JP2009265815A - Image file management device and digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image file management device and a digital camera, for restoring a deleted image file, and for increasing the management or browsability of an image file. <P>SOLUTION: In an image file management device, the image file of an image whose deletion has been instructed is stored in a trash can file, and stored as one image file. When the instruction of restoration is made, the image file is extracted and restored from the trash can file. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image file management apparatus and a digital camera, and more particularly to an image file management apparatus and a digital camera that delete and organize image files in a storage medium.

  In a digital camera, image data obtained by shooting is stored in a storage medium such as a memory card as an image file (for example, an Exif file) in a predetermined format.

  In recent years, storage media used for digital cameras and the like have increased in capacity, and a large amount of image files can be stored in one storage medium.

  However, if a large number of image files are stored in one storage medium, there is a problem that it is difficult to find an image that is desired to be viewed at the time of browsing.

  Therefore, the user needs to delete unnecessary image files as necessary and organize stored image files.

  In general, when deleting an image file, the image of the image file to be deleted is displayed on the monitor, and after the deletion instruction is given, a confirmation (confirmation of whether or not to delete) is performed, and then the image file is actually deleted. The

  However, even when such a confirmation operation is performed, the image file may be deleted by mistake.

  Therefore, Patent Document 1 proposes that the deleted image file can be restored by compressing and storing the image file for which the deletion instruction has been issued.

Further, in Patent Document 2, in order to improve the viewability of files in a storage medium, when an instruction for grouping files is given, a common part is extracted and extracted from the file names of a plurality of files for which the grouping instruction is given. It has been proposed to assign a directory name based on the common part and move the file to that directory.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-219648 JP-A-8-314781

  The method of Patent Document 1 can restore an image file that has been deleted once, but has a drawback in that it takes time for the deletion / restoration processing because compression / decompression processing is required at the time of deletion / restoration.

  In addition, when an image file that can be restored is confirmed, the decompression process is required, so that it takes time to select an image file to be restored.

  On the other hand, since the method of Patent Document 2 only moves files, the total number of files does not change, and there is a drawback that it takes time to perform sorting and search processing.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image file management apparatus and a digital camera that can restore a deleted image file and can improve the management and browsing of the image file. And

  In order to achieve the object, the invention according to claim 1 is a storage means, a display means, an image file display instruction means for instructing display of an image file stored in the storage means, and the image file display. In response to a display instruction from the instruction means, at least one of the image file display control means for causing the display means to display the image file stored in the storage means, and the image file displayed on the display means. A delete instruction means for selecting and instructing the deletion, a trash file generating means for generating a trash file in which the image files instructed to be deleted by the deletion instruction means are combined into one, and generated by the trash file generation means The stored trash box file is stored in the storage unit, and the image file instructed to be deleted by the deletion instruction unit is stored in the storage unit. Providing an image file management apparatus characterized by comprising: a storage control means for deleting et, a.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the deletion-instructed image files are managed as one trash box file. Thereby, the number of image files stored in the storage means can be reduced, and management / viewability can be improved.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 2 provides a display instruction from the trash box file display instruction means for instructing display of the image file stored in the trash file, and the display instruction from the trash box file display instruction means. In response, at least one of the image files displayed in the trash box file display control means for displaying the image file stored in the trash box file on the display means and the image file displayed on the display means is selected and restored. And an image file restoration unit that extracts an image file instructed to be restored by the restoration instruction unit from a trash box file, and the storage control unit includes the image restored by the image file restoration unit. 2. The image file management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the file is stored again in the storage means. That.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the image file stored in the trash can file can be displayed on the display means, and can be extracted and restored. Thereby, the image file once deleted can be restored.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, a trash box file display instruction means for instructing display of an image file stored in the trash box file, and a display instruction from the trash box file display instruction means. Accordingly, at least one of the trash box file display control means for displaying the image file stored in the trash box file on the display means and the image file displayed on the display means is selected and its completeness is selected. 3. A complete deletion instructing unit for instructing deletion, and an image file complete deleting unit for deleting an image file instructed to be completely deleted by the complete deletion instructing unit from a trash box file. The image file management apparatus described in 1. is provided.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the image file stored in the trash can file can be displayed on the display means and can be completely deleted. Thereby, it is possible to improve the management / viewability of the deleted image file.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 4 further comprises storage file number setting means for setting the number of image files that can be stored in the trash file, and the trash file generation means includes an existing trash box. 4. The image file according to claim 1, wherein a new trash box file is generated when the number of image files in the file exceeds the number of files set by the stored file number setting means. Provide a management device.

  According to the invention of claim 4, the number of image files that can be stored in the trash can file can be set. Thereby, management / viewability of a trash box file can be improved. Further, the extraction speed of the target image file at the time of restoration can be increased.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image file stored in the storage unit is stored in a folder and stored in the storage unit, and the trash box file generation unit is instructed to be deleted. The trash box file is generated in units of folders in which image files are stored, and the storage control unit stores the trash box file in a folder from which the image file stored in the trash box file is deleted. Item 4. An image file management device according to any one of Items 1 to 4.

  According to the invention of claim 5, a trash can file is generated for each folder. Thereby, the management / viewability of the image file can be improved.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the object, the file display control means displays an image of an image file stored in the storage means in response to a display instruction from the image file display instruction means. 2. The display means, wherein the deletion instruction means selects at least one of the images displayed on the display means and instructs the deletion of the image file of the image. The image file management device according to any one of 1 to 5 is provided.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the image of the image file is displayed on the display means, and it is possible to select the image and issue a deletion instruction. As a result, it is possible to easily confirm an image to be deleted and to prevent erroneous deletion.

  In order to achieve the above object, the trash box file includes image data of a predetermined main image, and the file display control is performed as an image file of the main image in the same manner as other image files. The file display control means causes the display means to display the image of the image file stored in the storage means in response to a display instruction from the image file display instruction means. The image file management apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a main image of the trash box file is displayed on the display unit.

  According to the invention of claim 7, the trash can file is formed so as to be recognizable as an image file like other image files, and the main image is displayed when displayed on the display means. As a result, the presence or absence of a trash can file can be easily confirmed.

  The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in order to achieve the object, the main image is an image of an image file deleted first or an image of an image file deleted last. An image file management apparatus according to Item 7, is provided.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the main image of the trash box file is composed of an image file image deleted first or an image file image deleted last. As a result, the presence or absence of a trash can file can be more easily confirmed.

  The invention according to claim 9 provides the image file management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, in order to achieve the object, the main image is an image showing a trash bin prepared in advance.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the main image of the trash box file is composed of an image showing a trash box prepared in advance. As a result, the presence or absence of a trash can file can be more easily confirmed.

  In the invention according to claim 10, in order to achieve the above object, the main image is an image in which the images of the image files stored in the trash file are displayed as indexes, and main image generation means for generating the images An image file management apparatus according to claim 7 is provided.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the main image of the trash can file is constituted by an image in which the image of the image file stored in the trash can file is displayed as an index. Thus, the presence / absence of the trash can file can be easily confirmed, and the image file in the trash can file can be easily confirmed.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 11 comprises compression means for compressing image data, and the trash box file generation means stores an image stored in an image file instructed to be deleted by the deletion instruction means. The image file management apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein if the data is not compressed image data, the image data is compressed by the compression means and then stored in the trash box file. provide.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when the image data stored in the image file to be deleted is not image data (for example, RAW image data), the image data is compressed and then stored in the trash can file. Stored. This can prevent the file size from becoming large. The compression format may be irreversible compression such as JPEG or reversible compression.

  The invention according to claim 12 provides a digital camera comprising the image file management device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 in order to achieve the above object.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the management / viewability of image files with a digital camera.

  In the invention according to claim 13, in order to achieve the above object, the storage means is detachably provided in the camera body, while a second storage means that is not attachable / detachable is provided in the camera body. 13. The digital camera according to claim 12, wherein the control unit stores the trash box file generated by the trash box file generation unit in the second storage unit.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the trash box file is stored in the non-detachable second storage means (so-called built-in storage means) provided in the camera body. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the trash box file from being inadvertently deleted.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to restore a deleted image file, and to improve the management / viewability of the image file.

  Preferred embodiments of an image file management apparatus and a digital camera according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Configuration of digital camera>
1 and 2 are a front perspective view and a rear perspective view, respectively, showing the external configuration of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied.

  As shown in the figure, the digital camera 10 is a so-called compact camera, and its camera body (camera body) 12 is formed in a thin box shape that can be held with one hand.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a photographing lens 14, a flash 16, a speaker 18, an AF auxiliary light lamp 20, and the like are provided on the front surface of the camera body 12, and a shutter button 22, a mode lever 24, a power source are provided on the upper surface. A button 26 and the like are provided.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a monitor 28, a zoom button 30, a play button 32, a delete button 34, a cross button 36, a MENU / OK button 38, a DISP / BACK button 40, and the like are provided on the back of the camera body 12. The external connection terminal 42 is provided on the side surface.

  Although not shown, a tripod screw hole and an openable / closable battery cover are provided on the bottom surface of the camera body 12, and a battery storage chamber and a memory card for storing the battery are provided inside the battery cover. Is provided with a memory card slot.

  The photographic lens 14 is constituted by a retractable zoom lens, and is extended from the camera body 12 when the digital camera 10 is turned on. Since the zoom mechanism and the retracting mechanism of the photographic lens 14 are well-known techniques, a description of their specific configuration is omitted here.

  The flash 16 is composed of a xenon tube, and emits light as necessary when photographing a dark subject or in backlight.

