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Digital Camera Patent Abstract
A digital camera for recording image data of a photographed object
and reproducing the recorded image data is provided. The digital
camera includes: a memory which includes a standard folder in which
image data for recording and reproducing the image of the photographed
object is stored, and a favorite folder in which image data from
the images stored in the standard folder is transferred and stored
according to selection of a user; a display unit which outputs the
images stored in the folders; a manipulation unit which is used
to select an image among image data of the photographed objects;
and a control unit which transfers image data of the photographed
object between the standard folder and the favorite folder according
to selection of the user, and outputs image data stored in the standard
folder or the favorite folder to the display unit.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A digital camera for recording image data of a photographed
object and reproducing the recorded image data, comprising: a memory
which includes a standard folder in which the image data for the
photographed object is stored, and a favorite folder in which image
data is transferred to and stored according to the selection of
the user from the images stored in the standard folder; a display
unit which displays the images stored in the folders; a manipulation
unit which is used to select an image from among the image data
of photographed objects; and a control unit which transfers image
data of the photographed object between the standard folder and
the favorite folder according to the selection of the user, and
outputs image data stored in the standard folder or the favorite
folder to the display unit.
2. The digital camera of claim 1, wherein the manipulation unit
comprises: a unit which transmits a command to the control unit
to move from the standard folder to the favorite folder the image
data currently displayed on the display unit among the image data
of photographed objects stored in the standard folder.
3. The digital camera of claim 2, wherein the control unit moves
from the standard folder to the favorite folder the image data currently
displayed on the display unit among the image data of photographed
objects stored in the standard folder, and then outputs to the display
unit the latest image data, excluding the moved image, from among
the image data of photographed objects stored in the standard folder.
4. The digital camera of claim 1, wherein the manipulation unit
comprises: a unit for receiving a selection input from the user
for selecting some images of the photographed objects stored in
the standard folder; and a unit for transmitting a command to the
control unit for moving the selected image data to the favorite
folder.
5. The digital camera of claim 4, wherein the manipulation unit
further comprises: a unit for transmitting a command to the control
unit for outputting a list of image data stored in the standard
folder to the display unit; and a unit for receiving a selection
input from the user that selects some images from the list of image
data.
6. The digital camera of claim 4, wherein the manipulation unit
further comprises: a unit for transmitting a command to the control
unit for outputting a thumbnail of image data stored in the standard
folder to the display unit; and a unit for receiving a selection
input from the user that selects some of the thumbnail image data.
7. The digital camera of claim 1, wherein the manipulation unit
comprises: a unit which transmits to the control unit a command
for moving from the favorite folder to the standard folder image
data currently displayed on the display unit from among the image
data of the photographed objects stored in the favorite folder.
8. The digital camera of claim 7, wherein the control unit moves
from the favorite folder to the standard folder the image data currently
displayed on the display unit among the image data of photographed
objects stored in the favorite folder, and then outputs to the display
unit the latest image data, excluding the moved image data, from
among the image data of photographed objects stored in the favorite
folder.
9. The digital camera of claim 1, wherein the manipulation unit
comprises: a unit for receiving a selection input from the user
for selecting some images of the photographed objects stored in
the favorite folder; and a unit for transmitting a command to the
control unit for moving the selected image data to the standard
folder.
10. The digital camera of claim 9, wherein the manipulation unit
further comprises: a unit for transmitting a command to the control
unit for outputting a list of image data stored in the favorite
folder to the display unit; and a unit for receiving selection input
from the user that selects some images from the list of image data.
11. The digital camera of claim 9, wherein the manipulation unit
further comprises: a unit for transmitting a command to the control
unit for outputting to the display unit a thumbnail of image data
stored in the favorite folder; and a unit for receiving selection
input from the user that selects some of the thumbnail image data.
12. The digital camera of claim 1, wherein when image data is moved
from the standard folder to the favorite folder, the control unit
adds data to the image display to indicate that the image is stored
in the favorite folder, and the display unit outputs the mark to
the display when the image is output.
13. A method for managing folders of a digital camera for recording
image data of a photographed object and reproducing the recorded
image data, the method comprising: generating a favorite folder
capable of storing a file with the same format as that of a file
stored in a standard folder; generating image data by taking a photograph
image of an object and storing the image data in the standard folder;
and moving between the standard folder and the favorite folder the
generated image data selected by a user.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising: displaying the
image data of the photographed object stored in the standard folder,
and wherein moving the generated image comprises: moving image data
being currently displayed from the standard folder to the favorite
folder.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein after the image data currently
displayed among the image data of the photographed objects stored
in the standard folder is moved from the standard folder to the
favorite folder, the latest image, excluding the moved image data,
among the image data of the photographed objects stored in the standard
folder is output to the display unit and displayed.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein moving the image data comprises:
receiving a selection input from the user for selecting some of
the image data of the photographed objects stored in the standard
folder; and moving the selected image data to the favorite folder.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein displaying the image data comprises:
outputting a list of the image data stored in the standard folder
to the display unit, wherein in receiving the selection input from
the user for moving the image data, part of the list of the image
data is selected by the user.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein displaying the image data comprises:
outputting the thumbnail of the image data stored in the standard
folder to the display unit, wherein in receiving the selection input
from the user in moving the image data, part of the thumbnail of
the image data is selected by the user.
