JP4455235B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing apparatus control method, and computer program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image display technique.

Conventionally, display devices that classify images recorded in a storage device into a folder and display a list of images in the folder are generally popular. Among them, a necessary image is selected from a large number of images. To find out efficiently
There are display devices that specify conditions for images to be displayed and display only images having specific attributes in the image list (perform filter display).

For example, Adobe Photoshop Album (registered trademark) of Adobe Corporation has a function of attaching only a name tag to an image and displaying only an image with a specific name tag (see Non-Patent Document 1). In addition, when there are a large number of folders, in order to easily know what kind of images are recorded in each folder,
As a summary of the folder, there is also a folder content summary display means for reducing and displaying only a certain number of images in the folder.

  For example, Microsoft's Windows XP (registered trademark) provides a function for displaying a reduced version of a part of an image contained in a folder on a folder icon by using a “reduced version” view (non-display). (See Patent Document 2).

In such cases, when a folder is specified, the content summary display of only the specified folder is displayed, and for multiple folders, a location such as the vicinity of the folder name without specially specifying the folder In some cases, the content summary is automatically displayed.
“Photoshop Album” with business card and classification ”, [online], [searched September 1, 2004], Internet <URL: http://www.adobe.co.jp/products/photoshoppalbum/overview/ page2.html # 2_4 "" Windows XP Usability Improvement for Knowledge Workers "File and Folder Management", [online], [searched on September 1, 2004], Internet <URL: http://www.microsoft.com/japan/ technet / prodtechnol / winxpro / evaluate / usbltypp.asp # d

  Conventionally, an outline of folder contents has been created by acquiring images in a folder in order from the top or in a specified order and reducing the images in order until a certain number is reached. However, when this technique and filter display are used in combination, there is a problem that an image designated not to be displayed by the filter is displayed in the folder content outline.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for displaying an image satisfying a preset condition among images held in each folder.

  In order to achieve the object of the present invention, for example, an image processing apparatus of the present invention comprises the following arrangement.

That is, an image processing apparatus that hierarchically manages a plurality of folders for storing images,
When one folder is designated as a designated folder from the plurality of folders in accordance with an instruction from the user, a lower folder belonging to a hierarchy below the designated folder is identified, and an icon representing the identified lower folder is displayed on the display screen of the display device First display control means for displaying a thumbnail image of an image stored in the lower folder on the icon;
Detecting means for detecting that the icon is designated by an instruction from the user;
When the detection means detects that the icon is specified, a specification means for specifying an image satisfying a preset condition among images stored in the lower folder;
Second display control means for displaying a window in which the thumbnail image of the image specified by the specifying means is arranged on the display screen of the display device,
The vertical and horizontal sizes of the thumbnail images arranged and displayed in the window by the second display control means are larger than the vertical and horizontal sizes of the thumbnail images displayed on the icons by the first display control means. Features.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, for example, a control method for an image processing apparatus of the present invention comprises the following arrangement.

That is, a control method for an image processing apparatus that hierarchically manages a plurality of folders for storing images,
When one folder is designated as a designated folder from the plurality of folders in accordance with an instruction from the user, a lower folder belonging to a hierarchy below the designated folder is identified, and an icon representing the identified lower folder is displayed on the display screen of the display device A first display control step for displaying a thumbnail image of an image stored in the lower folder on the icon;
A detection step of detecting that the icon is designated by an instruction from the user;
When the detection step detects that the icon has been specified, a specifying step for specifying an image satisfying a preset condition among images stored in the lower folder;
A second display control step of displaying a window in which a thumbnail image of the image specified in the specifying step is arranged on a display screen of the display device,
The vertical / horizontal size of the thumbnail image arranged and displayed in the window in the second display control step is larger than the vertical / horizontal size of the thumbnail image displayed on the icon in the first display control step. Features.

With the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to display an image satisfying a preset condition among images held in each folder.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail according to preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a computer that functions as an image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Examples of the computer include a general PC (personal computer) and WS (workstation).

  In the figure, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU which controls the entire computer using programs and data stored in a RAM 202 and a ROM 203 and executes each process to be described later which should be performed by the computer.

  A RAM 202 includes an area for temporarily storing programs and data loaded from the external storage device 207, and a work area required when the CPU 201 performs various processes.

  A ROM 203 stores setting data and a boot program for the computer.