  The AF auxiliary light lamp 20 is composed of, for example, a high-intensity LED, and emits light as necessary during AF.

  The shutter button 22 is constituted by a two-stage stroke type push switch capable of so-called “half press” and “full press”. When the shutter release button 22 is half-pressed, the digital camera 10 performs shooting preparation processing, that is, each of AE (Automatic Exposure), AF (Auto Focus), and AWB (Automatic White Balance). When the image is processed and fully pressed, the image is captured and recorded.

  The mode lever 24 is used for setting the shooting mode. The mode lever 24 is provided so as to be rotatable around the shutter button 22 and can be set at the “SP position”, “AUTO position”, “M position”, and “moving picture position”. The digital camera 10 is set to the “scene program shooting mode” by setting the mode lever 24 to the “SP position”, and is set to a mode for performing exposure control and shooting control according to the shooting scene. Also, by setting the “AUTO position”, the “auto shooting mode” is set, and the mode is set to perform the exposure control fully automatically. Also, by setting the “M position”, the “manual shooting mode” is set, and the exposure setting is manually set. Also, by setting the “moving image position”, the “moving image shooting mode” is set, and the moving image shooting mode is set.

  As the “scene program shooting mode”, for example, a “person shooting mode” for shooting a person, a “landscape shooting mode” for shooting a landscape, a “sport shooting mode” for shooting a sport, or a “night scene shooting” for shooting a night scene. "Mode", "Underwater shooting mode" for underwater shooting, etc. are prepared and can be set on the menu screen.

  The power button 26 is used to turn on / off the power of the digital camera 10 and is turned on / off when pressed for a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds).

  The monitor 28 is composed of a color LCD. The monitor 28 is used for reproducing and displaying captured images, and is used as a GUI during various settings. At the time of shooting, an image captured by the image sensor is displayed through and used as an electronic viewfinder.

  The zoom button 30 is used to instruct the zoom of the photographing lens 14 and the reproduced image, and includes a zoom tele button for instructing zooming to the telephoto side and the enlargement side, and a zoom wide button for instructing zooming to the wide angle side and the reduction side. It is configured.

  The playback button 32 is used for an instruction to switch to the playback mode. That is, the digital camera 10 is switched to the playback mode when the playback button 32 is pressed during shooting. When the playback button 32 is pressed while the power is off, the digital camera 10 is activated in the playback mode.

  The delete button 34 is used for an instruction to delete an image being reproduced. That is, when the delete button 34 is pressed during image reproduction, an instruction to delete the image reproduced and displayed on the monitor 28 is issued. When the delete button 34 is pressed, a message confirming execution of the deletion is displayed on the monitor 28. After execution is instructed (pressing the MENU / OK button), the image file of the target image is deleted from the memory card 152. Is done.

  Although this image file is apparently deleted from the memory card 152, it is stored in a predetermined trash box file and restored as necessary. This will be described in detail later.

  The cross button 36 is provided so that it can be pressed in four directions, up, down, left, and right, and a function corresponding to the setting state of the camera is assigned to each direction.

  For example, at the time of shooting, a function for switching the macro function ON / OFF is assigned to the left button, and a function for switching the flash mode is assigned to the right button. In addition, a function for changing the brightness of the monitor 28 is assigned to the upper button, and a function for switching ON / OFF of the self-timer is assigned to the lower button.

  Further, during playback, a frame advance function is assigned to the left button, and a frame return function is assigned to the right button.

  In various settings, a function for moving the cursor displayed on the monitor 28 in the direction of each button is assigned.

  In the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment, the flash mode includes an auto flash mode (the flash is automatically emitted according to the shooting scene) and a forced flash mode (the flash is forcibly emitted). Flash emission mode (flash emission is prohibited), slow sync mode (slow shutter shooting is performed), red-eye reduction flash mode (red-eye reduction processing is performed), double-shoot mode (single recording instruction ( Two images, a flash ON image and a flash OFF image) are prepared by fully pressing the shutter button), and the mode is switched sequentially each time the right button of the cross button 36 is pressed.

  The MENU / OK button 38 is used to call a menu screen (MENU function), and is used to confirm selection contents, execute a process, etc. (OK function), and is assigned according to the setting state of the digital camera 10. Is switched.

  On the menu screen, for example, image size (recording pixel number) setting, sensitivity setting, recording method (compression / RAW image data recording) setting, white balance setting, photometry method setting, AF method setting, Various functions of the digital camera 10 such as a self-timer setting, a digital zoom function setting, a continuous shooting function setting, and a DPOF setting are set.

  The DISP / BACK button 40 is used for a display content switching instruction (DISP function) of the monitor 28 and an instruction for canceling an input operation (BACK function), and is assigned according to the setting state of the digital camera 10. The function is switched.

  The external connection terminal 42 is a communication interface for connecting the camera to an external device such as a personal computer or a printer (for example, USB, IEEE 1394, etc.). The digital camera 10 can be connected to an external device such as a personal computer by connecting a dedicated cable to the external connection terminal 42.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the digital camera 10 includes a CPU 110, an operation unit (shutter button 22, mode lever 24, power button 26, zoom button 30, play button 32, delete button 34, cross button 36, MENU / OK button 38. , DISP / BACK button 40, etc.) 112, ROM 116, flash ROM 118, memory (SDRAM) 120, VRAM 122, photographing lens 14, zoom control unit 124, aperture / shutter control unit 126, focus control unit 128, image sensor 134, image sensor Control unit 136, analog signal processing unit 138, A / D converter 140, digital signal processing unit 142, AF detection unit 144, AE / AWB detection unit 146, compression / decompression processing unit 148, media controller 150, memory card (storage medium) 152, display control 154, OSD (On-Screen Display) unit 156, a monitor 28, a flash control unit 158, a flash 16, a communication control unit 160, is configured to include a communication interface 162 or the like.

  The CPU 110 functions as a control unit that performs overall control of the overall operation of the digital camera 10, and controls each unit according to a predetermined control program based on an input from the operation unit 112.

  The ROM 116 connected via the bus 114 stores a control program executed by the CPU 110 and various data necessary for control. The flash ROM 118 stores various setting information related to the operation of the digital camera 10 such as user setting information, an image file, and the like. That is, the flash ROM 118 also functions as an internal memory. When the flash ROM 118 is designated as an image file storage destination, the image file obtained by photographing is stored in the flash ROM 118.

  The memory (SDRAM) 120 is used as a calculation work area for the CPU 110 and is also used as a temporary storage area for image data, and the VRAM 122 is used as a temporary storage area dedicated to image data for display.

  The taking lens 14 includes a zoom lens 14Z, an aperture / shutter unit 14I, a focus lens 14F, and the like.

  The zoom lens 14Z is driven by a zoom lens actuator (not shown) and moves back and forth along the optical axis. As a result, the focal length of the photographic lens 14 varies. The CPU 110 controls the movement of the zoom lens 14Z by controlling the driving of the zoom lens actuator via the zoom control unit 124, and performs zooming.

  The focus lens 14F is driven by a focus lens actuator (not shown) and moves back and forth along the optical axis. Thereby, the imaging position of the photographic lens 14 changes. The CPU 110 controls the movement of the focus lens 14 </ b> F by controlling the drive of the focus lens actuator via the focus control unit 128 and performs focusing.

  The aperture / shutter unit 14I includes an aperture and a mechanical shutter (not shown). The diaphragm operates by being driven by a diaphragm actuator (not shown) built in the diaphragm / shutter unit 14I, and thereby the amount of light incident on the image sensor 134 is adjusted. The CPU 110 controls the operation of the diaphragm by controlling the driving of the diaphragm actuator via the diaphragm / shutter controller 126, and controls the amount of light incident on the image sensor 134 (aperture value). The mechanical shutter operates by being driven by a shutter actuator (not shown) built in the aperture / shutter unit 14I, whereby the image sensor 134 is exposed / light-shielded. The CPU 110 controls the operation of the mechanical shutter by controlling the driving of the shutter actuator via the aperture / shutter controller 126, and controls the exposure / light shielding of the image sensor 134.

  The image sensor 134 is configured by a color CCD or color CMOS sensor having a predetermined color filter array (in this example, a color CCD (for example, Bayer array)). The CPU 110 drives the image sensor 134 via the image sensor control unit 136 and outputs a subject image captured through the photographing lens 14 as an image signal.

  The analog signal processing unit 138 performs correlated double sampling processing and amplifies the image signal output from the image sensor 134.

  The A / D converter 140 converts the analog image signal output from the analog signal processing unit 138 into a digital image signal.

  The digital signal processing unit 142 takes in an image signal output from the A / D converter 140 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110, performs predetermined signal processing, and performs Y / C consisting of a luminance signal Y and color difference signals Cr and Cb. The image signal is generated. Further, in accordance with a command from the CPU 110, various image processing such as color tone correction processing and gradation correction processing is performed on the Y / C image signal.

  The AF detection unit 144 captures R, G, and B color image signals output from the A / D converter 140 and calculates a focus evaluation value necessary for AF control. The AF detection unit 144 includes a high-pass filter that allows only a high-frequency component of the G signal to pass, an absolute value processing unit, a focus area extraction unit that extracts a signal within a predetermined focus area set on the screen, and a focus area An integration unit for integrating the absolute value data is included, and the absolute value data in the focus area integrated by the integration unit is output to the CPU 110 as a focus evaluation value.