19. The method of claim 13, further comprising: displaying the
image data stored in the favorite folder, wherein moving the image
data comprises: moving image data being currently displayed from
the favorite folder to the standard folder.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein in displaying the image data,
after the image data being currently displayed from among the image
data of photographed objects stored in the favorite folder is moved
from the favorite folder to the standard folder, the latest image
data, excluding the moved image data, from among image data of the
photographed objects stored in the favorite folder is output to
the display unit.
21. The method of claim 13, wherein moving the image data comprises:
receiving a selection input from the user for selecting some of
image data of the photographed objects stored in the favorite folder;
and moving the selected image data to the favorite folder.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein displaying the image data comprises:
outputting the list of the image data stored in the favorite folder
to the display unit, wherein in receiving the selection input from
the user for moving the image data, part of the list of the image
data is selected by the user.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein displaying the image data comprises:
outputting the thumbnail of the image data stored in the favorite
folder to the display unit, wherein in receiving the selection input
from the user for moving the image data, part of the thumbnail of
the image data is selected by the user.
24. The method of claim 13, wherein when image data is moved from
the standard folder to the favorite folder, a display data mark
indicating that the image data is stored in the favorite folder
is added to the image data, and the display unit outputs the mark
to the display when the image is output.
Digital Camera Patent Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application
No. 2004-20992, filed on Mar. 27, 2004, in the Korean Intellectual
Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein
in its entirety by reference.
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a digital camera and a
method for managing a folder of a digital camera. More particularly,
the invention relates to a digital camera having a favorite folder
for faster and easier retrieval and a method for managing folders
in a digital camera having a favorite folder.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In order to store photographed images, a digital camera
generally has a removable memory device, such as a compact flash
memory and a memory stick, or an embedded memory device. The storage
capacity of removable memory devices has been rapidly increasing
because of the trend in digital cameras toward high precision images
and the development of circuit integration technologies. Consequently,
due to the greatly expanding memory capacity available, a user of
a digital camera increasingly tends to keep taken photos in a memory
device in the digital camera instead of transferring the photos
to a personal computer from the digital camera.
[0006] The more photos that are stored in a digital camera, the
more difficult it becomes for the user to find a desired photo among
the stored photos. Accordingly, in order for a user to quickly find
a desired photo, various methods for arranging the list of image
data or thumbnail images are used. However, when the number of stored
photos is very large due to the greatly expanding memory capacity
or resolution changes of the stored images, it is difficult for
the user to quickly and easily find a photo desired to be reproduced
by only arranging the list or the thumbnail images.
[0007] Disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-274341 is
a method for a user to easily retrieve an image by using a favorite
folder in which is recorded an image obtained by reducing an original
image. As disclosed in the publication, the file stored in the favorite
folder is a file with a smaller size (for example, a thumbnail file)
than the original file. According to the method, even after the
original image is deleted, the file stored in the favorite folder
is not deleted.
[0008] The favorite folder disclosed in the application is a space
for storing the reduced image separately from both the original
image and the history data related to the image. In terms of quick
and easy retrieval of the original image, the method does not provide
a great improvement compared to the conventional thumbnail file.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides for a digital camera and
a method of managing folders in which, without the need to transfer
images to a personal computer and manage the folders in the personal
computer, a favorite folder, capable of storing and reproducing
image data having the same format as that of photographed image
data, is located in the digital camera and from which a user can
quickly and easily retrieve a photo.
[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a camera for recording the image data of a photographed
object and reproducing the recorded image data, including: a memory
which includes a standard folder in which image data for recording
and reproducing the image of the photographed object is stored and
a favorite folder in which image data selected by a user from the
images stored in the standard folder is transferred to and stored;
a display unit which outputs the images stored in the folders; a
manipulation unit which is used to select an image among the photographed
image data; and a control unit which transfers the image data of
the photographed object selected by the user between the standard
folder and the favorite folder, and outputs the image data stored
in the standard folder or the favorite folder to the display unit.
[0011] The memory has a standard folder for storing photographed
image data and a favorite folder in which image data selected by
the user is moved to and stored. The user can selectively reproduce
images stored in the standard folder and the favorite folder. By
storing images in the favorite folder, quick and easy retrieval
and download are enabled for the user.
[0012] Image data, currently being displayed on the display unit
among image data of photographed objects stored in the standard
folder, can be moved by the user from the standard folder to the
favorite folder by using a predetermined hotkey or a menu key. For
this, the manipulation unit may include a unit which transmits a
command to the control unit for moving the image data, currently
being displayed on the display unit among other image data of photographed
objects stored in the standard folder, from the standard folder
to the favorite folder. For this type of functionality a predetermined
hotkey or a menu key can be included.
[0013] For example, in the playback mode of the digital camera
(or in temporary playback mode when a photo is temporarily displayed
on an LCD display unit immediately after the user shoots a photo
in the record mode), while the user views image data currently displayed
on the LCD display unit, if the user pushes the predetermined hotkey
or the menu key, the control unit moves the image data currently
stored in the standard folder to the favorite folder.
