JP2014057250A - Image processing system, control method of the same, control program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent occurrence of unnatural change in aspect ratio (that is an angle of view) in image reproduction.SOLUTION: A system controller 50 generates first image data in accordance with an image signal obtained as a result of imaging, and generates second image data which has a smaller size than the first image data and has the same aspect ratio as that of the first image data. Furthermore, the system controller generates third image data which has a smaller size than the first image data and has a previously selected aspect ratio. The system controller records the first image data, the second image data, and the third image data as an image file on a recording medium 200.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for recording and reproducing still images, a control method thereof, a control program, and a recording medium.

  In recent years, in the playback mode of an electronic still camera (hereinafter referred to as a digital camera), an image data file of a main image with a large amount of data and a thumbnail image with a small amount of data are used to improve the reading and display speed of recorded image data. A data file is generated.

  On the other hand, in some digital cameras, shooting is performed by selecting an aspect different from the aspect of the image sensor. In this type of digital camera, it is necessary to display an image according to the aspect selected at the time of shooting during playback display.

  However, regardless of the selected aspect ratio, the image data is recorded with the same aspect ratio as the image sensor at the time of shooting, and the thumbnail image data and the main image data are selected at the time of shooting. When the image is displayed by trimming according to the ratio, the load during reproduction is large. Particularly when an image is to be displayed while being sequentially switched, an image processing apparatus such as a digital camera needs to have a high image processing capability. Therefore, in order to reproduce the main image data with the selected aspect ratio without depending on the image processing capability of the digital camera, the main image data and the thumbnail image are generated and recorded with the aspect ratio at the time of shooting. It is preferable to do.

  In addition, in order to perform high-speed image reproduction, a part of the image information of the main image is extracted and generated as sub-image data so that the sub-image data and the main image data are associated with each other in an identifiable memory. Some are recorded (see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-7-245723

  By the way, as described above, there is a model in which the actual image data must be recorded in the aspect of the image pickup device mounted according to the specifications of the digital camera even when the image is picked up by selecting the aspect ratio. In such a model, thumbnail image data is recorded in the memory with the aspect ratio selected at the time of shooting, and the main image data is recorded in the memory with the aspect ratio of the image sensor regardless of the selected aspect ratio. . Therefore, at the time of playback, the digital camera determines the aspect ratio that was selected when the image data to be played back was shot, and performs processing such as displaying a frame on the main image data according to the determination result. There is a need.

  Here, a file format for recording thumbnail image data and main image data in the memory will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a file format for recording image data. FIG. 20A is a diagram showing a file format, and FIG. 20B is a diagram showing reproduction in a digital camera capable of determining an aspect ratio (view angle). FIG. 20C is a diagram showing playback in a digital camera that cannot determine the aspect ratio (view angle).

  As shown in FIG. 20A, the image file includes a header (Header), a thumbnail image portion (THM), a JPEG image portion (display JPG), a RAW header portion (TWAIN), and a RAW data portion (RAW). Have. Now, in a digital camera, when shooting is performed with an aspect ratio (that is, an angle of view) selected, image data is recorded in the memory in the file format shown in FIG.

  At this time, the selected aspect ratio information (selected angle of view information) is recorded in the header, and THM is recorded at the selected angle of view. Further, the display JPG is recorded at the selected angle of view, and the RAW is recorded at the full screen angle of view regardless of the selected angle of view.

  When the RAW in the image file shown in FIG. 20A is reproduced, for example, the display JPG is simply displayed before the large RAW is read, and then the RAW is reproduced.

  In the digital camera capable of determining the aspect ratio when reproducing the image file shown in FIG. 20A, the RAW size is trimmed or framed according to the selected field angle information recorded in the header. (See FIG. 20B).

  However, in a digital camera that cannot determine the aspect ratio, RAW is reproduced at the full field angle after reproducing the JPG data recorded at the selected field angle (see FIG. 20C). .

  For this reason, as shown in FIG. 20C, during RAW reproduction, the RAW image is not connected to the simple display and the angle of view is unnaturally changed and displayed. Then, RAW or JPEG data cannot be trimmed and displayed in accordance with the angle of view information during reproduction.

  In other words, if the digital camera cannot determine the aspect ratio, an unnatural change in the angle of view will occur when thumbnail image data and main image data having different aspect ratios are sequentially read and displayed on the screen. .

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to cause an unnatural change in the aspect ratio (that is, the angle of view) during image reproduction even when the thumbnail image data and the main image data have to be recorded with different aspect ratios. An image processing apparatus, a control method thereof, a control program, and a recording medium are provided.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus that performs image processing on an image signal obtained as a result of shooting and records the image signal in a memory as an image file. A first image generating means for generating one image data, and a second image generator having a size smaller than that of the first image data in accordance with the image signal and having the same aspect ratio as the first image data. Second image generating means for generating image data; and third image data for generating third image data having a size smaller than that of the first image data and having a preselected aspect ratio in accordance with the image signal. An image generating unit; and a recording unit that records the first image data, the second image data, and the third image data as an image file in the memory. That.

  A control method according to the present invention is a control method of an image processing apparatus that performs image processing on an image signal obtained as a result of shooting and records the image signal in a memory, and generates first image data in accordance with the image signal. A first image generation step that generates second image data that is smaller in size than the first image data and has the same aspect ratio as the first image data in accordance with the image signal. A second image generation step, a third image generation step of generating third image data having a size smaller than the first image data and having a preselected aspect ratio in accordance with the image signal, A recording step of recording the first image data, the second image data, and the third image data as an image file in the memory.

  A control program according to the present invention is a control program used in an image processing apparatus that performs image processing on an image signal obtained as a result of shooting and records the image signal in a memory as a file. A first image generation step for generating first image data in response to the signal; and an aspect ratio that is smaller than the first image data in accordance with the image signal and has the same aspect ratio as the first image data A second image generation step for generating second image data, and third image data having a size smaller than that of the first image data and a preselected aspect ratio in accordance with the image signal. A third image generation step to be generated, and the first image data, the second image data, and the third image data as image files. Characterized in that to execute a recording step of recording in the memory.

  A recording medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable recording medium in which the control program is recorded.

  According to the present invention, an unnatural change in aspect ratio (view angle) does not occur during image reproduction.

1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an example of an imaging apparatus having an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention from the back side. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the camera shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an operation when a power source of the camera shown in FIG. 2 is turned on. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining photographing mode processing shown in FIG. 3. FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a photographing process shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the recording process shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 3 is a diagram for simply explaining a file format when image data is recorded in the camera 100 shown in FIG. 2. It is a figure for demonstrating concretely the data structure of the image file recorded on a recording medium by the recording process demonstrated in FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in a playback mode in the camera shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for illustrating a reproduction mode input waiting state shown in FIG. 9. FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the file analysis process shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the image information acquisition process shown in FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a reproduction target list creation process shown in FIG. 9. 10 is a flowchart for explaining search management file creation processing shown in FIG. 9. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the reliability confirmation process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the search management file production | generation process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the attribute information acquisition process shown in FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining image display processing in the camera shown in FIG. 2. 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining a search management file used in the camera shown in FIG. 2, in which FIG. 3A is a diagram showing a configuration of a directory, and FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the file format at the time of recording the conventional image data, (a) is a figure which shows a file format, (b) is in the digital camera which can perform determination of an aspect ratio (view angle). The figure which shows reproduction | regeneration, (c) is a figure which shows the reproduction | regeneration in a digital camera which cannot perform determination of an aspect ratio (view angle).