  During the AF control, the CPU 110 searches for a position where the focus evaluation value output from the AF detection unit 144 is maximized, and moves the focus lens 14F to that position, thereby performing focusing on the main subject. That is, during the AF control, the CPU 110 first moves the focus lens 14F from the closest distance to infinity, and sequentially acquires the focus evaluation value from the AF detector 144 at regular intervals during the movement process. Then, the position where the focus evaluation value is maximized is detected, the position where the detected focus evaluation value is maximized is determined as the in-focus position, and the focus lens 14F is moved to that position. As a result, the photographing lens 14 is focused on the subject (main subject) located in the focus area.

  If the position at which the focus evaluation value is maximum is not detected (for example, at low contrast), the CPU 110 determines that an AF error has occurred and issues a predetermined warning (for example, displaying an error message on the monitor 28).

  The AE / AWB detection unit 146 takes in the image signals of R, G, and B colors output from the A / D converter 140 and calculates integrated values necessary for AE control and AWB control. That is, the AE / AWB detection unit 146 divides one screen into a plurality of areas (for example, 8 × 8 = 64 areas), and calculates an integrated value of R, G, and B signals for each divided area.

  At the time of AE control, the CPU 110 acquires an integrated value of R, G, B signals for each area calculated by the AE / AWB detection unit 146, obtains the brightness (photometric value) of the subject, and obtains an appropriate exposure amount. Set the exposure to obtain That is, sensitivity, aperture value, shutter speed, and necessity of flash emission are set.

  In addition, the CPU 110 adds the integrated values of R, G, and B signals for each area calculated by the AE / AWB detection unit 146 to the digital signal processing unit 142 during AWB control. The digital signal processing unit 142 calculates a gain value for white balance adjustment based on the obtained integrated value, and detects a light source type.

  The compression / decompression processing unit 148 performs compression processing in a predetermined format (for example, JPEG format) on the input image data in accordance with a command from the CPU 110 to generate compressed image data. Further, in accordance with a command from the CPU 110, the input compressed image data is subjected to a decompression process in a predetermined format to generate uncompressed Y / C image data.

  Note that the photographed image can also be recorded as RAW image data. In this case, the compression processing is not performed, and the image data after A / D conversion is recorded in the memory card 152 as it is in a predetermined file format.

  The media controller 150 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the memory card 152 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110. The memory card 152 is detachably loaded into the media slot provided in the camera body as described above.

  The display control unit 154 controls display on the monitor 28 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110. That is, in accordance with a command from the CPU 110, the input image signal is converted into a signal format for display on the monitor 28 and output to the monitor 28. Further, in accordance with a command from the CPU 110, an OSD signal such as a character, a figure, or a symbol added from the OSD unit 156 is mixed with an image signal and output to the monitor 28.

  The OSD unit 156 includes a character generator, and displays characters (warning messages, shooting information (aperture, sensitivity, shutter speed, etc.), shooting date / time, number of shots, file name, etc.) displayed on the monitor 28 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110. A signal (OSD signal) such as a figure (face detection frame, auxiliary shooting line), a symbol (focus frame, remaining battery level mark, etc.) is generated. The OSD signal generated by the OSD unit 156 is output to the display control unit 154, mixed with the image signal, and output to the liquid crystal monitor 28. As a result, character information and the like are superimposed on the captured image and the reproduced image.

  The flash control unit 158 controls light emission of the flash 16 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110.

  The communication control unit 160 controls communication with an external device connected via the communication interface 162 in accordance with a command from the CPU 110. Note that when the digital camera 10 is connected to a personal computer via the communication interface 162, the digital camera 10 is recognized as a storage device, and data stored in the memory card 152 can be transmitted and received.

  Next, the processing operation by the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

  First, basic photographing and reproduction processing operations will be described.

  Shooting is performed by setting the mode of the digital camera 10 to the shooting mode. The shooting mode is set by pressing the power button 26 while the power is off, or by pressing the shutter button 22 when the playback mode is set.

  When the mode of the digital camera 10 is set to the shooting mode, first, an image captured by the image sensor 134 is displayed through on the monitor 28. That is, images are continuously picked up by the image pickup device 134, and the images are continuously processed to generate image data for through images. The generated image data is sequentially added to the display control unit 154 via the VRAM 122, converted into a display signal format, and output to the monitor 28. As a result, the image captured by the image sensor 134 is displayed through on the monitor 28. The photographer determines the composition by looking at the through image displayed on the monitor 28 and presses the shutter button 22 halfway.

  When the shutter button 22 is half-pressed, an S1 ON signal is input to the CPU 110. In response to the input of the S1 ON signal, the CPU 110 executes shooting preparation processing, that is, AE, AF, and AWB processing.

  First, the image signal output from the image sensor 134 is added to the AE / AWB detection unit 146 and the AF detection unit 144 via the analog signal processing unit 138 and the A / D converter 140.

  The AE / AWB detection unit 146 calculates an integrated value necessary for AE control and AWB control from the input image signal, and outputs the integrated value to the CPU 110. The CPU 110 calculates subject brightness based on the integrated value obtained from the AE / AWB detection unit 146, and determines sensitivity, aperture value, shutter speed, and the like for obtaining proper exposure. The integrated value obtained from the AE / AWB detection unit 146 is added to the digital signal processing unit 142 for white balance correction.

  In addition, the AF detection unit 144 calculates an integrated value necessary for AF control from the input image signal and outputs it to the CPU 110. The CPU 110 controls the movement of the focus lens 14F via the focus control unit 128 based on the output from the AF detection unit 144, and focuses the photographing lens 14 on the main subject.

  The photographer looks at the through image displayed on the monitor 28, confirms the focus state and the like, and instructs the execution of photographing. That is, the shutter button 22 is fully pressed.

  When the shutter button 22 is fully pressed, an S2 ON signal is input to the CPU 110. In response to the S2 ON signal, the CPU 110 executes the main photographing process.

  First, the image sensor 134 is exposed with the sensitivity, aperture value, and shutter speed obtained as a result of the AE control, and a recording image is captured.

  The recording image signal output from the image sensor 134 is added to the digital signal processing unit 142 via the analog signal processing unit 138 and the A / D converter 140. The digital signal processing unit 142 performs predetermined signal processing on the input image signal to generate image data (Y / C data) including the luminance data Y and the color difference data Cr and Cb.

  The generated image data is added to the compression / decompression processing unit 148, subjected to predetermined compression processing, and then stored in the memory 120. The CPU 110 adds predetermined information related to shooting to the compressed image data stored in the memory 120, and forms an image file of a predetermined format (Exif in the digital camera of the present embodiment) via the media controller 150 as a memory card 152. To record.

  As shown in FIG. 4, an Exif-standard image file is configured such that image auxiliary information can be recorded in a tag format in the header portion of the file. The auxiliary information tag includes information about the version and characteristics of image data. The shooting data related to the shot image such as the information related to the structure, the information related to the structure, the user information, the related file information, the information related to the date and time, the information related to the shooting condition, and the information related to the pointer to the IFD can be recorded in the tag format.

  Also, tags relating to shooting conditions include exposure time and F number at the time of shooting, exposure program, spectral sensitivity, ISO speed rate, photoelectric conversion function, shutter speed, aperture value, brightness value, exposure correction value, lens minimum F value, subject Distance, metering method, light source, flash, lens focal length, flash intensity, spatial frequency response, focal plane width resolution, focal plane height resolution, focal plane resolution unit, subject position, exposure index, sensor method, file The source, scene type, CFA pattern, etc. can be recorded.

  In addition, a maker note and a user comment can be recorded in a tag relating to user information, and various information unique to the camera and the user can be recorded in the maker note and the user comment.

  Further, an Exif standard image file can record a thumbnail image (a reduced image of the main image) in the header portion of the file. By using this thumbnail image, high-speed display on a monitor is possible. ing.

  Furthermore, an Exif standard image file has an SOI marker (Start Of Image) recorded at the top of the data and an EOI marker (End Of Image) recorded at the end so that the beginning and end of the file can be recognized. ing.

  The captured image data is recorded on the memory card 152 as an image file (Exif file) with the attached information.

  When RAW image data recording is selected as the recording format, the image data (RAW image data) after A / D conversion is recorded in the memory card 152 as an image file (RAW image file) in a predetermined format. . This RAW image file is also recorded by adding predetermined information related to photographing to the header portion in a tag format.

  The image file is recorded on the memory card 152 in accordance with a predetermined camera file system standard (in this example, the DCF standard (Design rule for Camera File system standard)).

  The image recorded on the memory card 152 as described above is reproduced and displayed on the monitor 28 by setting the mode of the digital camera 10 to the reproduction mode. That is, when the playback button 32 is pressed and the mode of the digital camera 10 is set to the playback mode, the CPU 110 stores the compressed image data of the image file last recorded on the memory card 152 via the media controller 150. read out.

  The compressed image data read from the memory card 152 is added to the compression / decompression processing unit 148, converted into non-compressed image data, and then added to the VRAM 122. Then, the data is output from the VRAM 122 to the monitor 28 via the display control unit 154. As a result, the image recorded on the memory card 152 is reproduced and displayed on the monitor 28.

  The frame advance of the image is performed by the right key and the left key of the cross button 36. When the right key is pressed, the next image is read from the memory card 152 and reproduced and displayed on the monitor 28. When the left key is pressed, the previous image is read from the memory card 152 and reproduced and displayed on the monitor 28.

  In the case of a RAW image file, the digital signal processing unit 142 performs predetermined signal processing and reproduces and displays it on the monitor 28.

  As described above, the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment records an image by setting the camera mode to the shooting mode and pressing the shutter button 22 fully. The recorded image is reproduced and displayed on the monitor 28 by setting the camera mode to the reproduction mode.

