JP4327340B2 - Image processing apparatus and image search output method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for processing image information recorded on an information recording medium and an image search / output method for outputting the image information.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art A digital camera that captures an image of an object scene using a solid-state image pickup device such as a CCD solid-state image pickup device or a MOS type image sensor, processes the image pickup signal, and records it on an information storage medium such as a memory card. The digital image data processed in this way can be further processed and processed by a personal computer, and the processed image data can be printed out. In order to record and store such digital image data, various information storage media such as a memory card, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk are used, and there are various types of image file recording systems in these information storage media. Adopted.
[0003]
For example, in International Publication No. WO96 / 27258, there is a still image filing system that reads an image from a film or a photo, records the image data on an optical disc, and reproduces the image data recorded on the optical disc in this way. Are listed. As described in the 29th page, 14th to 19th lines, this optical disk is a magneto-optical disk having a diameter of 64 mm, and four image directories are created in the recording area. Also, page 57, line 19 to page 60, line 8 describes the files recorded on the optical disc and the hierarchical directory structure.
[0004]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 10-126724 and 10-200839 input thumbnail images from a storage medium such as a digital camera or a memory card, and capture image data corresponding to a selected image corresponding to the operation. A direct print adapter that generates print data and outputs the print data to a printer is described.
[0005]
Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-125867 discloses a reception index for reading out print data and print order data when print target data and print order data are recorded on a recording medium. There is described a digital print order receiving apparatus that creates an image and performs print ordering processing by changing or adding print order data.
[0006]
On the other hand, according to the Camera File System Standard (DCF) established by the Japan Electronics Industry Promotion Association (JEIDA), there is a recording medium that allows file exchange between DCF compatible devices. A file system that defines the state of data recorded in the memory, its recording function and playback function has been formulated. According to this rule, a DCF image directory “DCIM” is arranged in the root directory in the recording medium, and a plurality of DCF directories for storing DCF objects such as image files are arranged under “DCIM”. With such a file system, a DCF-compatible device can read out desired image data by searching for an image file in a predefined directory.
[0007]
Although this file system allows the existence of non-DCF directories that are not specified, conditions such as ignoring the directory or not displaying the directory number and file number for playback of files in the non-DCF directory, etc. Is stipulated. In this way, image data recorded on a recording medium in accordance with the camera file system standard can be read out by a playback device in conformity with the file system, and data compatibility is maintained between different models. Be drunk.
[0008]
The image data stored in the information recording medium in this way can be read out, displayed, and printed by the reproduction function of the photographed camera and various application programs on the computer. In addition, image data recorded on an information recording medium is brought into a specialized laboratory or the like that outputs digital image data as a photographic print, and high-quality digital prints can be obtained.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, various recording formats are determined for the nonvolatile information recording medium for recording an image, and each has its own file format and directory structure. Therefore, when displaying an image to be processed and selecting it efficiently, it is necessary to know in advance information such as the directory name and file name in which the image file is recorded. In view of this, the image processing apparatus searches for an image in a media format supported by the apparatus in consideration of operability, and displays the image for the operator or prints it out.
[0010]
However, for media other than formats supported on the device side, for example, the arrangement of image files is different and the specifications are different, so such display and print processing cannot be performed effectively. Furthermore, as in the conventional example described above, new image file layout formats are proposed one after another. When a recorded image is displayed and printed in accordance with the new format, the processing program is newly added. There was a problem that it was necessary to purchase and replace the system, or to modify the processing program installed in the system according to the new format.
[0011]
In such a system that displays or prints image data recorded on a recording medium, it is necessary to always install a processing program corresponding to the latest file system. This has been an important issue in, for example, a print order receiving system that receives prints of image data recorded on a recording medium and a system that prints images according to image data.
[0012]
For example, when performing an image search to display a list of image data recorded on a recording medium, if all image data under the root directory is searched, an image unrelated to the desired image is reproduced. . Specifically, when an application program is stored in the recording medium, even image data representing icons and the like used in the program are displayed when the list image is displayed. In this case, since unnecessary processing is performed, the processing load on the apparatus side also increases. Moreover, it is desirable not to display unnecessary information for general consumers to operate.
[0013]
In order to avoid such a situation, it is conceivable to newly create or modify a display processing program for displaying an image recorded on the recording medium. It is difficult to respond quickly. In addition, replacing an application program or a print processing program for display processing stored in a computer or the like includes a lot of redundant processing steps in view of the degree of correction / change contents. It was efficient.
[0014]
The present invention eliminates such drawbacks of the prior art, and even when a file system such as directory arrangement in an information recording medium is changed or a new file system appears, a new processing device or processing program is changed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus and an image search / output method that can search an image recorded on an information recording medium, automatically select a desired image file, read out the image from the information recording medium, and output it. To do.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention reads out image information from various information recording media in which image information is recorded in various directory structures, outputs the information to a monitor, and outputs a desired image from the output image information. In an image processing apparatus that selects and outputs information according to an operation, the apparatus stores a reading unit that reads image information from an information recording medium and a search information file that includes search information for searching for image information. A search information reading means for reading the search information; a file specifying means for specifying image information according to the search information; and a list creation for creating a file list for outputting the image information specified by the file specifying means Means, display processing means for outputting the image information read from the information recording medium based on the file list in a monitor displayable manner, and display processing. Selecting means for selecting image information corresponding to operation information generated by operating according to the image information output from the means, and reading the image information selected by the selecting means from the information recording medium, and processing the image information And an image output means for outputting.
[0016]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention reads out image information from various information recording media in which image information is recorded in various directory structures, outputs the information to a monitor, and outputs desired information from the output image information. In the image search and output method of selecting and outputting image information according to an operation, this method specifies a directory in a specific range of the information recording medium and indicates whether or not to register the image information in the specified directory range A search information file to be prepared, a step of creating a file list for outputting image information recorded on a target information recording medium according to the description of the search information file, and a file list specified Reading image information from the information recording medium, displaying image information read from the information recording medium, and the displayed image From the distribution, characterized in that it comprises the steps of selecting a desired image information corresponding to the operation, and a step of outputting the image information selected by reading from the information recording medium.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring to FIG. 2, an example of the configuration of the image processing system in this embodiment is shown. The image processing system 10 reads out image data recorded in various information recording media into the computer device 12 and displays a list of the images on the display screen of the monitor device 14, and selects a desired image from the displayed image list. The image data corresponding to the selected image is read from the information recording medium, and the print data is output to the color printer 16 connected by the SCSI interface (I / F) 15 or the photo print system 18 connected to the network. An image printing system that prints out an image represented by image data.