  Hereinafter, an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an example of an imaging apparatus having an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention from the back side.

  The illustrated imaging apparatus is a so-called digital camera (hereinafter simply referred to as a camera), and can capture at least a still image. The illustrated camera 100 is provided with a display unit 28 on the back side, and images and various information are displayed on the display unit 28. On the upper surface of the camera, a power switch 72 for switching between power on and power off is disposed, and a shutter button 61 is disposed.

  On the right side of the display unit 28, a mode changeover switch 60 for switching various modes and an operation unit 70 for receiving various operations from the user are arranged. The shutter button 61 is one of the operation units 70.

  In the illustrated example, a connection cable 111 for connecting the camera and an external device (not shown) is connected to the camera. The connection cable 111 is connected to the camera by a connector 112.

  A recording medium slot 201 is formed in the camera, and a recording medium 200 such as a memory card or a hard disk is stored in the recording medium slot 201. When storing the recording medium 200 in the recording medium slot 201, the lid 202 provided in the camera is opened, and the recording medium 200 is stored in the recording medium slot 201.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the camera 100 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the camera 100 includes a photographic lens unit (hereinafter simply referred to as a photographic lens) 103, and a shutter 101 having an aperture function is disposed at the subsequent stage of the photographic lens 103. On the rear side of the shutter 101, an imaging unit 22 having a CCD or CMOS element that converts an optical image into an electrical signal is disposed. The analog signal that is the output of the imaging unit 22 is converted into a digital signal (image signal) by the A / D converter 23.

  A barrier 102 is disposed on the front side of the photographic lens 103. The barrier 102 covers the photographic lens 103, the shutter 101, the imaging unit 22, and the like to prevent dirt and damage.

  The timing generator 12 supplies a clock signal or a control signal to the imaging unit 22, the A / D converter 23, and the D / A converter 13. The timing generator 12 is controlled by the memory controller 15 and the system controller 50.

  The image processing unit 24 receives the image data that is the output of the A / D converter 23 or the image data from the memory control unit 15 and performs a resizing process such as predetermined pixel interpolation and reduction and a color conversion process. Further, the image processing unit 24 performs a predetermined calculation process using image data obtained as a result of imaging. The system control unit 50 performs exposure control and distance measurement control based on the calculation result.

  As a result, TTL (through the lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing are performed.

  Further, the image processing circuit 24 performs predetermined calculation processing using image data obtained as a result of imaging, and performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the calculation result.

  The image data output from the A / D converter 23 is written into the memory 32 via the image processing unit 24 and the memory control unit 15 or directly via the memory control unit 15. The memory 32 has a sufficient storage capacity for storing a predetermined number of still images or moving images and sound for a predetermined time.

  The compression / decompression unit 16 compresses and decompresses image data by adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like. The compression / decompression unit 16 reads the image data stored in the memory 32 using the operation of the shutter 101 as a trigger, performs compression processing, and writes the image data after the compression processing in the memory 32.

  Further, the compression / decompression unit 16 reads the compressed image data read from the recording unit 19 (described later) into the memory 32, performs the decompression process, and writes the decompressed image data into the memory 32. The image data written in the memory 32 by the compression / decompression unit 16 is filed in the system control unit 50 and recorded on the recording medium 200 (that is, the recording unit 19) via the interface (I / F) 18. .

  The illustrated memory 32 also serves as an image display memory. Display image data written in the memory is provided to the display unit 28 via the D / A converter 13 and displayed as an image. The display unit 28 is, for example, an LCD.

  The system control unit 50 controls the entire camera 100. The system memory 52 stores constants, variables, programs, and the like for operating the system control unit 50. The illustrated nonvolatile memory 56 is an electrically erasable / recordable memory, and for example, an EEPROM is used.

  The above-described mode switch 60 is a switch for switching the operation mode of the system control unit 50 to one of a still image shooting mode, a continuous shooting (continuous shooting) mode, a moving image mode, and a playback mode, for example.

  If the shutter button 61 is being operated (half-pressed), the first shutter switch is turned on, and the first shutter switch signal SW1 is given to the system control unit 50. As a result, the system control unit 50 instructs the start of operations such as AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-flash) processing.

  When the operation of the shutter button 61 is completed (fully pressed), the second shutter switch is turned on and the second shutter switch signal SW2 is given to the system control unit 50. Thereby, the system control unit 50 instructs the start of a series of imaging processing operations from reading the signal of the imaging unit 22 to writing the image data on the recording medium 200.

  The aforementioned operation unit 70 has various buttons and a touch panel. Examples of various buttons include a delete button, a menu button, a SET button, a four-way key arranged in a cross shape, and a print reservation button for making a print reservation for a printer (not shown) connected to the connector 112. is there.

  When the menu button is operated, the system control unit 50 displays a menu screen for performing various settings on the display unit 28. The user can intuitively make various settings using the four-way key and the SET button by looking at the menu screen displayed on the display unit 28.

  The power control unit 39 includes a battery detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, and a switch circuit that switches blocks to be energized. Then, the power control unit 39 detects the presence / absence of a battery, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level. The power control unit 39 controls the DC-DC converter based on the detection result and the instruction from the system control circuit 50, and supplies a predetermined voltage to each unit including the recording medium 200 for a necessary period.

  The power supply unit 30 includes a primary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, or a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery, and an AC adapter. The power supply unit 30 is connected to the power supply control unit 39 by connectors 33 and 34.

  An RTC (Real Time Clock) unit 40 has a power source unit (not shown) in addition to the power source control unit 39, and performs a clock operation (clocking operation) even when the power source unit 30 is turned off. . The system control unit 50 performs timer control using the date and time acquired from the RTC 40 when the camera is activated (power switch on).

  An interface (I / F) 18 is an interface with the recording medium 200, and is connected to a connector 36 provided in the recording medium 200 by a connector 35. The recording medium 200 has an I / F 37 and the recording unit 19 described above, and a semiconductor memory or a magnetic disk is used as the recording unit 19.

  The recording medium attachment / detachment detection unit 98 detects whether or not the recording medium 200 is attached to the connector 35 and notifies the system control unit 50 of the result.

  The communication unit 110 performs various communication processes related to RS232C, USB, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, or wireless communication. A connector (antenna in the case of wireless communication) 112 connects the communication unit 110 to the camera 100 and an external device such as a printer. When a printer is connected to the connector 112, for example, an image file recorded on the recording medium 200 is transferred to the printer, and an image can be printed directly by the printer without using a PC or the like.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the operation when the power supply of the camera shown in FIG. 2 is turned on. In the following description, it is assumed that the system control unit 50 reads a program stored in the memory 32 to the system memory 52 and performs processing according to the program.

  When the power switch 72 is operated to turn on the power, the system control unit 50 initializes flags and control variables (step S301). Subsequently, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the setting of the mode switching button 60 is the shooting mode (step S302). If the setting of the mode switching button 60 is not the shooting mode (NO in step S302), the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the setting of the mode switching button 60 is the playback mode (step S303).

  If the setting of the mode switching button 60 is the shooting mode (YES in step S302), the system control unit 50 performs processing (shooting mode processing) related to the shooting mode described later (step S304). On the other hand, when the setting of the mode switching button 60 is the playback mode (YES in step S303), the system control unit 50 performs processing related to the playback mode (playback mode processing) described later (step S305).