<Image file deletion process>
As described above, all the captured images are recorded on the memory card 152. However, as the number of recorded images increases, the viewability decreases and the desired image cannot be found immediately.

  Therefore, it is necessary to delete unnecessary images as necessary and organize the images recorded on the memory card 152.

  The image is deleted by displaying the image of the image file to be deleted on the monitor 28 and pressing the delete button 34 in the playback mode.

  When the CPU 110 detects that the delete button 34 has been pressed during image reproduction, the CPU 110 displays a message (for example, “Do you want to delete? OK / CANCEL”) to confirm execution of the deletion on the monitor 28.

  The user confirms this message and presses the MENU / OK button 38 to execute deletion, and presses the DISP / BACK button 40 to cancel the instruction.

  CPU 110 executes subsequent processing in response to an input from the operation unit. That is, when the DISP / BACK button 40 is pressed, the normal playback state is restored, and when the MENU / OK button 38 is pressed, the image file to be deleted is deleted from the memory card 152.

  Here, the image file to be deleted is simultaneously deleted from the memory card 152 and stored in a predetermined trash box file. That is, it is apparently deleted from the memory card 152 but stored in a predetermined trash box file. Therefore, it can be restored as necessary.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the trash file is a file (so-called multi-page file) that stores the deleted image files together, and all the deleted image files are stored in the trash file. The

  FIG. 5 shows the case where five image files [DSCF0001], [DSCF0002], [DSCF0003], [DSCF0004], and [DSCF0005] are recorded in the memory card 152, [DSCF0001] and [DSCF0002]. , [DSCF0004] shows a state when the three image files are deleted. In this case, three image files [DSCF0001], [DSCF0002], and [DSCF0004] are stored in one trash box file ([TRSH0001]). Then, the trash box file and the image files [DSCF0003] and [DSCF0005] remain in the memory card 152.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the data structure of a trash can file. As shown in the figure, the trash can file has a main image area D1 and a deleted image area D2.

  The deleted image area D2 is an area for storing a deleted image file. The deleted image files are stored in the deleted image area D2 in the order of deletion while maintaining the data structure (Exif standard). At this time, in each image file, an SOI marker is recorded at the leading end of the data and an EOI marker is recorded at the end. Thereby, the start and end of each image file can be recognized.

  The main image area D1 is an area for selecting one of the deleted image files stored in the deleted image area D2 and storing the image as a main image. In this example, the image of the image file deleted first is stored as the main image.

  The main image area D1 is configured according to the Exif standard. Therefore, even if the device cannot recognize the trash can file, it can display at least the image of the file stored in the main image area D1 as long as the device can recognize the Exif file.

  In the Exif IFD area of the IFD0 area (0th IFD) provided in the header part of the main image area D1, deleted image area presence / absence information indicating whether or not the file (trash can file) includes the deleted image area D2, When the deleted image area D2 is included, information (pointer) indicating the storage location of the deleted image index information is stored. Therefore, a device that can recognize a trash can file can determine whether it is a trash can file by reading this IFD0 area (0th IFD).

  Also, in this IFD0 area (0th IFD), deleted image identification IFD (1),..., IFD (n) indicating the storage location of the deleted image file in this file (SOI marker address of each image file) is stored. The Therefore, a device capable of recognizing the trash can file can recognize the storage position of each image file by reading this IFD0 area (0th IFD).

  On the other hand, the thumbnail image of the deleted image file is stored in the IFD1 area (1st IFD). Therefore, when displaying a list of each image file stored in the trash can file on a monitor capable of recognizing the trash can file, the thumbnail image stored in this IFD1 area (1st IFD) is used to monitor the image file. Can be displayed.

  In the other area of the header, the stored image information is recorded as it is. Therefore, in this example, the image information of the image file deleted first is recorded as it is, and the thumbnail of the image file deleted first is also recorded as the thumbnail image.

  In addition, as described above, the main image area D1 is configured according to the Exif standard, so even if the device cannot recognize the trash can file, the main image area D1 can be displayed on the monitor by reading the information in the main image area D1. Can be displayed. In this case, an image of the file stored in the main image area D1 (image file image deleted first) is displayed.

  In this example, the information of the deleted image file is recorded in the IFD0 area (0th IFD) of the main image area D1, but in addition to this, the information of the deleted image file (internal information of the trash can file) (Number of files, date and time of deletion, image information, etc.)) may be recorded. In other words, any configuration may be used as long as at least the number of stored image files and the area (start address and end address) can be read from the information recorded in the header in a configuration according to the Exif file.

  Also, the trash box file is recorded in the same directory (folder) as the deleted image file.

  Here, as described above, in the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment, the image file is stored in the memory card 152 in accordance with the DCF standard.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in the DCF standard, a DCF image directory (“DCIM”) is generated directly under the root directory, and DCF directories (“100_FUJI”, “101_FUJI” are created in a lower layer of the DCF image directory (“DCIM”). ", ...) is generated. An image file of an image obtained by shooting is stored in this DCF directory (“100_FUJI”, “101_FUJI”,...).

  Therefore, the trash box file is generated in units of DCF directories (DCF folders) and stored in the DCF directory.

  The directory name of the DCF directory is composed of a directory number as the first three characters and a free character as the five characters following the directory number (in this example, the free character is composed of “_FUJI”).

  In the file name, the first 4 characters are composed of free characters, and the 4 characters following the free characters are composed of file numbers (in this example, the free characters are composed of “DSCF”. The characters are composed of “TRSH”).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the trash file generation process.

  As described above, the image file is deleted by displaying the image of the image file to be deleted on the monitor 28 and pressing the delete button 34 in the playback mode.

  First, the user sets the camera mode to the playback mode, and displays the image of the image file to be deleted on the monitor 28 (step S10).

  Based on the input from the operation unit 112, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the delete button 34 has been pressed, that is, whether or not deletion has been instructed (step S11).

  If it is determined that the deletion has been instructed, the CPU 110 displays a deletion confirmation message (for example, “Do you want to delete this image?”) On the monitor 28 (step S12). The user confirms this message and presses the MENU / OK button 38 to execute deletion, and presses the DISP / BACK button 40 to cancel the instruction. CPU110 determines whether execution of deletion was instruct | indicated based on the input from an operation part (step S13). When deletion is instructed, the CPU 110 determines whether a trash box file exists in the folder (directory) in which the image file to be deleted is stored (step S14).

  If it is determined that there is no trash can file in the folder in which the image file to be deleted is stored, the CPU 110 creates a new trash can file (step S15). As described above, the trash can file is generated by storing the image first instructed to be deleted as the main image in the main image area D1 and recording necessary information in the header portion thereof. CPU 110 adds the image file of the image instructed to be deleted to the newly created trash can file (step S16). As a result, a trash box file storing the image file of the image instructed to be deleted is generated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the trash box file already exists, the CPU 110 adds the image file of the image instructed to be deleted to the existing trash box file (step S16). As a result, a trash box file in which the image file of the image instructed to be deleted is additionally stored is generated.

  As described above, when the CPU 110 receives an instruction to execute deletion, the CPU 110 stores the image file of the image instructed to be deleted in the trash box file. After performing the storage process in the trash file, the CPU 110 deletes the image file of the image instructed to be deleted from the memory card 152 (step S17).

  Thereafter, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the end of the playback mode is instructed based on the input from the operation unit 112 (step S18), and ends the process when the end of the playback mode is instructed.

  When the image file is deleted, the image of the next image file (file number is the image of the next image file) is reproduced and displayed on the monitor 28.

  As described above, in the digital camera according to the present embodiment, when an image deletion is instructed, the image file of the image instructed to be deleted is stored in the trash box file and then deleted from the memory card 152. The trash can file is composed of one file, and the deleted image file is sequentially added and generated. By storing the image file instructed to be deleted as a single file in this way, it is possible to improve management and viewability.

  In this example, after deletion is instructed, a process for confirming the execution of deletion is performed once (steps S12 and S13). However, the confirmation may be performed without performing the confirmation process. .

  As described above, in the digital camera according to the present embodiment, the deleted image files are combined into one trash box file and stored in the trash box file. In this way, the image file stored in the trash box file is necessary. It can be restored accordingly. Hereinafter, the restoration process of the image file stored in the trash box file will be described.

  The image file restoration process is performed by setting the camera mode to a predetermined file restoration mode. In the present embodiment, the file restoration mode is called by the menu screen. That is, “call file restore mode” is prepared as one of the menu items, and this item is selected to shift the camera mode to the file restore mode.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the image file restoration process.

  As described above, first, the camera mode is set to the file restoration mode (step S20).

  When the camera mode is set to the file restoration mode, the CPU 110 allows the user to select a directory (folder) (step S21). That is, the selection process of the directory storing the image file to be restored is performed. This selection process is performed, for example, by displaying a list of DCF directories generated in the DCF image root directory of the memory card 152 and selecting one of them.

  When a directory is selected, the CPU 110 accesses the memory card 152 and determines whether or not a trash box file exists in the directory (step S22). If it is determined that there is no trash box file in the selected directory, the CPU 110 displays a predetermined error message (for example, “no image that can be restored”) on the monitor 28 (step S30).

  On the other hand, when the trash box file exists in the selected directory, the image of the image file stored in the trash box file is displayed on the monitor 28 (step S23).

  In addition, as a display form of the image, for example, each frame may be displayed or a plurality of frames may be displayed together (2 × 2 frames, 3 × 3 frames, 4 × 4 frames). etc).

  This display can be quickly performed by using the thumbnail image stored in the IFD1 area (1st IFD) of the trash box file.

