KR101058027B1 - How to save an image - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for operating a digital camera, and more particularly, to an image storing method for inserting and storing an identification symbol in a selected image. The image storing method is an operation method of a digital camera that photographs and stores an image, and selects an image, inserts a predetermined identifier, and stores the image in which the identifier is inserted. According to the present invention, an identifier is inserted into a selected image and stored in a specific folder, or a shortcut file for the image in which the identifier is inserted is created and stored in an arbitrary folder, and a specific folder is searched or shortcut when searching for a file. Using files can minimize image file search time.

Description

How to save an image {Method for storing image}

1 is a perspective view showing the front appearance of a digital camera.

FIG. 2 is a rear view illustrating a rear outline of the digital camera of FIG. 1.

3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the digital camera shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image storage method according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a first embodiment of an image storing method in which an identifier is inserted in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a second embodiment of an image storing method in which an identifier is inserted in FIG. 4.

7A to 7D are views illustrating screens for explaining FIG. 4.

The present invention relates to a method for operating a digital camera, and more particularly, to an image storing method for inserting and storing an identification symbol in a selected image.

With the development of digital technology, a new type of camera using a digital signal, i.e., the image of a subject is stored in memory as a digital signal represented by 0 and 1 so that the stored image can be directly connected to the computer without developing, printing, or scanning. Portable digital cameras have been developed and are rapidly spreading.

A digital camera converts an electric image signal of a subject into a digital signal using an imaging device such as a CCD and stores the digital signal of the photographed subject in a memory by a compression / restore operation of the digital signal, or through an output device. Output the data.

Accordingly, a digital camera that performs a photographing operation of a subject according to the above principle stores image data of a photographed subject on a memory card or the like which stores data without using a separate film as in a conventional general camera.

Therefore, instead of purchasing a film and performing a shooting operation for a predetermined number of shots, and storing the film in a film lab and finding a photograph taken a few hours later, the video signals recorded on the memory card mounted by the operation of the digital camera are sequentially processed. The user can use the captured image data by connecting it to a computer.

That is, the image data can be output to a monitor of a computer, so that the captured image can be immediately checked without a separate developing operation, and the editing operation can be executed as desired, such as easily enlarging or transforming the captured digital image. Therefore, even if the photographed state is not good, you can edit it to your liking by modifying it as you like.

After taking a number of pictures with such a digital camera, in order to perform a predetermined Photoshop operation on the desired picture, connect a digital camera to the computer, load the image files, check each one, find the desired image file, and then perform the operation. Searching for an image file takes a lot of time because it must be done.

The technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is to insert an identifier into a selected image and save it in a specific folder, or to create a shortcut file for the image with the identifier inserted in an arbitrary folder, and to search for a specific folder. The present invention provides an image storage method that minimizes image file retrieval time by searching or using a shortcut file.

The image storage method for solving the technical problem to be achieved by the present invention is an operation method of a digital camera to take and store the image, (a) selecting any image and inserting a predetermined identifier: and ( b) preferably storing the image in which the identifier is inserted.

In the present invention, it is possible to duplicate the identification symbol in the selected image.

In the present invention, the step (a) comprises the steps of (a-11) selecting an arbitrary image to insert an identifier on the thumbnail screen; (a-12) displaying insertable identifiers together with the selected image; And (a-13) if the arbitrary identifier is selected, inserting the selected image into the selected image.                     

In the present invention, the step (a) comprises the steps of (a-21) displaying an insertable identification symbol whenever any thumbnail image is selected on the thumbnail screen; And (a-22) inserting the selected identification image into the selected thumbnail image when the random identifier is selected.

In the present invention, step (b) comprises: (b-11) creating a specific folder according to the identifier; (b-12) setting a specific folder in which the image containing the identifier is to be stored; And (b-13) copying or moving the image in which the identifier is inserted into the set specific folder.