  If the setting of the mode switching button 60 is not the playback mode (NO in step S303), the system control unit 50 performs the process (other mode processes) set by the mode switching button 60 (step S306). Note that the other mode processing includes a communication mode in which image files stored in the recording medium 200 are transmitted and received.

  After performing the process of step S304, S305, or S306, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the power switch 72 is turned off (step S307). If power switch 72 is on (NO in step S307), system control unit 50 returns to the process in step S302.

  On the other hand, when power switch 72 is turned off (YES in step S307), system control unit 50 performs a predetermined end process (step S308) and ends the process.

  In the end process, for example, the display on the display unit 28 is changed to the end state, the lens barrier 102 is closed to protect the image pickup unit, and parameters, setting values, and settings including flags and control variables are set. There are a process for recording the mode in the nonvolatile memory 56 and a process for shutting off the power to a portion where power supply is unnecessary.

  Furthermore, processing for recording the number of recorded pixels of the monitor display image and the recording size setting of the captured image, which will be described later, is also included in the end processing. Note that the number of recorded pixels of the monitor display image may be a fixed value, or may be updated with a change in other mode processing in step S306. Then, if there is a change in the other mode processing, the recording size setting is updated with the change.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the photographing mode process shown in FIG.

  When the shooting mode process is started, the system control unit 50 first performs a so-called through display in which an image is displayed on the display unit 28 (step S401). Subsequently, the system control unit 50 receives the remaining capacity of the power supply 30 detected by the power supply control unit 39, and also receives the presence / absence of the recording medium 200 and the remaining capacity of the recording medium 200. Then, the system control unit 50 determines whether there is a problem in the shooting mode process (step S402). That is, the system control unit 50 determines whether the battery is OK and the recording medium is OK.

  If at least one of the battery and the recording medium is not OK (NG in step S402), the system control unit 50 displays a predetermined warning on the display unit 28 via the memory control unit 15 (step S403). Although not shown, the system control unit 50 may issue a warning by voice. Thereafter, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S401.

  If both the battery and the recording medium are OK (OK in step S402), system control unit 50 determines whether or not the first shutter switch (SW1) is on (step S404). If the first shutter switch (SW1) is off (OFF in step S404), system control unit 50 stands by.

  On the other hand, when the first shutter switch (SW1) is on (ON in step S404), the system control unit 50 performs a distance measurement process to focus the photographing lens 103 on the subject. Subsequently, the system control unit 50 performs a photometric process to determine an aperture value and a shutter time (shutter speed) (step S405). Although not shown, the system control unit 50 performs flash setting if necessary in the photometric process.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the second shutter switch (SW2) is turned on (step S406). When the second shutter switch (SW2) is off (OFF in step S406), system control unit 50 determines whether or not the first shutter switch (SW1) is on (step S407).

  When the first shutter switch (SW1) is turned off (OFF in step S407), the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S404. On the other hand, when the first shutter switch (SW1) is in the ON state (ON in step S407), the system control unit 50 returns to the process in step S406.

  When the second shutter switch (SW2) is turned on (ON in step S406), the system control unit 50 sets the display on the display unit 28 to a fixed color display state (step S408). Then, the system control unit 50 performs a shooting process described later (step S409).

  In this photographing process, for example, the memory 32 via the imaging unit 22, A / D converter 23, image processing circuit 24, memory control circuit 15, or directly from the A / D converter 23 via the memory control circuit 15. An exposure process for writing image data obtained as a result of shooting is performed. Further, in the photographing process, a development process for performing various processes on the image data read from the memory 32 is performed by the memory control circuit 15 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 24.

  Next, the system control unit 50 performs quick review display of an image corresponding to the image data obtained as a result of shooting on the display unit 28 (step S410). After the quick review display, the system control unit 50 performs a recording process of writing the image data obtained by the shooting process as an image file on the recording medium 200 (step S411). The recording process S411 will be described later.

  After performing the recording process, the system control unit 50 continuously displays the quick review on the display unit 28 until the second shutter switch (SW2) is turned off (step S412). As a result, the user can carefully check the captured image (rec review function).

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the second shutter switch (SW2) is on (step S413). If the second shutter switch (SW2) is on (ON in step S413), the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S412 and continues the rec view.

  On the other hand, when the second shutter switch (SW2) is turned off (OFF in step S413), the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a predetermined minimum review time has elapsed (step S414). If the minimum review time has not elapsed (NO in step S414), system control unit 50 waits.

  When the minimum review time has elapsed (YES in step S414), system control unit 50 sets the display on display unit 28 to the through display state (step S415). Here, after the quick review display is performed on the display unit 28 and the user confirms the photographed image, the system control unit 50 enters a through display state in which images are sequentially displayed for the next photographing.

  Thereafter, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the first shutter switch (SW1) is on (step S416). If the first shutter switch (SW1) is on (ON in step S416), system control unit 50 proceeds to the process in step S406. On the other hand, when the first shutter switch (SW1) is turned off (OFF in step S416), the system control unit 50 ends a series of photographing operations and proceeds to the processing in step S404.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the photographing process shown in FIG.

  When the shooting process is started, the system control unit 50 acquires the shooting date and time from a system timer (not shown) and stores it in the system memory 52 (step S501). Next, the system control unit 50 refers to the photometric data stored in the system memory 52 or the memory 32 and opens the shutter 101 according to the aperture value (step S502). Then, the system control unit 50 exposes the imaging unit 22 (step S503).

  The system control unit 50 determines whether or not the exposure of the imaging unit 22 has been completed based on the photometric data (step S504). If the exposure of the imaging unit 22 is not completed (NO in step S504), the system control unit 50 stands by.

  When the exposure of the imaging unit 22 ends (YES in step S504), the system control unit 50 closes the shutter 101 (step S505). Then, the system control unit 50 reads the electrical signal from the imaging unit 22 by controlling the timing generation unit 12. Thus, the electrical signal is written as image data in the memory 32 via the A / D converter 23, the image processing circuit 20, the memory control circuit 22, or directly from the A / D converter 23 via the memory control circuit 22. (Step S506). At this time, the system control unit 50 stores the size of the image data in the system memory 52.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 reads out the image data written in the memory 30 by the memory control circuit 15 and, if necessary, the image processing circuit 24 and performs image processing such as compression processing by the compression / decompression unit 16. (Step S507). Then, the system control unit 50 writes the compressed image data in the memory 32.

  Next, the system control unit 50 reads the image data from the memory 32 and transfers it to the display unit 28 as image data for display via the memory control circuit 15 (step S508). When the series of processing is completed, the system control unit 50 ends the photographing processing routine and proceeds to processing in step S410 (FIG. 4).

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the recording process shown in FIG.

  When the recording process of the image data obtained by the photographing process described with reference to FIG. 5 is started, the system control unit 50 generates a file name according to the file name generation rule (step S601). Then, the system control unit 50 acquires the date / time information stored in the system memory 52 in step S501 of FIG. 5 (step S602).

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 acquires the size of the image data from the system memory 52 (step S603). Thereafter, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a directory for storing the image file exists in the recording medium 200 (step S604).