  Using the operation unit, the user selects an image to be restored from the images displayed on the monitor 28, and inputs a restoration instruction (step S24). When an image is displayed frame by frame, for example, the image to be restored is displayed on a monitor and the MENU / OK button 38 is pressed. Further, when a plurality of frames are displayed together, the images to be restored are selected with the cursor and the MENU / OK button 38 is pressed.

  When an image to be restored is selected and an instruction for restoration is input, the CPU 110 displays a message confirming the execution of the restoration (for example, “Do you want to restore this image?”) On the monitor 28 (step S25). ). The user views the message and presses the MENU / OK button 38 when instructing to execute restoration, and presses the DISP / BACK button 40 when canceling the process.

  CPU110 determines whether execution of restoration was instructed based on an input from operation unit 112 (step S26). If it is determined that the execution of restoration is instructed, the image file of the selected image is extracted from the trash box file, and the image file is restored (step S27). That is, it is recorded again on the memory card 152. At this time, since the image file is stored in the trash box file with the original data structure, it can be easily and quickly restored.

  After this restoration processing, the CPU 110 deletes the trash box file area in which the restored image file was stored (step S28).

  In this deletion process, the area where the restored image file is stored may be completely deleted, and the trash box file may be reconstructed, or the area where the restored image file is stored may be NULL. , It may be deleted.

  As described above, when the process of deleting the target file area of the trash box file is performed, the CPU 110 displays a message asking the continuation of the restoration process on the monitor 28. The user confirms this message and inputs the necessity of continuing the restoration process from the operation unit 112.

  The CPU 110 determines whether or not the continuation of the restoration process is necessary based on the input from the operation unit 112 (step S29). When it is determined that the restoration process has been instructed, the process ends. On the other hand, when continuing, it returns to step 21 and performs the said process again.

  Thus, according to the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment, an image once deleted can be restored as necessary. In addition, the restoration process can be easily performed.

  In this example, the case where a plurality of DCF directories (folders) are generated in the memory card has been described as an example. However, when there is only one DCF directory, the directory selection process is not performed. Also good.

  Even if a plurality of DCF directories are generated in the memory card, the directory selection process is not performed, the trash box file existing in the memory card is searched, and the searched trash box file is displayed on the monitor. (List display or individual display (display by frame advance etc.)), and a trash box file to be processed may be selected.

  In this example, when executing restoration, processing for confirming execution of the processing is performed (step S25 and step S26). However, the restoration processing may be executed without performing the processing. .

  Incidentally, there are images that do not need to be restored, such as images that have completely failed to be captured. It is preferable to delete such an image completely because it reduces the viewability of the image in the trash box file.

  Therefore, the digital camera 10 according to the present embodiment has a function of completely deleting an image stored in the trash box file. Hereinafter, processing for deleting an image stored in the trash box file will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for deleting an image file stored in a trash box file.

  The process of deleting the image file stored in the trash box file is performed by setting the camera mode to the file deletion mode (step S40). Note that the transition to the file deletion mode is performed on the menu screen as in the file restoration mode.

  When the camera mode is set to the file deletion mode, the CPU 110 allows the user to select a directory (folder) (step S41). That is, the selection process of the directory storing the image file to be completely deleted is performed. This selection process is performed by causing the monitor 28 to display a list of DCF directories generated in the DCF image root directory of the memory card 152 and selecting one of them, as in the file restoration mode.

  When a directory is selected, the CPU 110 accesses the memory card 152 and determines whether or not a trash box file exists in the directory (step S42). If it is determined that the trash box file does not exist in the selected directory, the CPU 110 displays a predetermined error message (for example, “no trash box file”) on the monitor 28 (step S49).

  On the other hand, when the trash box file exists in the selected directory, the image of the image file stored in the trash box file is displayed on the monitor 28 (step S43).

  The user uses the operation unit to select an image to be completely deleted from the images displayed on the monitor 28 and instruct execution of the complete deletion (step S44).

  When an image to be completely deleted is selected and an instruction for complete deletion is input, the CPU 110 displays a message confirming execution of the complete deletion (for example, “Do you want to delete this image completely?”) On the monitor 28. It is displayed (step S45). The user views the message and presses the MENU / OK button 38 when instructing execution of complete deletion, and presses the DISP / BACK button 40 when canceling the process.

  Based on the input from the operation unit 112, the CPU 110 determines whether execution of complete deletion has been instructed (step S46). If it is determined that execution of complete deletion has been instructed, the image file of the selected image is deleted from the trash box file. That is, the trash box file area in which the image file is stored is deleted (step S47).

  In this deletion process, the area storing the image file to be deleted may be completely deleted, and the trash box file may be reconstructed, or the area storing the image file to be deleted You may make it delete as NULL. Note that the method of completely deleting the area storing the image file to be deleted can reduce the file size of the trash can file, and the method of NULL can shorten the processing time.

  Thereafter, the CPU 110 causes the monitor 28 to display a message asking whether to continue the process of complete deletion of the image file. The user confirms this message and inputs whether or not to continue the process from the operation unit 112.

  Based on the input from the operation unit 112, the CPU 110 determines whether or not it is necessary to continue the process (step S48). When it is determined that the process has been instructed, the process ends. On the other hand, when continuing, it returns to step S41 and performs the said process again.

  As described above, according to the digital camera 10 of the present embodiment, an image can be completely deleted as necessary. As a result, it is possible to improve image management and viewability during the restoration process.

  It should be noted that the directory selection process may not be performed when only one DCF directory is generated in the memory card, and that a plurality of DCF directories are generated in the memory card. However, the directory selection process is not performed, the trash file existing in the memory card can be searched and displayed, and the user can select the trash file to be processed. It is.

  Further, in this example, when executing the complete deletion, a process for confirming the execution of the process is performed (steps S45 and S46). However, the restoration process may be performed without performing the process. Good.

  In the above example, image file restoration and complete deletion are performed in different modes. However, image file restoration and deletion may be performed in one mode.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for restoring / deleting an image file stored in a trash box file.

  This process is performed by setting the camera mode to the file editing mode (step S60). Note that the transition to the file editing mode is performed on the menu screen as in the file restoration mode.

  When the camera mode is set to the file editing mode, the CPU 110 allows the user to select a directory (folder) (step S61). That is, the selection processing of the directory storing the trash box file to be edited is performed.

  When the directory is selected, the CPU 110 accesses the memory card 152 and determines whether or not a trash box file exists in the directory (step S62). If it is determined that there is no trash box file in the selected directory, the CPU 110 displays a predetermined error message (for example, “There is no image to be restored / completely deleted”) on the monitor 28 (step S75).

  On the other hand, if a trash box file exists in the selected directory, the image of the image file stored in the trash box file is displayed on the monitor 28 (step S63).

  FIG. 12 is an example of image display. As shown in the figure, the image of the image file stored in the trash box file is displayed at the center of the screen of the monitor 28.

  Here, the image displayed on the monitor 28 is the image of the image file deleted first. Note that the image to be displayed first is not limited to this, and an image deleted last or an image stored in the main image area may be displayed.

  The user issues a frame advance instruction by pressing the right button of the cross button 36 and a frame return instruction by pressing the left button. Based on the input from the operation unit 112, the CPU 110 determines whether or not an instruction for image frame advance and frame return has been issued (step S64).

  Here, when frame advance is instructed, the CPU 110 displays the image of the next deleted image file on the monitor 28, and when the frame reverse is displayed, the image of the previously deleted image file (first In the case of the image file deleted in step S65, the monitor 28 displays the image of the image file last deleted (step S65).

  As described above, the user displays an image desired to be restored or completely deleted on the screen of the monitor 28 by operating the right button or the left button of the cross button 36.

  When the image of the image file desired to be restored or completely deleted is displayed on the monitor 28, the upper button or the lower button of the cross button 36 is pressed. That is, when it is desired to restore the image displayed on the monitor 28, the upper button of the cross button 36 is pressed, and when deletion is desired, the lower button is pressed.

  The monitor has a function assigned to each direction so that the user can recognize that the right button of the cross button 36 advances the frame, the left button returns the frame, the upper button restores, and the lower button deletes. (An icon indicating frame advance in the right direction, an icon indicating frame return in the left direction, an icon indicating restoration in the upward direction, and an icon indicating deletion in the downward direction). An icon indicating that the mode is the file editing mode is displayed in the upper left corner of the screen.

  If it is determined in step S64 that frame advance / frame return is not instructed, the CPU 110 determines whether restoration or deletion of the display image is instructed based on an input from the operation unit (step S66).

  If it is determined that restoration is instructed (when it is determined that the upper button of the cross button 36 is pressed), the CPU 110 displays a message for confirming restoration (for example, “Do you want to restore this image?”). It is displayed on the monitor 28 (step S67). The user views the message and presses the MENU / OK button 38 when instructing to execute restoration, and presses the DISP / BACK button 40 when canceling the process.

  CPU110 determines whether execution of restoration was instructed based on an input from operation unit 112 (step S68). If it is determined that execution of restoration is instructed, the image file of the selected image is extracted from the trash box file, and the image file is restored (step S69). Then, the area of the trash box file in which the restored image file is stored is deleted (step S70).

  Thereafter, the CPU 110 causes the monitor 28 to display a message for inquiring the continuation of the restoration process. The user confirms this message and inputs the necessity of continuing the restoration process from the operation unit 112. Based on the input from the operation unit 112, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the restoration process needs to be continued (step S74). Thereby, a desired image can be restored.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S66 that deletion has been instructed (when it is determined that the lower button of the cross button 36 has been pressed), the CPU 110 confirms the deletion execution (for example, “Delete this image completely”). Etc.? "Is displayed on the monitor 28 (step S71). The user views the message and presses the MENU / OK button 38 when instructing execution of complete deletion, and presses the DISP / BACK button 40 when canceling the process.

