JP2010049658A - Image search device, image search method, program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image search device for searching for an image file at high speed, even when a large amount of image files are stored in a recording medium, based on management information for image search requiring less memory capacity. <P>SOLUTION: The image search device includes: an attribute management means which manages image files for each attribute and information for a directory including an image file having the attribute; a directory management means which manages image files for each directory and information for image file attribute in the directory; a determination means (S1204) which determines a directory including no image file having a specific attribute based on the information managed by the attribute management means and the directory management means; and a search means (S1205) which searches for an image file having the specific attribute from image files of directories which are not determined to include no image file having the specific attribute. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image search apparatus, an image search method, a program, and a recording medium that search for an image file having a specific attribute from image files recorded on a recording medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a large amount of image files can be recorded due to advances in storage media, and a method for searching and reproducing at high speed while reducing access to a recording medium containing a large amount of image files is required.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for creating an extracted data file for managing an image file on a recording medium, and searching for and reproducing the image file recorded on the recording medium using the recording of the extracted data file. Has been.
JP 2007-116428 A

  The method described in Patent Document 1 does not consider a case where an extraction data file cannot be created on a recording medium. In other words, since an extracted data file cannot be created in a non-writable storage medium or an image search device that does not have a function of writing to a recording medium, the extracted data is acquired every time an image file is searched. appear. Therefore, the image file cannot be searched and reproduced at high speed. In addition, when a large number of image files are present on the recording medium, the extracted data file itself becomes large and it takes time to search for and reproduce the image file.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and even when a large number of image files are present on a recording medium, image files can be searched at high speed based on management information for image search with a smaller memory capacity. An object of the present invention is to provide an image search apparatus capable of performing the above.

In order to solve the above problems, an image search apparatus according to the present invention provides:
Attribute management means for managing presence / absence of an image file having the attribute and information on a directory in which the image file having the attribute is recorded for each attribute that the image file may have,
Directory management means for managing the presence / absence of an image file recorded in the directory and information on the attribute of the image file recorded in the directory for each directory;
A determination unit that determines a directory in which an image file having a specific attribute is not recorded based on information managed by the attribute management unit and information managed by the directory management unit;
Search means for searching for an image file having the specific attribute for an image file recorded in a directory in which the image file having the specific attribute is not recorded by the determination unit. It is characterized by that.

  According to the present invention, even when a large number of image files are present on a recording medium, image files can be searched at high speed based on management information for image search with a smaller memory capacity.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[Digital camera configuration]
FIG. 1A shows an external view of a digital camera as an example of the image search apparatus of the present invention. The image display unit 28 is a display unit that displays images and various types of information. The shutter button 61 is an operation unit for issuing a shooting instruction. The mode dial 60 is an operation unit for switching various modes. The connector 112 is a connector between the connection cable and the digital camera 100. The operation unit 70 is an operation unit including operation members such as various switches, buttons, and a touch panel for receiving various operations from the user. The recording medium 200 is a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. The recording medium slot 201 is a slot for storing the recording medium 200. The recording medium 200 stored in the recording medium slot 201 can communicate with the digital camera 100. A lid 203 is a lid of the recording medium slot 201.

  FIG. 1B is an example of a configuration block diagram of the digital camera 100.

  In FIG. 1B, reference numeral 100 denotes a digital camera.

  Reference numeral 10 denotes a photographing lens, 12 denotes a shutter having a diaphragm function, 14 denotes an image sensor that converts an optical image into an electrical signal, and 16 denotes an A / D converter that converts an analog signal output from the image sensor 14 into a digital signal.

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

  An image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined pixel interpolation processing and color conversion processing on the data from the A / D converter 16 or the data from the memory control circuit 22.

  The image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined calculation processing using the captured image data, and the system control circuit 50 performs control based on the obtained calculation result to perform AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure). ) Processing and EF (flash pre-emission) processing.

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

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

  The data of the A / D converter 16 is written into the image display memory 24 or the memory 30 via the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or the data of the A / D converter 16 is directly passed through the memory control circuit 22. It is.

  Reference numeral 24 denotes an image display memory, 26 denotes a D / A converter, and 27 denotes a connector that outputs the output of the D / A converter 26 to an external monitor. When the connector is inserted in the external output connector 27, the system control circuit 50 can know the external output state by the external output connection detecting means 108.

  Reference numeral 28 denotes an image display unit composed of a TFT LCD or the like. Display image data written in the image display memory 24 is displayed by the image display unit 28 via the D / A converter 26.

  If the image data captured using the image display unit 28 is sequentially displayed, the electronic viewfinder function can be realized.

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

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a memory for storing captured still images and moving images, and has a sufficient storage capacity to store a predetermined number of still images and a predetermined time of moving images.

  Thereby, even in the case of continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, it is possible to write a large amount of images to the memory 30 at high speed. The memory 30 is also used as a write buffer for the recording media 200 and 210.

  Reference numeral 32 denotes a compression / decompression circuit that compresses and decompresses image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like, reads an image stored in the memory 30, performs compression processing or decompression processing, and stores the processed data in the memory 30. Write to.

  Reference numeral 40 denotes an exposure control means for controlling the shutter 12 having a diaphragm function, and has a flash light control function in cooperation with the flash 48.

  Reference numeral 42 denotes a distance measuring control means for controlling the focusing of the photographing lens 10, reference numeral 44 denotes a zoom control means for controlling zooming of the photographing lens 10, and reference numeral 46 denotes a barrier control means for controlling the operation of the protection means 102 as a barrier.

  A flash 48 has an AF auxiliary light projecting function and a flash light control function.

  The exposure control means 40 and the distance measurement control means 42 are controlled using the TTL method. Based on the calculation result obtained by calculating the captured image data by the image processing circuit 20, the system control circuit 50 performs the exposure control means 40 and the distance measurement. Control is performed on the control means 42.

  A system control circuit 50 controls the entire digital camera 100. The system control circuit 50 executes the program recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56, thereby realizing the processing of each embodiment described later. In addition, image display control for the image display unit 28 is also performed.

  A memory 52 expands constants, variables, programs read from the nonvolatile memory 56, and the like for operation of the system control circuit 50.

  Reference numeral 54 denotes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device or a speaker that displays an operation state, a message, and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like in accordance with execution of a program in the system control circuit 50. The display unit 54 is installed at a single or a plurality of positions near the operation unit of the digital camera 100 so as to be easily visible, and is configured by a combination of, for example, an LCD, an LED, and a sounding element. The display unit 54 has a part of its function installed in the optical viewfinder 104.

  Among the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed on the LCD or the like includes aperture value display, exposure correction display, flash display, macro shooting display, buzzer setting display, battery remaining amount display, error display, and recording media 200 and 210. There is an attachment / detachment state display.

  Among the display contents of the display unit 54, what is displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 includes in-focus display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, exposure correction display, and the like.

  Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM. The nonvolatile memory 56 stores constants, programs, and the like for operating the system control circuit 50. Here, the program is a program for executing various flowcharts in each embodiment described later.