  If the directory does not exist in the recording medium 200 (NO in step S604), the system control unit 50 creates a directory for storing the image file (step S605). Subsequently, the system control unit 50 creates a directory entry using the file name generated in step S601 and the date / time information acquired in step S602.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 creates a file header including image capturing conditions such as the image capturing date and time for the image data stored in the memory 32 in the image capturing process (step S606). If the directory exists on recording medium 200 (YES in step S604), system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S606.

  After creating the file header, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the image data is shooting related to a part of the related image data (step S607). That is, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not it is related image shooting. The determination in step S607 is performed, for example, by setting stitch shooting, bracket shooting, or continuous shooting mode in the operation unit 70, or by setting the mode switch 60.

  If it is determined that the image capturing is related (YES in step S607), the system control unit 50 records related image information indicating that a series of image capturing is related to the file header (step S608). Then, the system control unit 50 records the image data on the recording medium 200 with the file name (step S609), and proceeds to the process of step S412 (FIG. 4).

  If it is determined that it is not related image shooting (NO in step S607), the system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S609.

  Next, an image file (here, a still image data file) recorded on the recording medium 200 in the above-described recording process will be described.

  First, the concept of a file format when recording image data in the camera 100 shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for simply explaining a file format when image data is recorded in the camera 100 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, an image file (hereinafter referred to simply as “file”) includes a header, a thumbnail image portion (thumbnail image data), a JPEG image portion (display image data), and a RAW header portion. (TWAIN) and a RAW data portion (RAW image data: first image data). The thumbnail image portion has a first thumbnail image portion (THM1: fourth image data), and a second thumbnail image portion (THM2: fifth image data) after the first thumbnail image portion (THM1). ) Is recorded.

  The JPEG image portion has a first JPEG image portion (JPG1: second image data), and a second JPEG image portion (JPG2: third image data) after the first JPEG image portion (JPG1). ) Is recorded.

  Now, assume that the camera 100 selects an aspect ratio (that is, an angle of view) and performs shooting, and an image file is recorded on the recording medium 200 in the file format shown in FIG.

  At this time, the selected aspect ratio information (selected field angle information) is recorded in the header, and THM1 is recorded at the entire field angle. Then, THM2 is recorded at the selected angle of view (with black frame: frame region). Further, JPG1 is recorded at the entire field angle, and JPG2 is recorded at the selected field angle. In addition, RAW is recorded at the full field angle regardless of the selected field angle.

  When the RAW in the image file shown in FIG. 7 is reproduced, for example, JPG1 or JPG2 is simply displayed before reading a large RAW, and then the RAW is reproduced.

  When the image file shown in FIG. 7 is played back, the camera capable of determining the aspect ratio can perform trimming display or frame display of the RAW size according to the selected field angle information recorded in the header. . On the other hand, in a camera that cannot determine the aspect ratio, the RAW is reproduced at the full field angle after reproducing the JPG 1 recorded at the full field angle.

  For this reason, even when the thumbnail image and the RAW have to be recorded with different aspect ratios, an unnatural change in the aspect does not occur during the image reproduction, and the RAW image is simplified during the RAW reproduction. There is no connection with the display, and the angle of view does not change unnaturally.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for specifically explaining the data structure of an image file recorded on a recording medium by the recording process described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A shows a JPEG file, and FIG. 8B shows a first thumbnail image. FIG. 8C shows a second thumbnail image.

  In FIG. 8A, an image file 701 has a marker (SOI) 702 indicating the start of an image at the head, and an application marker (APP1) 703 and main image data 731 after the SOI 702. The APP1 (703) includes an APP1 size (APP1 Length) 704, an APP1 identification code (APP1 Identifier Code) 705, a Date Time 706 indicating the date and time when the image was created, and a Date Time Original 707 indicating the date and time when the image data was generated. Stored. Further, the Class Information 708 stores classification information stored in the system memory 52 as described later.

Further, APP1 (703) includes a Pixel Dimension 709 indicating the number of recording pixels of the main image data, an Image Size 710 indicating the recording size setting set at the time of shooting, a Compressed data Size 711 indicating the size of the main image data, and the time of shooting. The aspect information 712 is stored. The APP1 (703) includes other shooting information 713, an image start marker (SOI) 714, an application marker APP2 (715), a first thumbnail image (1 ^st Thumbnail Data) 720, and the last of the image data. A marker (EOI) 721 to be displayed, a marker (SOI) 722 to indicate the start of an image, an application marker APP1 (722), a second thumbnail image (2 ^nd Thumbnail Data) 727, and a marker (EOI) 728 to indicate the end of the image data Stored.

  The first thumbnail image 720 is recorded with an aspect ratio and an image size according to the DCF standard (see FIG. 8B).

  When the related image information described in step S608 described in FIG. 6 is generated, the shooting date / time information stored in the system memory 52 in step S501 in FIG. 5 is stored in the Date Time 706 and the Date Time Original 707.

  APP2 (715) includes an APP2 size (APP2 Length) 716, an APP2 identification code (APP2 Identifier Code) 717, and a first offset (2nd Thumbnail Offset) 718 of APP1 (723) related to the second thumbnail image, and Other shooting information 719 is stored.

  In the application marker APP1 (723), an APP1 size 724, an APP1 identification code 725, and a Pixel Dimension 726 indicating the number of recording pixels related to the second thumbnail image 727 are stored.

  The second thumbnail image must be recorded with an aspect ratio and an image size according to the DCF standard. However, when recording, a thumbnail image cut out with an arbitrary aspect ratio and a non-cutout mask are recorded. It can be recorded as an image having an arbitrary aspect ratio (see FIG. 8C). When the arbitrary aspect ratio is the same as that of the first thumbnail image, the second thumbnail image may not be recorded. In that case, APP2 (715-719) and APP1 (723-726) related to the second thumbnail image may not be recorded.

  The main image data recorded following APP1 (701) includes a quantization table (DQT) 729, a Huffman table (DHT) 730, a frame start marker (SOF) 731, a scan start marker (SOS) 732, and a compression. Data (Compressed Data) 733 is included. Then, it is terminated with a marker (EOI) 734 indicating the end of the image file.

  The compressed data 733 is recorded not with aspect information 712 at the time of shooting but with an aspect size determined according to the imaging unit 22.

  The data structure of the image file described above is a structure defined as the Exif standard, and can be recognized as an Exif structure by referring to the APP1 (703) code and the identification code 705.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the playback mode in the camera 100 shown in FIG.

  When the reproduction mode is started, the system control unit 50 acquires initial image information from the storage medium 200 (step S801). Here, the initial image refers to the latest image or the image displayed in the previous playback, and the initial image information refers to information related to the initial image such as data of the initial image and file name and date / time information. Say.

  Note that the initial image information is acquired prior to the calculation of the total number of images and the creation of the search management file, so that there is an advantage that the image can be quickly displayed when the playback mode is entered, as will be described later. The initial image information acquisition process will be described later.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 checks whether or not the initial image information has been correctly acquired. Here, for example, the system control unit 50 checks whether an image exists on the recording medium 200 (step S802). If an image cannot be acquired due to a defect in the recording medium 200, the system control unit 50 determines that there is no image. If the initial image information can be acquired, the system control unit 50 determines that at least one image exists on the recording medium 200.

  If an image exists in the recording medium 200 (YES in step S802), the system control unit 50 reads the latest image file from the storage medium 200 based on the initial image information, that is, the latest image information (step S803).