[0018]
This image processing system 10 flexibly and quickly responds to the recording structure of files on various information recording media. Therefore, when creating and displaying an image list, the image processing system 10 creates an image file based on the description contents of a search information file described later. A file list to be listed is created, image files are read from the information storage medium according to the file list, and the recorded images on the information recording medium are displayed as a list. As a result, a desired image file is selected from a group of image files recorded on the information recording medium according to various information recording media without displaying an unnecessary image while targeting various information recording media. be able to. In addition, for information recording media recorded in file systems having various file structures, the application program stored in the computer device 12 can be modified or replaced by associating the description contents of the search information file with each other. Can be adapted to the new file system without change.
[0019]
Specifically, as shown in the figure, the computer device 12 includes a scanner 20 that optically reads an image and outputs image data corresponding to the optical image, a card reader 22 that reads information stored in a memory card, A Zip drive 24 that reads information recorded on a magnetic disk such as a Zip disk is daisy chain connected to a SCSI interface 26. Further, a CD drive 28 and a floppy disk drive (FDD) 30 are provided in the computer device 12 main body. The computer device 12 receives the image data output from these image data reading devices, reads the image data recorded on various information recording media in accordance with the file system in the recording media, and displays the image list on the monitor In response to an operation on the touch panel 32 placed on the monitor device 14, the image to be printed is identified, the identified image file is read from the information recording medium, converted to print data, and the print data is output. To do.
[0020]
A central processing unit (CPU) 34 provided in the computer device 12 includes a microprocessor (MPU) (not shown), a memory such as ROM and RAM, and an MPU peripheral circuit, and as shown in FIG. A process corresponding to a general-purpose operating system (OS) 300 and a print application program 302 stored in the HDD 36 is performed.
[0021]
Further, the computer device 12 includes a network interface card (NIC) 42 connected to a hub (HUB) 40 via a network cable, and transmits and receives packets to and from the network side connected via the hub 40 by a network protocol. Has the function to perform. In addition to the computer device 12, the above-described photo print system 18, optical disc recording system 44, and dial-up router 46 are connected to the hub 40 in this embodiment. The optical disk recording system 44 can store and store a large amount of image files, so that the stored image data can be read and sent to a desired apparatus 12 for so-called extra printing processing or album image display processing. . The dial-up router 46 in this embodiment is a network relay device for dial-up IP connection to the Internet network via, for example, a public line, and communicates between the computer device 12 and the network using the TCP / IP protocol. To do.
[0022]
When the print application program 302 is read from the fixed disk device 36 and this program 302 is stored in the RAM together with the OS 300, the central processing unit 34 reads and prints the image data recorded on the information recording medium. It becomes the composition which realizes. This application program 302 creates a file list 306 for reading out image files stored in the information recording medium in accordance with the search information file 304 stored in the fixed disk device 36 under the management of the OS 300. The recorded image data is read out according to the file list 306 and a list of recorded images is displayed, and desired image data corresponding to the operation is selected from the displayed images and printing processing is performed.
[0023]
The computer device 12 has an information input function for inputting information recorded on various information recording media that are detachably attached to the image data reading device, and magnetic information such as the above-described memory card, floppy disk, and Zip disk. Access to optical disks such as disks and compact disks (CDs) is possible. In this embodiment, the memory card includes a PC card having a semiconductor memory such as SRAM or flash memory, smart media, and an optical card. Optical disks include magneto-optical recording optical disks such as MO, DVD-RW, and DVD-RAM.
[0024]
The fixed disk device (HDD) 36 stores a plurality of information recording media and search information files respectively created corresponding to the file recording structures. FIG. 4 shows an example of the directory structure of an information recording medium 400. A directory “Pictures” 402 is arranged immediately under the root directory (Root) of the information recording medium 400, and the date, etc., is stored in the directory “Pictures” 402. A directory “20000112” 404 having the name “” is formed. Under this directory “20000112” 404, a directory “HiRes” 406 in which high-resolution image data is stored and a “LowRes” 408 in which low-resolution image data is stored are formed. The image files “Image0001.jpg” 410H, 410L, “Image0002.jpg” 412H, 412L, “Image0003.jpg” 414H, 414L, etc., which are the same image but different in resolution, are recorded.
[0025]
When reading out image data recorded on such an information recording medium 400, since the same image of the high resolution image and the low resolution image exists in the information recording medium 400, only for the high resolution image or the low resolution image, A search information file 304 is created so as to be read from the information recording medium 400. In this embodiment, a search information file 304 that instructs to read out high resolution data is created. Each image file includes thumbnail image data that is a reduced image for list display and main image data that is an original image.
[0026]
5 shows an example of the directory structure of another information recording medium 500. For example, a directory “Images” 502 is arranged immediately below the root directory (Root) of the information recording medium 500. In addition, a directory “20000112” 504 having a name such as a date when the image file is processed is formed. In this directory “20000112”, for example, image files “Image0001.jpg” 506, “Image0002.jpg” 508, “Image0002.jpg” 510, and the like are stored.
[0027]
FIG. 6 shows another example of the directory structure of the information recording medium 600. For example, a directory “Images” 602 is arranged immediately below the root directory (Root) of the information recording medium 600, and images are stored in the directory “Images” 602. The files “Pic001.jpg” 604, “Pic001.jpg” 606, and “Pic003.jpg” 608 are stored. The directory “Images” 602 further includes a directory “Apli” 610. The directory “Apli” 610 includes an execution application file “Viewer.exe” 612 and a resource image file “resource.jpg” 614. Stored.
[0028]
The execution application file “Viewer.exe” is a program file that is used for a playback device or the like created exclusively for this information recording medium 600. This program uses “resource.jpg” 614 as a resource image. For example, it is used for icon display. However, in the application program 302 in this embodiment, “resource.jpg” 614 is not the image data recorded for the purpose of reproduction by the user, but is not intended to print the image itself. In this respect, the application program 302 is an image file that does not need to be reproduced. Therefore, when the computer apparatus 12 in which the application program 302 is introduced reads out the image data recorded in the information recording medium 600 and creates an image list, the resource image file “resource.jpg” of the Viewer application is created. 614 is excluded without being described in the file list 306 for image display or image printing. In the application program 302 in this embodiment, reserved image data used in the processing program stored in such an information recording medium is excluded from the file list 306 based on the search information file 304, or within a specific directory. By registering the image data recorded in the file list 306, for example, it is possible to prevent display of image data other than the image acquired by the user and recorded on the recording medium. In other words, it is possible to display only desired image data according to the user's request and situation, and specify image data desired to be printed from these images.
