search screen 103 to the search screen 101 in the case of zooming down. In addition, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the map hierarchy is switched immediately. However, the operation feeling when the zoom key is operated can be made more natural by performing the process of simply enlarging or reducing the map as in the present embodiment.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5, when switching the map hierarchy from the search screen 101 to the search screen 103, one square is divided into four squares, and among the four divided squares, the lower left The cursor 200 is set on the square. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the cursor 200 may be set to a cell other than the lower left. One square may be divided into nine squares. Further, it may be configured to be enlarged by a zoom operation until the mass is divided.
In the example shown in FIG. 5, the area corresponding to the search condition is composed of square cells. However, the region corresponding to the search condition may be configured in a shape other than a quadrangle such as a triangle or a hexagon. Thereby, it becomes possible to improve the freedom degree of design.
In that case, more specifically, the region corresponding to the search condition may be configured by a combination of a plurality of smaller square cells. For example, a region recognized as a shape other than a quadrangle is configured by a plurality of fine square cells. It is determined in advance which area the square on the boundary line of each area belongs to. In this case, for each area, the total search number of image files classified into cells belonging to the area is displayed numerically in the area.

In the present embodiment, the number of image file searches classified into each square is displayed as a number on each square (including shapes other than the quadrangular shape) on the map-type search screen and the calendar-type search screen. Explained the case. However, the number of searches may be indirectly displayed using a graph or the like.
Furthermore, in addition to the number of searches, for example, thumbnail images of image files representing a plurality of image files classified in the square may be displayed on each square. For example, in the case of a map-type search screen, an image file whose shooting location is closest to the center of the square among a plurality of image files classified into squares may be used as a representative image file. In the case of a calendar-type search screen, an image file having the latest shooting date and time, etc. among a plurality of image files classified into squares may be used as a representative image file. Further, the number of searches and the thumbnail image of the representative image file may be displayed together on each square of the search screen.

  Also, thumbnail images of multiple image files classified in the search screen cell are displayed smaller as the number of classified image files increases, and all thumbnail images are displayed in the cell. You may make it do. That is, a small thumbnail image (or a point substituted for it) is displayed as a dot on a square in which a large number of images are classified. As a result, it is possible to see at a glance how many images are classified into the square simply by looking at the state of the thumbnail images.

  In addition, a thumbnail image and the number of data searches may be displayed together on each square.

  In the present embodiment, the search screen displayed in the search mode is a map-type search screen in which the horizontal and vertical axes are latitude and longitude, and the horizontal and vertical axes are day, week, month, or year. A calendar-type search screen has been described as an example. However, other search screens using information other than the above may be displayed on the horizontal axis and the vertical axis. For example, time, temperature, humidity, average color temperature, image size, data size, average R component value, average G component value, average B component value, average M component value, average Y component value are appropriately set on the horizontal axis and the vertical axis. A search screen used in combination may be displayed.

Further, in the present embodiment, after a search screen having a matrix structure is displayed, if one square is selected from a plurality of squares divided by the matrix structure, the image files classified into the selected square A list of thumbnail images is displayed. However, a screen having a matrix structure may be displayed before the search, and an image classified into the selected cell may be searched after one cell is selected. In addition, after one square is selected, one of a plurality of images classified into the selected square may be displayed on the individual screen without displaying the list screen. In that case, another image classified into the selected cell may be confirmed by switching the image displayed on the individual screen. Alternatively, an image may be searched using only a search screen having a matrix structure.
Further, when the user selects one square on the search screen, the DSP / CPU 3 determines whether or not the number of image files classified into the selected square is equal to or less than a predetermined number, and the predetermined number If it is larger, a lower-level search screen may be displayed, and if it is less than a predetermined number, a list screen may be displayed. As a result, when the number of image files is narrowed down to a predetermined number, it is possible to automatically transition from the search screen to the list screen.