  Reference numerals 204 and 205 denote a keyboard and a mouse, respectively, which can input various instructions to the CPU 201.

  A display unit 206 includes a CRT, a liquid crystal screen, and the like, and can display various processing results by the CPU 201 using images, characters, and the like.

  Reference numeral 207 denotes an external storage device, which is a large-capacity information storage device represented by a hard disk drive device or the like. Here, an OS (Operating System) or a program for causing the CPU 201 to execute each process to be performed by the computer described later Data is stored.

  Reference numeral 208 denotes an I / F (interface) for connecting to an external device such as a printer or a digital camera.

  A bus 209 connects the above-described units.

  Hereinafter, processing to be performed by a computer having the above-described configuration will be described.

  An image group is stored in the external storage device 207, but a plurality of folders for storing images are created in advance in the external storage device 207, and each image is stored in one of these folders. Stored.

  In the present embodiment, a digital camera is connected to the I / F 208, and a captured image held by the digital camera is taken into the external storage device 207. At that time, the CPU 201 captures the captured date and time attached to the image. A folder having the imaging date and time indicated by the information as the folder name is created in the storage area in the external storage device 207, and this image is stored here. Note that if there is already a folder whose folder name is the imaging date and time indicated by the imaging date and time information attached to the captured image, the image captured in this existing folder is not created without creating a new folder. Is stored.

  By doing in this way, the image group taken in from the digital camera is distributed for every folder whose folder name is the date and time when the image was captured. As is well known, “save an image in a folder” means that an image is recorded in a storage area for a folder in the external storage device 207. These storage processes are controlled by the CPU 201.

  However, in the following description, it is only necessary to store images in each of one or more folders, and the method for storing images in the external storage device 207 and the method for creating folders are not particularly limited.

  In this embodiment, after an image is stored in a folder, an index “favorite” is set in three stages for the image by a predetermined application. For example, “3” is set for the image that you like most, and “1” is set if you do not like it most. Then, the set index data is attached to the image and stored. The number of favorite degree setting stages is not limited to “3”.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of image data to which data of the index is attached after setting the index of “favorite degree”. As shown in the figure, the image data includes a “favorite degree” 301, a main image file name 302, a main image capturing date / time 303, a model name 304 of the camera that captured the main image, and an image data body 305. As is well known, the file name 302, the imaging date and time 303, and the model name 304 are attached to the image data main body when an image is taken by a digital camera and taken into a computer. The “favorite degree” 301 is attached by the CPU 201 by performing the setting process.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, each image data is stored in each folder with the “favorite degree” attached. Therefore, the CPU 201 can obtain the “favorite degree” for each image by referring to the “favorite degree” for each image. Note that the configuration of the image data is not limited to this.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a display example of a GUI for displaying a list of images stored in each folder. The GUI shown in the figure is displayed by designating the tab 160 with the mouse 205, for example. When the tab 170 is designated, another GUI described later is displayed. Accordingly, when the operator designates one of the tabs 160 and 170 with the keyboard 204 or the mouse 205, the CPU 201 detects which tab is designated, and a GUI corresponding to the designated tab (for example, FIG. 1). 5 and the GUI shown in FIG. 5 can be displayed on the display screen of the display unit 206. That is, the GUI display can be switched by the tabs 160 and 170. Hereinafter, a GUI displayed when each tab is operated will be described.

<GUI displayed when the tab 160 is instructed>
The GUI shown in FIG. 1 is a GUI displayed when the tab 160 is designated. The GUI shown in the figure is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 206. Further, the GUI program and data are stored in the external storage device 207, and the CPU 201 loads the program and data into the RAM 202 and executes them. As a result, the screen shown in FIG. Will be displayed.

  In the figure, reference numeral 101 denotes an area for displaying a list of directory structures in the external storage device 207. Here, in the figure, the folder names “SYDNEY” and the folder names are “2002 — 09 — 03”, “2002 — 09 — 04”, “2002 — 09 — 05”, “2002 — 09 — 06”, “2003 — 08 — 25”, “2003 — 08 — 26”, “2003 — 08 — 27”, “2003 — 08” , “2004 — 03 — 10” and “2004 — 03 — 12” exist in 11 folders.