[0029]
Next, an example of an information recording medium 700 in which image files are stored in compliance with the camera file system standard (DCF) will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, in the information recording medium 700, a DCF image directory “DCIM” 710 is formed directly under the root directory (ROOT), and under the DCF image directory “DCIM” 710, directories “100ABCDE” 712, DCF directories such as directory “101ABCDE” 714, directory “102BCDEF” 716 and directory “999BCDEF” 718 are formed. Each DCF directory stores a DCF basic file such as an image file “ABCD0001.jpg” 720. As described above, the camera file system standard (DCF) clearly defines the recording position of the image file in the directory structure. Therefore, in a DCF compatible device, the recording position of the image file stored in each DCF directory is specified. It can be directly identified and read. These image files include DCF basic main images and DCF basic thumbnails. When displaying an image list, thumbnail images are read and displayed, and the corresponding image data is printed or the original image is displayed. Reads out the main image.
[0030]
The search information file 304 is an external parameter file referenced from the application program 302. The search information file 304 is created and stored in the magnetic disk device 36 for each of various information recording media adopting file systems having various directory configurations as described above. Note that the search information file 304 also functions so as to correspond to the recording form, that is, a plurality of file systems, in the information recording medium of the same physical form. The search information file 304 is described in a text format, stored in the fixed disk device 36, and loaded into the RAM. For example, the search information file 304 is an editor screen for editing the description contents corresponding to a file system having a new directory structure. The search information file 304 can be newly created and stored in the fixed disk device 36 by inputting from the keyboard 50. As a result, the search method can be changed without changing the program 302.
[0031]
For a PC card with ATA (AT Attachment) specifications as a specific information recording medium, the PCCARD drive search information file is specified as a file name “PCCARD_SERCH.ini” in the fixed disk device 36 that can be accessed from the application program 302. Stored in the directory. Also, search information file for CD-ROM drive with file name “CDROM_SERCH.ini” for compact disc standard optical disc, and search information file for Zip drive with file name “Zip_SERCH.ini” for Zip disc Are stored in the same directory. The search information file 304 in this embodiment is stored in the fixed disk device 36 with the extension “ini”. The application program 302 creates a file list 306 with reference to the description content of the search information file 304.
[0032]
Here, the description structure of the search information file 304 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, at the beginning of the search information file 304, DCF information “[DCF_INFO]” is described as DCF information. The DCF information “[DCF_INFO]” is an item for distinguishing whether or not to search the directory structure of the DCF specification, and the specified content is described in the next line. The description “SEARCH_FLAG = 1” stipulates that the directory structure of DCF is not targeted. Conversely, when “SEARCH_FLAG = 0” is described, the directory structure of DCF is targeted. Stipulate. If “SEARCH_FLAG = 1” is described, the processing according to the search path “[SERCH_PATH]” described in the following items is performed without performing the image search of the directory according to the DCF standard. Conversely, when “SEARCH_FLAG = 0” is described, in addition to the process of searching for images in the directory in accordance with the DCF standard, the search path “[ The file list 306 is created by performing processing according to the description content of “SERCH_PATH]”.
[0033]
In addition to DCF, [Picture_INFO] that specifies whether or not to target a picture CD as information about a picture CD, [Photo_INFO] that specifies whether or not to target a photo CD as information about a photo CD, etc. The file list 306 may be created by performing a search according to the description content of the search path “[SERCH_PATH]” after performing a search under unique conditions according to these information recording media. .
[0034]
As shown in FIG. 9, when the content of “[DCF_INFO]” is described as “SEARCH_FLAG = 1”, the application program 302 recognizes that it does not target the directory structure of the DCF specification. According to the search procedure described in the following items in the search information file 304, the information recording medium is accessed to create the file list 306, and image reading according to the file list 306 is performed. Conversely, when “SEARCH_FLAG = 0” is described, the application program 302 recognizes that the directory structure conforms to the DCF specification and reads the image file recorded in the directory structure conforming to the DCF system. Execute.
[0035]
The process according to the search path described above is a process for creating a file list 306 for displaying the reproduction candidates of the image file recorded on the information recording medium based on the search information file 304. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the search path “[SERCH_PATH]” indicates the number of paths of the directory indicated by the description contents of the current search information file 304. In the example shown in FIG. There are three search paths such as “COUNT = 3”. By providing a plurality of search paths in this way, it is possible to deal with information recording media having different directory configurations for information recording media having the same physical form. Of course, information recording media having different physical forms can also correspond to a plurality of different directory configurations without determining or referring to the media type. Therefore, the search information file 304 functions sufficiently even with only one file. Also, as shown in the present embodiment, a plurality of search information files 304 for each information recording medium are prepared, and the search information file 304 corresponds to the information recording medium. The search information file 304 may be used. In this case, the application program 302 can create the file list 306 sequentially in accordance with the contents described in the plurality of search information files 304.
[0036]
Returning to FIG. 8, the search path “[SERCH_PATH_nnn]” is an item for instructing a path for performing an image search for each information recording medium having various directory structures. In each search path, image search is performed according to the search directory name “DirName”, search mode “SerchMode”, image format “ImageFormat”, sort key “SortKey”, and sort direction “SortDir”. Specify the details. The three-digit number “nnn” attached to the search path item is represented by a sequential number starting from “001”, and the search order for creating the file list 306 is defined according to the value. The In this embodiment, the search paths “[SERCH_PATH_nnn]” are described in this numerical order, so the search paths are checked in order from the top.
[0037]
The directory name “DirName” is described in the format “DirName =“ directory name ””, and as described in “[SERCH_PATH_001]” in FIG. 9, for example, “DirName = \ Pictures \ * \ HighRes”. Described. This “[SERCH_PATH_001]” is for the information recording medium 400 having the directory structure shown in FIG. 4 and the reading directory is read in accordance with the search mode “SerchMode = n” described next when reading the image. It is an item to instruct. “DirName = \ Pictures \ * \ HighRes” indicates an image file stored in “\ Pictures \ * \ HighRes”. Note that the symbols “*” and “?” Are wild cards that substitute one character and a plurality of arbitrary characters, respectively.