[0014] In a specific console input method capable of moving image
data to the favorite folder by using a limited number of keys (buttons)
located on a compact-type camera, the image data can be moved to
the favorite folder immediately after the hotkey is pushed, or the
image data can be moved to the favorite folder by other console
input methods through manipulation of a menu key, or by combination
of a plurality of buttons being pushed together, or by double-clicking
one button.
[0015] The control unit may move an image that is stored in the
standard folder and is being currently displayed on the display
unit from the standard folder to the favorite folder, and then output
to the display unit the latest image, excluding the moved image,
stored in the standard folder. Specifically, if the image data being
currently displayed on the LCD display unit is moved from the standard
folder to the favorite folder by using a predetermined hotkey or
menu key, the LCD display unit will output the next latest image
data, excluding the moved image data, to the display unit according
to the order of first-in-last-out (FILO). Accordingly, a user can
move the images output to the LCD display unit to the favorite folder
in the reverse order in which images are photographed and stored.
[0016] In another embodiment, the user selects some of the images,
among image data of photographed objects stored in the standard
folder, by using a predetermined hotkey or menu key, and then, can
move the selected image data at once from the standard folder to
the favorite folder. For this, the manipulation unit may include:
a unit for receiving a selection input from the user for selecting
some of the image data stored in the standard folder; and a unit
for transmitting a command to the control unit for moving the selected
image data to the favorite folder.
[0017] The manipulation unit may further include: a unit for transmitting
a command to the control unit for outputting the list of image data
stored in the standard folder to the display unit; and a unit for
receiving a selection input from the user for selecting part of
the list of the image data. For example, while viewing the list
or thumbnail of image data stored in the standard folder, the user
can select image data desired to be moved to the favorite folder,
by pushing the menu key. Accordingly, the control unit moves only
the selected files from the standard folder to the favorite folder.
[0018] Also, in order for the user to conveniently see that the
image data is stored in the favorite folder, data capable of displaying
a predetermined mark (for example, `{circle over (.function.)}`
mark) on part of an image can be added to the image data stored
in the favorite folder. Thus, when the image stored in the favorite
folder is output, the display unit can output the mark together
with the image.
[0019] While viewing images stored in the favorite folder through
the LCD display unit, the user can move image data being currently
displayed back to the standard folder, for example, by pushing a
predetermined hotkey or menu key. The control unit may move the
image data being currently displayed on the display unit among image
data of the photographed object stored in the favorite folder from
the favorite folder to the standard folder, and then output the
latest image data, excluding the moved image data, among image data
of the photographed object stored in the favorite folder, to the
display unit. That is, if according to the order of FILO, image
data being currently displayed on the LCD display unit is moved
from the favorite folder to the standard folder through the predetermined
hotkey or menu key, the LCD display unit outputs the next latest
image data, excluding the moved image data, to the display unit.
Accordingly, the user can move the images output to the LCD display
unit to the standard folder in order of the latest images stored
in the favorite folder (that is, in the reverse of the order in
which images are moved from the standard folder and stored).
[0020] Preferably, display data to inform the user that the image
data is stored in the favorite folder is added to image data stored
in the favorite folder. For example, in order for the user to conveniently
see that the image data is stored in the favorite folder, data capable
of displaying a predetermined mark (for example, `{circle over (.function.)}`
mark) on part of an image can be added to the image data stored
in the favorite folder.
[0021] In another embodiment, the user selects some of image data
among image data of photographed objects stored in the favorite
folder by using the predetermined hotkey or menu key, and then,
can move the selected image data at once from the favorite folder
to the standard folder. For this, the manipulation unit may include:
a unit for receiving a selection input from the user for selecting
some images of photographed objects stored in the favorite folder;
and a unit for transmitting a command to the control unit for moving
the selected image data to the standard folder. At this time, the
manipulation unit may also include: a unit for transmitting a command
to the control unit for outputting the list or thumbnail of image
data stored in the favorite folder to the display unit; and a unit
for receiving a selection input from the user for selecting part
of the list or thumbnail of the image data. For example, while viewing
the list or thumbnail of image data stored in the favorite folder,
the user can select image data desired to be moved to the standard
folder, by pushing the menu key. Accordingly, the control unit moves
only the selected files from the favorite folder to the standard
folder.
[0022] When data capable of displaying a predetermined mark (for
example, `{circle over (.function.)}` mark) on part of an image
is added to the image data stored in the favorite folder, the control
unit can delete the predetermined mark (for example, `{circle over
(.function.)}` mark) while moving the selected files to the standard
folder.
[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a method for managing folders of a digital camera for
recording image data of a photographed object and reproducing the
recorded image data, the method including: generating a favorite
folder capable of storing a file with the same format as that of
a file to be stored in a standard folder; generating image data
by photographing an object and storing the image data in the standard
folder; and moving the generated image data, selected by a user,
between the standard folder and the favorite folder.
[0024] The method may further include: displaying the image data
of the photographed object stored in the standard folder, wherein
moving the generated image includes moving image data being currently
displayed from the standard folder to the favorite folder. Accordingly,
while viewing image data stored in the standard folder through the
LCD display unit, the user can move the image data to the favorite
folder by using a predetermined hotkey or menu key. After the image
data being currently displayed among the image data of photographed
objects stored in the standard folder is moved from the standard
folder to the favorite folder, the latest image data, excluding
the moved image data, among the image data of photographed objects
stored in the standard folder may be output to the display unit.
