JPH02208776A - Information storage device and method for retrieving information - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To unnecessitate a work to input an identification code for a retrieval with a keyboard, etc., by generating and storing an image identification code or index image identification code necessary for retrieving storage information with an identification code generating means. CONSTITUTION:By a directory 3 to store retrieval information and an FAT (File Allocation Table) 4 to manage the arrangement of the information to a storage medium, the retrieval of an image information file group 5 is executed. Consequently, the image identification code or index image identification code necessary for the retrieval of the storage information is generated and stored with the identification code generating means. Thus, a trouble to input the identification code for the retrieval by the keyboard, etc., can be eliminated, and the storage action of the information can be easily and speedily executed.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application field] The present invention relates to an information storage device and an information retrieval method.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, in an information storage device having an information retrieval function, information is searched using a file name in which information is stored, a keyword corresponding to the stored content, or a code number assigned based on certain regulations. Information retrieval is performed using search information. Further, the above-mentioned search information is created based on information specified by a keypad or the like.

[Problem B to be Solved by the Invention] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology has a drawback in that when searching for a file name, one file cannot have many attributes, and a variety of searches cannot be performed. Also,
Searches using keywords require a lot of effort to select keywords, and since there are many different words that represent similar concepts, it has been difficult to specify appropriate keywords during the search. Furthermore, when searching using code numbers, as the number of memory items increases, it becomes difficult to remember the code number that corresponds to the content you want to search, and in reality, you must always use a conversion table to select the code number. It has the disadvantage that it cannot be used.

In addition, in any of the above methods, when storing and retrieving information, key operations must be performed to input file names, keywords, or code numbers, which requires skill and time. It also had the disadvantage of not increasing work efficiency.

An object of the present invention is to provide an information storage device and an information retrieval method that can facilitate and speed up operations such as storing and retrieving information.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides an image reading means, a storage means for storing images read by the image reading means, a search means for retrieving the images stored by the storage means, and a storage means using the storage means. and image identification code generation means for generating an image identification code for identifying a stored image.

The present invention also provides an image reading means, an index image generation means for generating an index image by reducing the image read by the image reading means, and an index image storage for storing the index image generated by the index image generation means. means, selection means for selecting the index image stored in the storage means, relational data creation means for creating relational data indicating a relationship between the index image and the information to be searched, and storing this relational data. It is characterized by having a relational data storage means and a search means for searching for information using this relational data.

Further, the present invention includes an image reading means, an index image storage means for storing an index image read by the image reading means, an identification code generation means for generating an index image identification code for identifying the index image,
a selection means for selecting the index image; a relational data creation means for creating relational data indicating a relationship between the index image and the information to be searched; a relational data storage means for storing the relational data; The apparatus is characterized by having a search means for searching for information based on the output and using this relational data.

Furthermore, the present invention stores a plurality of image data read by the image reading means in a storage device, and stores information to be searched stored in the storage device and relational data indicating the relationship between the image data and the information to be searched. The information is stored in a storage device, and at the time of retrieval, search information is specified based on the display in the image, and then the information is retrieved using the related data.

[Function] In the present invention, the image identification code or index image identification code necessary for searching stored information is generated and stored by the identification code generation means, so there is no need to input the identification code for searching using a keyboard or the like. Therefore, information can be stored easily and quickly.

In addition, by selecting an index image, information is searched using relational data that indicates the relationship between this index image and the information to be searched, so the operator does not need to memorize a search code. Work can be facilitated.

Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

This information storage device includes a central processing unit IO, a keyboard 15, a magneto-optical disk storage device 21, a liquid crystal display 23, an image reading device 25, and an image printing device 27.

The central processing unit IO is a CP as a microprocessor.
UII, ROM 12 that stores the operating program of this CPU II, and R that serves as a work area of the CPU II and a load area for various data and programs.
AM13.