  A timer 58 is used to measure the data recording speed of the recording medium 200 or 210 and the data rate of the acquired data.

  Reference numerals 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70 are operation means for inputting various operation instructions of the system control circuit 50, and may be a single unit such as a switch, a dial, a touch panel, pointing by line-of-sight detection, or a voice recognition device. Consists of multiple combinations.

  Here, a specific description of these operating means will be given.

  Reference numeral 60 denotes a mode dial switch for switching and setting each function mode such as power-off, automatic shooting mode, shooting mode (including panorama shooting mode and moving image shooting mode), playback mode, multi-screen playback / erase mode, PC connection mode, and the like. I can do it.

  Reference numeral 62 denotes a shutter switch SW1, which is turned ON during the operation of the shutter button 61, and starts operations such as AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-flash) processing. Instruct.

Reference numeral 64 denotes a shutter switch SW2, which is turned ON when the operation of the shutter button 61 is completed, and an exposure process operation in which the signal read from the image sensor 14 is written into the memory 30 via the A / D converter 16 and the memory control circuit 22. Instruct to start. At the same time, development processing using operations in the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, recording processing for reading out image data from the memory 30, compression in the compression / decompression circuit 32, and writing the image data to the recording medium 200 or 210 The operation start of a series of processes is instructed. In the case of moving image shooting, the start / stop of moving image shooting is instructed.
Reference numeral 66 denotes an image display ON / OFF switch that can set ON / OFF of the image display unit 28.

  With this function, when photographing using the optical viewfinder 104, it is possible to save power by cutting off the current supply to the image display unit including a TFT LCD or the like.

  Reference numeral 68 denotes a quick review ON / OFF switch, which sets a quick review function for automatically reproducing image data taken immediately after photographing. In this embodiment, it is assumed that a function for setting the quick review function when the image display unit 28 is turned off is provided.

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

  The power supply control means 80 detects whether or not a battery is attached, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level, and based on the detection result and instructions from the system control circuit 50, each part including a recording medium for a necessary period of time To supply.

  Reference numeral 82 denotes a connector, 84 denotes a connector, and 86 denotes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like.

  Reference numerals 90 and 94 denote interfaces with recording media such as memory cards and hard disks. Reference numerals 92 and 96 denote connectors for connecting to a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk. Reference numeral 98 denotes recording medium attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting whether the recording medium 200 or 210 is attached to the connector 92 and / or the connector 96.

  In this embodiment, it is assumed that there are two interfaces and connectors for attaching the recording medium. Of course, the interface and the connector for attaching the recording medium may have a single or a plurality of systems and any number of systems. Moreover, it is good also as a structure provided with combining the interface and connector of a different standard.

  The interface and connector may be configured using a PCMCIA card, a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card, or the like that conforms to a standard.

  Further, by connecting various communication cards to the interfaces 90 and 94 and the connectors 92 and 96, image data and management information attached to the image data can be transferred to and from other devices.

  Reference numeral 102 denotes protection means that is a barrier that prevents the imaging unit from being soiled or damaged by covering the imaging unit including the lens 10 of the digital camera 100.

  Reference numeral 104 denotes an optical viewfinder, which can take an image using only the optical viewfinder without using the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28. In the optical viewfinder 104, some functions of the display unit 54, for example, a focus display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charge display, a shutter speed display, an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, and the like are installed.

  Reference numeral 106 denotes image display unit open / close detection means, which can detect whether or not the image display unit 28 is in a stored state in which the display portion of the image display unit 28 is stored facing the digital camera 100.

  Here, if the storage state is detected, the display operation of the image display unit 28 can be stopped and unnecessary power consumption can be prohibited.

  Reference numeral 108 denotes an external output connector connection detecting means, which can detect whether an external monitor is connected to the external output connector 27. Here, if it is detected that the connection state is established, an external monitor can be used as a display device instead of the image display unit 28.

  A communication unit 110 has various communication functions such as RS232C, USB, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, and wireless communication.

  Reference numeral 112 denotes a connector for connecting the digital camera 100 to another device by the communication unit 110 or an antenna in the case of wireless communication.

  Reference numeral 114 denotes a microphone, which is an audio data acquisition unit. Reference numeral 116 denotes an A / D converter that performs A / D conversion so that audio data obtained by the microphone 114 is acquired by the system control circuit 50.

  Reference numeral 118 denotes a speaker, which is a sound data reproducing means. Reference numeral 120 denotes a D / A converter that D / A converts digital audio data output from the system control circuit 50 to be reproduced by the speaker 118.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk.

  The recording medium 200 includes a recording unit 202 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like, an interface 204 with the digital camera 100, and a connector 206 for connecting with the digital camera 100.

  Further, when the recording medium 200 is a PCMCIA standard PC-Card, CF, or the like, an information storage circuit in which performance is recorded may be incorporated.

  Reference numeral 210 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard disk.

  The recording medium 210 includes a recording unit 212 composed of a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like, an interface 214 with the digital camera 100, and a connector 216 for connecting with the digital camera 100.

  Further, when the recording medium 210 is a PCMCIA standard PC-Card, CF, or the like, an information storage circuit in which performance is recorded may be incorporated.

[Overall operation of digital camera]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the overall operation of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment.

  When the power source 86 is operated and the power source is turned on, the system control circuit 50 initializes flags, control variables, and the like in S201. At this time, a memory area of a certain capacity for the file information list, attribute information list, and directory information list areas is secured in the memory 52 and initialized. The file information list will be described later with reference to FIG. 5, the attribute information list with reference to FIG. 6, and the directory information list with reference to FIG.

  Subsequently, in S202, management processing relating to the file recorded on the recording medium 200 is started. The file management process in S202 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in S203 and S207, the system control circuit 50 determines the set position of the mode dial 60. If the shooting mode has been set, the process proceeds from S203 to S204, and the shooting mode process is executed. If the mode dial 60 is set to the playback mode, the process proceeds to S208 through S203 and S207, and the playback mode process is executed. The playback mode processing in S208 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  If another mode has been set, the process proceeds to S209, and the system control circuit 50 executes a process according to the selected mode. Other modes include, for example, a transmission mode process for transmitting a file stored in the recording medium 200, and a reception mode process for receiving a file from an external device and storing it in the recording medium 200.

  After executing the process corresponding to the mode set by the mode dial 60 among S204, S208, and S209, the process proceeds to S205. In S205, the system control circuit 50 determines the set position of the power supply 86. If the power supply 86 is set to power on, the process returns to S203. On the other hand, if the power supply 86 is set to power off, the process proceeds from S205 to S206, and the system control circuit 50 performs an end process. The termination process includes, for example, the following process. The display of the image display unit 28 is changed to the end state, the lens barrier 102 is closed to protect the imaging unit, parameters, setting values, and setting modes including flags and control variables are recorded in the nonvolatile memory 56, and power is supplied. Shut off the power to the parts that do not need. When the termination process of S206 is completed, this process is terminated, and the power supply is shifted to the OFF state.