  On the other hand, reference numeral 150 denotes an area for displaying a list of icons indicating folders below the folder designated in the area 101 and images stored in the folders below the folder designated in the area 101. In this figure, since the folder “SYDNEY” is designated in the area 101, the icon 102 indicating each of the folder groups below the folder “SYDNEY” (that is, the above 11 folder groups) is displayed in the area 150. -111 are displayed, and the image group stored in the folder is displayed in a thumbnail display form on the icon. For example, in the figure, the icon 102 is an icon indicating a folder having a folder name “2002 — 09 — 03”. A character string for indicating the folder name “2002 — 09 — 03” is displayed on the icon 102 and the folder name “2002 — 09 — 03” is displayed. The images stored in the folder are displayed in a thumbnail display form. The same applies to other folders.

  In this way, on each icon, the folder name of the folder indicated by the icon and the image group held by the folder are displayed in a thumbnail display form.

  Reference numeral 112 denotes a cursor. Here, an operator of the computer can operate the display position of the cursor 112 with a mouse 205, a keyboard 204, or the like as is well known, and moves the display position of the cursor 112 onto the icon. This icon can be designated, and among the image group held by the folder indicated by the designated icon, a predetermined number of images (if the number of images held by the folder is less than the predetermined number, that number may be sufficient. ) Is displayed in the vicinity of this icon in a list (hereinafter referred to as a guide window) 113 with a size larger than the previous thumbnail.

  Since the cursor 112 is positioned on the icon 105 in the figure, the window 113 is displayed in the vicinity of the icon 105, and in this window 113, the folder indicated by the icon 105 (the folder with the folder name “2002 — 09 — 06” in the figure) is displayed. ) Are displayed as a list with a larger size than the previous thumbnail.

  Here, the thumbnail images displayed on the icons 102 to 111 will be described. When the menu 201 is operated, the CPU 201 first refers to the display conditions set by the menu 190. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a list of display conditions displayed when the menu 190 is designated. Since the menu instruction operation is well known, a description thereof will be omitted.

  When the display condition “all images” is selected in the figure, the CPU 201 performs a process of displaying a list of all the image groups (regardless of the degree of favorite) held by the folder on the icons of the folder.

  When the display condition “★★★” is selected, the CPU 201 performs a process of displaying a list of image groups having a favorite degree “3” on the icons of this folder among all image groups held by the folder. Do about.

  When the display condition “★★ + ★★★” is selected, the CPU 201 lists, on the icon of this folder, an image group having a favorite degree of “2” or “3” among all the image groups held by the folder. The display process is performed for all folders.

  When the display condition “★★” is selected, the CPU 201 performs a process of displaying a list of image groups having a favorite degree “2” on the icon of this folder among all the image groups held by the folder for all folders. Do.

  When the display condition “★ + ★★” is selected, the CPU 201 displays a list of image groups having a favorite degree of “1” or “2” on the icon of this folder among all image groups held by the folder. The process is performed for all folders.

  When the display condition “★” is selected, the CPU 201 performs processing for displaying a list of image groups having a favorite degree “1” on the icons of the folders among all the image groups held in the folder. .

  Therefore, the operator can set the display condition by instructing one of these display conditions using the keyboard 204 or the mouse 205, and the CPU 201 is set among all the image groups held in the folder. Only images that satisfy the display conditions are displayed in a list on the icon of this folder.

  Therefore, as described above, when the favorite degree is set for each image and the display condition is set by the menu 190, the image displayed on the icons 102 to 111 is changed according to the preference of the operator. can do. In the GUI shown in the figure, since “★★ + ★★★” is set as a display condition, an image group having a favorite degree of “2” or “3” is displayed on the icons 102 to 111.

  Here, FIG. 7 shows a GUI display example when the menu 190 is operated and “★★★” is set as the display condition.

  FIG. 7 shows a display example of the GUI displayed on the display screen of the display unit 206 when the menu 190 is operated in the GUI of FIG. 1 to set or reset the display condition to “★★★”. FIG. Compared to the GUI shown in FIG. 1, the number of thumbnail images displayed on each icon is reduced. This is because the display condition “★★★” is lower than the display condition “★★ + ★★★”. This is due to the narrower conditions.