[0038]
The search mode “SerchMode = n” is registered in the file list 306 for the image data in the designated directory designated by the directory name “DirName”, and in the range of any directory hierarchy. This item indicates whether to delete.
[0039]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, in the case of “SerchMode = 1”, it is instructed to register the image data in the designated directory in the file list 306. In the case of “SerchMode = 2”, it is instructed to delete or not register the image data in the designated directory from the file list 306. If the specified directory is already specified in the file list 306, the specified directory is deleted from the file list 306. In the case of “SerchMode = 3”, it is instructed to register the image data in the specified directory and all subdirectories below the specified directory in the file list 306. In the case of “SerchMode = 4”, it is instructed to delete or not register the image data in the specified directory and all subdirectories under the specified directory from the file list 306.
[0040]
The image format “ImageFormat = image format” is an item for instructing an image file format to be searched. For example, if “ImageFormat = Jpeg” is described, it indicates that the image file is in JPEG compression format, and if “ImageFormat = Tiff” is described, the tag image file format (TIFF) Instructs to target the image file. If “ImageFormat = BMP” is described, it is instructed to search for an image file in bitmap format.
[0041]
If a new image file format is supported, the image format “ImageFormat = image format” is used to specify the image format, and a plug-in corresponding to the image format is created for the application program 302. The function of the application program 302 may be expanded by storing it together in the fixed disk device 36.
[0042]
The sort key “SortKey = n” indicates whether or not to sort the image files and their description order when creating the file list 306, and the sort direction “SortDir = n” indicates the sort direction for sorting. . Specifically, when “SortKey = 0” is described, it is instructed not to sort, and when “SortKey = 1” is described, it is instructed to sort using the file name as a key. , “SortKey = 2” is described, it is instructed to sort according to the date and time information indicating when the image file was recorded. Also, if the sort direction “SortDir = 0” is described, it is instructed to sort in ascending order, and conversely, if “SortDir = 1” is described, sort in descending order. Instruct. By determining the order of description of the image file names and their directories in the file list by these sort instructions, the order of the display order can be defined when displaying the image data.
[0043]
The search path description example of the search information file shown in FIG. 9 is an example of the search information file 304 created so as to enable access to the information recording media 400, 500 and 600 having the directory structure shown in FIGS. .
[0044]
Explaining “[SERCH_PATH_001]”, directory name is “DirName = \ Pictures \ * \ HighRes”, search mode is “SerchMode = 1”, image format is “ImageFormat = Jpeg”, sort key is “SortKey = 1”, sort Since the direction is described as “SortDir = 0”, the contents are searched for the image file whose image format is “Jpeg” stored in the directory “\ Pictures \ * \ HighRes”. In the ascending order, the names and paths are registered in the file list 306.
[0045]
Similarly, in “[SERCH_PATH_002]”, the directory name is “DirName = \ Images \”, the search mode is “SerchMode = 3”, the image format is “ImageFormat = Jpeg”, the sort key is “SortKey = 1”, and the sort direction is “ SortDir = 0 ”is described, so this content is searched for image files with the image format“ Jpeg ”stored in the directory“ \ Images \ ”and in all subdirectories under that directory. In the ascending order of file names, it is instructed to register the names and paths in the file list 306.
[0046]
Similarly, “[SERCH_PATH_003]” is the directory name “DirName = \ Images \ Apli”, the search mode is “SerchMode = 4”, the image format is “ImageFormat = All”, the sort key is “SortKey = 1”, and the sort direction is Since "SortDir = 0" is described, this content is searched for image files of all image formats stored in the directory "\ Images \ Apli" and all subdirectories under that directory. The file list 306 is excluded from the file list 306. In this case, if the corresponding image file is already registered in the file list 306, the description on the list regarding the image file is deleted. If the name and path of the corresponding image file are not described in the file list 306, the description regarding the image file is not registered in the file list 306 as it is.
[0047]
Therefore, when the information recording medium 400 shown in FIG. 4 is attached to a computer apparatus and an image reading apparatus, the image file in the directory “HighRes” is a search target according to the description of “[SERCH_PATH_001]”. These image file names and their paths are described as list data 306a of the file list 306 as shown in FIG. In this case, when an information recording medium having another directory structure is loaded, there is no corresponding image file, and the image file is specified in the file list 306 depending on the search path “[SERCH_PATH_001]”. Will not be.
[0048]
When the information recording medium 500 is loaded, the image file name and path under the corresponding directory are registered as list data 306b of the file list 306 as shown in FIG. 10 from the description content of “[SERCH_PATH_002]”. Is done.
[0049]
When the information recording medium 600 is installed, the image file “Resource.jpg” is deleted from the description contents of “[SERCH_PATH_003]”, and the image file recorded in the other directory is As shown in FIG. 10, the list data 306c is registered in the file list 306 in accordance with the sort key and the sort direction.
[0050]
Note that an image file designated by another search path can be registered in the file list 306.
[0051]
Returning to FIG. 1, the computer apparatus 12 in which the OS 300 and the application program 302 are introduced into the operating state has a functional configuration as shown in FIG. 1 as a part directly related to the present invention.
[0052]
Specifically, the reading processing unit 100 inputs data output from the image data reading device and outputs medium information indicating the type of the information recording medium to the type determining unit 102. In response to a request from the file list designation processing unit 110, the reading processing unit 100 reads the directory structure of the information recording medium and outputs the directory structure to the file designation processing unit 110. Further, the reading processing unit 100 reads an image file corresponding to the reading instruction from the information recording medium in response to the reading instruction from the file list creation processing unit 120, and outputs the image file to the display processing unit 122. Further, based on the request information from the print processing unit 126, the reading processing unit 100 reads an image file corresponding to the request information from the information recording medium and outputs it to the print processing unit 126.
[0053]
The type determining unit 102 determines the type of the information recording medium based on the medium information notified from the reading processing unit 100. The type determination unit 102 may detect when a selection operation for selecting an input medium is performed on the touch panel 32, the keyboard 50, the mouse 52, and the like, and may select the type of the information recording medium according to the operation. The type information of these media is notified to the search information reading unit 104.
[0054]
The search information reading unit 104 reads the search information file 304 corresponding to the type from the fixed disk device 36 in accordance with the type information output from the type determination unit 102. The search information reading unit 104 outputs the description content of “[DCF INFO]” that is the search information in the read search information file 304 to the DCF determination unit 106, and the search information in the search information file 304 is “ The description regarding [SERCH_PATH] ”is output to the search path management unit 108.