[About file management processing]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining file management processing of the digital camera 100 of this embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 3 shows details of S202 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 301, the system control circuit 50 acquires the latest image information from the recording medium 200. By obtaining the latest image information before calculating the total number of images and creating the attribute information list, directory information list, and file information list, there is an advantage that images can be displayed quickly. The latest image in the present embodiment is an image file having the maximum image number determined by the file name of the image assuming the DCF standard.

  In S302, the system control circuit 50 checks whether or not the latest image information has been correctly acquired in S301. When the latest image information cannot be acquired, the system control circuit 50 ends the file management process. Note that the case where the latest image information cannot be acquired includes a state where there is no reproducible image file or a state where the image information cannot be acquired due to a media failure. If the latest image information can be acquired, it is determined that at least one image file exists, and the process proceeds to S303.

  In step S <b> 303, the system control circuit 50 starts a process for acquiring the total number of image files recorded on the recording medium 200. The process of S303 operates in the background, and can proceed to the next process without waiting for the completion. In this way, even when a large number of image files are stored in the recording medium 200 and it takes a long time to calculate the total number, it is possible to view the image without waiting for the completion of the calculation of the total number. become. The total image number calculation processing in S303 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[Total image count calculation]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the total image number calculation processing of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 4 shows details of S303 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 401, the system control circuit 50 acquires the maximum directory from the recording medium 200. The maximum directory corresponds to the directory analyzed to obtain the latest image information in S301 of FIG. By calculating the total number of images by tracing back the directory in order from the maximum directory, there is an advantage that the directory name and the latest acquired image information can be used.

  In step S402, the system control circuit 50 acquires a directory number from the information acquired in step S401 or S406.

  In S403, a file information list creation process is performed for the file in the directory having the directory number acquired in S402. The file information list creation processing in S403 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in S404, directory information list registration processing is performed from the file information list created in S403. The directory information list registration process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 405, the system control circuit 50 determines whether there is an unanalyzed directory in the storage medium 200. If it is determined that there is no unanalyzed directory, the total number of images calculation process is completed by adding the total number of files in each directory based on the registered directory information list. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is an unanalyzed directory, the process proceeds to S406.

  In S406, the directory next to the directory analyzed in S402, S403, and S404 is acquired, the process is returned to S402, and the process is continued until there is no unanalyzed directory.

[File information list creation process]
FIG. 5A is a flowchart for explaining file information list creation processing (file management means) of the digital camera 100 of this embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 5 shows details of S403 in FIG. An example of the file information list according to this embodiment is shown in FIG.

  In step S501, the system control circuit 50 refers to the memory 52 and determines whether or not the file information list of the corresponding directory is held. If it is determined that a file information list for the corresponding directory has already been created, the file information list creation process is terminated. On the other hand, if the file information list of the corresponding directory is not held, the process proceeds to S502 to create a file information list. The case where the file information list of the corresponding directory is not held is a case where the area of the file information list is an initial value, or only the file information list for another directory is held in the memory 52. If only the file information list for another directory is held in the memory 52, the file information list area is cleared and the process proceeds to S502. In this way, the file information list holds only one directory at a time. Therefore, the memory capacity for the file information list may be a capacity that can hold the file information list for one directory.

  In S502, the minimum file information in the corresponding directory is acquired from the recording medium 200. The file information includes directory entry information and metadata such as shooting date and time described inside the image file. In addition, information registered by other applications may be used.

  In step S503, the file information acquired in step S502 or S507 is registered in the file information list in the memory 52. As shown in FIG. 5B, in this embodiment, the file number, file name, shooting date / time, protection status, and hidden attribute information are registered. Of course, other attributes may be registered as long as the file information can be acquired in S502 or S507.

  In step S504, it is determined whether the directory is an attribute information unregistered directory. This determination is made by confirming the value of the registered flag of the corresponding directory in the directory information list in the memory 52. If the value of the registered flag is an initial value, the process proceeds to the attribute information list registration process of S505. If the value of the registered flag is a value indicating registered, the process proceeds to S506 without executing S505. The directory information list will be described later with reference to FIG. The attribute information list registration process in S505 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S506, it is determined whether the file subjected to the processing in steps S503, S504, and S505 is the maximum file in the directory. If it is determined in S506 that the file is the maximum file, the file information list creation process is terminated. If it is determined that the file is not the maximum file, the process proceeds to S507.

  In S507, the information of the file next to the file subjected to the processing in S503, S504, and S505 is acquired, and the process returns to S503.

  Note that the file information list does not always need to secure information for all directories, so that it is advantageous in that memory capacity can be saved by creating it as necessary. In addition, by preparing and effectively using an area for storing a certain number (one directory in this embodiment) of file information lists in advance, it is possible to reduce the number of media accesses and reduce the number of times of media access as described above. There are benefits.

[About attribute information list registration processing]
FIG. 6A is a flowchart for explaining attribute information list registration processing (attribute management means) of the digital camera 100 of this embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 6A shows details of S505 in FIG. An example of the attribute information list according to this embodiment is shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the attribute registered in the attribute information list is set as the shooting date, and the date that can be shot with the digital camera 100 is set as the attribute number so as to have a unique value every day. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the file name of an image file is set as an attribute, a unique value for each alphabet is set as an attribute number, or other information of metadata is set as an attribute, and a unique value for each information is set. May be created in association with each other and registered as an attribute number. In the attribute information list, an area describing the attribute number, the minimum directory number, the maximum directory number, and the total number of files for each attribute number is prepared by the process of S201 in FIG. The minimum directory number, the maximum directory number, and the total number of files for each attribute number are prepared with an initial value “0”. When all the attributes that can be recognized by the apparatus are known in advance, areas for describing the minimum directory number, the maximum directory number, and the total number of files for the attribute numbers of all the attributes are prepared with an initial value “0”. . The case where all the attributes that can be recognized by the apparatus are known in advance is, for example, the case where the attribute is a shooting date. If the date and time that can be set by the digital camera 100 is from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2099, the shooting date that can be recognized as an attribute by the digital camera 100 is also from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2099. It becomes. In this case, the shooting date attribute numbers for all dates from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2099 are prepared.

  First, in step S601, the system control circuit 50 acquires the number of a directory that includes a file for which an attribute registration request has been made, and the attribute number of the attribute to be registered.

  In step S602, the smallest attribute number in the attribute information list stored in the memory 52 is acquired.

  Subsequently, in S603, it is determined whether the attribute number acquired in S602 or S607 is the same as the attribute number acquired in S601. If they are the same, the process proceeds to S604. If it is determined that they are not the same, the next attribute number in the attribute information list is acquired in S607, and the process returns to S603.

  In the attribute information list stored in the memory 52 in S604, the total number of image files having the attribute number (corresponding attribute) determined to be the same in S603 is updated. At this time, if the total number of files before the update is 0, the minimum directory number and the maximum directory number of the corresponding attribute in the attribute information list include the image file requested for registration acquired in S601. Register the directory number. In the present embodiment, the total number of corresponding image files is registered, but a flag for determining the presence or absence of the corresponding image file may be used.