Specifically, image data being currently displayed on the LCD display
unit is moved from the standard folder to the favorite folder by
using the predetermined hotkey or the menu key. The LCD display
unit then outputs the next latest image data, excluding the moved
image data, to the display unit according to the order of first-in-last-out
(FILO). Accordingly, the user can move the output images to the
LCD display unit to the favorite folder in order of the latest photographed
images (that is, in the reverse of the order in which images are
photographed and stored).
[0025] When the user selects some of the image data among the image
data of photographed objects stored in the standard folder by using
the predetermined hotkey or menu key, the user can then move the
selected image data at once from the standard folder to the favorite
folder. Moving the image data may include: receiving a selection
input from the user for selecting some of image data of the photographed
objects stored in the standard folder; and moving the selected image
data to the favorite folder. Also, displaying the image data may
include: outputting the list or thumbnail of the image data stored
in the standard folder to the display unit, so that a user can select
part of the list or thumbnail of the image data to be moved.
[0026] In addition, while viewing images stored in the favorite
folder through the LCD display unit, the user can move image data
being currently displayed back to the standard folder, for example,
by pushing a predetermined hotkey or menu key. That is, the folder
management method may further include: displaying the image data
stored in the favorite folder, wherein moving the image data may
include: moving image data being currently displayed from the favorite
folder to the standard folder. After the image data being currently
displayed, among the image data of photographed objects stored in
the favorite folder is moved from the favorite folder to the standard
folder, the latest image data, excluding the moved image data, among
the image data of the photographed objects stored in the favorite
folder may be output to the display unit. That is, if according
to the order of FILO, the image data being currently displayed on
the LCD display unit is moved from the favorite folder to the standard
folder through the predetermined hotkey or menu key, the LCD display
unit will output the next latest image data, excluding the moved
image data, to the display unit. Accordingly, the user can move
the images output to the LCD display unit to the standard folder
in the order of the latest images stored in the favorite folder
(that is, in the reverse of the order in which images are moved
from the standard folder and stored).
[0027] The user selects some of the image data, among image data
of the photographed objects stored in the favorite folder, by using
the predetermined hotkey or menu key, and then, can move the selected
image data at once from the favorite folder to the standard folder.
That is, in the folder management method, moving the image data
may include: receiving a selection input from the user for selecting
some of the image data of the photographed objects stored in the
favorite folder; and moving the selected image data to the favorite
folder. Displaying the image data may include: outputting the list
or thumbnail of the image data stored in the favorite folder to
the display unit, wherein receiving the selection input from the
user for moving the image data, part of the list or thumbnail of
the image data is selected by the user. Accordingly, the control
unit of the digital camera moves only the selected files from the
favorite folder to the standard folder.
[0028] In order for the user to conveniently see that the image
data is stored in the favorite folder, data capable of displaying
a predetermined mark (for example, `{circle over (.function.)}`
mark) on part of an image may be added to the image data stored
in the favorite folder. When image data stored in the favorite folder
is moved to the standard folder, the predetermined mark (for example,
`{circle over (.function.)}` mark) may be deleted from the image
data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The above and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary
embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an internal connection structure
of major modules of a camera;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the basic structure of a standard
folder and a favorite folder in a memory card;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the back surface of a digital
camera;
[0033] FIGS. 4A through 4C are conceptual diagrams explaining an
operation to transfer a file from a standard folder to a favorite
folder when a hotkey in a digital camera according to the present
invention is pushed;
[0034] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an embodiment in which an image
to be transferred from a standard folder to a favorite folder can
be selected by using a hotkey or a menu key with reference to the
list of image data;
[0035] FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an embodiment in which an image
to be transferred from a standard folder to a favorite folder can
be selected by using a hotkey or a menu key with reference to the
thumbnail of image data;
[0036] FIGS. 6A and 6B are conceptual diagrams explaining an operation
to transfer a file from a favorite folder to a standard folder when
a hotkey in a digital camera according to the present invention
is pushed;
[0037] FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an embodiment in which an image
to be transferred from a favorite folder to a standard folder can
be selected by using a hotkey or a menu key with reference to the
list of image data;
[0038] FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an embodiment in which an image
to be transferred from a favorite folder to a standard folder can
be selected by using a hotkey or a menu key with reference to the
thumbnail of image data;
[0039] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an overall embodiment of a folder
management method of a digital camera according to the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment to transfer a file
of a standard folder displayed on a display unit to a favorite folder,
in a folder management method of a digital camera according to the
present invention;
[0041] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an embodiment to transfer the
list or thumbnail of files of a standard folder displayed on a display
unit to a favorite folder, in a folder management method of a digital
camera according to the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an embodiment to transfer a file
of a favorite folder displayed on a display unit to a standard folder,
in a folder management method of a digital camera according to the
present invention; and
[0043] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an embodiment to transfer the
list or thumbnail of files of a favorite folder displayed on a display
unit to a standard folder, in a folder management method of a digital
camera according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0044] The present invention will now be described more fully with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments
of the invention are shown.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, the control unit 10 is made up of a
microprocessor and a system controller. The control unit generally
controls the camera according to a predetermined program, and controls
the operation of each circuit in the camera 1 based on a command
signal from a manipulation unit 20. Also, the control unit 10 has
an internal memory in which control programs or various data are
temporarily stored.