The central processing unit 10 also includes a keyboard interface circuit 14 that connects the keyboard 15 and the system bus 30, a floppy disk interface circuit 18 that connects the floppy disk device 19 and the system bus 30, and a magneto-optical disk storage device 21. a magneto-optical disk interface circuit 20 that connects the system bus 30; a liquid crystal display interface circuit 22 that connects the liquid crystal display 23 and the system bus 30;
An image reading device interface circuit 24 that connects the image reading device 25 and the system bus 30 and a single image printing device 27
and an image printing device interface circuit 26 that connects the system bus 30 to the image printing device interface circuit 26 .

Further, a clock means 16 is connected to the system bus 30 .

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a memory area for information retrieval in the information storage device of this embodiment.

This information storage device includes a directory 3 that stores search information and a FAT that manages the arrangement of information on storage media.
(File A11location Table)
4, one image information file group 5 is searched. In this embodiment, when storing image data, the date and time is read by the clocking means 16, and this date and time data is written in an empty area of the directory 3 as shown in FIG. Used as identification data.

Next, an overview of the operation of this information storage device will be explained.

(1) Turn on the power First, when the operator turns on the power switch (not shown),
After the CPU II checks the RAM, initializes internal parameters, initializes each interface circuit, and clears the liquid crystal display according to the program written in the ROM 12, it waits for the operator to operate the keyboard.

(2) Storage of image information Next, the operator instructs the CPU 1l to read image data, which is information to be searched, from the keyboard, and sets the original image in the image reading device fi25.

The CPU 11 controls the image reading device interface circuit 24 using a sensor provided in the document setting section of the image reading device.
The CPU II detects that the original has been set through the image reading device interface circuit 24, outputs a start signal to the image reading device 25 through the image reading device interface circuit 24, reads the image data into the RAM 13, and at the same time, the CPU II gives confirmation to the operator for photographing. Then, the image data on the RAM 13 is sent to the liquid crystal display 23 via the liquid crystal display interface circuit 22.
to be displayed.

Next, the CPU II reads the date and time at the time of image reading from the clock means 16 and sends it to the magneto-optical disk storage device 2 via the magneto-optical disk interface circuit 20 as one image identification code.
1 in the empty area of directory 3. Further, the image data is stored in an empty area of the information file area of the magneto-optical disk storage device 21 via the magneto-optical disk interface circuit 20.

The relationship between the image identification code and image data in directory 3 is as follows:
It is managed by providing a pointer indicating the T number.

(3) Copying operation Next, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a management method for the directory 3 when copying information between information storage media.

First, in FIG. 4, the directories of the magneto-optical disk storage media 100 and 200 storing information are assumed to be directories 103 and 203.

When copying both onto the same magneto-optical medium, a unique image identification code is added even if the directory is created across multiple information storage media, so the image can be identified after copying or combining. Data is synthesized and managed as shown in directory 303.

Although a magneto-optical disk was used as the information storage medium in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be used with magnetic disks or optical disks.

It may also be an IC card, laser card, etc.

This also applies to the following examples.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention.

In addition to the identification code of the clock means in the above embodiment, the information storage device of this embodiment has a device identification code setting means 1.
7. This device identification code setting means 1
7 is constituted by a dip switch or a battery-backed RAM, etc., and predetermined code information is set as the device identification code by the operator's switch operation or key power before performing the image reading operation. It has become.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, along with the device identification code from the device identification code setting means 17, the date and time data at the time of image reading from the timer means (not shown) are stored in the empty directory 3, as in the above embodiment. It is now stored in the area.

In the information storage device of this embodiment, since the device identification code is included in one image identification code, images read at the same time by different information storage devices can be copied to the same information storage device or information storage medium by a copying operation. Even when copying images to a computer, the device identification code for each image is different, so
Both images can be stored separately and searchably. At this time, the directory 3 is managed as shown in FIG.

First, in FIG. 7, the directories of the magneto-optical disk storage media 110 and 210 storing information are assumed to be directories 113 and 213.

When copying both onto the same magneto-optical medium, a unique image identification code is added even if the directory is created across multiple information storage media. Data is synthesized and managed as shown in directory 313.

Note that the other configurations and operations are approximately the same as in the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention.