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 performs file analysis processing such as shooting information and attribute information related to the latest image file (step S804). Then, the system control unit 50 displays the latest image on the display unit 28 according to the file analysis result, and also displays shooting information, attribute information, and the like on the display unit 28 according to the settings (step S805). If the system control unit 50 determines that the file is an illegal file such as a part of the latest image file is broken based on the result of the file analysis, the system control unit 50 displays an error on the display unit 28.

  Next, the system control unit 50 starts creating a reproduction target list stored in the storage medium 200 (step S806). Here, the reproduction target list is a list in which, for example, in a reproduction device conforming to the DCF standard, a directory entry of the DCF root directory is analyzed to acquire and manage images reproducible in the reproduction device in advance. .

  The process according to step S806 is performed asynchronously, and can proceed to the next process without waiting for the completion. Thus, even when a large number of image files are stored in the storage medium 200 and it takes time to search the reproduction target list, the user can quickly browse the images.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 starts creating a search management file (hereinafter also referred to as a search list) (step S807). Here, the search management file is a management file for acquiring and managing attribute information added to the image file in advance. By generating the search management file in advance, it is possible to quickly perform processing such as reproduction or deletion for each attribute. The system control unit 50 waits for the reproduction mode input without waiting for the search management file creation process to be completed (step S808).

  If there is no image on the recording medium 200 (NO in step S802), the system control unit 50 performs a no-image display by displaying a message such as “no image” (step S809), and the reproduction in step S808. Wait for mode input.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the reproduction mode input waiting state shown in FIG.

  When in the reproduction mode input waiting state, the system control unit 50 checks whether or not there is an input event (step S901). The input event referred to here is, for example, an event for informing a user operation on a button or a battery cover, a decrease in power, or the like, or a notification of completion of search list processing started at the time of activation.

  If there is no input event (NO in step S901), the system control unit 50 stands by. On the other hand, when there is an input event (YES in step S901), the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the input event is an operation of the image advance button (step S902).

  If the input event is an image feed button operation (YES in step S902), the system control unit 50 reads the next display image (that is, an image file) from the recording medium 200 (step S903). The image advance button has a pair of forward and backward feed directions, and the next display image changes depending on the feed direction.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 performs file analysis processing such as shooting information and attribute information of the read image file (step S904). Then, the system control unit 50 displays an image on the display unit 28 according to the result of file analysis (step S905). At this time, the system control unit 50 displays photographing information, attribute information, and the like on the display unit 28 according to the settings.

  If the system control unit 50 determines that the file is an illegal file such as a part of the latest image file is broken based on the result of the file analysis, the system control unit 50 displays an error on the display unit 28. Thereafter, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S901.

  If the input event is not an image feed button operation (NO in step S902), the system control unit 50 determines whether the input event is an end button operation (step S906). If the input event is an operation of an end button (YES in step S906), system control unit 50 ends the search list creation process (step S907). Here, if the search list is being created, the processing is interrupted, and if the search list has already been created, the system control unit 50 does nothing thereafter.

  Thereafter, the system control unit 50 performs a calculation end process for the total number of images (step S908). Also in this process, if the total number calculation is in progress, the calculation is interrupted, and if the total number calculation has already been completed, the system control unit 50 does nothing after that. Then, the system control unit 50 ends the reproduction mode input state, and proceeds to the process of step S307 shown in FIG.

  If the input event is not an end button operation (NO in step S906), the system control unit 50 checks whether or not the calculation of the total number of images performed in step S806 shown in FIG. 9 has been completed (step S910). If the calculation of the total number of images has not been completed (NO in step S910), the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S901. At this time, the system control unit 50 may display a message or icon on the display unit 28 indicating that the calculation of the total number of images has not been completed.

  On the other hand, when the calculation of the total number of images is completed (YES in step S910), the system control unit 50 checks whether the creation of the search list performed in step S807 shown in FIG. 9 is completed (step S911). . If the creation of the search list is not completed (NO in step S911), the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S901. At this time, the system control unit 50 may display a message or icon on the display unit 28 indicating that the creation of the search list is not completed.

  When the creation of the search list is completed (YES in step S911), the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the input event is an operation of the delete button (step S912). If the input event is an operation of a delete button (YES in step S912), system control unit 50 deletes as described later (step S913). Then, the system control unit 50 checks the total number of images after the erasing process, and determines whether or not the total number of images is zero (step S914).

  If the total number of images is zero (YES in step S914), system control unit 50 displays that there is no image on display unit 28 (step S915), and returns to the process of step S901. Here, a message such as “no image” is displayed on the display unit 28.

  If the total number of images is not zero (NO in step S914), the system control unit 50 reads the next image file from the recording medium 200 (step S916). Here, the next image file means an image file having a file number next to the erased image file. When the latest image file is erased, the image file immediately before the erased image file becomes the erased image file, that is, the latest image file.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 performs file analysis processing such as shooting information and attribute information on the read image file (step S917). Then, the system control unit 50 displays an image on the display unit 28 according to the result of the file analysis (step S918). At this time, the system control unit 50 displays photographing information, attribute information, and the like on the display unit 28 according to the settings.

  If the system control unit 50 determines that the image file is an illegal file such as a part of the image file is broken based on the result of the file analysis, the system control unit 50 displays an error on the display unit 28. Thereafter, the system control unit 50 returns to the process of step S901.

  If the input event is not an operation of the delete button (NO in step S912), the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the input event is an operation of the menu button (step S919). If the input event is an operation of a menu button (YES in step S919). The system control unit 50 performs a print menu process described later (step S920), and returns to the process of step S901.

  If the input event is not an operation of the menu button (NO in step S919), the system control unit 50 performs other processing according to the input event (step S921), and returns to the processing of step S901. The other processing includes, for example, switching to multi-playback or displaying a menu with a menu button.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining the file analysis processing shown in step S804 of FIG. 9 and steps 904 and S917 of FIG.

  When the file analysis process is started, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the image file to be analyzed includes a file header in which attribute information such as shooting information and classification information is described (step S1001). If it is determined that there is a file header (YES in step S1001), the system control unit 50 acquires shooting information from the file header (step S1002). Subsequently, the system control unit 50 acquires classification information and the like from the file header (step S1003).

  Here, the shooting information is information regarding shooting date and time, shooting mode at the time of shooting, and the like. On the other hand, the classification information refers to identification information for use in image search, for example, tag information.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 performs an image information acquisition process described later (step S1004). If it is determined that there is no file header (NO in step S1001), the system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S1004.

  Next, the system control unit 50 determines whether the above-described shooting information, classification information, and image information are the same as the contents of the search management file (step S1005). If the shooting information, the classification information, and the image information are the same as the contents of the search management file (YES in step S1005), system control unit 50 completes the file analysis process.

  On the other hand, when at least one of the shooting information, the classification information, and the image information is different from the content of the search management file (NO in step S1005), the system control unit 50 updates the corresponding file information of the search management file (step S1006). . Then, the system control unit 50 writes the search management file in the recording medium 200 (step S1007), and completes the file analysis process.

  As described above, when an image file is read and the file header is analyzed at the time of image reproduction, the search management file can be referred to at the same time by referring to the search management file and collating in units of image files without requiring additional processing time. Verification and correction can be performed.

  Further, even when alteration of the search management file itself or change of the management target file cannot be detected, the contents of the search management file can be correctly reconstructed.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the image information acquisition processing in step S1004 of FIG.