[0046] The manipulation unit 20 is a unit for a user to input various
commands to the camera 1. The manipulation unit 20 includes: a mode
selection switch for selecting an operation mode of the camera 1;
a menu key for commanding the display of a menu screen; keys for
manipulating the menu items and the cursor movements, the movement
of reproduction images, and a command for return; a cancel key for
deleting a desired object such as a selected item, or cancelling
a command; and other key switches, power switches, zoom switches,
and release switches.
[0047] In the power block 70 of the camera, power is supplied by
an external power source connected to a DC input terminal or a battery.
Secondary cells can be used as the battery. Power provided from
the DC input terminal 71 or battery 72 is converted by the DC/DC
converter and regulator into the voltage required by the power circuit.
The power is then provided to each circuit unit inside the camera
1. The power block 70 may also have a voltage detection circuit
to detect any remaining power in the battery, and a charging circuit
to charge the battery. The control unit 10 controls the operation
of the power block 70, such as the charging operation, by sending
a command to the power control unit, and at the same time, can obtain
various information required for control, such as the type of power
used in the power block 70 or battery power.
[0048] The control unit 10 determines the state of the camera 1
based on a signal received from the power block 70 and the internal
circuits, and an input signal from the manipulation unit 20. The
control unit 10 controls the light emitting unit 80 according to
the state of the camera as determined by the signals received.
[0049] Also, the camera 1 has a data communication interface 90
for data transmission and reception with a personal computer and
external devices. This interface may employ, for example, a USB,
an IEEE1394, or a Bluetooth device.
[0050] To shoot a picture with the camera, light first passes through
the camera lens 31 and is incident on a charge coupled device (CCD)
32. On the light reception surface of the CCD 32, a plurality of
photo sensors are arranged two-dimensionally and have a predetermined
color filter array structure other than a Bayer-type array. In place
of the CCD 32, devices other than a CMOS image sensor can be used.
The optical image of an object formed on the light reception surface
of the CCD 32 through the shooting lens 31 is converted into a signal
charge according to the amount of light incident on each photo sensor.
The signal charge accumulated in each photo sensor is read into
a shift register by a lead gate pulse added from a CCD driver 33,
and is then sequentially read as a voltage signal by a register
transmission pulse. The CCD 32 has an electronic shutter function
which controls the charge accumulation time (shutter speed) of each
photo sensor by the timing of the shutter gate pulse.
[0051] A signal output from the CCD 32 is transmitted to an analog
processing unit 34. After performing correlation double sampling
(CDS), color separation, gain adjustment, and so on, the signal
is converted into a digital signal by an A/D converter 35 and transmitted
to an image processing unit 30. According to commands from the microprocessor,
a timing generator (TG) 36 transmits a timing signal for synchronization
driving to the CCD driver 33, the analog processing unit 34, and
the A/D converter 35. Synchronization of each circuit is performed
by this timing signal.
[0052] The image processing unit 30 is an image signal processing
unit that includes a luminance and chrominance signal generation
circuit, a gamma correction circuit, a contour correction circuit,
and a white balance correction circuit. The image processing unit
30 processes the image signal according to a command provided by
the system controller. Image data input to the image processing
unit 30 is converted into a luminance signal (Y signal) and a chrominance
signal (Cr and Cb signals). At the same time predetermined processing,
such as gamma correction, is performed and the data is stored in
a DRAM 40.
[0053] A photographed image is output on the LCD panel 60. To output
this photographed image, image data from the DRAM 40 is read and
transmitted to the control unit 10 through a bus. Data transmission
from and to the DRAM 40 is controlled by a memory controller in
the control unit 10.
[0054] The image data transmitted from the DRAM 40 is converted
into a signal of a predetermined type for display (for example,
an NTSC color composite video signal) and at the same time is converted
into an analog signal by the D/A converter 64. The signal for display
is transmitted to an LCD driver 62, and after required signal conversion,
is output to the LCD panel such that the image contents are displayed
on the LCD panel. The display unit mounted on the camera 1 is not
limited to the LCD panel, and an organic EL and other display apparatuses
capable of color display can be applied.
[0055] The signal for display converted and generated based on
the image data is output to a video output terminal (VIDEO OUTPUT)
through a video amplifier. By connecting an external image display
apparatus, such as a television monitor apparatus, to the video
output terminal, the external output of an image signal is enabled.
[0056] The operation of a release switch of the manipulation unit
20 will now be explained. If the release switch is pushed in record
mode, an auto focus function and a shooting start function are performed.
The release switch is a two-stepped switch, including a first switch
(S1) which is triggered when the release switch is half pushed,
and a second switch (S2) which is triggered when the release switch
is fully pushed. If the control unit 10 detects that the release
switch is half pushed, the control unit 10 controls the auto focus
and the auto exposure, whereas if it detects that the release switch
is fully pushed, it begins CCD exposure and signal reading control
in order to obtain an image for recording.
[0057] The image processing unit 30 has an automatic calculation
unit performing calculations required for auto focus and auto exposure.