In this embodiment, the search results (number of searches, thumbnail images of searched image files, etc.) for each cell are displayed on each cell on the search screen. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.
For example, when a cell on the search screen is selected with the cursor, a popup window or balloon for the selected cell is displayed on the search screen, and the search result is displayed in the pop-up window or balloon. good. In this case, by displaying the search result in a pop-up window or a balloon, the area where the search result is displayed can be expanded.
Further, the number of searches and thumbnail images may be displayed separately in a square and in a pop-up window or balloon. In this case, since it is not necessary to display the number of searches and thumbnail images in an overlapping manner, the user can easily recognize the search results.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, when one cell is selected in a state where the number of searches is displayed on each cell on the search screen, a pop-up window or a balloon is displayed. The thumbnail images of the image files classified in the selected cell may be displayed inside. In this case, since the thumbnail image can be displayed in a wide area, the display size of the thumbnail image can be increased, and the user can easily recognize the thumbnail image.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the axis item can be switched from the map-type search screen 110 to the calendar-type search screen 120. At this time, a narrow-down search may be performed using a narrow-down button (not shown) provided in the key input unit 7.
Specifically, the cursor 200 is positioned on a square in which seven image files are classified on the map-format search screen 110 illustrated in FIG. In this state, when the user performs an axis item switching operation while pressing down the narrow button, a calendar-type search screen is performed by searching only the seven image files classified into the square where the cursor 200 is located. A re-search is performed using 120 search conditions.
Similarly, on the calendar-type search screen 120 illustrated in FIG. 6, the cursor 200 is positioned at a square where ten image files are classified. In this state, when the user performs an axis item switching operation while pressing the narrow button, a map-format search screen is performed by searching only the 10 image files classified into the cell where the cursor 200 is located. A re-search is performed using 110 search conditions.
By performing such a refined search, for example, in addition to two search items such as latitude and longitude, two search items such as day of the week and week can be further added to perform a detailed search. The user can search for the desired image more easily.
When a narrowing cancellation button (not shown) provided in the key input unit 7 is pressed, the narrowing search is canceled and all image files stored in the image file storage area 16 are searched again. May be performed.
Further, the narrowing search may be performed in multiple stages. Specifically, after the axis item is switched while performing the narrowing search, the hierarchy of the search screen may be switched, and the axis item may be switched while performing the narrowing search again.

In the present embodiment, when the hierarchy of the search screen is switched to a one-level fine hierarchy, one square is divided into a plurality of squares. However, a region combining a plurality of cells may be divided into a plurality of more cells.
Specifically, an area including four squares may be divided into nine squares. Furthermore, the region including the nine divided cells may be divided into 16 cells. Further, by combining such a division method and the zoom function, a predetermined area is sequentially divided, for example, “... → 4 divisions → zoom → 9 divisions → zoom → 16 divisions. May be. In this case, the position of the cursor on the search screen after switching the hierarchy is, for example, the square that has the largest overlap with the square located on the previous hierarchy. Further, when there are a plurality of cells having the largest overlapping portion, for example, the cursor is positioned at the cell closest to the center in the divided area.

In the present embodiment, the search screen has a matrix structure so that the area corresponding to the search condition is a square. In addition, the thumbnail image is usually a quadrangle.
Therefore, by making the area corresponding to the search condition a square cell, a rectangular thumbnail image can be efficiently displayed in the area. Specifically, the ratio of the area of the thumbnail image to the area of the cell can be increased by making the shape of the cell and the shape of the thumbnail image similar to each other.
For example, when displaying thumbnail images of all image files classified in the square in each square, each thumbnail image can be displayed in a large size. Further, when displaying thumbnail images of image files representing image files classified in the squares in each square, thumbnail images having the same size as the square can be displayed.
In this case, it is possible to perform a search by displaying a thumbnail image in a large size in the square, so that the search efficiency of the user can be further improved.
If the thumbnail image has a shape other than a quadrangle, the square shape may be a shape close to that of the thumbnail image. Even in this case, the representative thumbnail image can be displayed in the same size as the square by making the square shape similar to the thumbnail image.

In the above description, the case where the search target data is still image data has been described. However, if the digital camera 1 has a moving image shooting function, the search target data may be moving image data. If the digital camera 1 has a recording function, the search target data may be audio data or image data with audio.
The present invention is not limited to a digital camera, and can be applied to other devices including a personal computer. Even in this case, the search target data is not limited to image data, and may be other various data such as audio data.

Next, a specific operation of the DSP / CPU 3 when the above-described image data search process is executed will be described. Hereinafter, a case where zoom-in is instructed by operating the zoom key will be described.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an outline of a functional configuration of the DSP / CPU 3.
The DSP / CPU 3 includes an item classification unit 31, a search unit 32, a search screen display control unit 33, a division unit change unit 34, a search control unit 35, a list screen display control unit 36, and a search item change unit 37. And a division unit change control unit 38.

In the image data search process, first, the item classification unit 31 classifies line items (search line items) belonging to a search item by a predetermined unit, and generates a plurality of line search conditions (first search conditions). Further, the item classification unit 31 classifies the column items (search column items) belonging to the search items by a predetermined unit, and generates a plurality of column search conditions (second search conditions).
For example, when the search item is a shooting location, the item classification unit 31 sets a latitude for the line item, and generates a plurality of row search conditions in which the latitude is classified at a predetermined scale interval. Further, the item classification unit 31 sets a longitude in the column item, and generates a column search condition in which the longitude is classified at a predetermined scale interval.