The information storage device of this embodiment is provided with an identification code holding medium reading means 28 for reading an identification code from an identification code holding medium 29 in place of the apparatus identification code setting means 17 in the second embodiment. a Separate code holding medium 29
As shown in FIG. 9, a card with a slit showing an identification code is used.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, along with the device identification code by the identification code holding medium reading means 28, the date and time data at the time of image reading from the clocking means (not shown) are stored in the directory 3, as in the above embodiment. It is stored in an empty area.

In the information storage device of this embodiment, since the image identification code includes the identification code from the unique identification code holding medium 29, images read at the same time by different information storage devices can be copied into the same image by a copying operation. Even when the images are copied to an information storage device or an information storage medium, each image has a different medium identification code, so both images can be stored separately in a searchable manner. At this time, the directory 3 is managed as shown in FIG.

First, in FIG. 11, the directories of the magneto-optical disk storage media 120 and 220 storing information are assumed to be directories 123 and 223.

When copying both onto the same magneto-optical medium, a unique image identification code is added even if the directory is created across multiple information storage media. Data is synthesized and managed as shown in directory 323.

Note that the other configurations and operations are approximately the same as in the above-described embodiment.

In addition, as the identification code holding medium, there are various types of cards, such as a card with a mark showing the identification code as shown in Fig. 12, or a card with a magnetic band showing the identification code as shown in Fig. 13. You can adopt things.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

This information storage device includes a system bus 30 and a communication line 37.
It has a communication line interface 36 for connecting to the computer, and is configured to store information received from the outside.

In this embodiment, index image data is generated by reducing the received image read by the image reading means on the transmitter side or the search image read by the image reading device 25 of this device, and this is stored. , relational data indicating the relationship between the index image data and the information to be searched is created and stored, and by selecting the index image data, information is searched based on the relational data. It is.

As shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, an index image data file 41 for storing index image data 1-0 to 1-m is provided in the first stage of the directory 3, and relational data for creating and storing the above-mentioned relational data. File 42
and is provided. Note that data is stored in an array on the actual disk as shown in FIG.

Further, FIG. 17 is a front view illustrating the key arrangement of the keyboard 15.

In this embodiment, index images 23-0 to 23-1
Each key 1 is placed around the LCD display 23 that displays 9.
5-0 to 15-8 are provided. Then, each index image 23-O to 23-19 is specified one by one by a combination of the keys 15-θ to 15-4 arranged in the horizontal direction and the keys 15-5 to 15-8 arranged in the vertical direction. It is now possible to do so.

Next, an overview of the operation in this embodiment will be explained.

(1) Registering index images First, after turning on the power as described above, the operator presses the keyboard 15.
The mode in which the index image for search is to be registered is specified, and the position of the display area in which the index image is to be registered is specified by keys 15-0 to 15-8.

Then, the document on which the index image is drawn is set in the image reading device 25.

Then, the CPU II detects that the original has been set via the image reading device interface circuit 24, outputs a start signal to the image reading device 25 via the image reading device interface circuit 24, and outputs the image data for index image creation. Note that when storing received image data that is read into the image reading area of the RAM 13, the above registration operation is performed on the received image data that has been received and read into the image reading area of the RAM 13.

The index image creation image data read into the image reading area of the RAM 13 as described above is normal size image data. On the other hand, it is necessary to display a plurality of index images on the liquid crystal display 23 (approximately 8 to 300 in practice), and a mismatch occurs between the number of pixels of the read image data and the number of pixels on the liquid crystal display 23.

To solve this problem, (1) make the original image small and read it in a limited area; (2) Normal size image data is used as index image data and reduced when displayed. (3) There are three possible methods of reducing normal size image data and using it as an index image.

However, in method 1), the document must be made small, which is difficult to prepare, and furthermore, alignment during reading is difficult. In method (2), although the index image can be read quickly, the data amount of the index image becomes large, the area occupied by the information storage device becomes large, and the processing time required for reduction at the stage of displaying the index image increases. It takes.

Therefore, in this embodiment, an index image is created using method (3).

That is, according to the program stored in the ROM 12, the CPU II selects only the bits corresponding to the reduction ratio from among the bits corresponding to the pixels of the image data on the RAM 1S, and copies the selected bits into the index image area on the RAM 13 in a reduced size. This pixel bit thinning is performed at a reduction rate of 115, for example.
In this case, one pixel out of every five pixels is selected as an index image, and this is done in both the vertical and horizontal directions of the image.