The image processing unit 30 performs a focus evaluation value calculation
or auto focus calculation based on the input image signal, and then
provides the resulting calculation to the control unit 10.
[0058] The control unit 10 controls driving units that drive a
variety of motors of a finder barrel unit, based on the calculation
received from the auto calculation unit, such that the focus adjustment
lens of the optical shooting system is moved to a focal position
and, at the same time, the value of the aperture is set to an appropriate
one and the mechanical shutter and electric charge accumulation
time (shutter speed) of the CCD are controlled. Also, the system
controller may control an external light emitting unit (strobe)
when necessary according to a command from the microprocessor. The
image data obtained when the release switch is fully pushed (S2=ON)
is processed for luminance and chrominance signals, is compressed
when necessary, and then is stored in the DRAM 40. For compression
of data, MPEG and other methods including JPEG method can be used.
[0059] The playback mode of the digital camera 1 will now be explained.
In the playback mode, the latest file recorded in the memory card
50 is read through the control unit 10. The file that is the object
of reproduction is converted into a signal for display, and is output
to the LCD panel through the LCD controller. When a television monitor
apparatus or another external display apparatus is connected to
the video output terminal, the reproduced image is displayed on
the external display apparatus. During reproduction, by manipulating
an arrow key, the file that is the object of reproduction can be
changed.
[0060] In the digital camera 1 according to the present invention,
in addition to a standard folder in which the image data of a photographed
object is stored, the memory card 50 also has a favorite folder.
Image data stored in the standard folder can be selected by the
user, moved to the favorite folder, and stored there. The favorite
folder in the memory card 50 is generated by the control unit 10.
[0061] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the basic structure of a standard
folder and a favorite folder in a memory card. In the digital camera
1 according to the present invention, the folder structure for digital
camera files (DCF) has a basic folder (DCIM) and a folder 100 in
which ordinary files are stored (hereinafter referred to as a `standard
folder`), and further has a favorite folder 200 to which image data
stored in the standard folder can be moved to and stored according
to a selection of the user. In the present invention, the display
unit 60 outputs images stored in the standard folder 100 while in
ordinary playback mode. The display unit 60 can also output an image
stored in the favorite folder 200. To select an image, the manipulation
unit 20 includes a hotkey, or a menu key, and an arrow key. The
control unit 10 moves the image data of the photographed object
between the standard folder 100 and the favorite folder 200 based
on the selection of the user, and outputs image data stored in the
standard folder 100 or in the favorite folder 200.
[0062] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the back surface of a digital
camera. A first hotkey 21, a second hotkey 22, an arrow key 23,
and a release switch 24 of the manipulation unit are shown respectively.
Generally, the display unit 60 is an LCD display window on the back
surface of a digital camera. In the present invention, by using
the first hotkey 21, the second hotkey 22, and the arrow key 23,
the user can search the standard folder 100 and the favorite folder
200 and move a currently displayed file or a plurality of selected
files between the standard folder 100 and the favorite folder 200.
[0063] FIGS. 4A through 4C are conceptual diagrams explaining the
operation to transfer a file from a standard folder to a favorite
folder when the first hotkey 21 in a digital camera according to
the present invention is pushed.
[0064] While in the record mode of the digital camera 1, when the
user shoots a photo of an object, the photo just taken is shown
temporarily (for example, for 3.about.5 seconds). Image data SV4003.JPG
of the photo is stored in the standard folder 100 immediately after
shooting the photo. In the folder structure in the memory card 50,
the new image data SV4003.JPG is added to image data SV4001.JPG,
and SV4002.JPG that are already stored. While in the record mode
of the digital camera 1, when the user shoots a photo of an object
and the photo just taken is displayed on the display unit 60 temporarily
(for example, for 3.about.5 seconds), if the user pushes the first
hotkey 21, the control unit 10 moves the image data being displayed
on the display unit 60 from the standard folder 100 to the favorite
folder 200.
[0065] Also, as shown in FIG. 4A, in the playback mode of the digital
camera 1, a last photo taken is displayed on the display unit 60.
In the folder structure in the memory card 50, image data SV4001.JPG,
SV4002.JPG and SV4003.JPG are stored. When the user views images
in the playback mode, if the user pushes the first hotkey 21, the
control unit 10 moves the data of an image being displayed on the
display unit 60 from the standard folder 100 to the favorite folder
200. FIG. 4B shows that image data SV4003.JPG is moved to the favorite
folder 200 when the first hotkey 21 is pushed in FIG. 4A. In the
actual memory structure, by deleting the start address of the storage
location of SV4003.JPG in the file allocation information of the
standard folder 100 and adding it to the file allocation information
of the favorite folder 200, the movement of the file is implemented.
In the playback mode, if image data SV4003.JPG is moved to the favorite
folder 200, the next latest image SV4002.JPG in the standard folder
100 is displayed on the display unit 60. In this state, if the user
pushes the first hotkey 21 again, the control unit will move SV4002.JPG
from the standard folder 100 to the favorite folder 200 as shown
in FIG. 4C. In the playback mode, after image data SV4002.JPG is
moved to the favorite folder 200, SV4001.JPG, the next latest image
in the standard folder 100 is displayed on the display unit 60.