[0055]
Based on the DCF information [DCF_INFO] given from the search information reading unit 104, the DCF determination unit 106 determines whether or not to perform a DCF search specific to the camera file system based on the description content, and “[SEARCH_FLAG = 0 ] Is described and the DCF search is performed, the DCF processing information representing the determination result is notified to the file list creation processing unit 120. Conversely, when “[SEARCH_FLAG = 1]” is described and no DCF search is performed, the DCF determination unit 106 notifies the search path management unit 108 of DCF non-processing information indicating non-correspondence.
[0056]
The search path management unit 108 is a processing unit that manages file designation processing for each search path described in the search information file 304. The search path management unit 108 sequentially sends the designation contents in each search path to the file designation processing unit 110 in the order of the number information nnn attached to “[SERCH_PATH_nnn]”.
[0057]
The file specification processing unit 110 has read by the reading processing unit 100 whether or not the directory specified by the directory exists in the information recording medium according to the specified content for each search path given from the search path management unit 108. Judgment is made based on the contents of the directory structure, and if it exists, the description contents of the search path in the search information (information on search mode, image format and sort) are output to the file list creation processing unit 120.
[0058]
The file list creation processing unit 120 is a functional unit that creates the file list 306 based on the information notified from the file designation processing unit 110. The file list creation processing unit 120 outputs the list data of the created file list 306 to the display processing unit 122 and outputs a read instruction for reading an image file corresponding to the list data to the reading processing unit 100. In this case, when the target file is an image file including a reduced image such as a thumbnail, the file list creation processing unit 120 may generate a read instruction for reading only the reduced image data.
[0059]
In accordance with the search information described in the search information file 304 shown in FIG. 9, the contents of the file list when the file list 306 is created for each of the information recording media 400, 500 and 600 having the directory structure shown in FIGS. That is, the list data 306a, 306b and 306c are shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the list data 306a of the file list 306 created for the information recording medium 400 includes image files “Image0001.jpg”, “Image0002.jpg” and “Image0002.jpg” stored in the directory “\ Pictures \ * \ HighRes”. “Image0003.jpg” is sorted and listed in ascending order by file name. The list data 306b of the file list 306 created for the information recording medium 500 is the file name of the image file “Images \ 2000112 \ Image0001.jpg” stored in the directory “\ Images \” and in all subdirectories below this directory. Are sorted and listed in ascending order. The list data of the file list 306 created for the information recording medium 600 is 306c. The file name is the image file “\ Images \ Pic001.jpg” etc. recorded in the directory, excluding files in the directory “\ Images \ Apli”. Are listed in ascending order.
[0060]
Returning to FIG. 1, the display processing unit 122 connected to the output of the file list creation processing unit 120 inputs the image data output from the reading processing unit 100 to generate an image list, and displays the display screen of the monitor device 14. Display the list image. Further, the display processing unit 122 synthesizes and displays an image corresponding to the operation state in an image list or the like based on the selection information given from the print designation unit 124. The display processing unit 122 performs, for example, cursor display according to an operation state or selection display that distinguishes a selected image from a non-selected image. Further, the display processing unit 122 displays a large number of image files so that they can be browsed by processing such as screen scrolling and page turning for image files that cannot be displayed in the image list. In this way, the display processing unit 122 displays only the image file instructed in the file list 306 on the display screen of the monitor device 14 among the image file group recorded on the information recording medium. The operator can confirm the presented image display, perform an operation of selecting an image file, and input printing conditions such as the number of prints and the print size for the selected image file. When the list data of the file list 306 is input from the file list creation processing unit 120, the display processing unit 122 has a list display function for displaying the image file name, its path, and the like in character display, tree display, or icon display. The image file list display is indicated by the file name. The list display with thumbnail images and the list display with file names can be switched by operation information corresponding to the operation of the operator.
[0061]
The print designation unit 124 generates selection information for selecting an image file to be printed based on operation information generated in response to an operation on an input device such as the touch panel 32, the keyboard 50, or the mouse 52. The print designation unit 124 outputs the generated selection information to the display processing unit 122 and the print processing unit 126, respectively. This selection information includes information indicating an operation state for instructing print execution after the image selection operation is completed. The print designation unit 124 outputs the generated selection information to the display processing unit 122 and the print processing unit 126.
[0062]
The print processing unit 126 outputs request information indicating a read instruction for reading the image file designated by the selection information notified from the print designating unit 124 to the reading processing unit 100, and in response to this, from the reading processing unit 100 A processing unit that processes supplied image files into print data according to print conditions. The print processing unit 126 has correction processing functions such as gamma correction and color correction, and a conversion processing function for converting RGB data into YMCK data, and outputs processed print data.
[0063]
Note that the print processing unit 126 may generate print data representing an image obtained by reducing a plurality of images of the same frame in accordance with the selection information. In this case, a plurality of stickers of the same image can be created simultaneously. In this way, it is possible to specify the output destination of the print data according to the operation information and the print form.
[0064]
The print processing unit 126 can output print data to the color printer 16 and the photo print system 18. Also, such print data and image data can be transferred to the Web server 60 connected via the dial-up router 46 connected to the network. In this case, processing such as image printing can be performed at the transfer destination of these data. Conversely, when the list image data is transferred to the terminal device connected to the network, the image list is displayed, and the terminal device side performs image selection, the designation information sent from the terminal side is displayed. The selected image data may be input to the print processing unit 126, converted into print data, and output.
[0065]
The print processing unit 126 sequentially outputs the created print data to these output destination printing apparatuses in response to the selection information instructing the selection completion.
[0066]
With the above configuration, the operation of the image processing system 10 in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 11, in step 1100, an input medium selection image for selecting the type of information recording medium from which to read an image file is displayed on the monitor device 14 from among a plurality of types of information recording media, and the operator When the selection operation is performed on the touch panel 32, the type determination unit 102 determines the type according to the operation state. In this type determination process, an information recording medium may be loaded, and the type may be determined based on medium information detected from the information recording medium. The determined type information is notified to the search information reading unit 104. In the search information reading unit 104, based on this type information, the type of information recording medium for which image output is desired is specified, and the search information file 304 corresponding to the specified information recording medium, for example, as shown in FIG. Is specified.
[0067]
Next, in step 1110, an output form selection image for selecting a print output form is displayed on the monitor device 14. Here, whether to print the image data of the image file selected from now on, to register in the optical disc recording system 44, or to register to the Web server 60 is selected according to the operation information by the operator. In this embodiment, an image output form in which the selected image is printed out by the color printer 16 or the photographic print system 18 is selected.