As described above, an index image is created in the index image area of the RAM 13.

Next, the CPU 11 displays the index image data in the RAM 13 in a designated area of the liquid crystal display 23, and also displays this index image data in the index image file area of the magneto-optical disk storage device 21 via the magneto-optical disk interface circuit 20. Remember.

Thereafter, necessary index images are sequentially registered in the same manner.

(2) Storing information to be searched Next, the operator instructs the CPU 1l to read image data, which is information to be searched, from the keyboard, and sets the document image in the image reading device 25.

CPUII is an image reading device interface circuit 24
The CPU II detects that the original has been set through the image reading device interface circuit 24, starts the image reading device 25 through the image reading device interface circuit 24, reads the image data into the RAM 13, and sends the image data on the RAM 13 to the operator to confirm the shooting. is displayed on the liquid crystal display 23 via the liquid crystal display interface circuit 22. Further, the CPU II stores the image data in an empty area of the information file area of the magneto-optical disk storage device 21 via the magneto-optical disk interface circuit 20.

(3) Indexing Next, the operator indexes the image data stored in the magneto-optical disk storage device 21 using the following procedure.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation when indexing is performed.

First, when the operator specifies indexing using the keyboard 15 (Sl), the CPU II stores images to be indexed on the magneto-optical disk storage device 21.
The information is loaded from the information file area into the RAM 13 and displayed on the liquid crystal display 23 (S2).

Next, the operator looks at the display on the liquid crystal display 23 and
Key 15-θ~ index image corresponding to the content
Specify in 15-8 (SS).

The CPU II sets "1" the bit positions corresponding to all the designated index image data among the bit strings corresponding to the images to be indexed in the related data area 42 (S4).

By repeating this operation as necessary (SS
), among the bit strings 0-n of the relational data file 42,
The bit string corresponding to the image data currently being recalled is “0”.
" and "1" are combined to create relational data.

After creating such relational data for one image data, the process returns to S2 and the next image data is indexed (36), and the above operation is repeated for all the image data to create an index. Finish attaching.

Note that the above-mentioned related data is stored in C so that the data on the RAM 1a and the data on the magneto-optical disk storage device 21 or the floppy disk storage device 19 have the same content.
Managed by PUII.

(4) Search procedure FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation when searching for images in the magneto-optical disk storage device 21.

To search for images that have been indexed as described above, the operator first specifies a search mode using the keyboard 15 (S11), and selects an image related to the image to be searched from among the plurality of index images displayed on the liquid crystal display 23. The index image is designated using the keys 15-θ to 15-8 (S l 2). Note that this designation may be performed multiple times.

The CPU II then retrieves from the relational data file 42:
Search sequentially for each bit string for the bit pattern at the bit position specified by the specified index image (S l
3) When the corresponding bit pattern is found, the image data corresponding to the bit string is the image data that satisfies the search condition (S14), so this image data is transferred from the magneto-optical disk storage device 21. Read l
At the same time as loading into RAM 13, LCD display 2
3 (S l 5), and if there is no corresponding bit pattern, after searching all the bit strings, a message indicating that there is no corresponding image is displayed, and the process ends (S i s
).

Note that there is no particular problem even if there is multiple image data that satisfies the search conditions. In this case, images may be displayed sequentially, or a list of the number of matching images or matching images may be displayed. .

As described above, in this embodiment, when registering an index image, the original of the index image can be created with a large picture or text that is easy for the operator to draw, and when reading the index image, special consideration is given to the reading position. It is no longer necessary and operability can be improved.

In this embodiment, the image data for search is stored before the information to be searched, but the reverse may be possible.

Further, in this embodiment, while displaying stored information, the index image corresponding to the information is selected and specified, but it may be selected and specified when one image is stored.

In addition, in this embodiment, when registering an index image, 1
Although the image has been reduced, it is not necessarily necessary to reduce the image; for example, a part of the original image may be trimmed and used as an index image.