[0066] When the user commands, through the manipulation unit 60,
the list or thumbnail of image data stored in the standard folder
100 to be displayed on the display unit 60, the display command
is transmitted to the control unit 10 from the manipulation unit
60. FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing embodiments in which the
user can select an image(s) from either the list of image data or
the thumbnail of image data by referring to the list or thumbnail
displayed on the display unit 60 and using the first hotkey 21 and
the arrow key 23.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 5A, while the user views a list of the
standard folder 100, if the user checks image data SV4002.JPG and
SV4003.JPG through the manipulation unit 20, image data SV4002.JPG
and SV4003.JPG in the standard folder 100 are selected. Then, if
the user sends a movement command through the manipulation unit
20, image data SV4002.JPG and SV4003.JPG are moved from the standard
folder 100 to the favorite folder 200. The embodiment shown in FIG.
5B is the same as the embodiment in FIG. 5A except that in FIG.
5B the image data is displayed as thumbnails instead of a list and
the user can select and send a movement command using the thumbnails.
[0068] FIGS. 6A and 6B are conceptual diagrams explaining an operation
to transfer a file from a favorite folder to a standard folder when
the second hotkey 22 in a digital camera according to the present
invention is pushed.
[0069] FIG. 6A shows the favorite folder which the user views in
the playback mode of the digital camera 1. On the display unit 60,
the last photo stored in the favorite folder 200 is displayed. In
the folder structure in the memory card 50, image data SV4001.JPG
is stored in the standard folder 100 and image data SV4002.JPG and
SV4003.JPG are stored in the favorite folder 200. While the user
views images in the playback mode, if the user pushes the second
hotkey 22, the control unit 10 moves the data of the image being
displayed on the display unit 60 from the favorite folder 200 to
the standard folder 100. FIG. 6B shows that image data SV4002.JPG
is moved to the standard folder 100 when the second hotkey 22 is
pushed in FIG. 6A. In the actual memory structure, by deleting the
start address of the storage location of SV4002.JPG in the file
allocation information of the favorite folder 200 and adding it
to the file allocation information of the standard folder 100, the
movement of the file can be implemented. In the playback mode, if
image data SV4002.JPG is moved to the standard folder 100, SV4003.JPG
that is the next latest image in the favorite folder 200 is displayed
on the display unit 60.
[0070] When the user commands through the manipulation unit 60
that the list or thumbnail of image data stored in the favorite
folder 200 be displayed on the display unit 60, the display command
is transmitted to the control unit 10 from the manipulation unit
60. FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing embodiments in which the
user by referring to the list or thumbnail displayed on the display
unit 60 can select any of the images on the list or thumbnail of
image data by using the second hotkey 22 and the arrow key 23.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 7A, while the user views the list of the
favorite folder 200, if the user through the manipulation unit 20
checks image data SV4001.JPG and SV4002.JPG, image data SV4001.JPG
and SV4002.JPG in the favorite folder 200 are selected. Then, if
the user sends a movement command through the manipulation unit
20, image data SV4001.JPG and SV4002.JPG are moved from the favorite
folder 200 to the standard folder 100. The embodiment shown in FIG.
7B is the same as the embodiment in FIG. 7A except that in FIG.
7B the image data is displayed as thumbnails instead of a list and
the user can select and send a movement command using the thumbnails.
[0072] A method for managing the folders of a digital camera according
to the present invention will now be explained with reference to
FIGS. 8 through 12.
[0073] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an overall embodiment of a folder
management method of a digital camera according to the present invention.
As shown in step S10 of the flowchart of FIG. 8, in the folder management
method according to the present invention, first, the control unit
10 confirms the folder structure of the memory card 50, and then
confirms whether or not there is a favorite folder 200 in the memory
card 50. If it is determined that there is no favorite folder 200,
the control unit 10 generates a favorite folder 200 in the memory
card in step S20.
[0074] In record mode, when the digital camera lens is directed
at an object and the user lightly pushes the release switch half-way
to turn on the first switch S1, the control unit 10 will perform
auto focus and auto exposure functions. If the user fully pushes
the release switch to turn on the second switch S2, the control
unit 10 will open the shutter for a predetermined amount of time
such that photographed data is generated in the photo devices of
the CCD 32. A signal output from the CCD 32 is transmitted to the
analog processing unit 34, and correlation double sampling, color
separation, and gain adjustment are performed. Then, the signal
is converted into a digital signal by the A/D converter 35 and is
transmitted to the image processing unit. The image processing unit
30 processes an image signal according to a command provided by
the system controller. It includes a luminance and chrominance signal
generation circuit, a gamma correction circuit, a contour correction
circuit, and a white balance correction circuit. Image data input
to the image processing unit 30 is converted into a luminance signal
(Y signal) and a chrominance signal (Cr and Cb signals). At the
same time, predetermined processing, such as gamma correction, is
performed and the data is stored in a DRAM 40. Then, the control
unit 10 records the image data stored in the DRAM 40 in the standard
folder 100 of the memory card 50 and outputs the image data to the
LCD panel 60 such that the user can confirm the image data in step
S30.
[0075] When necessary, the user can move image data stored in the
standard folder 100 to the favorite folder 200 or image data stored
in the favorite folder 200 to the standard folder 100 in step S40.
