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Digital Camera Patent Abstract
A digital camera is provided with a plurality of group specifying
keys for specifying a use purpose of a photographed picture. In
an external flash memory of the digital camera that stores the photographed
pictures, a plurality of index files that correspond to the group
specifying keys are generated. When any one of the plurality of
group specifying keys is pressed when at least one of the recorded
pictures are displayed, file names of those displayed pictures are
sequentially entered in an index file corresponding to that pressed
group specifying key. When using the picture file, a personal computer
reads out a plurality of picture files described in an index file
corresponding to a desired use purpose to then conduct the corresponding
processes based on that index file.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
1. An image data managing apparatus comprising: a first selecting
section for selecting via a manual operation a desired index file
from a plurality of index files which are stored in an index file
storage section, each of said index files containing at least one
identifier which respectively identifies an image data piece; and
a control section for executing image processing on at least one
image data piece among image data pieces stored in an image storage
section, said at least one image data piece being identified by
the identifier contained in the desired index file selected by the
first selecting section via the manual operation.
2. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the index file storage section and the image storage section are
provided on a recording medium which is removably provided in a
main body of a digital camera.
3. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the index file storage section and the image storage section are
provided in a digital camera, which further comprises a first receiving
section for receiving the plurality of index files stored in the
index file storage section in the digital camera; and wherein: said
first selecting section selects the desired index file from the
plurality of index files received by the first receiving section;
said control section comprises: (i) an output section for outputting
to the digital camera a transfer request signal for requesting transfer
of the at least one image data piece identified by the identifier
contained in the selected index file, and (ii) a second receiving
section for receiving from the digital camera the image data piece
requested to be transferred by the transfer request signal output
from the output section; and said control section executes image
processing on the image data piece received by the second receiving
section.
4. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a display section for displaying the plurality of index
files stored in the index file storage section, wherein the first
selecting section selects the desired index file from the plurality
of index files displayed by the display section.
5. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a second selecting section for selecting via a manual
operation a desired image processing from a plurality of kinds of
image processing, wherein the control section executes the image
processing selected by the second selecting section on the image
data piece identified by the identifier contained in the selected
index file.
6. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
the index file storage section stores a plurality of kinds of index
files; and said control section executes image processing determined
based on a kind of the selected index file on the image data piece
identified by the identifier contained in the selected index file.
7. An image data managing apparatus comprising: first selecting
means for selecting via a manual operation a desired index file
from a plurality of index files which are stored in an index file
storage section, each of said index files containing at least one
identifier which respectively identifies an image data piece; and
control means for executing image processing on at least one image
data piece among image data pieces stored in an image storage section,
said at least one image data piece being identified by the identifier
contained in the desired index file selected by the first selecting
means via the manual operation.
8. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon
an image data managing program that is executable by a computer
of an image data managing apparatus for processing image data to
cause the computer to execute: selecting, via a manual operation,
a desired index file from a plurality of index files which are stored
in an index file storage section, each of said index files containing
at least one identifier which respectively identifies an image data
piece; and executing image processing on at least one image data
piece among image data pieces stored in an image storage section,
said at least one image data piece being identified by the identifier
contained in the desired index file selected via the manual operation.
9. An image data managing method comprising: selecting, via a manual
operation, a desired index file from a plurality of index files
which are stored in an index file storage section, each of said
index files containing at least one identifier which respectively
identifies an image data piece; and executing image processing on
at least one image data piece among image data pieces stored in
an image storage section, said at least one image data piece being
identified by the identifier contained in the desired index file
selected via the manual operation.
10. An image data managing apparatus comprising: a selecting section
for selecting via a manual operation a desired kind of image processing
from a plurality of kinds of image processing as a kind of image
processing for an index file, said index file being stored in an
index file storage section and containing identifiers which respectively
identify image data pieces; and a control section for executing
the kind of image processing selected by the selecting section on
identified image data pieces among image data pieces stored in an
image storage section, said identified image data pieces being identified
by the identifiers contained in the index file stored in the index
file storage section.
11. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 10, further
comprising a display section for displaying contents of the plurality
of kinds of image processing, wherein the selecting section selects
the contents of the desired kind of image processing via the manual
operation from the contents of the plurality of kinds of image processing
which are displayed by the display section.
12. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
the index file storage section and the image storage section are
formed on a recording medium which is removably provided in a main
body of a digital camera.
13. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
the index file storage section and the image storage section are
provided in a digital camera, which further comprises a first receiving
section for receiving the index file stored in the index file storage
section in the digital camera; and wherein: said control section
comprises: (i) an output section for outputting to the digital camera
a transfer request signal for requesting transfer of the image data
pieces identified by the identifiers contained in the index file
received by the first receiving section, and (ii) a second receiving
section for receiving from the digital camera the image data pieces
requested to be transferred by the transfer request signal output
from the output section; and said control section executes the selected
kind of image processing on the image data pieces received by the
second receiving section.
14. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein
the plurality of kinds of image processing comprises copy processing,
display processing and print processing.
15. An image data managing apparatus comprising: selecting means
for selecting via a manual operation a desired kind of image processing
from a plurality of kinds of image processing as a kind of image
processing for an index file, said index file being stored in an
index file storage section and containing identifiers which respectively
identify image data pieces; and control means for executing the
kind of image processing selected by the selecting means on identified
image data pieces among image data pieces stored in an image storage
section, said identified image data pieces being identified by the
identifiers contained in the index file stored in the index file
storage section.
16. A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon
an image data managing program that is executable by a computer
of an image data managing apparatus for processing image data to
cause the computer to execute: selecting, via a manual operation,
a desired kind of image processing from a plurality of kinds of
image processing as a kind of image processing for an index file,
said index file being stored in an index file storage section and
containing identifiers which respectively identify image data pieces;
and executing the selected kind of image processing on identified
image data pieces among image data pieces stored in an image storage
section, said identified image data pieces being identified by the
identifiers contained in the index file stored in the index file
storage section.
17. An image data managing method comprising: selecting, via a
manual operation, a desired kind of image processing from a plurality
of kinds of image processing as a kind of image processing for an
index file, said index file being stored in an index file storage
section and containing identifiers which respectively identify image
data pieces; and executing the selected kind of image processing
on identified image data pieces among image data pieces stored in
an image storage section, said identified image data pieces being
identified by the identifiers contained in the index file stored
in the index file storage section.
Digital Camera Patent Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a Divisional of U.S. Application
Ser. No. 10/014,090 filed Nov. 13, 2001, which is based upon and
claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent No.
2000-350407, filed Nov. 17, 2000, the entire contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a digital camera capable
of outputting picture (image) data to an external apparatus, a picture
data managing device, a picture data managing method, and a recording
medium in which a picture data managing program is recorded.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Recently, digital cameras have been equipped with a display
such as an LCD, which functions as a view finder, and which allows
a photographed picture to be reproduced and confirmed on the display
without using any other devices. In such a digital camera, a picture
of a subject imaged by a solid imaging device such as a CCD is recorded
as picture data in a recording medium such as a flash memory. Pieces
of the picture data are compressed in a predetermined format such
as JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) and are then recorded
in an order they were photographed in the recording medium as picture
files having file names each consisting of, for example, a date
and time.
[0006] Furthermore, some digital cameras typically utilize cable
communication, for example via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection,
or wireless communication, for example via infrared light, to thereby
transmit picture data to an external apparatus such as another digital
cameras or a personal computer. Digital cameras may also have a
detachable memory such as the above-mentioned recording medium,
which may be attached to the external apparatus so that the external
apparatus can access the picture data. Therefore, with such a digital
camera, the picture data recorded by photographing can be accessed
on a personal computer and copied on a floppy disk, for example,
so that the pictures may be distributed to a plurality of persons.
That is, it is possible to make extra copies of photographed images,
as is possible with silver-salt cameras.