In this embodiment, the information to be searched is image data; however, it is not limited to image data, and may include code data or compressed image data from one communication line, or code data on a floppy disk. etc., the type and registration route do not matter.

Furthermore, the data arrangement on the storage medium in this example is a logical model for explanation, and is not limited to such a data structure. There is no need to store the related data and information to be searched, and they may be stored in a distributed manner in a plurality of storage media.

Further, in this embodiment, a switch is provided to specify the row and column in order to select the index image, but it is also possible to use a touch panel attached to the liquid crystal display, or to specify it by inputting a number using the numeric key. Good too.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, an image reduction means 38 is provided between the image reading device 25 and the image reading device interface circuit 24. The image reduction means 38 reduces the image when reading the index image, and is composed of a register circuit, a counter circuit, an AND circuit, and an OR circuit.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21, the relational data file 200A of this embodiment has pointer areas 201, 202, . . . corresponding to each of the above-mentioned index images.

In the index image registration operation in this embodiment, the operator sets a document on the image reading device 25, the CPU II detects this and activates the image reduction means 38, and then starts the image reading device 25, and The data is input to the image reduction means 38. And image reduction means 38
Then, the image data is reduced at a predetermined reduction rate to create index image data and sent to the image reading device interface circuit 24. In this reduction method, for example, when the reduction ratio is 115, one pixel is passed through every five pixels of one line of every five main operation lines.

Thereafter, index images are displayed and stored in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment.

Further, the storage of information to be searched is performed in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment, but in the indexing operation of this embodiment, the index image of the image to be searched is stored in the key 15.
-θ~15-8, CPUII:
A pointer to the directory of the image is set in the pointer area corresponding to the designated index image of the related data file 200A.

Further, the search procedure is also performed in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment.

In this embodiment, the index image may be any information that can be uniquely limited, such as the file name of the information selected.

Further, FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a memory area for performing information retrieval in the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In this information storage device, an index image identification data area 6 is provided between the index image data file 41 and the relational data file 42 shown in FIG. Further, the device configuration of this information storage device is similar to that shown in FIG. On the other hand, this information storage device has
A keyboard identical to that shown in FIG. 17 is provided.

When registering an index image in this information storage device, the index image is stored in the index image file area of the magneto-optical disk storage device 21 using the same procedure as in the fourth embodiment described in FIG. 15 above.

When reading this index image, the CPU 1l reads the current date and time from the clock means 16, and uses the address corresponding to the currently stored index image in the index image identification data area 6 of the magneto-optical disk storage device 21 as index image identification data. to be memorized. 23rd
The figure is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of the index image identification data area 6. On the other hand, storage of information to be searched, indexing, and search procedures are performed in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment.

Furthermore, when copying information between information storage media, index images are managed in the following manner.

First, in FIG. 24, the directories of the magneto-optical disk storage media 100a and 200a storing information are assumed to be directories 107 and 207.

When copying both onto the same magneto-optical medium, a unique image identification code is added even if the directory is created across multiple information storage media. Data is synthesized and managed as shown in directory 307.

Further, FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a memory area for performing information retrieval in the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

In this information storage device, in place of the relational data file 42 shown in FIG. 22, a relational data file 9 having pointer areas 91, 92, . . . corresponding to each index image identification data is provided. Further, the device configuration of this information storage device is similar to that shown in FIG. On the other hand, this information storage device is also provided with the same keyboard as shown in FIG. 17.

In this information storage device, registration of index images,
The storage of information to be searched and the search procedure are performed in the same manner as in the sixth embodiment.

In addition, in the indexing operation of this embodiment, the index image of the image to be searched is the key 15-0 to 15-8.
When specified by , the CPU 1l sets a pointer to the directory of the image in the pointer area corresponding to the specified index image of the related data file 9.

FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of the index image identification data area 6.

Furthermore, when copying information between information storage media, index images are managed in the following manner.

First, in FIG. 27, the directories of the magneto-optical disk storage media 11Qa and 210a storing information are assumed to be directories 117 and 217.