  In step S605, it is determined whether the directory number acquired in step S601 is greater than or equal to the minimum directory number of the corresponding attribute in the attribute information list. If the directory number acquired in S601 is equal to or greater than the minimum directory number of the corresponding attribute, the process proceeds to S606 as it is, and if the directory number acquired in S601 is smaller than the minimum directory number of the corresponding attribute, the process proceeds to S608. In S608, the minimum directory number of the corresponding attribute in the attribute information list is updated.

  In step S606, it is determined whether the directory number acquired in step S601 is equal to or less than the maximum directory number of the attribute in the attribute information list. If the directory number acquired in S601 is equal to or smaller than the maximum directory number of the corresponding attribute, the attribute information list registration process is terminated. If the directory number acquired in S601 is larger than the maximum directory number of the corresponding attribute, the process proceeds to S609. In step S609, the maximum directory number of the attribute in the attribute information list is updated.

  In this embodiment, the maximum directory and the minimum directory are registered as information for estimating the directory range, but a hash value calculated from the directory number or a unique value calculated from the directory name is registered. May be.

[About directory information list registration processing]
FIG. 7A is a flowchart for explaining directory information list registration processing (directory management means) of the digital camera 100 of this embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 7A shows details of S404 in FIG. An example of the directory information list according to this embodiment is shown in FIG.

  In step S701, the directory information is acquired from the file information list registered in step S502 of FIG.

  In step S <b> 702, the number of image files in the directory created in step S <b> 701 is registered in the directory information list in the memory 52.

  Subsequently, in S703, the in-directory minimum attribute number is registered in the directory information list from the information on the corresponding directory acquired in S701. Similarly, in S704, the maximum attribute number in the directory is registered in the directory information list.

  Finally, in S705, a registered flag for the corresponding directory in the directory information list is set (a value indicating registration is recorded in the registered flag value), and the directory information list registration process is terminated.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7B, a registered flag, a minimum attribute number in the directory, a maximum attribute number, and the total number of files are registered as directory information. However, the information registered in the other file information list may be used to register the hash value for each directory, the number of image files for each file format, the number of image files for each metadata, and the like as directory information.

[About playback mode processing]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the playback mode processing of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 8 shows details of S208 in FIG.

  In step S <b> 801, the system control circuit 50 displays image data on the image display unit 28. The image data to be displayed here differs depending on the setting and operation content immediately before the transition to the playback mode process. For example, the latest image acquired in S301, the image that was displayed last when the previous playback mode was ended, or the image that was captured last in the shooting mode processing in S204 is displayed.

  In step S <b> 802, it is determined whether an operation for instructing the representative image reproduction process has been performed. If it is determined that an operation for instructing the representative image reproduction process has been performed, in step S803, the representative image reproduction process, which is a process for reproducing the representative image for each attribute of the image file stored in the storage medium 200, is performed, and then the process proceeds to step S809. move on. The representative image reproduction process in S803 will be described later with reference to FIG. If it is determined in S802 that there is no operation for instructing the representative image reproduction process, the process proceeds to S804.

  In step S804, it is determined whether or not an operation for instructing attribute narrowing reproduction processing has been performed. If it is determined that there has been an operation for instructing attribute narrowing reproduction processing, in S805, attribute narrowing reproduction processing, which is processing for displaying an image file narrowed down for each attribute, is performed, and then the process proceeds to S809. The attribute narrowing reproduction process in S805 will be described later with reference to FIG. If it is determined in S804 that there is no operation for instructing attribute narrowing reproduction processing, the process proceeds to S806.

  In S806, it is determined whether or not there has been an operation for instructing attribute sort enumeration processing. If it is determined that there has been an operation for instructing the attribute sort enumeration process, in S807, the attribute sort enumeration process, which is a process of enumerating and displaying image files in the attribute order, is performed, and then the process proceeds to S809. The attribute sort enumeration process in S807 will be described later with reference to FIG. If it is determined in step S806 that there is no attribute sort enumeration process, the process advances to step S808 to perform other processes.

  In S808, single image reproduction processing for sending images one by one for viewing, image editing processing, image deletion processing, processing in other applications, and the like are performed according to user operations.

  In step S809, the system control circuit 50 determines the set position of the mode dial 60. If the playback mode is not set, the process ends. If the playback mode remains, the process returns to step S802.

[Representative image playback processing]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining representative image reproduction processing of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 9 shows details of S803 in FIG. If there is a representative image reproduction processing request from S803 in FIG. 8, the process proceeds to S901.

  In step S901, the system control circuit 50 acquires attribute information (maximum directory number, minimum directory number, number of corresponding files) of the minimum attribute number from the attribute information list stored in the memory 52, and sets the minimum attribute number as the search attribute number. Set the attribute number of. The search attribute number is an attribute number of an attribute of an image file that is a search condition. Hereinafter, an attribute of an image file serving as a search condition is referred to as a search attribute.

  Subsequently, in S902, it is determined whether there is a file having the attribute of the search attribute number from the number of corresponding files of the search attribute number acquired in S901 or S908. If it is determined that the number of corresponding files is not “0” but there is a corresponding file (there is an image file having the attribute of the search attribute number), the process proceeds to S903, and if it is not determined, the process proceeds to S907.

  In step S903, a search condition for acquiring the first file having the attribute of the search attribute number is set. The search condition includes a search directory number that is a directory number to be searched and a search file number that is a file number to be searched. The minimum directory number of the attribute information of the search attribute number is set as the search directory number, and 1 (initial value) is set as the search file number. As a result, a directory smaller than the minimum directory having the search attribute number is set not to be searched, and a useless search is omitted.

  In step S904, a corresponding file search process is performed to search for a file having the attribute of the search attribute number first with a file number after the set search file number. The relevant file search process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In S905, the image information of the file searched in S904 is acquired. The image information is the directory number, file name, file number, image data for image display, etc. of the file searched in S904.

  In step S906, the image data acquired in step S905 is displayed on the image display unit 28. At this time, if necessary, information other than image data such as a directory number, a file name, and a file number acquired in S905 may be displayed together with the image data.

  In S907, it is determined whether an end condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the process has been completed, the representative image reproduction process ends. If it is determined that the process has not ended, the process advances to step S908.

  In S908, the attribute information indicated by the attribute number next to the search attribute number is acquired, and after setting the next attribute number in the search attribute number, the process returns to S902 again.

[About attribute refinement playback processing]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining attribute narrowing reproduction processing of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 10 shows details of S805 in FIG. If there is an attribute narrowing reproduction process request from S805 in FIG. 8, the process proceeds to S1001.

  In step S <b> 1001, the system control circuit 50 acquires attribute information (maximum directory number, minimum directory number, number of corresponding files) corresponding to the attribute specified as an attribute to be narrowed down by the user from the attribute information list stored in the memory 52. To do. Further, the attribute number of the attribute designated as the attribute to be narrowed down by the user is set in the search attribute number.