In the present invention, step (b) comprises the steps of (b-21) creating an arbitrary folder; And (b-22) generating a shortcut file for the image having the identifier inserted therein and storing the shortcut file in the folder.

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

1 is a perspective view showing the front appearance of a typical digital camera.

Referring to FIG. 1, in front of a general digital camera, a microphone (MIC), a self-timer lamp 11, a flash 12, a shutter 13, a mode dial 14, a function-selection key 15, There is a shooting-information display section 16, a viewfinder 17a, a function-block key 18, a flash-light amount sensor 19, a lens section 20, and an external interface section 21.

In the self-timer mode, the self-timer lamp 11 operates for a set time from the time when the shutter 13 is pressed to the time when the shutter 13 operates.

The mode dial 14 is used to select and set various modes, for example, a still image shooting mode, a night view shooting mode, a moving picture shooting mode, a playback mode, a computer connection mode, and a system setting mode.

The function-selection key 15 is used for the user to select any one of operation modes of the digital camera, for example, a still image shooting mode, a night view shooting mode, a moving picture shooting mode, and a playback mode.

The shooting-information display section 16 displays information of each function related to shooting. The function-block key 18 is used for the user to select each function displayed on the shooting-information display unit 16.

FIG. 2 is a rear view illustrating a rear shape of the digital camera illustrated in FIG. 1.

2, behind the conventional digital camera, a speaker SP, a power key 31, a monitor key 32, an auto-focus lamp 33, a viewfinder 17b, and a flash standby lamp 34 ), Display panel (LCD) 35, exposure compensation / deletion key 36, enter / playback key 37, menu / OK key 38, wide angle-zoom key 39w , Telephoto-zoom key 39t, up-move key 40up, right-move key 40ri, down-move key 40lo, and left-move key 40le, Playback key 42 have.

The monitor key 32 is used by the user to control the operation of the display panel (LCD) 35. For example, when the user presses the monitor key 32 first, an image of the subject and photographing information thereof are displayed on the display panel 35, and when the user presses a second time, only the image of the subject is displayed on the display panel 35. When pressed for the third time, power applied to the display panel 35 is cut off.                     

The auto-focus lamp 33 operates when the auto focusing operation is completed.

The flash standby lamp 34 operates when the flash (12 in FIG. 1) is in standby for operation.

The exposure compensation / deletion key 36 is used as a deletion key in the process of adjusting the amount of light or manually setting each mode when the digital camera is manually operated.

The enter / playback key 37 is used for inputting data from the user or for a function such as stopping or playing in the playback mode.

The menu / OK key 38 is used to display and select the menu of the mode selected in the mode dial 14.

The up-movement key 40up, the right-movement key 40ri, the down-movement key 40lo, and the left-movement key 40le are used in the process of setting each mode by the user, and are displayed in the image displayed on the display panel 35. It is used to change the location in.

The playback mode key 42 is used to check and manipulate the last photographed image, video or audio information.

3 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the digital camera shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The optical system OPS including the lens unit 20 optically processes light from a subject. The lens unit 20 of the optical system OPS includes a zoom lens ZL, a focus lens FL, and a compensation lens CL.

When the user presses the wide angle-zoom key (39w in FIG. 2) or telephoto-zoom key (39t in FIG. 2) included in the user input unit INP, a corresponding signal is transmitted to the microcontroller 512. Is entered. Accordingly, as the microcontroller 512 controls the lens driver 510, the zoom motor MZ is driven to move the zoom lens ZL. That is, when the wide angle-zoom key (39w in FIG. 2) is pressed, the focal length of the zoom lens ZL is shortened to widen the angle of view, and when the telephoto-zoom key 39t is pressed. The focal length of the zoom lens ZL becomes long and the angle of view becomes narrow.

Reference numeral MA denotes a motor for driving an aperture (not shown). Here, the rotation angle of the aperture drive motor MA is changed depending on the case of the designated exposure mode and the case of not. The designated exposure mode refers to a mode for setting the exposure amount of the digital camera to the average brightness of the designated detection area when the desired area of the target area matches the designated detection area displayed on the display panel 35 of the digital camera. Say.