When copying both onto the same magneto-optical medium, a unique image identification code is added even if the directory is created across multiple information storage media, so the image can be identified after copying or combining. Data is synthesized and managed as shown in directory 317.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment and the subsequent embodiments, attributes of search information can be specified using images, so search operations can be performed based on the operator's sensibilities. Furthermore, since the index image can be easily registered by the operator, the operation of the search device is facilitated, and a search system that takes advantage of the ingenuity of the operator can be easily constructed. Furthermore, less memory is required to store the relationship between index images and search information, which greatly improves search speed.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, the image identification code or index image identification code necessary for searching stored information is generated and stored by the identification code generation means, so that the identification code for searching can be entered using a keyboard or the like. There is no need to input
This has the effect of allowing information to be stored easily and quickly.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, by selecting an index image, information is searched using relational data indicating the relationship between this index image and the information to be searched, so the operator memorizes a search code. This has the effect of making the search work easier.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a memory area for information retrieval in the information storage device of the same embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing specific contents of a directory in the information storage device of the same embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a directory management method when copying information between information storage media in the same embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing specific contents of a directory in the information storage device of the same embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a directory management method when copying information between information storage media in the same embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an identification code holding medium used in the information storage device of the same embodiment. FIG. 1O is a schematic diagram showing specific contents of a directory in the information storage device of the same embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a directory management method when copying information between information storage media in the same embodiment. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing another example of the identification code holding medium. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing still another example of the identification code holding medium. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a memory area for information retrieval in the information storage device of the same embodiment. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of data on a disk in the information storage device of the same embodiment. FIG. 17 is a front view illustrating the key arrangement of the keyboard in the information storage device of the same embodiment. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation when indexing is performed in the information storage device of the same embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the operation when searching for images in the magneto-optical disk storage device in the information storage device of the same embodiment. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a memory area for information retrieval in the information storage device of the same embodiment. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a memory area for performing information retrieval in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing specific contents of the index image identification data area in the information storage device of the same embodiment. FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a directory management method when copying information between information storage media in the same embodiment. FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a memory area for performing information retrieval in the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing specific contents of the index image identification data area in the information storage device of the same embodiment. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a directory management method when copying information between information storage media in the same embodiment. 6... Index image identification data area. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10... Central processing unit, 15... Keyboard, 21... Magneto-optical disk storage device, 23... Liquid crystal display, 25... Image reading device, 27... Image printing device, 29... -Identification code, storage medium. 41... Index image data file, 42.2
0OA...Related data file. Patent Applicant Arata Kubo for Canon Co., Ltd. - 3...Directory, 4...FAT. 5... Image information file, , 10 Figure 1 Figure 4. 10 Figure 5 Figure 8 Figure 7 Figure 11 Figure 14, 10 Figure 16 Figure 17 Figure 18 Figure 19 Figure 23 Figure 26 Figure 24 Figure 27

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) An image reading means; An index image generating means for generating an index image for image retrieval based on the image read by the image reading means; An index for storing the index image generated by the index image generating means Image storage means; Selection means for selecting the index image stored in the storage means; Relational data creation means for creating relational data indicating the relation between the index image and the information to be searched; The relational data An information storage device comprising: a relational data storage means for storing relational data; and a retrieval means for performing an information search using the relational data. (2) an image reading means; an index image storage means for storing an index image for image retrieval read by the image reading means; an identification code generation means for generating an index image identification code for identifying this index image; Selection means for selecting the index image; Relational data creation means for creating relational data indicating the relationship between the index image and the information to be searched; Relational data storage means for storing this relational data; An information storage device comprising: a search means for searching for information based on the output and using the relational data; (3) A plurality of image data read by the image reading means are stored in a storage device, and information to be searched stored in the storage device and relational data indicating the relationship between the image data and the information to be searched are stored in the storage device. An information retrieval method in which the information is stored in the image, the information to be searched is specified based on the display in the image at the time of retrieval, and the information is then retrieved using the related data. (4) Image reading means; Storage means for storing images read by the image reading means; Search means for searching for images stored by the storage means; Images for identifying images stored by the storage means. An information storage device comprising: image identification code generation means for generating a plurality of types of identification codes;