[0068]
When the input / output mode is determined in this way, the process proceeds to step 1120, and a message instructing to mount the information recording medium on the corresponding image data reading device is displayed on the monitor device. When the information recording medium is attached to the corresponding image data reading apparatus according to this, the attachment completion state is recognized, and the directory configuration is read to the reading processing unit 100 and stored.
[0069]
In the following step 1130, processing for displaying the image of the image file recorded on the information recording medium on the monitor device 14 is performed. In this image display process, a file list 306 for displaying an image list is created based on the search information file 304 corresponding to the information recording medium, and the image data is read from the information recording medium according to the list data of the file list 306. The list image corresponding to the plurality of read image data is displayed on the monitor device 14.
[0070]
Here, the process of creating the file list 306 in step 1130 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. If the file list 306 is created in step 1200, the list data is deleted. In the subsequent step 1210, the search information file 304 specified in step 1100 is read from the fixed disk device 36, and the search information is stored and held in the search information reading unit 104.
[0071]
In step 1220, when the DCF information in the search information is notified from the search information reading unit 104 to the DCF determination unit 106, the DCF information [DCF_INFO] is described as “SEARCH_FLAG = 1”. The DCF non-processing information is notified to the search path management unit 108 from step 1230 to step 1250. Conversely, when the DCF information [DCF_INFO] is described as “SEARCH_FLAG = 1”, the DCF processing information is notified to the file list creation processing unit 120, and the process proceeds from step 1230 to step 1240.
[0072]
In step 1240 when the DCF information is notified to the file list creation processing unit 120, an image file on the directory structure recorded based on the DCF standard is specified for the directory structure stored in the reading processing unit 100. Then, the path and file name of these image files are additionally recorded as list data in the file list 306, and the process proceeds to step 1250.
[0073]
In step 1250 following step 1230 or step 1240, the value “001” is set for the register nnn in the search path management unit 108, and in the subsequent step 1260, the number of directory paths indicated by [SERCH_PATH] included in the DCF non-processing information Is confirmed. In this case, since “COUNT = 3” is described, the value “3” is set in the register COUNT, and the process proceeds to Step 1270.
[0074]
In step 1270, it is determined whether or not the value held in the register COUNT exceeds the value “0”. If so, the process proceeds to step 1300 shown in FIG. 13, and the value held in the register COUNT is set to the value “0”. If the value does not exceed “”, and the stored value is “0”, the processing for all search paths is completed, and the file list creation processing is completed.
[0075]
In step 1300, the search path management unit 108 confirms the description content of the search path corresponding to the value held in the register nnn. In this case, if the value held in the register nnn is "001", the description of [SERCH_PATH_001] is referred to. If the value held is "002", the description of [SERCH_PATH_002] Is referred to, and the stored value is “003”, the description content of [SERCH_PATH_003] is referred to.
[0076]
Here, the process proceeds to step 1310, where it is determined whether or not the search mode in the referenced search path is the value "1". If the value is "1", the process proceeds to step 1320 and the directory name [DirName ] Is added to the file list 306 and the image file name and its path in the directory specified in [3].
[0077]
If it is determined in step 1310 that the search mode is not “1”, the process proceeds to step 1330 to determine whether or not the search mode is “2”. If the value is "2", the process proceeds to step 1340, where the image file name in the directory specified by the directory name [DirName] and its path are deleted as candidates for inclusion in the file list, and the file list 306 is not registered.
[0078]
If it is determined in step 1330 that the search mode is not “2”, the process proceeds to step 1350 to determine whether or not the search mode is “3”. If the value is "3", the process proceeds to step 1360, and the image file name and its path in the directory specified by the directory name [DirName] and all its subdirectories are additionally written in the file list 306. The
[0079]
In step 1350, if the search mode is not "3", the process proceeds to step 1370, and the image file names and their paths in the directory specified by the directory name [DirName] and all of its subdirectories. Are deleted from the file list and are not registered in the file list 306.
[0080]
In this way, when the image file designation and deletion processing is completed for a group of search paths, the process proceeds to step 1380, where the value "1" is added to the held value of the register nnn, and the value from the held value of the register COUNT is obtained. "1" is subtracted.
[0081]
When the update processing for each register is completed, the process returns to step 1270 shown in FIG. 12, and thereafter, registration and deletion processing of the file list 306 is performed according to the contents described in the search path corresponding to the value held in the register nnn.
[0082]
Thus, when the creation process of the file list 306 is completed for all search paths described in the search information file, the file lists 306a, 306b, 306c, etc. are created according to the information recording medium as shown in FIG.
[0083]
When a plurality of search information files 306 are recorded, the file list 306 is further created based on the search information in each search information file 304.
[0084]
Returning to FIG. 11, in the image display process in step 1130, according to the file list 306 created as described above, the image files corresponding to the list data are sequentially read out and read out by the reading processing unit 100. The received image data is transferred to the display processing unit 122. The image data input to the display processing unit 122 is reduced as necessary and converted into display data for image list display, and then output to the monitor device 14.
[0085]
When the image list is displayed, an image that cannot be displayed on the screen is displayed by switching to the image displayed so far by page turning or screen switching operation. In the display processing unit 122, image data indicating that an image has been selected, image data representing a selection button, and the like are created and recorded along with the frame number, file name, and image file of the image. Information such as time stamp and shooting information is displayed.
[0086]
Further, a designation window for designating the number of prints and print size of the selected frame, its increase / decrease operation buttons, a print execution button, and the like are displayed on the monitor screen.
[0087]
Further, when the list data is notified from the file list creation processing unit 120 to the display processing unit 122, display data representing a character image representing the list data is created and displayed on the monitor. The display form of these information can be changed by selecting or switching desired information according to the operation.
[0088]
Thus, when the image of each frame of the image file recorded on the information recording medium is automatically selected and displayed according to the file list 306 created based on the search information file 304, the process proceeds to step 1140. A frame for which image printing is desired is selected according to the operation, and an image file of the selected frame is specified.
[0089]
Thus, when a desired image is designated from many image files, the process proceeds to step 1150 in response to an operation on the print execution button, and image files corresponding to the selected image are sequentially read out to the print processing unit. The read image data is converted into print data. The generated print data is output to an output device such as the designated color printer 16 or photo print system 18.