  When the image information acquisition process is started, the system control unit 50 extracts information relating to the file format of the image file and aspect information (step S1101). Next, the system control unit 50 refers to the file format and acquires information related to the main body image data such as the start position of the main body image data and the image compression method (step S1102).

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 reads out thumbnail information from the image file (step S1103), and determines whether or not a second thumbnail image exists separately from the first thumbnail image (step S1104). For example, in the case of the file format shown in FIG. 8, the system control unit 50 looks at the application marker APP2 (714) and whether or not the head position of APP1 related to the second thumbnail image described in APP2 has been read out. Whether or not the second thumbnail image exists is determined.

  Note that it may be determined that the second thumbnail image exists only when the aspect ratio of the second thumbnail image is the same as the aspect information 712.

  If it is determined that the second thumbnail image exists (YES in step S1104), the system control unit 50 reads information on the second thumbnail image from APP1 (722) and acquires the start position of the second thumbnail image. (Step S1105). Then, the system control unit 50 ends the image information acquisition process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the second thumbnail does not exist (NO in step S1106), the system control unit 50 similarly acquires the start position of the first thumbnail image (step S1106). Then, the system control unit 50 ends the image information acquisition process.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the reproduction target list creation process shown in step S806 of FIG.

  When the reproduction target list creation process is started, the system control unit 50 initializes the latest image determination flag to zero (step S1201). Subsequently, the system control unit 50 initializes the total file number determination flag to zero (step S1202), and then initializes the search permission flag to zero (step S1203).

  Next, the system control unit 50 creates a reproduction target directory list (step S1204). In this process, for example, in a playback device in accordance with the DCF standard, the directory entry of the DCF root directory is analyzed to search for the DCF directory and added to the playback target directory list.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the reproduction target directory exists (step S1205). If there is no reproduction target directory (NO in step S1205), that is, if there are no directories and files that can be handled by the camera 100, the system control unit 50 sets the total number of files to 0 and then sets the total number of files. The confirmation flag is set to 1 (step S1214). Then, the system control unit 50 ends the reproduction target list creation process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a reproduction target directory (YES in step S1205), the system control unit 50 initializes the image search target directory (step S1206). In this initialization, for example, the DCF directory with the maximum number is set as the image search target directory in a DCF standard playback device.

  Next, the system control unit 50 calculates the total number of images in the directory set as the image search target by analyzing the directory entry of the directory (step S1207). Then, the system control unit 50 adds the total number of images in the directory to the total number of images on the recording medium 200.

  Further, the system control unit 50 acquires file information described in the directory entry of the DCF root directory (step S1208). Specifically, the system control unit 50 acquires the minimum file number, the maximum file number, the file number total, the time stamp total, the file size total, the total number of files, and the like. The system control unit 50 stores the file information in the system memory 52 as directory entry information.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a reproduction target image file (that is, a file that can be handled by the camera 100) exists (step S1209). If it is determined that the reproduction target image file exists (YES in step S1209), the system control unit 50 determines the latest image file and sets the latest image determination flag to 1 (step S1210).

  Next, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not there has been an instruction to end the total number calculation by operating the end button or the like (step S1211). If there is an instruction to end the total number calculation (YES in step S1211), system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S1214.

  If it is determined that the reproduction target image file does not exist (NO in step S1209), the system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S1211.

  If there is no instruction to end the total number calculation (NO in step S1211), the system control unit 50 determines whether or not an unsearched directory exists (step S1213). If it is determined that an unsearched directory exists (YES in step S1213), the system control unit 50 sets the image search target directory to an unprocessed directory (image search target directory resetting) (step S1212), and step S1207. Return to the process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that an unsearched directory does not exist (NO in step S1213), the system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S1214.

  In this way, the processes in steps S1207 to S1210 are performed for all directories in the reproduction target directory list created in step S1204. When the processes of steps S1207 to S1210 are completed for all the directories, the system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step 1214. In step S1214, the system control unit 50 notifies the latest image determination, calculates the total number of images, sets the total file number determination flag, and ends the process.

  If there is no reproduction target image in the directory even if the reproduction target directory exists, the total number of files confirmation flag is set as 0 for the total number of images, and the process ends.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the search management file creation process shown in step S807 of FIG.

  When the search management file creation process is started, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not there is a search management file creation instruction (step S1301). If there is no creation instruction (NO in step S1301), system control unit 50 stands by.

  On the other hand, when there is a creation instruction (YES in step S1301), the system control unit 50 confirms the presence / absence of an unreliable directory (step 1303). If the reliability has been confirmed for all the reproduction target directories (NO in step S1303), the system control unit 50 sets the search permission flag = 1 in the system memory 52 (step S1316), and search management file creation processing Exit.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a directory whose reliability has not been confirmed (YES in step S1303), the system control unit 50 sets the directory as a target directory whose reliability should be confirmed (step S1304). Then, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not a search management file corresponding to the target directory exists in the recording medium 200 (step S1305).

  If the search management file exists (YES in step S1305), the system control unit 50 reads the search management file into the system memory 52 (step S1306). Then, the system control unit 50 checks the reliability of the search management file described later (step S1307).

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 checks whether or not all data is reliable (step S1308). As a result of the confirmation, if it is determined that all data is reliable (YES in step S1308), the system control unit 50 performs a storage process for storing the target directory reliability confirmed (step S1315). Then, the system control unit 50 confirms whether or not there is an instruction to interrupt the creation of the search management file (step S1302).

  If there is an instruction to interrupt creation (YES in step S1302), system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S1301. On the other hand, if there is no instruction to interrupt creation (NO in step S1302), system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S1303. Then, the system control unit 50 performs a series of processes until there is no directory whose reliability has not been confirmed.

  If it is determined that all data is not reliable (NO in step S1308), the system control unit 50 determines whether some data is reliable (step S1309). If it is determined as a result of the recognition process that some data is not reliable (NO in step S1309), the system control unit 50 sets all data in the directory as reinspection targets (step S1311).

  On the other hand, as a result of the confirmation process, when reliability is confirmed only for a part of data (YES in step S1309), the system control unit 50 sets a part of data whose reliability is not confirmed as a re-inspection target. (Step S1310). Then, the system control unit 50 generates a search management file for the image file set as the reexamination target (step S1313).

  In addition, after performing the process of step S1311, the system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S1313, and generates a search management file for all data, that is, for all image files to be inspected.

  Thereafter, the system control unit 50 writes the generated search management file in the recording medium 200 (step S1314), and proceeds to the process of step S1315. Here, for example, a directory (XXXMSC) for storing the search management file is generated, and the generated search management files (M100.CTG, M101.CTG) are stored in the directory.

  In the present embodiment, a search management file is generated for each directory and stored in the recording medium 200. For example, M100. CTG (2001) is a search management file of the directory 100XXX (2002). CTG (2003) is a search management file of the directory 101XXX (2004).

  If it is determined in step S1305 that the search management file does not exist (NO in step S1305), the system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S1311.

  When the processing is completed for all the reproduction target directories in this way, the processing proceeds from step S1303 to step S1316, and the system control unit 50 sets the search permission flag to 1 and performs search management file creation processing. Will end.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the reliability confirmation processing shown in step S1307 of FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a search management file used in the camera 100 shown in FIG. FIG. 19A is a diagram showing the configuration of the directory, and FIG. 19B is a diagram showing the configuration of the search management file.