Then, the item classification unit 31 generates a search table 41 in which a search condition obtained by combining a plurality of row search conditions and a plurality of column search conditions is associated with each matrix position, and stores the search table 41 in the DRAM 12.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the search table 41. As shown in FIG. 9, the search table 41 stores a matrix position, a search condition, and a search result described later in association with each other.

  The search unit 32 uses the image file 21 (image data) stored in the image file storage area 16 of the memory card 15 as a search target, and the image file 21 that satisfies the search condition at each of the matrix positions indicated by the search table 41. Classify. The search unit 32 records the identifier 24 of the classified image file 21 and the number of classified image files 21 in the search result column of the search table 41.

  The search screen display control unit 33 controls the display device 6 to display a search screen based on the search table 41 on the display device 6. Specifically, the search screen has a matrix structure in which a plurality of row search conditions are set for a row and a plurality of column search conditions are set for a column. Further, search result information indicating search results associated with the search table 41 is arranged at each matrix position on the search screen. For example, the number of image files 21 classified into the matrix position is displayed as search result information at the matrix position on the search screen.

The sorting unit changing unit 34 changes the unit for sorting the row items and the column items in accordance with a user instruction input via the key input unit 7. Specifically, the key input unit 7 has an instruction to change the division unit of the row item and the column item, and an instruction to select one matrix position (mass) in the search screen displayed on the display device 6. When input, the partition unit changing unit 34 subdivides the row search condition and the column search condition at the selected matrix position.
In addition, the change of the division unit of the row item and the column item by the division unit changing unit 34 corresponds to the change of the scale interval of the vertical axis and the horizontal axis in step S6 of FIG.

The search control unit 35 controls the item sorting unit 31 and the search unit 32 to create a new search table 41 based on the row search condition and the column search condition subdivided by the division unit changing unit 34. The search unit 32 generates the data.
Specifically, the item classification unit 31 creates a new search table 41 in which a search condition obtained by combining a plurality of subdivided row search conditions and a plurality of subdivided column search conditions is associated with each matrix position. Is generated. Further, the search unit 32 reclassifies the image file 21 satisfying the search condition to each of the matrix positions indicated by the new search table 41, with the image file 21 classified at the selected matrix position as a search target. .

As a result, a search screen based on the new search table 41 is displayed on the display device 6.
Therefore, according to the digital camera 1 according to the present embodiment, the user can narrow down the image files by sequentially selecting the matrix positions representing the search conditions on the search screen, and the desired image file can be selected. You can search efficiently.

The list screen display control unit 36 causes the display device 6 to display a list screen in response to a user instruction input via the key input unit 7. Specifically, the list screen display control is performed when an instruction to display a list and an instruction to select one matrix position in the search screen displayed on the display device 6 are input to the key input unit 7. The unit 36 refers to the search table 41 and causes the display device 6 to display a list of the image files 21 classified at the selected matrix position.
For example, the list screen display control unit 36 reads the identifier 24 of the image file 21 associated with the selected matrix position from the search table 41, and displays the thumbnail image of the image file 21 specified by the identifier 24 on the display device 6. Display. The thumbnail image may be generated from the image data 22 in the image file when the list screen is displayed. The thumbnail image may be generated when the image file 21 is recorded in the image file storage area 16 and included in the image file 21.

The search item changing unit 37 changes the search item when an instruction to change the search item is input to the key input unit 7. When the search item is changed, the item classification unit 31 and the search unit 32 generate a new search table 41 based on the changed search item.
For example, when the search item is changed from the shooting location to the shooting date and time, the search unit 32 uses the shooting date and time as a search item and sets the image file 21 searched at the shooting location as a search target and newly searches the image file 21. Classify.
The change of the search item by the search item changing unit 37 corresponds to the change of the vertical axis and horizontal axis items in step S8 of FIG.

The sorting unit change control unit 38 causes the sorting unit changing unit 34 to change the unit for sorting row items and column items when an instruction to change the sorting unit is continuously input to the key input unit 7 a predetermined number of times. On the other hand, the segment unit change control unit 38 enlarges the search screen displayed on the display device 6 each time an instruction is input until the instruction to change the segment unit is input to the key input unit 7 a predetermined number of times. To do.
When zoom-down is instructed by operating the zoom key, the segment unit changing unit 34 may integrate a predetermined number of each of the row search condition and the column search condition. You can reduce the search screen.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the digital camera 1 has been described on the assumption that an operation program such as image data search processing is stored in advance in the built-in flash memory 13 or the like. However, a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or an MO (Magneto-Optical disk) is used as a program for executing the above-described processing. An apparatus that executes the above-described processing may be configured by storing and distributing the program and installing the program in a computer.