  CPU110 determines whether execution of deletion was instruct | indicated based on the input from the operation part 112 (step S72). If it is determined that execution of deletion has been instructed, the image file of the selected image is deleted from the trash box file (step S73).

  Thereafter, the CPU 110 causes the monitor 28 to display a message for inquiring the continuation of the restoration process. The user confirms this message and inputs the necessity of continuing the restoration process from the operation unit 112. Based on the input from the operation unit 112, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the restoration process needs to be continued (step S74). As a result, unnecessary image files can be deleted from the trash box file and completely deleted from the memory card 152.

  As described above, the image file can be restored and deleted in one mode (file editing mode). As a result, the image file can be efficiently managed.

  In this example, the right button of the cross button 36 is forwarded, the left button is moved back, the upper button is restored, and the lower button is assigned to delete. For example, the right button of the cross button 36 is deleted, the left button May be restored, the upper button may be forwarded frame by frame, and the lower button may be assigned to frame backward. Also in this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the user can recognize that the right button of the cross button 36 is deleted, the left button is restored, the upper button is moved forward, and the lower button is moved backward, as shown in FIG. The icon indicating the function assigned to each direction is displayed (the icon indicating deletion in the right direction, the icon indicating restoration in the left direction, the icon indicating frame advance in the upward direction, and the icon indicating frame return in the downward direction. Is displayed.)

<Other Embodiment 1 of Trash File Generation Processing>
The digital camera according to the above-described embodiment is configured to store all the deleted image files in one trash can file. However, if the number of deleted image files becomes enormous, management / viewability deteriorates. To do. Therefore, it is preferable that the number of image files that can be stored in the trash box file can be limited to a certain number.

  Hereinafter, processing when a trash box file is generated with a limit on the number of stored image files will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a trash can file generation process when the number of stored image files is limited.

  The point that the image file is deleted in the playback mode is the same as described above. First, the user sets the camera mode to the playback mode, and displays the image of the image file to be deleted on the monitor 28 (step S80).

  Based on the input from the operation unit 112, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the delete button 34 has been pressed, that is, whether or not deletion has been instructed (step S81).

  If it is determined that the deletion has been instructed, the CPU 110 displays a deletion confirmation message on the monitor 28 (step S82). The user confirms this message and presses the MENU / OK button 38 to execute deletion, and presses the DISP / BACK button 40 to cancel the instruction. CPU110 determines whether deletion was instruct | indicated based on the input from an operation part (step S83). When deletion is instructed, the CPU 110 determines whether a trash box file exists in the folder (directory) in which the image file to be deleted is stored (step S84).

  If it is determined that the trash can file does not exist in the folder storing the image file to be deleted, the CPU 110 newly creates a trash can file (step S85). Then, the image file of the image instructed to be deleted is recorded in the newly created trash box file (step S86). As a result, a trash box file storing the image file of the image instructed to be deleted is generated. Thereafter, the CPU 110 deletes the image file of the image instructed to be deleted from the memory card 152 (step S87). After the image file is deleted, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the end of the playback mode is instructed based on the input from the operation unit 112 (step S88). The process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S84 that the trash box file already exists, the CPU 110 has reached the upper limit of the preset number of image files stored in the existing trash box file. It is determined whether or not there is (step S89).

  If the CPU 110 determines that the number of stored image files has not reached the upper limit value, the CPU 110 adds the image file of the image instructed to be deleted to the existing trash box file (step S87). Thereafter, the CPU 110 deletes the image file of the image instructed to be deleted from the memory card 152 (step S87).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step 89 that the number of image files stored in the existing trash box file has reached the upper limit, the CPU 110 newly creates a trash box file (step S85). Then, the image file of the image instructed to be deleted is recorded in the newly created trash box file (step S86). As a result, a trash box file storing the image file of the image instructed to be deleted is generated.

  At this time, the file name is given by a serial number. For example, in this example, the file name of the trash can file is “TRSH ****” (**** is the file number), so the trash bin file generated first has the file name “TRSH0001” The file name of the next generated trash box file is “TRSH0002”. That is, each time a trash can file is generated, its file number is incremented by one. Thereby, it becomes easy to understand the generation order, and management can be facilitated.

  Note that this trash box file is also stored in the directory (folder) in which the image file instructed to be deleted is stored.

  Thereafter, the CPU 110 deletes the image file of the image instructed to be deleted from the memory card 152 (step S87). After the image file is deleted, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the end of the playback mode is instructed based on the input from the operation unit 112 (step S88). The process ends.

  As described above, by restricting the number of image files that can be stored in the trash can file, it is possible to improve the management / viewability of the image files stored in the trash can file.

  Also, when restoring an image file from a trash can file, the target image file can be quickly extracted (seeked), and the processing time can be shortened.

  Note that the upper limit value of the number of image files that can be stored in one trash can file may be set by the user or may be a fixed value (for example, 100). When the user sets, it may be set to an arbitrary value or may be selected from preset numerical values. In this case, for example, an item for setting the upper limit value of the image file that can be stored in the trash box file is prepared as one of the menu items, and the user sets the storage number on the menu screen.

<Other Embodiment 2 of Trash File Generation Processing>
In the above-described embodiment, the image file instructed to be deleted is stored as it is in the trash can file. However, if the image file instructed to be deleted is a RAW image file, the file size of the trash can file is stored as it is in the trash can file. May become extremely large.

  Therefore, if the image file to be deleted is a RAW image file, the image data (main image data) stored in the image file is compressed, and the image file (here, an Exif file) in a predetermined format is used as a trash can file. To store.

  Hereinafter, a procedure for generating a trash box file including a case of storing an uncompressed image file will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a trash box file generation process including a case where an uncompressed image file is stored.

  The point that the image file is deleted in the playback mode is the same as described above. First, the user sets the camera mode to the playback mode, and displays the image of the image file to be deleted on the monitor 28 (step S100).

  Based on the input from the operation unit 112, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the delete button 34 has been pressed, that is, whether or not deletion has been instructed (step S101).

  If it is determined that the deletion is instructed, the CPU 110 displays a deletion confirmation message on the monitor 28 (step S102). The user confirms this message and presses the MENU / OK button 38 to execute deletion, and presses the DISP / BACK button 40 to cancel the instruction. CPU110 determines whether execution of deletion was instruct | indicated based on the input from an operation part (step S103). When deletion is instructed, the CPU 110 determines whether or not a trash box file exists in the folder (directory) in which the deletion target image file is stored (step S104).

  If it is determined that there is no trash can file in the folder in which the image file to be deleted is stored, the CPU 110 newly creates a trash can file (step S105).

  Thereafter, the CPU 110 determines whether the image file of the image to be deleted is an image file (compressed file) of compressed image data (step S106).

  If it is determined that the image file of the image to be deleted is not a compressed file (in this embodiment, it is determined that the image file is a RAW image file), the CPU 110 compresses the image data stored in the image file. The image data is compressed by the decompression processing unit 148 to generate an image file (Exif file in the present embodiment) in a predetermined format (step S107). Then, the generated image file is added to the trash box file (step S108).

  If it is determined that the image file of the image to be deleted is a compressed file (in this embodiment, if the stored image data is determined to be a JPEG-compressed image file), the image file is directly displayed in the trash box. Append to the file (step S108).

  Thereafter, the CPU 110 deletes the image file of the image instructed to be deleted from the memory card 152 (step S109). Then, after deleting the image file, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the end of the playback mode is instructed based on the input from the operation unit 112 (step S110). When the end of the playback mode is instructed, The process ends.

  As described above, when the image file of the image that is instructed to be deleted is not a compressed file, it is possible to prevent the file size of the trash can file from becoming extremely large by storing the image in the trash can file after compression processing.

  In the above example, RAW image data is JPEG-compressed and converted into an Exif file in order to improve the manageability and handleability of the compressed image file. However, the compression format and file format are limited to this. Is not to be done. For example, the compression may be performed using a reversible compression method (for example, JPEG 2000) or may be converted to another file format.

  In the above example, if the image file to be deleted is not a compressed file, the image data is unconditionally compressed and stored in the trash box file. You may make it store in a trash box file according to a user's instruction | indication.

<Other examples of trash file configuration>
As described above, the digital camera according to the present embodiment generates a trash box file according to the Exif format. In the main image area D1, the first deleted image file is stored.

  The trash box file generated in this way can be handled in the same way as a normal Exif file. When the Exif file is opened by a device that can recognize the image, the first deleted image is displayed on the monitor.

  However, such a display may be confused with a normal image file and may be deleted by mistake.

  Therefore, it is preferable that the trash can file can be distinguished from other image files at a glance.

  For this reason, it is more preferable to store an image that can be recognized as a trash can file in the main image area D1.

  As such an image, an image as shown in FIG. 16 can be considered. FIGS. 7A to 7C show images of image files stored in the trash can file as indexes.

  FIG. 5A shows an index display of images of specific image files (for example, images of four image files deleted first) stored in the trash can file. Each image is displayed vertically and horizontally. They are arranged and displayed (in this example, they are displayed as 2 × 2).

  FIG. 4B shows an index display of images of specific image files (for example, images of five image files deleted first) stored in the trash can file. Each image is randomly displayed. It is arranged and displayed.

  FIG. 4C shows the images of all the image files stored in the trash box file as indexes, and displays the images arranged vertically and horizontally.