  When the reliability check process is started, the system control unit 50 checks the consistency of the search management file read from the recording medium 200 into the system memory 52 (step S1401). This consistency check is performed based on the search management file reliability information. Search management file reliability information is not search information within the search management file, such as search management file version, search management file size, and search management file checksum, but is the consistency information of the search management file itself. It is used when checking the alteration of the file itself.

  As the search management file reliability information, for example, a time stamp and a hash value can be used.

  If the consistency of the search management file cannot be confirmed (NO in step S1401), the system control unit 50 determines that there is no data reliability (step S1411), and ends the reliability confirmation process. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a normal search cannot be performed due to falsification of the search management file.

  If the consistency of the search management file can be confirmed (YES in step S1401), the system control unit 50 acquires the directory entry information stored in the system memory 52 in the reproduction target list creation process described above (step S1402). Then, the system control unit 50 compares the directory entry information described in the search management file read from the recording medium 200 in the search management file creation process described above with the directory entry information acquired in step S1402 (step S1403).

  Here, for example, the comparison is performed using information indicating the configuration of the target directory such as the minimum file number, the maximum file number, the file number total, the time stamp total, the file size total, and the total number of files. In the present embodiment, the file number is used as the entry information in accordance with the DCF standard, but of course, the file name or the sum of the character codes of the file name, the hash value of the directory entry on the recording medium, etc. may be used as the directory entry information.

  The system control unit 50 determines whether or not both pieces of information are the same according to the comparison result (step S1404). If both pieces of information are the same (YES in step S1404), the system control unit 50 determines that all data reliability exists (step S1412), and ends the reliability confirmation process. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which normal search cannot be performed due to a change in the file itself in the target directory and a change in the file structure.

  If the two pieces of information are not the same (NO in step S1404), the system control unit 50 determines whether there is a file that exists only in the search management file (step S1405). If there is a file that exists only in the search management file (YES in step S1405), system control unit 50 determines whether there is a common file that exists in both the search management file and the directory entry information (step S1406). ).

  If it is determined that there is a common file (YES in step S1406), the system control unit 50 acquires directory entry information of the common file from the recording medium 200 (step S1407). Then, the system control unit 50 compares the common file with the directory entry information described in the search management file (step S1408).

  In the comparison using the entry information in step S1408, a time stamp, a file size, a file name, a protect attribute, a hidden attribute, an archive attribute, and the like are used.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 determines whether the directory entry information is the same in the common file according to the comparison result (step S1409). If the directory entry information is the same in the common file (YES in step S1409), system control unit 50 determines that there is partial data reliability (step S1410), and ends the reliability confirmation process.

  If there is no file that exists only in the search management file (NO in step S1405), the system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S1411. Similarly, if it is determined that there is no common file (NO in step S1406), system control unit 50 proceeds to the process of step S1411. If the directory entry information is not the same in the common file (NO in step S1409), system control unit 50 proceeds to the process in step S1411.

  For example, if an image file is added to the recording medium 200 by a personal computer or the like and the power is cut off before the camera 100 reflects the image file in the search management file, information on only a part of the image file is stored in the search management file. An undocumented situation occurs. According to the present embodiment, even in such a case, data that has already been confirmed to be reliable can be used effectively.

  According to the search management processing described above, it is possible to automatically rebuild the search management file by detecting a change in the configuration of the management target file in the recording medium 200 and a change in the management target file itself.

  Further, since the management target file configuration in the recording medium is changed and the change of the management target file is detected with the data described on the directory entry, the processing can be executed at high speed without referring to the contents of the file. In addition, the search management file is reconstructed only for the directory in which the management target file configuration in the recording medium is changed or the change in the management target file is detected. There is no need to rebuild the file.

  In addition, if there is no change in the common file, the information of the search management file of the common file is used as it is. Therefore, even when a file is added to the directory by another device or when the camera 100 is turned off before the search management file is updated by adding the file to the directory by the camera 100, a search that has already been constructed is performed. The management file can be used effectively.

  If there is no change in the common file, the search management file is reconstructed only for the non-overlapping managed file in the directory where the management file configuration change or the management file change is detected in the recording medium. Is called. For this reason, it is not necessary to reconstruct already constructed file information, and it is possible to perform re-examination only on files for which addition has been detected.

  The reliability check is performed by describing the file attributes of the search management file itself in the search management file and collating the file attributes. Therefore, it is possible to detect falsification of the search management file itself, which is incorrect. Management can be prevented. When the falsification confirmation of the search management file itself is used, the information on the search management file itself and its directory entry is used, so that confirmation can be performed at a high speed for each search management file.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the search management file generation process shown in step S1313 of FIG.

  When the search management file generation process is started, the system control unit 50 sets an analysis file (step S1501). Here, all the files in the directory set in the above-described search management file creation process (FIG. 14) or unanalyzed files among some files whose reliability could not be confirmed are set as analysis files. .

  Next, the system control unit 50 performs attribute information acquisition processing described later to acquire attribute information of the analysis file (step S1502). Then, the system control unit 50 generates information to be described in the search management file according to the attribute information and registers it in the search management file (step S1503). The information registered in the search management file is, for example, file information. This file information includes classification information, shooting information, subject information, and the like. The file information is registered in association with information for specifying the file.

  For example, a file name and a file number may be registered as information for specifying a file, or may be associated with a file according to the order of the list.

  Even if it is determined that there is no file header in the attribute information acquisition process, the system control unit 50 registers information to that effect in the search management file in step S1503.

  In this way, information corresponding to the attribute information of the analysis file is registered in the search management file.

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 checks whether there is an unanalyzed file (step S1504). If there is an unanalyzed file (YES in step S1504), system control unit 50 returns to the process in step S1501. On the other hand, if there is no unanalyzed file (NO in step S1504), the system control unit 50 ends the search management file generation process.

  As described above, since it is not necessary to read and analyze the file in the recording medium again for attribute information existing on the cache by photographing or the like, the search management file can be constructed at high speed.

  By the way, as described above, when the image file of the recording medium 200 is searched and the total number is determined, the classification information setting and the image erasing can be performed. In the meantime, the reliability check processing of the search management file in the recording medium 200 is performed in parallel.

  First, a case where the image file is deleted before the reliability is confirmed will be described.

  As the image file is deleted, the directory entry of the directory to which the image file belongs is updated. Therefore, inconsistency occurs between the reliability confirmation information described in the search management file and the directory entry. As a result, in the reliability confirmation process, the process proceeds from step S1404 to step S1405.

  Since the deleted image file does not exist in the directory entry, the image file exists only in the search management file. For this reason, it is determined that the data of the search management file is not reliable, and all the data is set as a reexamination target, and the search management file is generated.

  Next, a case where the classification information of the image file before the reliability check is changed will be described.

  Along with the change of the image file classification information, the directory entry (time stamp or the like) of the directory to which the image file belongs is updated. Therefore, inconsistency occurs between the reliability confirmation information described in the search management file and the directory entry. As a result, in the reliability confirmation process, the process proceeds from step S1404 to step S1405.

  Since the image file is not erased when the classification information is changed, an image file that exists only in the search management file does not occur. However, since the classification information has been changed, there is a mismatch between the directory entry and the image file that exists in common in the search management file with respect to the image file.

  Therefore, the process proceeds from step S1409 to step S1411, and it is determined that the data of the search management file is not reliable. As a result, all data is set as a reexamination target, and a search management file is generated.