Further, the program may be stored in a disk device or the like included in a predetermined server device on a communication network such as the Internet, and may be downloaded onto a computer by being superimposed on a carrier wave, for example. Further, when various input instructions are given to the server device from the computer used by the user, the program may be executed on the server device, and the processing result may be output to the computer used by the user. The program may be executed separately on the server device and the computer used by the user. Furthermore, the above-described processing can also be achieved by starting and executing a program while transferring it via a communication network.
The computer that communicates with the server device described above is not limited to a personal computer, and may be a digital camera, a PDA, or the like.
In addition, when the above functions are realized by sharing an OS (Operating System), or when the functions are realized by cooperation between the OS and an application, only the part other than the OS may be stored in a medium and distributed. It may also be downloaded to a computer.

1 Digital camera 2 CCD
3 DSP / CPU
6 Display device 7 Key input unit 8 GPS block unit 15 Memory card 100 First search screen 101 Second search screen 200 Cursor 300 Thumbnail image

Claims (24)

A storage unit for storing data;
A search item classifying unit that divides a search condition related to a predetermined search item into a plurality of search condition classes;
A search unit that classifies data stored in the storage unit into each of a plurality of search condition categories divided by the search item classification unit by searching for data satisfying a search condition corresponding to the search condition category; ,
An output unit that associates and outputs each of the plurality of search condition categories and information related to data classified into the search condition categories by the search unit;
An input unit for inputting an instruction from the user;
When an instruction to select one search condition category from the plurality of search condition categories output by the output unit is input to the input unit, the selected search condition category is further converted into a plurality of search conditions. Division unit change part to divide into categories,
A search control unit for controlling the search unit to classify the data classified into the search condition category selected via the input unit into each of the search condition categories divided by the segment unit changing unit;
A data retrieval device comprising: The output unit is
The screen is divided into a plurality of areas, each of the plurality of search condition sections is associated with the divided areas, and information related to the data classified into the search condition sections is displayed in the area associated with the search condition section. Having a display to
The data retrieval storage according to claim 1. The display section divides the screen into a matrix structure, and associates each of the plurality of search condition sections with a matrix position area of the matrix structure.
The data retrieval storage according to claim 2. The search item classifying unit classifies a plurality of first search conditions in which search line items belonging to the predetermined search item are classified in a predetermined unit and search column items belonging to the predetermined search item in a predetermined unit. Generating a search condition category corresponding to a search condition obtained by combining a plurality of second search conditions,
The search unit associates the search condition classification generated by the search item classification unit with each matrix position, and uses the data stored in the storage unit as a search target to search conditions corresponding to each matrix position. Classify the data satisfying
The display unit is a search screen having a matrix structure in which the plurality of first search conditions are set in a row and the plurality of second search conditions are set in a column. A search screen in which search result information indicating a search result by the search unit is arranged is displayed on each.
The partition unit changing unit receives the instruction to change the partition unit and the instruction to select one matrix position from the matrix positions displayed by the display unit when the input unit receives the instruction. Change the unit for dividing the search line item and the unit for dividing the search column item at the selected matrix position,
The search control unit associates a search condition obtained by combining a plurality of first search conditions and a plurality of second search conditions divided in units changed by the division unit changing unit with each matrix position, and the input The data to be classified into the matrix position selected via the part is set as a search target, and the search part is made to classify the data.
The data search device according to claim 3. When an instruction to display a list and an instruction to select one search condition category from a plurality of search condition categories output by the output unit are input to the input unit, the selected search A list output control unit for outputting a list of data classified into the condition categories;
The data search apparatus according to claim 1. A search item changing unit that changes the predetermined search item to another search item when an instruction to change the search item is input to the input unit;
The search item classification unit divides a search condition related to another search item changed by the search item change unit into a plurality of search condition classifications,
The search unit is configured to newly classify data into each of a plurality of search condition categories divided by the search item classification unit, with the data searched using the predetermined search item as a search target.
The data search apparatus according to claim 1. When an instruction to change the division unit is input to the input unit a predetermined number of times, the division unit change unit changes the unit for dividing the search line item and the unit for dividing the search column item, and the input Until the instruction to change the division unit is input the predetermined number of times, the unit further includes a division unit change control unit that expands the search screen displayed by the display unit each time the instruction is input.
5. A data search apparatus according to claim 4, wherein When an instruction to change the division unit is input to the input unit, the search unit displayed on the display unit is expanded while the unit for dividing the search line item and the search column are expanded. A division unit change control unit for changing the unit for dividing the item is further provided.