  On the other hand, FIG. 4D shows an image of a trash can.

  When the image shown in FIG. 16D is used, an image file of the image is prepared in advance (for example, stored in the ROM 116, the flash ROM 118, etc.), and the image file is used when generating the trash box file. To generate a trash file.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 16A to 16C, an index image is generated using an image of an image file stored in a trash can file, and the index image is used as a main image of the trash can file. Generates an index image when generating a trash can file.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a trash box file generation process when an index image of an image stored in a trash box file is used as a main image.

  This flowchart is a flowchart when the image shown in FIG. 16A is generated as the main image of the trash can file. In other words, this is a flowchart in a case where an index image is generated from images of four image files deleted first and the index image is set as a main image.

  The point that the image file is deleted in the playback mode is the same as described above. First, the user sets the camera mode to the playback mode, and displays the image of the image file to be deleted on the monitor 28 (step S120).

  Based on the input from the operation unit 112, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the delete button 34 has been pressed, that is, whether or not deletion has been instructed (step S121).

  When determining that the deletion is instructed, the CPU 110 displays a deletion confirmation message on the monitor 28 (step S122). The user confirms this message and presses the MENU / OK button 38 to execute deletion, and presses the DISP / BACK button 40 to cancel the instruction. CPU110 determines whether execution of deletion was instruct | indicated based on the input from an operation part (step S123). When deletion is instructed, the CPU 110 determines whether or not a trash box file exists in the folder (directory) in which the deletion target image file is stored (step S124).

  If it is determined that there is no trash can file in the folder storing the image file to be deleted, the CPU 110 newly creates a trash can file (step S12).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the main image of the trash can file needs to be updated (step S126). That is, it is determined whether or not an index image has been generated from the images of the four image files deleted first.

  If it is determined that the index image has not been generated from the images of the first deleted four image files (when it is determined that the main image needs to be updated), the CPU 110 performs index image generation processing (main image update). Process) (step S127). In other words, the digital signal processing unit 142 is caused to perform index image generation processing using the image of the deleted image file. Then, a trash can file is generated using the generated index image as a main image. That is, the generated index image is stored as a main image in the main image area D1.

  This update process of the main image is performed until the index image is completed, that is, until the four image files are deleted.

  The CPU 110 records the image file of the image instructed to be deleted in the trash box file created in this way (step S128). Then, the image file of the image instructed to be deleted is deleted from the memory card 152 (step S129).

  Thereafter, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the end of the playback mode is instructed based on the input from the operation unit 112 (step S130), and ends the process when the end of the playback mode is instructed.

  The trash file generated in this way displays an image in which the images of the image files stored in the trash file at the time of display (images for the first four deleted images) are displayed as indexes. It can be easily identified from the file. Also, the contents can be confirmed.

  In this example, the index image is generated from the images of the four image files that are deleted first. However, the image for generating the index image and the number of images are not limited to this. Absent. For example, an index image may be generated from the images of the last four deleted image files (in this case, the index image is updated each time the image is deleted), or images extracted every certain number of images. An index image may be generated from.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 16C, when the image obtained by indexing all the images of the image file stored in the trash can file is used as the main image, the main image is updated every time the image file is deleted. Processing is performed.

  In addition, when generating an index image, it is preferable to synthesize a predetermined pattern (for example, a trash can image) on the background so that it can be clearly recognized that the file is a trash can file.

  Note that the timing for generating the index image is not limited to the time of image deletion (addition to a trash box file) or the generation of a trash box file, but may be performed at an arbitrary timing.

<Other example 1 of display method of trash file>
As described above, in the digital camera according to the present embodiment, a trash can file is generated according to the Exif format, and when the Exif file is opened by a device that can recognize the main image stored in the main image area D1. Is displayed.

  Here, as described above, when the index image of the deleted image stored in the trash can file is stored as the main image, the index image is displayed on the monitor, so it can be easily compared with other image files. Can be distinguished.

  However, when the index image is not stored as the main image, there is a possibility that it cannot be easily distinguished from other image files.

  Therefore, when displaying a trash box file, it is preferable to display an index of images stored in the trash box file.

  Hereinafter, a process for displaying a trash box file will be described.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when an image stored in the trash box file is displayed as an index.

  As described above, when the playback mode is set (step S140), the image of the image file recorded on the memory card 152 is displayed on the monitor.

  First, the CPU 110 determines whether the image file to be displayed is a trash box file (step S141).

  If the CPU 110 determines that the file is not a trash can file, the CPU 110 displays the image of the image file on the monitor 28 in accordance with a normal display processing method (step S148).

  On the other hand, if the image file to be displayed is determined to be a trash box file, the CPU 110 analyzes the trash box file (step S142). Then, it is determined whether or not an index image is stored as a main image in the main image area D1 (step S143).

  Whether or not the main image stored in the main image area D1 is an index image is determined by, for example, reading information on the header of the main image area D1. Therefore, when an index image is recorded as a main image, information indicating that the image is an index image is recorded in the header of the main image area D1.

  When CPU 110 determines that the image stored as the main image is an index image, CPU 110 causes the monitor 28 to display the index image stored as the main image (step S144). Thereby, it is possible to confirm that the file is a trash box file and its contents.

  If a thumbnail of the index image stored as the main image is stored, this thumbnail may be displayed on the monitor. Thereby, the index image can be displayed quickly.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that no index image is stored as the main image, an index image is generated from the image file stored in the trash box file (step S145). Then, the generated index image is displayed on the monitor 28 (step S146). Thereby, it is possible to confirm that the file is a trash box file and its contents.

  When generating an index image, if a thumbnail is stored in each image file, the index image may be generated using the thumbnail.

  As described above, even when the index image is not recorded as the main image of the trash can file (the image stored in the main image area D1), the index image is generated from the image file stored in the trash can file. By displaying on the monitor, it is possible to easily distinguish between a normal image file and a trash box file. In addition, the contents of the trash can file can be easily confirmed.

  In this example, if an index image is recorded as the main image of the trash can file, the trash bin file is displayed using this, but the image stored in the trash can file is displayed regardless of the presence or absence of the index image. An index image may be generated from the file and displayed on the monitor.

  In addition, the index image may be generated from images of all image files stored in the trash file, or an image of a specific image file (for example, N images deleted first, last deleted) N sheets (N is an integer)) may be generated. Moreover, the arrangement | sequence form can also take a various aspect.

  Further, when displaying the image of the trash can file, it is preferable to simultaneously display the number of images stored in the trash can file. Thereby, the number of stored sheets can also be grasped.

  In addition, when the contents of the trash box file are individually displayed, a display that can identify the number of images currently being displayed (for example, the total number is 102 and the third image is displayed). Is preferably displayed together with “3/102 sheets”.

<Other example 2 of display method of trash file>
As described above, in the digital camera according to the present embodiment, a trash can file is generated according to the Exif format, and when the Exif file is opened by a device that can recognize the main image stored in the main image area D1. Is displayed.

  The trash box file is a collection of unnecessary image files that can be restored as needed, so that the display is only necessary when necessary (for example, at the time of restoration or complete deletion).

  Therefore, it is preferable that display / non-display of the trash can file can be arbitrarily set.

  In the following, a description will be given of processing in a case where display / non-display of the trash box file is arbitrarily set and the trash box file is displayed.

  The display / non-display setting of the trash box file is performed on a menu screen, for example. That is, as one of the menu items, a setting item for displaying / hiding the trash box file is prepared, and this item can be selected to set display / non-display (display ON / OFF). .

  The set information is stored in the flash ROM 118, for example. The CPU 110 performs a trash file display process in accordance with the display / non-display setting of the trash file.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the image reproduction process when the display / non-display setting of the trash box file is performed.

  First, when the camera mode is set to the playback mode (step S160). The image file stored in the memory card 152 is read (step S161). At this time, the file to be read first is not particularly limited, but here, it is assumed that the image file is taken last.

  The CPU 110 determines whether or not the read image file is a trash box file (step S162).

  If the CPU 110 determines that the read image file is not a trash can file, the CPU 110 displays the image of the image file on the monitor 28 according to normal processing (step S164).

  On the other hand, when determining that the read image file is a trash box file, the CPU 110 determines whether or not the display setting of the trash box file is turned on based on the setting information stored in the flash ROM 118 (step S163).

  If the CPU 110 determines that the display setting of the trash box file is set to ON, the CPU 110 displays the image (main image) of the image file on the monitor 28 (step S164).

  On the other hand, when determining that the display setting of the trash box file is set to OFF, the CPU 110 does not display the image but reads the next image file (step S161).

  Thereafter, the CPU 110 determines whether or not a frame advance / frame return operation has been performed based on an input from the operation unit 112 (step S165). If it is determined that a frame advance / frame return operation has been performed, the process returns to step S161 to read out the next image file (frame advance character) or the previous image file (at the time of frame return). If it is determined that the frame advance / return operation has not been performed, it is determined whether or not the end of the playback mode has been instructed (step S166). If it is determined that the end of the playback mode has been instructed, the image playback is performed. End the process.

  As described above, the display / non-display of the trash box file can be set, so that the trash box file can be prevented from being accidentally deleted, and the usability can be improved.

  In this example, the display setting of the trash box file is recorded in the flash ROM 118, but may be recorded in the trash box file itself (for example, recorded in a maker note or the like).

  In this example, the display setting of the trash can file is collectively performed, but display / non-display may be set individually for each trash can file.

<Another example of storage form of trash file>
In the above embodiment, a trash box file is generated for each DCF directory generated in the memory card. That is, the trash box file is stored in the same directory as the deleted image file.