  Subsequently, in S1002, it is determined whether there is a file having the attribute of the search attribute number from the number of corresponding files of the search attribute number acquired in S1001. If it is determined that the number of corresponding files is not “0” but there is a corresponding file (there is an image file having the attribute of the search attribute number), the process proceeds to S1003.

  In S1003, a search condition for acquiring the first file having the attribute of the search attribute number is set. The search condition includes a search directory number that is a directory number to be searched and a search file number that is a file number to be searched. The minimum directory number of the search attribute is set in the search directory number, and 1 (initial value) is set in the search file number. As a result, a directory smaller than the minimum directory having the search attribute number is set not to be searched, and a useless search is omitted.

  In step S1004, a file search process is performed to search for a file corresponding to the search attribute number first with a file number after the set search file number. The relevant file search process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1005, it is determined whether an end condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the processing is finished, the attribute narrowing reproduction processing is finished. If it is determined that the processing is not finished, the processing proceeds to S1006.

  In S1006, image information of the file searched in S1004 is acquired. The image information includes the directory number, file name, file number, image data for image display, and the like of the file searched in S1004.

  In step S1007, the image data acquired in step S1006 is displayed on the image display unit 28. At this time, if necessary, information other than image data such as a directory number, a file name, and a file number acquired in S1006 may be displayed together with the image data.

  In S1008, a search condition for searching for an image file corresponding to the search attribute number with a file number larger than the file number of the file searched in S1004 is set. That is, the directory number acquired in S1006 is set as the search directory number. The search file number is obtained by setting the next existing file number with a file number larger than the file number acquired in S1006 by referring to the file information list. If the file number that is larger than the file number acquired in S1006 and the next existing file number does not exist, an error value (10000: a value that is larger than the maximum file number and cannot be used as a file number) is set as the search file number. Subsequently, the process returns to S1004 to execute the file search process again.

[About attribute sort enumeration processing]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining attribute sort enumeration processing of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 11 shows details of S807 in FIG. If there is an attribute sort enumeration process request from S807 in FIG. 8, the process proceeds to S1101.

  In S1101, the system control circuit 50 obtains attribute information (maximum directory number, minimum directory number, number of corresponding files) of the minimum attribute number from the attribute information list stored in the memory 52, and sets the minimum attribute number as the search attribute number. Set the attribute number of.

  Subsequently, in S1102, it is determined whether there is a file having the attribute of the search attribute number from the number of corresponding files of the search attribute number acquired in S1101 or S1110. If it is determined that the number of corresponding files is not “0” but there is a corresponding file (there is an image file having a search attribute number attribute), the process proceeds to S1103, and if it is determined that there is no corresponding file, the process proceeds to S1109.

  In S1103, a search condition for acquiring the first file having the attribute of the search attribute number is set. The search condition includes a search directory number that is a directory number to be searched and a search file number that is a file number to be searched. The minimum directory number indicated by the attribute information of the search attribute number is set in the search directory number, and 1 (initial value) is set in the search file number. As a result, a directory smaller than the minimum directory having the search attribute number is set not to be searched, and a useless search is omitted.

  In step S1104, a file search process is performed to search for a file corresponding to the search attribute number first with a file number after the set search file number. The relevant file search process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1105, the result of the corresponding file search process executed in step S1104 is confirmed, and it is determined whether the corresponding file has been acquired. If it is determined that there is a corresponding file, the process proceeds to S1106. If it is determined that there is no corresponding file, the process proceeds to S1109.

  In S1106, the image information of the file searched in S1104 is acquired. The image information includes the directory number, file name, file number, image data for image display, and the like of the file searched in S1104.

  In step S1107, the image data acquired in step S1106 is displayed on the image display unit 28. At this time, if necessary, information other than image data such as a directory number, a file name, and a file number acquired in S1106 may be displayed together with the image data.

  In step S1108, a search condition for searching for an image file corresponding to the search attribute number with a file number larger than the file number of the file searched in step S1104 is set. That is, the directory number acquired in S1106 is set as the search directory number. The search file number is set to a file number that exists next with a file number larger than the file number acquired in S1106 with reference to the file information list. If the file number that is larger than the file number acquired in S1106 and the next existing file number does not exist, an error value (10000: a value that is larger than the maximum file number and cannot be used as a file number) is set as the search file number. Subsequently, the process returns to S1104 to execute the corresponding file search process again.

  On the other hand, in S1109, it is determined whether an end condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the process is finished, the attribute sort enumeration process is finished. If it is determined that the process has not ended, the process advances to step S1110.

  In S1110, the attribute information indicated by the attribute number next to the search attribute number is acquired, the next attribute number is set in the search attribute, and then the process returns to S1102.

[Applicable file search processing]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the corresponding file search process of the digital camera 100 of the present embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 12 shows details of the corresponding file search process in S904 in FIG. 9, SS1004 in FIG. 10, and S1104 in FIG.

  If there is a corresponding file search process request from S904, S1004, and S1104, the process proceeds to S1201.

  In step S1201, the system control unit 50 acquires search information. The search information is a set search condition (search directory number, search file number) and a maximum directory number of search attributes (obtained from the attribute information list).

  In step S1202, directory information (minimum attribute number, maximum attribute number, total number of files in the directory) for the search directory number is acquired from the directory information list stored in the memory 52.

  In S1203, the search directory number is compared with the maximum directory number of the search attribute to determine whether the search directory number exceeds the maximum directory number. If it is determined that the search directory is equal to or less than the maximum directory, the process proceeds to step S1204. If it is determined that the search directory exceeds the maximum directory, the corresponding file search process is terminated assuming that there is no corresponding file. By this determination, a directory larger than the maximum directory of the search attribute number is not searched and a useless search is omitted.

  In step S1204, the directory information acquired in step S1202 and the search information acquired in step S1201 are used to determine whether there is a possibility that there is a file having search attribute number attribute information in the search directory. Specifically, if the total number of files in the directory is not “0” and the search attribute number is greater than or equal to the minimum attribute number and less than or equal to the maximum attribute number in the directory, a file having attribute information of the search attribute number exists. It is determined that there is a possibility of If it is determined in S1204 that there is a possibility that a file having the attribute information of the search attribute number exists, the process proceeds to S1205. If it is determined that there is no file having the attribute of the search attribute number, the process proceeds to S1207. In this way, only the directory information list and the attribute information list are referred to, and a directory that is determined not to have a file having the attribute of the search attribute number is not included in the search target, thereby eliminating unnecessary search processing. Yes. Since a file access can be omitted for a file included in a directory that has not been searched, a higher speed search is possible.

  In step S1205, a file information list search process is executed, which is a process for searching for a file having the attribute information of the search attribute number from the file information list for the search directory number. The file information list search process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S1206, it is determined whether a file having the attribute information of the search attribute number is found in the file information search process executed in step S1205. If it is determined that the file having the search attribute number is found, the file search process is terminated. If it is determined that the file having the attribute information of the search attribute number is not found, the process proceeds to S1207.