5. A data search apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The division unit change control unit stops the enlargement process when an instruction to change the division unit is input to the input unit while the search screen displayed by the display unit is being enlarged. The division unit changing unit to change the unit for dividing the search line item and the unit for dividing the search column item,
9. A data search apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The division unit change control unit omits a process of enlarging a search screen displayed by the display unit when an instruction to change the division unit is continuously input to the input unit for a predetermined time or more, and the classification unit change control unit A unit changing unit to change a unit for dividing the search line item and a unit for dividing the search column item;
9. A data search apparatus according to claim 8, wherein When an instruction to change the division unit is input to the input unit, the division unit change unit changes the unit for dividing the search line item and the unit for dividing the search column item by one step, and the input unit When the instruction for changing the division unit is continuously input for a predetermined time or more, the division unit changing unit changes the unit for dividing the search line item and the unit for dividing the search column item in multiple steps. Further provided with a unit change control unit,
5. A data search apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The information regarding the data classified into the search condition category output by the output unit includes the number of data classified into the search condition category by the search unit,
The data search apparatus according to claim 1. The search unit classifies the image data by using the image data as a search target;
5. A data search apparatus according to claim 4, wherein The predetermined search item is an image shooting location,
The search line item and the search column item are latitude and longitude,
The data search apparatus according to claim 13. In the display unit, a plurality of first search conditions in which the latitude is divided by a predetermined unit in the search result information arranged at each of the matrix positions are set in a row, and the plurality of the search results information are divided by the predetermined unit. The second search condition of is overlaid on the map of the region corresponding to the matrix structure set in the column,
The data search apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the data search apparatus is characterized in that: The predetermined search item is an image capturing time,
The search line item and the search column item are both times,
A unit for dividing the search line item into the plurality of first search conditions is different from a unit for dividing the search column item into the plurality of second search conditions.
The data search apparatus according to claim 13. The search result information arranged at each matrix position by the display unit includes image data classified into each matrix position by the search unit,
The data search apparatus according to claim 13. The search result information arranged at each matrix position by the display unit includes information on the number of image data classified into each matrix position by the search unit.
The data search apparatus according to claim 13. The display unit displays one image represented by a plurality of images corresponding to the image data classified into the matrix position by the search unit at a matrix position where the search result information is displayed.
The data search device according to claim 17, wherein: The display unit displays all images corresponding to the image data classified into the matrix position by the search unit at a matrix position where the search result information is displayed.
The data search device according to claim 17, wherein: The display unit reduces the display size of an image as the number of images corresponding to the image data classified by the search unit increases, and displays all images corresponding to the image data classified into the matrix position. indicate,
21. A data search apparatus according to claim 20, wherein The predetermined search item is an item related to information added to search target data.
The data search apparatus according to claim 1. A search item classification step for dividing a search condition related to a predetermined search item into a plurality of search condition categories;
A search step for classifying the data stored in the storage unit into each of a plurality of search condition categories divided by the search item classification step by searching for data satisfying the search condition corresponding to the search condition category,
An output step of associating and outputting each of the plurality of search condition sections and information on the data classified into the search condition sections by the search step;
When an instruction for selecting one search condition category from a plurality of search condition categories output in the output step is input to the input unit to which an instruction from the user is input, the selected search condition A division unit changing step for further dividing the division into a plurality of search condition categories;
Returning to the search step, a search control step for classifying the data classified into the search condition category selected via the input unit into each of the search condition categories divided by the category unit change step,
Data search method including. On the computer,
A search item classification step for dividing a search condition related to a predetermined search item into a plurality of search condition categories;
A search step for classifying the data stored in the storage unit into each of a plurality of search condition categories divided by the search item classification step by searching for data satisfying the search condition corresponding to the search condition category,
An output step of associating and outputting each of the plurality of search condition sections and information on the data classified into the search condition sections by the search step;
When an instruction for selecting one search condition category from a plurality of search condition categories output in the output step is input to the input unit to which an instruction from the user is input, the selected search condition A division unit changing step for further dividing the division into a plurality of search condition categories;
Returning to the search step, a search control step for classifying the data classified into the search condition category selected via the input unit into each of the search condition categories divided by the category unit change step,
A program for running

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