<GUI displayed when the tab 170 is instructed>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of a GUI for displaying a list of images stored in each folder. The GUI shown in the figure is a GUI displayed when the tab 170 is designated. The GUI shown in the figure is displayed on the display screen of the display unit 206. Further, the GUI program and data are stored in the external storage device 207, and the CPU 201 loads the program and data into the RAM 202 and executes them. As a result, the screen shown in FIG. Will be displayed.

  In the GUI (FIGS. 1 and 7) displayed by instructing the tab 160, an image satisfying the display condition is displayed on an icon indicating this folder among the image groups held in the folder. The GUI (FIGS. 5 and 8) displayed by instructing the tab 170 is a GUI that displays images satisfying the display condition together with an icon indicating the folder among the images held in the folder.

  5 that are the same as those in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  In the figure, reference numerals 502 to 511 denote display areas corresponding to the eleven folders below the folder “SYDNEY”. The display area 502 will be described as an example. The display area 502 has a folder name “2002_09_03”. This is an area for displaying images satisfying the display condition set by the menu 190 in the image group held by the folder together with the folder icon. The same applies to the region areas 503 to 511. For the corresponding folder, “an icon indicating a folder” and “an image satisfying the display condition set by the menu 190 among images held in this folder” are arranged. This is a display area.

  Here, the number of “images satisfying the display condition set by the menu 190 among the image groups held by the folder” displayed in the display area (502 to 511) may be set in advance. Without particular setting, “all images satisfying the display condition set by the menu 190 in the image group held by the folder” may be displayed side by side with the folder icon.

  In the GUI shown in the figure, since “★★ + ★★★” is set as a display condition, an image group having a favorite degree of “2” or “3” is displayed on the display areas 502 to 511. .

  Here, FIG. 8 shows a GUI display example when the menu 190 is operated and “★★★” is set as the display condition.

  FIG. 8 shows a display example of the GUI displayed on the display screen of the display unit 206 when the menu 190 is operated in the GUI of FIG. 5 to set or reset the display condition to “★★★”. FIG. Compared with the GUI shown in FIG. 5, the number of thumbnail images displayed side by side in each display area is reduced. This is because the display condition “★★★” is higher than the display condition “★★ + ★★★”. This is due to the narrower condition.

  There are various display forms for displaying a list of folders in a certain hierarchy and image groups held by the folder, and the display forms are not limited to those shown in FIGS.

<Display processing>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of processing performed to display a list of images stored in each folder. Note that a program and data for causing the CPU 201 to execute the processing according to the flowchart of FIG. Various processes described below can be performed.

  First, the CPU 201 checks which of the tabs 160 and 170 is instructed (step S501). If the tab 160 is instructed, the GUI display mode is determined to be “zoom mode”, and the process proceeds to step S502. On the other hand, if the tab 170 is instructed, the GUI display mode is determined to be “scroll mode”, and the process proceeds to step S552.

  First, GUI display processing in the “zoom mode” will be described. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the GUI in the “zoom mode” indicates a GUI in a display form in which an image group held by the folder is displayed on the icon of each folder. Accordingly, first, in FIG. 1 and FIG. 7, the objects to be displayed for the area other than the area 150 are displayed (step S502).

  Next, when the folder icon is positioned at the current cursor 112 position, the file name of this folder is specified (step S503), and a predetermined number of images are held in the image group held by the folder having the specified file name. Is displayed on the guide window (step S504). Details of the processing in step S504 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the position of the cursor 112 has changed (step S505). If the position has changed, the process returns to step S503, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  On the other hand, if not changed, the process proceeds to step S506, where it is determined whether or not the display condition is reset with the menu 190 (step S506). If the display condition is reset, the process returns to step S503. The subsequent processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, if there is no change in the display conditions, the process proceeds to step S507, and it is checked whether or not there is a change in the number of images or file names held in each folder (step S507). If there is a change, the process returns to step S503, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  On the other hand, if there is no change, the process proceeds to step S508, and it is checked whether or not there is a change in “favorite degree” for each of the image groups held by each folder (step S508). If there is a change, the process returns to step S503, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  On the other hand, if there is no change, the process proceeds to step S509, and the following process is performed for each folder.

  First, reference is made to each “favorite degree” of the image group held in the target folder, and whether the numerical value indicated by the referred favorite degree is the same as or within the range indicated by the currently set display condition. Determine whether. That is, it is determined whether or not the display condition is satisfied. Then, a thumbnail image is created for an image having a “favorite degree” that is the same as the value indicated by the currently set display condition or included in the range, and is displayed on the icon of the folder of interest. Such processing is performed for all folders.