  In S1207, the search directory number is set to the next directory number, and the search file number is reset to 1 (initial value), and the process returns to S1202.

[File information list search processing]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining file information list search processing of the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 13 shows details of the file information list search process in S1205 in FIG. If there is a file information list search processing request from S1205, the processing proceeds to S1301.

  In S1301, the system control unit 50 acquires search conditions (search directory number, search file number).

  In step S1302, the file information list creation process described above with reference to FIG.

  In S1303, the maximum file number in the file information list for the search directory is compared with the search file number to determine whether the search file number is equal to or less than the maximum file number. If it is determined that the search file number is equal to or less than the maximum file number, the process proceeds to S1304. On the other hand, if it is determined that the search file number is larger than the maximum file number, the file information list search process is terminated assuming that the corresponding file having the search attribute is not found in the search directory.

  In S1304, the file information of the search file number is acquired from the file information list.

  In step S1305, the file information acquired in step S1304 is checked to determine whether there is an attribute having the same attribute number as the search attribute number. If it is determined that the file has the attribute with the same attribute number as the search attribute number, the file information list search process is terminated assuming that the corresponding file having the attribute with the search attribute number is found. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no attribute having the same attribute number as the search attribute number, the process proceeds to S1306. If the file with the search file number does not exist in the corresponding directory, that is, if the file information with the search file number cannot be acquired from the file information list in S1304, the process proceeds to S1306.

  In step S1306, the next file number is acquired. The file number existing after the search file number is acquired from the file information list for the search directory number, and the search file number is changed to the next file number. If the next file number is not found, an error value (10000: a value larger than the maximum file number and an impossible file number) is set as the search file number. If the next file number is acquired in S1306, the process returns to S1303.

[Example of attribute sort enumeration by shooting date]
Hereinafter, an example will be described in which an attribute to be handled is a shooting date and image files are sorted and displayed in order of shooting date.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the image file and folder configuration stored in the recording medium 200. FIG. 15 shows an example of the attribute information list, directory information list, and file information list in the case of the image file and folder structure shown in FIG. In the case of the image file and folder structure of FIG. 14, the attribute information list 1502 of FIG. 15A and the directory information list 1508 of FIG. 15B are created through the processing described above with reference to FIGS. . If a file information list is created for the directory number 100 in FIG. 14, the file information list 1513 in FIG. 15C is obtained. In order to sort and display these image files in order of shooting date, the attribute sort enumeration process described above with reference to FIG. 11 is performed using each list.

  When the attribute sort enumeration process of FIG. 11 is started, first, in S1101, the attribute information corresponding to the smallest attribute number is acquired from the attribute information list 1502, and the attribute number is set as the search attribute number. Here, attribute information 1503 corresponding to the minimum attribute number “0” (minimum directory number “100”, maximum directory number “300”, total number of files “3”) is acquired, and “0” is set as the search attribute number. To do.

  In step S1102, it is determined whether there is a file having the attribute of the search attribute number based on the total number of files of the attribute information of the search attribute number. Here, since it can be confirmed from the attribute information 1503 of the search attribute number “0” that the total number of files is “3”, it is determined that there is a file corresponding to the search attribute number “0”, and the process proceeds to S1103.

  In S1103, a search condition for acquiring the first file having the attribute of the search attribute number is set. Here, the minimum directory number “100” is acquired from the attribute information 1503 of the search attribute number “0” and set as the search directory number. Also, “1” (initial value) is set to the search file number. In step S1104, the corresponding file search process described above with reference to FIG.

  In S1201 of FIG. 12 (corresponding file search processing), the search directory number “100” and the search file number “1” set in S1103 are acquired as search information. Further, the maximum directory number “300” is acquired from the attribute information 1503 of the search attribute number “0”.

  In S1202, the directory information 1509 of the search directory number “100” is acquired from the directory information list 1508.

  In S1203, the search directory number “100” is compared with the maximum directory number “300” of the search attribute number “0”. Since the search directory number “100” does not exceed the maximum directory number “300”, the process proceeds to S1204. .

  In S1204, it is determined from the directory information 1509 (minimum attribute number “0”, maximum attribute number “5”, total file number “3”) of the search directory “100” whether or not the corresponding file is likely to exist. Since the total number of files is not “0” and the search attribute number “0” is not less than the minimum attribute number “0” in the directory and not more than the maximum attribute number “5”, there is a possibility that a file having the attribute being searched exists. It is determined that there is a file information list, and the process proceeds to the file information list search process in FIG.

  In S1301 of FIG. 13 (file information list search process), the search directory number “100” and the search file number “1” which are search conditions are acquired. In step S1302, the file information list creation process described above with reference to FIG. 5 is executed to create a file information list for the search directory number “100”. An example of the file information list for the search directory number “100” is the file information list 1513 shown in FIG.

  In S1303, the current search file number “1” is compared with the maximum file number “4” included in the file information list 1513, and it is determined that the current search file number “1” is equal to or less than the maximum file number “4”. The process proceeds to S1304.

  In step S1304, the file information 1514 of the search file number “1” is acquired from the file information list 1513. The shooting date of the file number “1” is 1/6/2008, and it is acquired from the attribute information list 1505 that the attribute number is “5”.

  In S1305, it is determined whether or not the attribute information “5” of the file information 1514 acquired in S1304 is the same as the search attribute “0”. However, since it is not the same here, the process proceeds to S1306.

  In S1306, the file information list 1513 is referred to, the file number “2” existing after the current search file number “1” is acquired, “2” is set as the new search file number, and the process returns to S1303. move on.

  In step S1303, the current search file number “2” is equal to or less than the maximum file number “4” included in the file information list 1513, and the process advances to step S1304.

  In S1304, the file information 1515 of the search file number “2” is acquired. As a result, the shooting date of the search file number “2” is 2008/1/1, and it can be seen from the attribute information list 1503 that the attribute number is “0”.

  In subsequent S1305, since the search attribute number “0” matches the attribute number “0” of the search file number “2”, it is determined that the corresponding file exists, and the file information list search process is terminated.

  Subsequently, in S1206 of FIG. 12 (corresponding file search process), it is determined that the corresponding file is found, and the corresponding file search process is ended. Further, in S1105 of FIG. 11 (attribute sort enumeration process), it is determined that the corresponding file is found, and the process proceeds to S1106.

  In S1106, the display image information of the file number “2” found as the corresponding file is acquired, and in the subsequent S1107, the image file of the file number “2” is displayed.

  In S1108, a search condition for searching for the next image file is set. The directory number “100” of the image file displayed in S1107 is set as the search directory number, and the file number “3” existing after the image file displayed in S1107 is acquired from the file information list 1513 in the search directory. Set to search file number. Subsequently, the corresponding file search process (FIG. 12) of S1104 is performed again.