[0090]
In this case, image data or print data may be output to an optical disk recording system or a Web server according to the operation information. For example, when display data or the like is sent to the Web server 60, a print image can be selected by another device 12 or the like that can access the network. In this case, by arranging a plurality of computer devices 12 in a desired area, the selected images can be printed in a batch by the photo print system 18, for example.
[0091]
When all the designated images are printed out, the display processing unit 122 displays that printing is complete, returns to the initial screen for selecting an input recording medium, and enters a standby state waiting for processing for another information recording medium.
[0092]
As described above, the image file recorded in the specific directory of the information recording medium is displayed on the screen according to the description content of the search information file 304, and a desired image file is selected from the image file, and processing such as printing is performed. The image file to be performed can be specified. The search information in the search information file 304 includes a plurality of search modes and descriptions about directory designation in each search mode, and the computer device 12 selects a target image based on the contents of the search information as a file list. By listing the images, images from which unnecessary images are excluded can be displayed as recorded images in the information recording medium. Since this search information is created as an external parameter file for the print application program 302, even when an information recording medium using a file system with a different directory structure appears, the search information description can be easily corrected. It is possible to output a desired image even for a recording medium with a new structure by using a search information file that is changed or newly created. In this case, there is no need to modify the print application program 302 by applying a patch, and there is no need to purchase a new one.
[0093]
The search information file 304 may be recorded in an information recording medium in which an image file is recorded. In this case, the computer device 12 searches the file list after searching for the presence or absence of the search information file 304. The creation process 306 is performed to display an image list. Alternatively, the search information file 304 may be stored in a Web server or the photo print system 18 connected via a network, and read from each time it is used to create the file list 306. As described above, the storage location of the search information file 304 can be stored in an arbitrary storage medium.
[0094]
The image search in the above embodiment is not limited to the case where printing is designated. For example, a desired image file recorded on the information recording medium is automatically selected according to the description of the search information file 304, and the selected image file is selected. The group can be copied to another information recording medium or moved. Further, the present invention is not limited to such processing. For example, when converting image file formats to other file formats at once, it is possible to easily select a target image file.
[0095]
In these cases, it is possible to create a search information file according to the processing and automatically select an image file recorded in a specific hierarchy, so that unnecessary image files may be selected and displayed. Is prevented.
[0096]
In the above embodiment, single-byte alphanumeric characters and symbols are used, but the search information file 304 may be created using kana characters and katakana. Of course, the same applies when double-byte characters are used in directory names.
[0097]
In the above-described embodiment, an image list for displaying a plurality of reduced images is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an image for each frame is sequentially switched to the next frame and displayed. The presence or absence of printing may be designated.
[0098]
Also, without creating print data in the computer device 12, the selected image data is transferred from the computer device 12 to, for example, the photo print system 18 via the network, and the print data is transferred to the print system 18 at the transfer destination. It is possible to convert and output a print image. In this case, the computer device 12 functions as a print order accepting device for accepting a print order and collectively creating prints at a print output destination. Therefore, the computer device 12 and its connection device become a print order system that accepts a print order and sends a designated image file or the like to the print processing system. In this case, the computer device 12 can be installed at the store, and the photo print system 18 can be installed in a laboratory, for example. Prints (photos) created in the lab can be delivered to print reception stores and customers using existing photo delivery routes and courier services.
[0099]
Needless to say, when processing an information recording medium having an unknown directory structure, it has a function of displaying a list of file names recorded in all directories and selecting a desired image file. In this case, the computer device 12 can create search information for the directory structure of the information recording medium and store the search information file. In this case, the created search information file can be distributed to other computer devices 12 connected to the network. Thereby, it is possible to quickly cope with a new type of information recording medium.
[0100]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, since the image display is performed for the image files listed according to the search information file created according to the directory structure of various recording media, the image output according to the recording media is automatically performed. Can do. Even when a plurality of image files having different image sizes are recorded for the same image, it is possible to prevent the same image from being read redundantly. In addition, since the description in the search information file can be easily edited, it is possible to cope by adding a directory structure in the recording format of the new information recording medium. At this time, there is no need to modify the processing program itself.
[0101]
Since a file list is created from the search information file and image file reading processing is performed based on the list data, the image file is read and processed by a processing program created exclusively for the file format of each information recording medium. The same processing as can be performed automatically. Therefore, the dedicated processing program does not read out the image file unnecessary for the processing, but the application program and the search information file do not read out the unnecessary image file as in the dedicated processing program. it can. In addition to having a function of preventing unnecessary image reading, it also effectively supports active reading of necessary image files.
[0102]
In this manner, desired image information can be selected from the image information that has been selected and narrowed down in advance and displayed according to the description content of the search information file, and necessary image information can be output. In this case, the image information can be converted into print data, and an image corresponding to the image information can be printed out, so that a print order can be received efficiently. Further, the selected image information can be sent to a desired destination.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a computer processing apparatus illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image processing system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing information stored in a fixed disk device.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a directory configuration example and an image file arrangement example in a specific information recording medium.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a directory configuration example and an image file arrangement example in a specific information recording medium.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a directory configuration example and an image file arrangement example in a specific information recording medium.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a directory configuration example and image file arrangement corresponding to the camera file system standard.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing specified contents described in a search information file.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a search information file.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of a file list created for each information recording medium.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing system in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a file list creation operation in image display processing.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a file list creation operation in image display processing.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Image processing system
12 Computer equipment
14 Monitor device
16 color printer
18 Photo printing system
36 Fixed disk unit (HDD)
100 Scan processing section
104 Search information reading part
108 Search Path Management Department
110 File specification processing section
120 File list creation processor
122 Display processing section
124 Print designation section
126 Print processing section
302 Print application program
304 Search information file
306 File List

Claims (30)

Image information is read out from various information recording media in which image information is recorded in various directory structures, output to a monitor, and desired image information is selected from the output image information according to an operation and output. In the image processing apparatus, the apparatus includes:
Reading means for reading the image information from the information recording medium;
Storage means for storing a search information file including search information including at least a search mode corresponding to the information recording medium for searching for the image information,
Further, the apparatus includes search information file reading means for reading a file according to a medium from the search information file,
Search information reading means for reading the search information;
File designation means for designating image information according to the search information;
List creation means for creating a file list for outputting the image information designated by the file designation means;
Display processing means for outputting the image information read from the information recording medium based on the file list so as to be monitor-displayable;
Selecting means for selecting image information corresponding to operation information generated by operation according to the image information output from the display processing means;
Reads out the image information selected by said selection means from said information recording medium, viewed contains an image output means for processing the image information,
The storage means includes search information including a search path that describes a first mode for specifying a directory that is a target of image search in the information recording medium and a second mode for specifying a directory that is not a target of image search. Remember,