A photoelectric converter (OEC) 500 of a charge coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) converts light from an optical system (OPS) into an electrical analog signal. Here, the digital signal processor 507 controls the timing circuit 502 to control the operations of the photoelectric converter OEC and the analog-digital converter 501. The CDS-ADC (Correlation Double Sampler and Analog-to-Digital Converter) element 501 as an analog-to-digital converter processes the analog signal from the photoelectric converter (OEC), removes the high frequency noise, and adjusts the amplitude. After that, it is converted into a digital signal. The digital signal processor 507 processes the digital signal from the CDS-ADC element 501 to generate a digital image signal classified into luminance and chroma signals.

The light emitting portion LAMP driven by the microcontroller 512 includes a self-timer lamp 11, an auto-focus lamp (33 in FIG. 2) and a flash standby lamp (34 in FIG. 2).

The user input unit INP includes a shutter (13 in Fig. 1), a mode dial (14 in Fig. 1), a function-selection key (15 in Fig. 1), a function-block key (18 in Fig. 1), a monitor key (Fig. 2 of 32), OK / Delete key (36 in FIG. 2), Enter / Playback key (37 in FIG. 2), Menu / OK key (38 in FIG. 2), Wide-Zoom key (39w in FIG. 2), Tele- It includes a zoom key (39t in FIG. 2), an up-shift key (40up in FIG. 2), a right-shift key (40ri in FIG. 2), a down-shift key (40lo in FIG. 2), and a left-shift key (40le in FIG. 2). .

The digital video signal from the digital signal processor 507 is temporarily stored in the DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) 504. The EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) 505 stores algorithms and setting data necessary for the operation of the digital signal processor 507.

The memory card of the user is attached to or detached from the memory card interface 506.

The digital image signal from the digital signal processor 507 is input to the LCD driver 514, whereby the image is displayed on the color LCD panel 35, that is, the display unit.

On the other hand, the digital video signal from the digital signal processor 507 can be transmitted by serial communication via a universal serial bus (USB) connection 21a or an RS232C interface 508 and its connection 21b, and a video filter ( 509 and the video output unit 21c can be transmitted as a video signal.

The audio processor 513 outputs the audio signal from the microphone MIC to the digital signal processor 507 or the speaker SP, and outputs the audio signal from the digital signal processor 507 to the speaker SP.

On the other hand, the flash 12 is driven through the microcontroller 512 and the flash controller 511 according to the signal from the flash-light amount sensor 19.

The microcontroller 512 provides a menu for inserting and storing an identification symbol in a specific image, and selects the menu through the user input unit INP.

When a menu for selecting and storing an identifier in a specific image is selected, the digital signal processor 507 provides insertable identifiers and processes to insert and store the selected identifier in the selected image. Detailed operations of the digital signal processor 507 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an image storing method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In order to insert an identifier into a specific image, a user selects an identifier insertion menu provided by the microcontroller 512 (step 400).

If the menu to insert the identifier is selected, the digital signal processor 507 displays a thumbnail image on the display panel 35 (step 402). FIG. 7A illustrates an embodiment of a 16 segment thumbnail image displayed on a display panel when an insert identifier menu is selected.

The user selects a thumbnail image to which the identification symbol is to be inserted from the thumbnail screen shown in FIG. 7A (step 404). For example, assume that a fifth image of the thumbnail image of FIG. 7A is selected.                     

When the thumbnail image is selected, the digital signal processor 507 displays the identifiers that can be inserted with the selected image (step 406). 7B illustrates an embodiment of a screen in which the selected fifth image and the insertable identifiers are displayed together. This identifier may be provided by the digital signal processor 507, or may be externally defined by the user and stored in the digital camera and used as the identifier.

After searching the displayed identifiers, the user selects the identifier to be inserted (step 408). In an embodiment, it is assumed that a spade ♠ is selected from the identifiers of FIG. 7B.