  When such processing is completed, the process proceeds to step S510 to determine whether or not the display mode has been changed, that is, in the present embodiment, whether or not the tab 170 has been instructed. Is returned to step S505, and the subsequent processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it has been changed, the process returns to step S501 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  Next, GUI display processing in the “scroll mode” will be described. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, the GUI in the “scroll mode” indicates a GUI in a display form in which an image group held in each folder is displayed side by side on an icon of each folder. Therefore, first, in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8, the objects to be displayed for the area other than the area 151 are displayed (step S502).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the display condition is reset with the menu 190 (step S556). If the display condition is reset, the process returns to step S556, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  On the other hand, if there is no change in the display conditions, the process proceeds to step S557, and it is checked whether or not there is a change in the number of images or file names held in each folder (step S557). If there is a change, the process returns to step S556, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  On the other hand, if there is no change, the process proceeds to step S558, where it is checked whether or not there is a change in the “favorite” for each of the image groups held in each folder. Returning to S556, the subsequent processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, if there is no change, the process proceeds to step S559, and a process of displaying thumbnail images and corresponding folder icons side by side in the display area (areas 502 to 511 in FIG. 5) is performed. Details of the processing in step S559 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  When such processing is completed, the process proceeds to step S560 to determine whether or not the display mode has been changed, that is, in the case of the present embodiment, whether or not the tab 160 has been instructed. Is returned to step S556, and the subsequent processing is repeated. On the other hand, if it has been changed, the process returns to step S501 and the subsequent processes are repeated.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the processing in step S504.

  When the CPU 201 detects that the cursor 112 is positioned on a certain icon (hereinafter, attention icon), the image group in the folder indicated by the attention icon (assigned to the folder indicated by the attention icon in the external storage device 207). All images stored in the storage area) are referred to (step S901), and if there is an image that has not yet been processed, the process proceeds from step S902 to step S903. Refers to the “favorite degree” of an image that is not the target of the image (hereinafter referred to as “noticeable image”), and the numerical value indicated by the referred favorite degree is the same as or within the range indicated by the currently set display condition In other words, it is determined whether or not this image satisfies the display condition (step S903). If not, the process returns to step S902 to perform the subsequent processes for the next image.

  On the other hand, if the numerical value indicated by the favorite degree of the attention image is the same as or within the range indicated by the currently set display condition, the process proceeds to step S904 to create a thumbnail image of the attention image. Then, it is displayed on the guide window displayed in the vicinity of the icon of interest (step S904). Then, it is checked whether or not the number of thumbnail images displayed in the guide window displayed in the vicinity of the icon of interest has reached a predetermined number (here, 4) (step S905). Completes this process. On the other hand, if not reached, the process returns to step S902 to perform the subsequent processes for the next image. In step S902, if there is no image to be referred to next, this processing is completed.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the process in step S559. When there are a plurality of folders, the processing according to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, all the image groups in the folder of interest (image groups stored in the storage area assigned to the folder of interest in the external storage device 207) are referred to (step S1001), and are not yet processed. If there is no image, the process proceeds from step S1002 to step S1003, and the CPU 201 refers to the “favorite degree” of an image that has not yet been processed (hereinafter referred to as an attention image) and indicates the favorite degree that has been referred to. It is determined whether or not the numerical value is the same as the value indicated by the currently set display condition or is included in the range, that is, whether or not this image satisfies the display condition (step S1003). If not, the process returns to step S1002 to perform the subsequent processes for the next image.

  On the other hand, if the numerical value indicating the favorite degree of the attention image is the same as the value indicated by the currently set display condition or is included in the range, the process proceeds to step S1004, and the thumbnail image of the attention image is represented as the representative image. And displayed side by side as shown in FIGS. 5 and 8 on the icon of the folder of interest (step S1004). Then, it is checked whether or not the number of thumbnail images displayed side by side on the icon of the folder of interest has reached a predetermined number (here, 5) (step S1005), and if it has reached, this processing is completed. On the other hand, if not reached, the process returns to step S1002 to perform the subsequent processes for the next image. In step S1002, when there is no image to be referred to next, this processing is completed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the operator can set an image to be displayed among images held in the folder.