  As described above, an image file whose deletion or classification information has been changed before the reliability check is excluded from the target of the image file managed by the camera 100.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the attribute information acquisition processing shown in step S1502 of FIG.

  When the attribute information acquisition process is started, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the attribute information of the analysis file exists as cache information in the cache area of the system memory 52 (step S1600). This cache information is held in the cache area of the system memory 52, for example, when an image is taken.

  If it is determined that there is cache information (YES in step S1600), the system control unit 50 acquires information described in the search management file according to the cache information (step S1605). Then, the system control unit 50 ends the attribute information acquisition process.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no attribute information in the cache (NO in step S1600), the system control unit 50 reads the target file from the recording medium 200 (step S1601). Then, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the target file has a file header in which attribute information is described (step S1602).

  If it is determined that there is a file header (YES in step S1602), the system control unit 50 first acquires shooting information from the attribute information (step S1603), and then the system control unit 50 acquires classification information and the like (step S1603). Step S1604). Then, the system control unit 50 ends the attribute information acquisition process.

  If it is determined that there is no file header (NO in step S1602), the system control unit 50 ends the attribute information acquisition process.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining image display processing in the camera 100 shown in FIG.

  In displaying an image, the system control unit 50 first determines whether or not a request for displaying a thumbnail image has been made by the user (step S1701). For example, if it takes time to read the main image, the image can be displayed quickly if a thumbnail image smaller in size than the main image is read in advance. Note that thumbnail display is performed according to the setting by the user or the image display mode.

  If there is a request for displaying a thumbnail image (YES in step S1701), the system control unit 50 reads the thumbnail image, displays the thumbnail image on the display unit 28, and ends the image display process.

  At this time, if the start position of the second thumbnail is read in step S1105 of FIG. 12, the system control unit 50 displays the second thumbnail image. On the other hand, when the first thumbnail image is read in step S1106, the system control unit 50 displays the first thumbnail image.

  If there is no thumbnail image display request (NO in step S1701), the system control unit 50 determines whether or not to display an aspect image (step S1703). In addition, when performing aspect image display, for example, an instruction to that effect is given from the user.

  If it is determined that the aspect image display is to be performed (YES in step S1703), the system control unit 50 reads the main image and displays the main image on the display unit 28 with a predetermined aspect ratio (step S1704). Then, the system control unit 50 ends the image display process.

  As the predetermined aspect ratio, for example, the aspect information in the image file may be used, or the aspect ratio of the thumbnail image may be used. In the aspect image display, for example, a so-called mask display is performed by cutting out an image in accordance with the aspect ratio.

  If it is determined that the aspect image display is not performed (NO in step S1703), the system control unit 50 reads the main image and displays it as it is on the display unit 28 in the aspect ratio in which the main image is recorded. Then, the system control unit 50 ends the image display process.

  In this way, when displaying a large main image, by displaying the aspect image with the aspect ratio at the time of shooting, it becomes possible to make the aspect ratio of the thumbnail image displayed in advance the same as that of the user. In addition, it is possible to prevent a sense of incongruity due to a change in aspect ratio when displaying an image.

  As described above, in the embodiment of the present invention, an unnatural change in the aspect ratio (that is, the angle of view) does not occur during image reproduction, and the user does not feel uncomfortable.

  As is clear from the above description, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the system control unit 50, the image processing unit 24, and the memory control unit 15 include the first image generation unit, the second image generation unit, and the third It functions as an image generation means, a fourth image generation means, a fifth image generation means, a recording means, an analysis means, and an image reading means. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, at least the image processing unit 24, the memory control unit 15, the system control unit 50, the system memory 52, the nonvolatile memory 56, and the operation unit 70 constitute an image processing apparatus.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on embodiment, this invention is not limited to these embodiment, Various forms of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are also contained in this invention. .

  For example, the function of the above embodiment may be used as a control method, and this control method may be executed by the image processing apparatus. In addition, a program having the functions of the above-described embodiments may be used as a control program, and the control program may be executed by a computer included in the image processing apparatus. The control program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, for example.

  Each of the control method and the control program has at least a first image generation step, a second image generation step, a third image generation step, and a recording step.

  The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various recording media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program. To be executed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Memory control part 16 Compression / decompression part 22 Imaging part 24 Image processing part 28 Display part 50 System control part 52 System memory 56 Non-volatile memory 70 Operation part 200 Recording medium

Claims (11)

An image processing apparatus that performs image processing on an image signal obtained as a result of shooting and records it in a memory as an image file,
First image generation means for generating first image data in response to the image signal;
Second image generating means for generating second image data having a size smaller than that of the first image data and having the same aspect ratio as the first image data in accordance with the image signal;
Third image generation means for generating third image data having a size smaller than that of the first image data and having a preselected aspect ratio in accordance with the image signal;
Recording means for recording the first image data, the second image data, and the third image data as image files in the memory;
An image processing apparatus comprising: Fourth image generation means for generating fourth image data having a size smaller than that of the second image data and having the same aspect ratio as the first image data in accordance with the image signal;
Fifth image generation means for generating fifth image data having a smaller size than the second image data and having the preselected aspect ratio;
The recording means records the first image data, the second image data, the third image data, the fourth image data, and the fifth image data as the image file in the memory. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The fifth image generation unit generates the fifth image data having the preselected aspect ratio, adds a frame region to the image indicated by the fifth image data, and generates the first image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the same aspect ratio is set.   The third image generation unit does not generate the third image data when the preselected aspect ratio is the same as the aspect ratio of the first image data. An image processing apparatus according to 1.   5. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the image file is recorded in the memory, at least the preselected aspect ratio of the image file is added as attribute information. 6. Image processing apparatus. Analyzing means for analyzing attribute information added to the image file when the image file recorded in the memory is read and displayed on a display unit;
If the preselected aspect ratio does not exist in the image file in the analysis result by the analyzing means, the second image data is read from the memory, and if the preselected aspect ratio exists, the third image is read from the memory. The image processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: an image reading unit that reads the first image data from the memory after reading the image data.   The first image data is RAW image data, each of the second image data and the third image data is display image data, and further, the fourth image data and the fifth image data The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of the data is thumbnail image data.   The image file includes at least a header portion indicating the preselected aspect ratio, and the header portion is followed by the fourth image data, the fifth image data, the second image data, and the second image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the third image data and the first image data are recorded in this order. An image processing apparatus control method for performing image processing on an image signal obtained as a result of shooting and recording the image signal in a memory as an image file,
A first image generation step of generating first image data in response to the image signal;
A second image generation step of generating second image data having a smaller size than the first image data and having the same aspect ratio as the first image data in accordance with the image signal;
A third image generation step of generating third image data having a smaller size than the first image data and having a preselected aspect ratio in accordance with the image signal;
A recording step of recording the first image data, the second image data, and the third image data as image files in the memory;
A control method characterized by comprising: A control program used in an image processing apparatus for performing image processing on an image signal obtained as a result of shooting and recording the image signal in a memory as an image file,
A computer included in the image processing apparatus,
A first image generation step of generating first image data in response to the image signal;
A second image generation step of generating second image data having a smaller size than the first image data and having the same aspect ratio as the first image data in accordance with the image signal;
A third image generation step of generating third image data having a smaller size than the first image data and having a preselected aspect ratio in accordance with the image signal;
A recording step of recording the first image data, the second image data, and the third image data as image files in the memory;
A control program characterized by causing   A computer-readable recording medium on which the control program according to claim 10 is recorded.

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