[0076] Data movement, in step S40, between the folders will now
be explained in more detail with reference to the following embodiments.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an embodiment to transfer a file contained
in a standard folder and displayed on a display unit to a favorite
folder, in a folder management method of a digital camera according
to the present invention.
[0077] As in the previous embodiments, when the user pushes the
release switch to shoot an object, image data is generated and the
control unit 10 stores the image data in the standard folder 100
in step S30. If the current mode of the digital camera 1 is the
record mode, an image taken immediately before is displayed on the
display unit 60 for approximately 3.about.5 seconds. In step S31,
if the current mode of the digital camera 1 is the playback mode,
images are displayed on the display unit 60 in the order of time
when the image was shot and starting with the most recently photographed
image.
[0078] If the user selects an image currently displayed on the
display unit 60 by pushing the first hotkey 21, the control unit
10 will move the image data from the standard folder 100 to the
favorite folder 200. In the actual memory structure, by deleting
the start address of the storage location of SV4003.JPG in the file
allocation information of the standard folder 100 and adding it
to the file allocation information of the favorite folder 200, movement
of the file is implemented.
[0079] Then, if the digital camera 1 is in the record mode, it
returns to a record wait state, and if it is in the playback mode,
the latest image excluding the image deleted from the standard folder
is displayed in step S51.
[0080] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an embodiment in a folder management
method of a digital camera according to the present invention to
transfer files from the list or thumbnail of files contained in
a standard folder, and displayed on the display unit, to a favorite
folder.
[0081] As in the previous embodiment, if the user pushes the release
switch to shoot an object and image data is generated, the control
unit 10 stores the image data in the standard folder 100 in step
S30. Then in step S32, the digital camera 1 displays through the
display unit 60 the list or thumbnail of image data in order of
shooting times starting with the most recent one. Next, in step
S43, if the user selects from the list or thumbnail of image data
being displayed currently on the display unit 60 by pushing the
first hotkey 21 and the arrow key 23 the control unit 10 moves the
data of those images selected from the standard folder 100 to the
favorite folder 200. Since the other operations are the same as
in the previous embodiment, the explanation will be omitted to avoid
redundancy.
[0082] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an embodiment to transfer a file,
displayed on a display unit, from the favorite folder to a standard
folder in a folder management method of a digital camera according
to the present invention.
[0083] If the user commands images previously moved from the standard
folder 100 to the favorite folder 200, to be displayed, by pushing
the second hotkey 22, the digital camera 1 enters into the playback
mode of the favorite folder in step S25, and the latest image of
the favorite folder is displayed on the display unit 60 in step
S35.
[0084] Then, if the user views the image being currently displayed
on the display unit 60 and pushes the second hotkey 22, the control
unit 10 moves the image data from the standard folder 100 to the
favorite folder 200 in step S45.
[0085] FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an embodiment to transfer from
the list or thumbnail of files of a favorite folder displayed on
a display unit to a standard folder, in a folder management method
of a digital camera according to the present invention.
[0086] If the user commands the list or thumbnail of images previously
moved from the standard folder 100 to the favorite folder 200 to
be displayed, by pushing the second hotkey 22, the digital camera
1 enters into the playback mode of the favorite folder in step S25,
and the list or thumbnail of the image data of the favorite folder
is displayed on the display unit 60 in step S36.
[0087] If the user selects from the list or thumbnail of image
data of the favorite folder being displayed on the display unit
60 by pushing the second hotkey 22 and the arrow key 23 in step
S46, the control unit 10 moves the data of the selected images from
the favorite folder 200 to the standard folder 100 in step S47.
When necessary, the step S36 can be performed again to select an
image to be moved continuously. Since the other operations are the
same as in the previous embodiment, the explanation will be omitted
to avoid redundancy.
[0088] Meanwhile, in the above embodiments, in order for the user
to easily understand that the image data is stored in the favorite
folder, data capable of displaying a predetermined mark (for example,
`{circle over (.function.)}` mark) on part of an image can be added
to the image data stored in the favorite folder, and according to
this, the display unit can output the mark to the display data when
the image is output (for example, when an image is output, the `{circle
over (.function.)}` mark can be output on the top right of the screen).
Also, when the image data stored in the favorite folder is moved
to the standard folder, the predetermined mark (for example, `{circle
over (.function.)}` mark) can be deleted from the image data.
[0089] According to the digital camera and the folder management
method according to the present invention, in addition to the ordinary
standard folder for storing photographed image data, a separate
favorite folder capable of storing and reproducing image data with
the same format as that of the photographed image data is arranged
such that the user can move desired images from the standard folder
to the favorite folder when necessary.
[0090] Also, according to the digital camera and the folder management
method according to the present invention, in the record mode, while
a photo taken it is displayed temporarily and the user can move
the photo immediately to the favorite folder, and in the playback
mode, while photos previously taken are displayed, the user can
move the photos immediately to the favorite folder.
[0091] Also, in the playback mode, while viewing the list or thumbnail
of images stored in the standard folder, the user can select desired
images and then move the images at once to the favorite folder.
Then, the user can quickly and easily retrieve a desired image by
searching the favorite folder, and when necessary, move the image
back to the standard folder.
[0092] While the present invention has been particularly shown
and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it
will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various
changes in form and details may be made therein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by
the following claims. Such variations and modifications are within
the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.
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