  In this embodiment, the operator can set the image to be displayed on the folder icon by setting the “favorite degree” and the display condition. However, the image is simply displayed for each image. A flag indicating “/ do not display” may be set by the operator instead of “favorite degree” and attached to the image. In that case, the CPU 201 refers to this flag to determine whether or not to display an image. Thus, in order to set an image to be displayed on the folder icon, the data to be set by the operator is not limited to the above.

  In the above description, the images displayed on the guide window are the thumbnail images of a predetermined number of images satisfying the display condition among the image groups in the folder designated by the cursor 112, but regardless of the display conditions. Alternatively, thumbnail images of a predetermined number of images in the image group in the folder designated by the cursor 112 may be displayed on the guide window.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices, Moreover, you may apply to the apparatus which consists of one apparatus.

  In the present invention, a software program (in the embodiment, a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in the drawing) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment is directly or remotely supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer of the system or apparatus Is also achieved by reading and executing the supplied program code.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R) and the like.

  As another program supply method, a client computer browser is used to connect to an Internet homepage, and the computer program of the present invention itself or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is downloaded from the homepage to a recording medium such as a hard disk. Can also be supplied. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, the present invention includes a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to execute the encrypted program by using the key information and install the program on a computer.

  In addition to the functions of the above-described embodiments being realized by the computer executing the read program, the OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program is a part of the actual processing. Alternatively, the functions of the above-described embodiment can be realized by performing all of the processes.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or The CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

It is a figure which shows the example of a display of GUI for displaying as a list the image preserve | saved at each folder. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a computer that functions as an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the image data which set the parameter | index of "favorite degree", and attached the data of this parameter | index. It is a flowchart of the process performed in order to display the image preserve | saved at each folder as a list. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of GUI for displaying as a list the image preserve | saved at each folder. It is a figure which shows the list of the display conditions displayed when the menu 190 is instruct | indicated. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a display example of a GUI displayed on the display screen of the display unit 206 when the display condition is set to “★★★” or reset by operating a menu 190 in the GUI of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a GUI displayed on the display screen of the display unit 206 when the display condition is set to “★★★” or reset by operating the menu 190 in the GUI of FIG. 5. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process in step S504. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the process in step S559.

Claims (5)

An image processing apparatus that hierarchically manages a plurality of folders for storing images,
When one folder is designated as a designated folder from the plurality of folders in accordance with an instruction from the user, a lower folder belonging to a hierarchy below the designated folder is identified, and an icon representing the identified lower folder is displayed on the display screen of the display device First display control means for displaying a thumbnail image of an image stored in the lower folder on the icon;
Detecting means for detecting that the icon is designated by an instruction from the user;
When the detection unit detects that the icon has been specified, a specifying unit that specifies an image satisfying a preset condition among images stored in the lower folder;
Second display control means for displaying a window in which the thumbnail image of the image specified by the specifying means is arranged on the display screen of the display device,
The vertical and horizontal sizes of the thumbnail images arranged and displayed in the window by the second display control means are larger than the vertical and horizontal sizes of the thumbnail images displayed on the icons by the first display control means. A featured image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies a preset number of images from images stored in the lower folder . Furthermore,
Setting means for setting any of a plurality of index values for each image stored in each of the plurality of folders;
And selection means for selecting one of said plurality of index values,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies an image in which an index value selected by the selection unit is set from images stored in the lower folder . A method for controlling an image processing apparatus that hierarchically manages a plurality of folders for storing images,
When one folder is designated as a designated folder from the plurality of folders in accordance with an instruction from the user, a lower folder belonging to a hierarchy below the designated folder is identified, and an icon representing the identified lower folder is displayed on the display screen of the display device A first display control step for displaying a thumbnail image of an image stored in the lower folder on the icon;
A detection step of detecting that the icon is designated by an instruction from the user;
When the detection step detects that the icon has been specified, a specifying step for specifying an image satisfying a preset condition among images stored in the lower folder;
A second display control step of displaying a window in which a thumbnail image of the image specified in the specifying step is arranged on a display screen of the display device,
The vertical / horizontal size of the thumbnail image arranged and displayed in the window in the second display control step is larger than the vertical / horizontal size of the thumbnail image displayed on the icon in the first display control step. A control method for an image processing apparatus . The computer, computer program to function as each unit included in the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images