When selection of the identification symbol is completed, the digital signal processor 507 inserts the identification symbol into the image (step 410). 7C shows that the spade ♠ is inserted into the fifth image. It is possible to insert an identifier repeatedly for one selected image, such as thumbnail image 4 or thumbnail image 10 of FIG. 7D.

When the identification symbol is inserted into the image, it is stored (step 412). In the present invention, the first and second embodiments of the image storing method will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the first embodiment of the image storing method in which the identifier is inserted in FIG. 4, and the digital signal processor 507 generates a specific folder according to the identifier (steps 412-11). When the image is captured, the digital signal processor 507 stores the captured image in a preset general folder. However, in the present invention, the digital signal processor 507 generates a specific folder and separately stores the image in which the identifier is inserted. The specific folder is generated and provided differently by the digital signal processor 507 for each identifier. For example, the digital signal processor 507 generates and provides a spade folder, a heart, or a star folder.

The digital signal processor 507 sets a specific folder to store the image in which the identifier is inserted (steps 412-12). For example, the digital signal processor 507 sets the fifth image storage folder as the spade folder.

When the folder setting is completed, the digital signal processor 507 copies or moves the image in which the identifier is inserted into the set specific folder (steps 412-13).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the second embodiment of the image storing method in which the identifier is inserted in FIG. 4, and the digital signal processor 507 generates an arbitrary folder (steps 412-21). Any folder created by the digital signal processor 507 is a folder for storing shortcut files.

When the random folder generation is completed, the digital signal processor 507 generates a shortcut file for the image in which the identifier is inserted (steps 412-22) and stores it in the created folder (steps 412-23).

If there are more images to insert the identification symbol, the process returns to step 402 and continues (step 414).

Then, the user can connect the digital camera to the computer or import images stored in a specific folder through the display panel 35 of the digital camera, or select a shortcut file stored in an arbitrary folder to quickly load the desired images. Will be.                     

In the present invention, the identification symbol is inserted while the thumbnail image is selected and displayed as the full image. In addition, the identification symbol may be inserted in the thumbnail image state. For example, whenever an arbitrary thumbnail image is selected in the thumbnail screen as shown in FIG. 7A, insertable identifiers are displayed, and a desired identifier can be selected and inserted on the desired thumbnail image and then stored.

So far I looked at the center of the preferred embodiment for the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in a modified form without departing from the essential features of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

As described above, according to the present invention, an identifier is inserted into a selected image and stored in a specific folder, or a shortcut file for the image in which the identifier is inserted is created and stored in an arbitrary folder, and a specific folder is searched when searching for a file. You can minimize image file search time by searching or using shortcut files.

Claims (6)

As an operation method of a digital camera that captures and stores an image, (a) selecting an arbitrary image and inserting an identification symbol indicating that the selected image is: (b) storing the image in which the identifier is inserted in a specific folder, or generating and storing a shortcut file. The method of claim 1, And an identification symbol can be repeatedly inserted into the selected image. The method of claim 1, wherein step (a) (a-11) selecting an arbitrary image into which the identifier is to be inserted in the thumbnail screen; (a-21) displaying insertable identifiers with the selected image and indication; And (a-31) if the arbitrary identifier is selected, inserting the selected image into the selected image. The method of claim 1, wherein step (a) (a-21) displaying insertable identification symbols whenever any thumbnail image is selected on the thumbnail screen; And (a-22) if any one of the identifiers is selected, inserting the selected thumbnail image into the selected thumbnail image. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) (b-11) creating a specific folder according to the identifier; (b-12) setting a specific folder in which the image containing the identifier is to be stored; And (b-13) The image storage method comprising the step of copying or moving the image inserted with the identifier in the set specific folder. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) (b-21) creating an arbitrary folder; And (b-22) generating a shortcut file for the image having the identifier inserted therein and storing the shortcut file in the folder.

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