  In the corresponding file search process of FIG. 12, the file information list search process (FIG. 13) of S1205 is executed through the processes of S1201 to S1204 as described above. In the file information list search process at this time, since the file management information list 1502 with the directory number “100” has already been created, a new file management information list is not created. Therefore, it is not necessary to refer to the storage medium 200, and it is only necessary to refer to the memory 52, so that an image file can be searched at high speed.

  The file information list search process of FIG. 13 is performed from the search file number “3”. This time, the file number “4” is found as the corresponding file of the search attribute number “0”, and the file information 1516 is acquired. Since the shooting date is 2008/1/1 from the file information 1516 and the attribute number is “0” from the attribute information list 1503, it is assumed that the file corresponding to the search attribute number “0” is found. Exit the search process.

  Accordingly, it is determined in S1206 in FIG. 12 that the corresponding file exists, and it is determined in S1105 in FIG. 11 that the corresponding file exists, and the image file with the file number “4” is displayed in the display image information acquisition in S1106 and the image display in S1107. In step S1108, the search directory number is set to “100”, the search file number is set to “5”, which is the file number existing next to the file number of the image file displayed in step S1107, and the process proceeds to the corresponding file search process in step S1104.

  Again, after the processing of S1201 to S1204 of the corresponding file search process (FIG. 12), the process proceeds to the file information list search process (FIG. 13) in S1205. In the file information list search process of FIG. 13, a search is performed for files after the file number “5” included in the directory number “100”, but it is determined in S1303 that the search file number “5” is not less than or equal to the maximum file. Therefore, there is no corresponding file. Accordingly, it is determined in S1206 in FIG. 12 that the corresponding file is not found, and the process proceeds to S1207.

  In step S1207, the search directory number is incremented by 1 to “101”, and the search file number is reset to the initial value “1”. The process advances to step S1204 through the subsequent steps S1202 and S1203.

  At this time, in S1204, the directory information 1510 of the search directory number “101” in the directory information list 1508 is referred to. However, since the total number of files is “0”, it is determined that there is no corresponding file in the directory number 101. The process proceeds to S1207. In step S1207, the search directory number is advanced by one to “102”, and the search file number is reset to the initial value “1”.

  The processing from S1202 onward is repeated, but the directory numbers “102” to “199” all have “0” as the total number of files. Therefore, it is determined in S1204 that there is no corresponding file, and S1207 and S1202 are the same. The process of S1204 will be repeated.

  When the search directory number is “200”, the total number of files is “2” and not “0” from the directory information 1511. However, since the minimum attribute number is “5” and the maximum attribute number is “35”, the file corresponding to the search attribute number “0” does not exist in the search directory “200”. Accordingly, it is also determined in S1204 that there is no corresponding file, and the process proceeds to S1207, where the search directory number is incremented by one to “201”, and the search file number is reset to the initial value “1”.

  The processing from S1202 onward is repeated, but the directory numbers “201” to “299” all have “0” as the total number of files. The process of S1204 will be repeated.

  When the search directory number is “300”, the total number of files is “1” from the directory information 1512, the minimum attribute number is “0”, and the maximum attribute number is “0”. Therefore, it is understood that the file corresponding to the search attribute number “0” is likely to exist in the search directory “300”. Therefore, it is determined in S1204 that the corresponding file is likely to exist, and the process proceeds to the file information list search process (FIG. 13) in S1205.

  In the file information list search process of FIG. 13, first, in S1301, the search directory number “300” and the search file number “1”, which are search conditions, are acquired. In step S1302, the file information list creation process described above with reference to FIG. 5 is executed to create a file information list for the search directory number “300”. Subsequently, the file of the file number “10” corresponding to the search attribute number “0” is searched by the processes of S1303 to S1305, and the file information search process of FIG. Then, it is determined in S1206 in FIG. 12 that the corresponding file exists, it is determined in S1105 in FIG. 11 that the corresponding file exists, display image information in S1106 is acquired, and an image with the file number “10” is displayed in the image display in S1107. .

  In step S1108, in order to search for the next image file, the search directory number is set to the directory number “300” of the image file displayed in step S1107. Also, the search file number is set to the file number existing after the file number “10” of the image file displayed in S1107. Then, the corresponding file search process in S1104 (FIG. 12) is performed again. However, since the file corresponding to the search attribute number “0” is not acquired even if the corresponding file search process of FIG. 12 is performed, it is determined that there is no corresponding file in S1105 of FIG. 11, and the process proceeds to S1109.

  In S1109, it is determined from the attribute information list 1502 that there is still a file having an attribute number after the search attribute number “0”, so that it is determined not to end, and the process proceeds to S1110. In S1110, the attribute information list is referred to, and the attribute number after the search attribute number “0” and the next total file number that is not “0” is acquired. Since the attribute number “5” is acquired here, “5” is set as the next search attribute number, and the process proceeds to S1102 and subsequent steps.

  By repeating the above processing, it is possible to sort in order of shooting date for all image files. FIG. 16C shows an example in which image files are displayed sorted in order of shooting date. In FIG. 16C, the image files recorded in the folder configuration as shown in FIG. 14 are displayed side by side in order of shooting date.

  In the above example, the file information lists of the directory numbers “101” to “199” and “201” to “299” whose total number of files is “0” are not created. In addition, although the file exists in the directory, the file information list of the directory number “200” determined to have no corresponding file is not created. By eliminating the process of creating a wasteful file information list in this way, it is possible to search for an image file at high speed, and attribute sorting with a small amount of memory consumption, because only the file information list of the necessary directory is created. Is possible.

  Further, by performing the representative image reproduction process of FIG. 9 as described above, as shown in FIG. 16A, it is possible to display the first image file with the smallest file number for each one of the shooting dates. Further, by performing the attribute narrowing reproduction process of FIG. 10, it is possible to display only the image file of the same shooting date as shown in FIG.

  In the embodiment described above, an example in which the present invention is applied to a digital camera has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a photo viewer, a PC, a TV, a printer equipped with a display, a mobile phone, etc. The present invention can be applied to any possible device. In particular, the present invention is suitable for application to an image search apparatus that has a small memory capacity, such as a device that is used without being connected to an external recording medium such as a memory card or a device that has a small internal memory. Since a large amount of memory capacity is not required for the search, it is possible to search for an image file having a specific attribute while suppressing an increase in the cost of the apparatus.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an image search device that searches for an image file has been described. May be applied. For example, the present invention can also be applied when searching for an audio file or a document file having a specific attribute.

  Note that the processing of the above-described embodiment may provide a system or apparatus with a storage medium that records software program codes that embody each function. The functions of the above-described embodiments can be realized by the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reading out and executing the program code stored in the storage medium. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for supplying such a program code, for example, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or the like can be used. Alternatively, a CD-ROM, CD-R, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, or the like can be used.

  The functions of the above-described embodiments are not only realized by executing the program code read by the computer. Including the case where the OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. It is.

  Further, the program code read from the storage medium may be written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. After that, the CPU of the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Is also included.