The list creation means refers to the description content of the search path, reads corresponding recording information from the information recording medium, and creates a file list according to the search mode . 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the description of the first mode is search information for specifying image information in a directory specified by the search path. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the description of the first mode is search information that specifies image information in a directory specified by the search path and in all subdirectories below the directory. A featured image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the description of the second mode is search information that specifies image information in a directory specified by the search path. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the description of the second mode is search information that specifies image information in a directory specified by the search path and in all subdirectories below the directory. A featured image processing apparatus. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the search information file describes a plurality of search paths including at least a directory name, a search mode, an image format, a sort key, and a sort direction respectively corresponding to a plurality of information recording media. Including search information,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the file specifying means specifies image information based on each of the plurality of search paths. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the search information file includes at least a directory name, a search mode, an image format, a sort key, and a sort direction corresponding to each type of the plurality of information recording media. Is a plurality of search information files in which is described,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the file specifying means specifies image information based on the plurality of search information files.   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the search information is described in a text format.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes editing means including correcting, adding, deleting, and newly creating the search information.   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus recognizes the recording information of an information recording medium formed in a directory having a specific structure and records the image information recorded under the directory having the specific structure. An image processing apparatus characterized in that the image is output on a monitor. 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the apparatus displays image information on an information recording medium formed by a directory having a specific structure, and image information corresponding to a file list created according to the search information. Is read out from the information recording medium and output to a monitor. 11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the directory having the specific structure is a directory structure based on a standardized file system.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus outputs a thumbnail image included in image information corresponding to the contents of the file list on a monitor.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus outputs a list image of file names corresponding to contents of the file list on a monitor.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus switches between a list display with thumbnail images corresponding to the contents of the file list and a list display with file names according to an operation and outputs the monitor display. An image processing apparatus.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output means prints out image information confirmed and selected by a monitor output.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image output unit transfers image information confirmed and selected by monitor output to another processing system via a network. Image information is read out from various information recording media in which image information is recorded in various directory structures, output to a monitor, and desired image information is selected from the output image information according to an operation and output. In the image processing apparatus, the apparatus includes:
Reading means for reading the image information from the information recording medium;
Storage means for storing a search information file including search information including at least a search mode corresponding to the information recording medium for searching for the image information,
Further, the apparatus includes search information file reading means for reading a file according to a medium from the search information file,
Search information reading means for reading the search information;
File designation means for designating image information according to the search information;
List creation means for creating a file list for outputting the image information designated by the file designation means;
Display processing means for outputting the image information read from the information recording medium based on the file list so as to be monitor-displayable;
Selecting means for selecting image information corresponding to operation information generated by operation according to the image information output from the display processing means;
Image output means for reading out the image information selected by the selection means from the information recording medium, processing the image information and outputting it,
The search information is divided by number information that defines the order in which image information is listed in the file list, and each search information includes a plurality of search items,
Each of the plurality of search items includes a directory name for designating a target directory, a plurality of search modes for defining a range of the directory, and an image format for designating an image file format of the image information. ,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the file specifying means specifies image information that matches the image format by a combination of the directory name and the search mode. The image processing apparatus according to claim 18 , wherein the plurality of search items further include a sort designation that defines an output order of the designated image information,
The list creation means lists the designated image information in a file list in an order corresponding to the contents of the sort designation,
The display processing means outputs image information in the order of description in the file list. 20. The image processing apparatus according to claim 19 , wherein the sort designation indicates a file name order of the image information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 19 , wherein the sort designation indicates an order of date and time information of the image information. Image information is read out from various information recording media in which image information is recorded in various directory structures, output to a monitor, and desired image information is selected from the output image information according to an operation and output. In the image search output method, the method includes:
Providing a search information file including search information including at least a search mode for designating a directory in a specific range of the information recording medium and instructing whether or not to register image information in the specified directory range;
Creating a file list for outputting the image information recorded in the target information recording medium according to the description of the search information file;
Reading image information specified in the file list from an information recording medium;
Displaying image information read from the information recording medium;
A step of selecting desired image information according to the operation from the displayed image information;
Reading out selected image information from the information recording medium and outputting the information,
The search information file is divided by number information that defines the order in which image information is listed in the file list, and each search information includes a plurality of search items,
Each of the plurality of search items includes a directory name for designating a target directory, a plurality of search modes for defining a range of the directory, and an image format for designating an image file format of the image information. ,
An image search output method, comprising: creating a file list designating image information that matches the image format by a combination of the directory name and the search mode. The image search output method according to claim 22 , wherein the plurality of search items further include a sort specification that defines an output order of the specified image information,
An image search / output method, wherein the specified image information is listed in a file list in the order corresponding to the contents of the sort specification, and the image information is output in the description order of the file list. 24. The image search output method according to claim 23 , wherein the sort designation indicates a file name order of the image information. 24. The image search output method according to claim 23 , wherein the sort designation indicates an order of date information of the image information. Image information is read out from various information recording media in which image information is recorded in various directory structures, output to a monitor, and desired image information is selected from the output image information according to an operation and output. In the image search output method, the method includes:
Providing a search information file including search information including at least a search mode for designating a directory in a specific range of the information recording medium and instructing whether or not to register image information in the specified directory range;
Creating a file list for outputting the image information recorded in the target information recording medium according to the description of the search information file;
Reading image information specified in the file list from an information recording medium;
Displaying image information read from the information recording medium;
A step of selecting desired image information according to the operation from the displayed image information;
Reading out selected image information from the information recording medium and outputting the information,
In the search information file, a search path describing a first mode for specifying a directory to be searched in the information recording medium and a second mode for specifying a directory not to be searched is described. And
A method for searching and outputting an image, comprising: referring to description contents of the search path, reading corresponding recording information from the information recording medium, and creating a file list corresponding to the search mode. 27. The image search and output method according to claim 26 , wherein the first mode description specifies image information in a directory specified by the search path. 27. The image search output method according to claim 26 , wherein the description of the first mode specifies image information in a directory specified by the search path and in all subdirectories below the directory. Image search output method. 27. The image search / output method according to claim 26 , wherein the second mode description specifies image information in a directory specified by the search path. 27. The image search output method according to claim 26 , wherein the description of the second mode specifies image information in a directory specified by the search path and in all subdirectories below the directory. Image search output method.

Images