  However, the storage location of the trash box file is not limited to this. Hereinafter, a storage form of the trash box file will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the directory structure of the memory card. As shown in the figure, in this example, the trash box file is stored in the DCF image root directory of the memory card. As described above, instead of storing the trash box file for each directory (folder) in which the image file is stored, it can be stored for each DCF image root directory.

  In this case, the trash can file itself may be generated in units of directories in which image files are stored, or may be generated as a single unit regardless of the directory in which the image files are stored. Good.

  FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the directory structure of the memory card. As shown in the figure, in this example, a dedicated directory (folder) for storing a trash box file is generated directly under the DCF image root directory, and the trash box file is stored in that directory.

  Also in this case, the trash can file itself may be generated for each directory in which the image file is stored, or may be generated as a single unit regardless of the directory in which the image file is stored. Also good.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of another example of the storage form of the trash box file. As shown in the figure, in this example, an image file of an image obtained by photographing is stored in a memory card 152, and a trash box file is stored in a flash ROM 118 which is a built-in memory.

  Thereby, when the memory card 152 is removed from the camera and read by another device, it is possible to effectively prevent the trash box file from being accidentally deleted. In addition, it is possible to effectively prevent a malfunction from occurring because other devices cannot recognize the trash box file.

  Also in this case, the trash can file itself may be generated in units of directories of the memory card in which the image file is stored, or may be combined into one regardless of the directory of the memory card in which the image file is stored. May be generated.

  As described above, if the trash box file is read by a device that cannot recognize the trash box file, a problem may occur.

  Therefore, it is preferable that the trash box file is not selectively recognized by an external device.

  As this method, for example, the attribute of the file may be set to a hidden file.

  In addition, the digital camera of this embodiment can be connected to an external device such as a personal computer via the communication interface 162. When connected, the digital camera is recognized as a storage device. By not notifying the external device side of the trash box file, the trash box file can be prevented from being recognized.

  Further, when the trash box file is stored in the internal memory of the device (the flash ROM 118 in the above example), the trash bin file is recognized by the external device by not allowing the external device to recognize (notify) the internal memory itself. Can be prevented.

<Other embodiments>
In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital camera has been described as an example. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this. Any device having a storage unit that stores an image and a function of displaying an image file stored in the storage unit can be applied in the same manner, and the same effects can be obtained. In particular, in the case of a personal computer, the above functions can be realized by a predetermined program.

  In the above embodiment, the trash box file is configured according to the Exif format, but the configuration of the trash box file is not limited to this. In other words, any configuration may be used as long as a plurality of deleted image files can be stored together as one file.

  Also, with regard to the image file to be stored, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the Exif file and the RAW image file are stored has been described as an example, but the format of the image file is not particularly limited, and other formats The same applies to the case of deleting the image file.

  In the above embodiment, the Exif file and the RAW image file are mixedly stored in the trash file, but a trash file may be generated for each file format. That is, the Exif file may be generated separately for the Exif file, and the RAW image file may be generated separately for the RAW image file.

  In the above embodiment, the trash box file is recorded on the memory card in accordance with the DCF standard. However, the method of storing the trash box file and the method of assigning the trash box file name are not limited to this. .

  In the above embodiment, the case of deleting a still image file has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to the case of deleting a moving image file. In this case, the moving image file may be stored in a trash can file for each image file of the moving image, or a still image and a moving image file may be mixed and stored in the trash can file.

  In this embodiment, the image that has been instructed to be deleted is stored in the trash can file. However, when the delete instruction is issued, the user can select whether the image is to be stored in the trash can file or completely deleted, and the image is stored in the trash can file. It may be stored in the trash box file only when the user selects the item (when complete deletion is instructed, it is not stored in the trash box file but is completely deleted from the memory card).

The front perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the digital camera to which this invention was applied The rear perspective view showing the appearance composition of the digital camera to which the present invention is applied Block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the digital camera of the present embodiment Schematic diagram of the data structure of an Exif file Conceptual diagram of trash file Schematic diagram showing the data structure of the trash file Schematic diagram of directory structure Flow chart showing the procedure of the trash file generation process Flow chart showing the procedure of image file restoration processing Flowchart showing a procedure of processing for deleting an image file stored in a trash box file Flowchart showing a procedure for restoring / deleting an image file stored in the trash file The figure which shows the example of a display of the monitor screen at the time of restoring / deleting the image file stored in the trash box file A diagram showing a display example of a monitor screen when restoring / deleting an image file stored in a trash box file (another embodiment) Flowchart showing the procedure of trash file generation processing when there is a limit to the number of image files stored Flowchart showing the procedure of trash file generation processing including the case of storing uncompressed image files Figure showing a display example of the trash file on the monitor The flowchart which shows the procedure of the production | generation process of a trash box file in case the index image of the image stored in a trash box file is made into a main image. A flowchart showing a processing procedure for displaying an index stored in an image stored in a trash can file Flowchart showing the procedure of image playback processing when the trash box file display / non-display setting is performed Schematic diagram showing another example of the directory structure of the memory card Schematic diagram showing another example of the directory structure of the memory card Explanatory drawing of another example of storage form of trash file

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital camera, 12 ... Camera body, 14 ... Shooting lens, 16 ... Flash, 18 ... Speaker, 20 ... AF auxiliary light lamp, 22 ... Shutter button, 24 ... Mode lever, 26 ... Power button, 30 ... Zoom button, 32 ... Play button, 34 ... Delete button, 36 ... Cross button, 38 ... MENU / OK button, 40 ... DISP / BACK button, 42 ... Face detection button, 110 ... CPU, 112 ... Operation unit, 116 ... ROM, 118 ... Flash ROM, 120 ... Memory (SDRAM), 122 ... VRAM, 134 ... Image sensor, 136 ... Image sensor controller, 138 ... Analog signal processor, 140 ... A / D converter, 142 ... Digital signal processor, 144 ... AF detection unit, 146... AE / AWB detection unit, 148... Compression / decompression processing unit, 150. Roller, 152 ... memory card (storage medium), 154 ... display controller, 156 ... OSD (On-Screen Display) unit, 158 ... flash control unit, 160 ... communication control unit, 162 ... communication interface

Claims (13)

Storage means;
Display means;
Image file display instruction means for instructing display of an image file stored in the storage means;
Image file display control means for causing the display means to display the image file stored in the storage means in response to a display instruction from the image file display instruction means;
A deletion instruction means for selecting at least one of the image files displayed on the display means and instructing the deletion;
A trash can file generating means for generating a trash file in which image files instructed to be deleted by the delete instruction means are combined;
A storage control unit that stores the trash file generated by the trash file generation unit in the storage unit, and that deletes the image file instructed to be deleted by the deletion instruction unit;
An image file management apparatus comprising: A trash file display instruction means for instructing display of an image file stored in the trash file;
In accordance with a display instruction from the trash box file display instruction means, a trash box file display control means for causing the display means to display an image file stored in the trash box file;
A restoration instruction means for selecting at least one image file displayed on the display means and instructing the restoration thereof;
Image file restoring means for extracting an image file instructed for restoration by the restoration instruction means from a trash box file;
The image file management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage control unit causes the storage unit to store the image file restored by the image file restoration unit again. A trash file display instruction means for instructing display of an image file stored in the trash file;
In accordance with a display instruction from the trash box file display instruction means, a trash box file display control means for causing the display means to display an image file stored in the trash box file;
A complete deletion instruction means for selecting at least one of the image files displayed on the display means and instructing the complete deletion;
Image file complete deletion means for deleting the image file instructed to be completely deleted by the complete deletion instruction means from the trash file;
The image file management apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   A storage file number setting means for setting the number of image files that can be stored in the trash file, wherein the trash file generation means is configured such that the number of image files in an existing trash file is equal to the storage file number setting means; 4. The image file management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a new trash box file is generated when the number of files set in step 1 is exceeded. The image file stored in the storage unit is stored in a folder and stored in the storage unit,
The trash can file generating unit generates the trash file in units of folders in which image files instructed to be deleted are stored,
5. The image file management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage control unit stores the trash box file in a folder from which the image file stored in the trash box file is deleted. The file display control means causes the display means to display an image of the image file stored in the storage means in response to a display instruction from the image file display instruction means,
The deletion instruction means selects at least one of the images displayed on the display means and instructs the deletion of the image file of the image. The image file management apparatus described. The trash box file includes image data of a predetermined main image, and is generated as an image file of the main image so as to be recognizable by the file display control means like other image files.
The file display control means displays the image of the image file stored in the storage means on the display means in response to a display instruction from the image file display instruction means, and displays the main image of the trash can file The image file management apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image file management apparatus is displayed on a display unit.   8. The image file management device according to claim 7, wherein the main image is an image of an image file deleted first or an image of an image file deleted last.   The image file management apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the main image is an image showing a trash bin prepared in advance.   8. The image file according to claim 7, wherein the main image is an image obtained by displaying an index of images of an image file stored in the trash can file, and includes a main image generation unit that generates the image. Management device.   A compression unit that compresses image data, and the trash box file generation unit, when the image data stored in the image file instructed to be deleted by the deletion instruction unit is not compressed image data, the compression unit The image file management device according to claim 1, wherein the image file management device stores the image file in the trash box file after being compressed by.   A digital camera comprising the image file management device according to claim 1.   The storage means is detachably provided on the camera body, while a second storage means that is not attachable / detachable is provided in the camera body, and the storage control means stores the trash box file generated by the trash box file generation means. The digital camera according to claim 12, wherein the digital camera is stored in the second storage unit.

Images