FIG. 1A is an external view of a digital camera as an example of an image search device according to an embodiment. FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the digital camera. 3 is a flowchart showing an overall operation of the digital camera 100. 4 is a flowchart showing file management processing of the digital camera 100. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a total image number calculation process of the digital camera 100. (A) is a flowchart showing file information list creation processing of the digital camera 100. (B) is a diagram showing an example of a file information list recorded in the memory 52. FIG. (A) is a flowchart showing an attribute information list registration process of the digital camera 100. (B) is a diagram showing an example of an attribute information list recorded in the memory 52. FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing directory information list registration processing of the digital camera 100. FIG. (B) is a diagram showing an example of a directory information list stored in the memory 52. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing playback mode processing of the digital camera 100. 3 is a flowchart showing representative image reproduction processing of the digital camera 100. 6 is a flowchart showing attribute narrowing reproduction processing of the digital camera 100. 5 is a flowchart showing attribute sort enumeration processing of the digital camera 100. 4 is a flowchart showing a corresponding file search process of the digital camera 100. 5 is a flowchart showing a file information list search process of the digital camera 100. 3 is an example of an image file and folder configuration stored in a recording medium 200. FIG. (A) is an example of an attribute information list. (B) is an example of a directory information list. (C) is an example of a file information list. (A) is an image display example displayed as a result of the representative image reproduction process. (B) is an image display example displayed as a result of attribute narrowing reproduction processing. (C) is an image display example displayed as a result of the attribute sort enumeration process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Shooting lens 12 Shutter 14 Image pick-up element 16 A / D converter 18 Timing generation circuit 20 Image processing circuit 22 Memory control circuit 24 Image display memory 26 D / A converter 28 Image display part 30 Memory 32 Compression / decompression circuit 40 Exposure control Means 42 Distance control means 44 Zoom control means 46 Barrier control means 48 Flash 50 System control circuit 52 Memory 54 Display unit 56 Non-volatile memory 58 Timer 60 Mode dial 60 Mode dial 61 Shutter button 62 Shutter switch SW1
64 Shutter switch SW2
66 Image display ON / OFF switch 68 Quick review ON / OFF
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 70 Operation part 80 Power supply control means 82 Connector 84 Connector 86 Power supply means 90 Interface 92 Connector 96 Connector 100 Digital camera 102 Protection means 104 Optical finder 106 Image display part opening / closing detection means 108 External output connection detection means 110 Communication means 112 Connector 114 Microphone 118 Speaker 200 Recording medium 201 Recording medium slot 203 Lid 210 Recording medium

Claims (17)

Attribute management means for managing presence / absence of an image file having the attribute and information on a directory in which the image file having the attribute is recorded for each attribute that the image file may have,
Directory management means for managing the presence / absence of an image file recorded in the directory and information on the attribute of the image file recorded in the directory for each directory;
A determination unit that determines a directory in which an image file having a specific attribute is not recorded based on information managed by the attribute management unit and information managed by the directory management unit;
Search means for searching for an image file having the specific attribute for an image file recorded in a directory in which the image file having the specific attribute is not recorded by the determination unit. An image search apparatus characterized by that.   2. The image search apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the directory information managed by the attribute management means is information for specifying a range of a directory in which an image file having the attribute is recorded.   The information specifying the range of the directory is information indicating a directory having a maximum directory number and a directory having a minimum directory number among directories in which image files having the attribute are recorded. 2. The image search device according to 2.   4. The information relating to the attribute of the image file recorded in the directory managed by the directory management means is information for specifying a range of the attribute of the image file recorded in the directory. The image search device according to any one of the above.   5. The image search apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the information specifying the attribute range is a maximum attribute number and a minimum attribute number among the attributes of the image file recorded in the directory.   6. The information managed by the attribute management unit and the information managed by the directory management unit are recorded and managed in a memory area of a certain capacity secured in advance. The image search device according to any one of the above.   7. The image search apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the memory area having the predetermined capacity is secured on a recording medium different from the recording medium on which the image file is recorded. A file management means for managing attributes of all image files recorded in a specific directory;
8. The image search apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the search unit searches for an image file having the specific attribute based on information managed by the file management unit. .   The image search apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising display control means for controlling to display an image of the image file searched by the search means.   The image search apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the attribute is a shooting date of the image file. For each attribute that the image file can have, an attribute management step for managing the presence or absence of the image file having the attribute and information on the directory in which the image file having the attribute is recorded;
A directory management step for managing the presence / absence of an image file recorded in the directory and information on the attribute of the image file recorded in the directory for each directory;
A determination step of determining a directory in which an image file having a specific attribute is not recorded based on the information managed by the attribute management step and the information managed by the directory management step;
A search step for searching for an image file having the specific attribute as a target for an image file recorded in the directory in which the image file having the specific attribute is not recorded by the determination step. An image search method characterized by that. Computer
Attribute management means for managing presence / absence of an image file having the attribute and information on a directory in which the image file having the attribute is recorded for each attribute that the image file may have
Directory management means for managing the presence / absence of an image file recorded in the directory and information on the attribute of the image file recorded in the directory for each directory;
A determination unit that determines a directory in which an image file having a specific attribute is not recorded, based on information managed by the attribute management unit and information managed by the directory management unit;
Functions as search means for searching for an image file having the specific attribute for an image file recorded in a directory in which the determination means does not determine that the image file having the specific attribute is not recorded. Program for. Computer
Attribute management means for managing presence / absence of an image file having the attribute and information on a directory in which the image file having the attribute is recorded for each attribute that the image file may have
Directory management means for managing the presence / absence of an image file recorded in the directory and information on the attribute of the image file recorded in the directory for each directory;
A determination unit that determines a directory in which an image file having a specific attribute is not recorded, based on information managed by the attribute management unit and information managed by the directory management unit;
Functions as search means for searching for an image file having the specific attribute for an image file recorded in a directory in which the determination means does not determine that the image file having the specific attribute is not recorded. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for recording is recorded. Attribute management means for managing presence / absence of a file having the attribute and information on a directory in which the file having the attribute is recorded, for each attribute that the file may have;
A setting means for setting attributes of a file as a search condition;
A file search apparatus comprising: search means for searching for a file having an attribute set by the setting means based on information managed by the attribute management means. An attribute management step for managing presence / absence of a file having the attribute and information on a directory in which the file having the attribute is recorded, for each attribute that the file may have;
A setting step for setting attributes of a file as a search condition;
And a search step for searching for a file having the attribute set by the setting step based on the information managed by the attribute management step. Computer
Attribute management means for managing presence / absence of a file having the attribute and information on a directory in which the file having the attribute is recorded for each attribute that the file may have;
Setting means for setting file attributes as search conditions,
A program for functioning as a search unit that searches for a file having an attribute set by the setting unit based on information managed by the attribute management unit. Computer
Attribute management means for managing presence / absence of a file having the attribute and information on a directory in which the file having the attribute is recorded for each attribute that the file may have;
Setting means for setting file attributes as search conditions,
A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for functioning as search means for searching for a file having an attribute set by the setting means based on information managed by the attribute management means.

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