[0007] However, in an attempt to copy specific picture data to
a floppy disk with a personal computer, it is difficult to identify
the picture to be copied using only the above-mentioned file name.
Accordingly, it is necessary to display and confirm on a monitor
the pictures in the order (or reverse order) they were photographed
and then to select a specific one of them and copy it on a floppy
disk. It is thus troublesome and inefficient to distribute many
pictures to many persons. In particular, when a personal computer
with a low picture processing capability is used, it takes a long
time to confirm the pictures to be copied, thus causing the process
of copying and distributing the pictures to be remarkably inefficient.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital
camera, a picture data managing apparatus, a picture data managing
method, and a recording medium recording therein a picture data
managing program that can output picture data recorded in the digital
camera to an external apparatus and improve a working efficiency
in picture processing executed by the external apparatus on the
picture data.
[0009] To achieve the above object, according to a first preferred
aspect of the present invention a digital camera is provided which
includes: an imaging section for imaging a subject and outputting
a plurality of pieces of image data; a specifying section for specifying
at least one of the plurality of image data pieces output from the
imaging section; an index file generating section for generating
an index file containing an identifier with which any image data
piece specified by the specifying section can be identified; and
a control section for storing in an image storage section a plurality
of image data pieces output from the imaging section, and for storing
in an index file storage section an index file generated by the
index file generating section, wherein the configuration enables
improving a working efficiency in image processing on the image
data by an external apparatus.
[0010] According to a second preferred aspect of the present invention
a digital camera is provided which includes: imaging means for imaging
a subject and outputting a plurality of pieces of image data; specifying
means for specifying at least one of a plurality of image data pieces
output from the imaging means; index file generating means for generating
an index file containing an identifier with which any image data
piece specified by the specifying means can be identified; and control
means for storing in an image storage section the plurality of image
data pieces output from the imaging means and also storing in an
index file storage section an index file generated by the index
file generating means, wherein the configuration enables improving
a working efficiency in image processing on the image data by an
external apparatus.
[0011] According to a third preferred aspect of the present invention
an image data managing apparatus is provided which includes: an
image storage section for storing a plurality of image data pieces;
a specifying section for specifying at least one of the plurality
of image data pieces stored in the image storage section; an index
file generating section for generating an index file containing
an identifier with which any image data piece specified by the specifying
section can be identified; and an index file storage section for
storing an index file generated by the index file generating section,
wherein the configuration enables improving a working efficiency
in image processing on the image data by an external apparatus.
[0012] According to a fourth preferred aspect of the present invention
a computer-readable recording medium is provided that has recorded
thereon an image data managing program for causing a computer of
a digital camera provided with an imaging section for imaging a
subject and outputting picture data thereof to execute the processes
of: specifying at least one of a plurality of pieces of image data
output from the imaging section; generating an index file containing
an identifier with which any specified image data piece can be identified;
and storing a generated index file in a memory, whereby a working
efficiency in image processing on the image data by an external
apparatus can be improved.
[0013] According to a fifth preferred aspect of the present invention
an image data managing method for a digital camera is provided which
includes: imaging a subject and outputting image data; specifying
at least one of a plurality of thus output image data pieces; generating
an index file containing an identifier with which any specified
image data piece can be identified; and storing a generated index
file in a memory, whereby a working efficiency in image processing
on the image data by an external apparatus can be improved.
[0014] According to a sixth preferred aspect of the present invention
an image data managing apparatus is provided which includes: an
acquiring section for acquiring an index file which is stored in
an index file storage section and which contains an identifier with
which any image data piece can be identified; and a control section
for executing image processing on any one of the image data pieces
stored in an image storage section that is identified by the identifier
contained in an index file acquired by the acquiring section, wherein
the configuration enables improving a working efficiency in image
processing on the image data by an external apparatus.
[0015] According to a seventh preferred aspect of the present invention
an image data managing apparatus is provided which includes: acquiring
means for acquiring an index file which is stored in an index file
storage section and which contains an identifier with which any
image data piece can be identified; and control means for executing
predetermined image processing on any one of the image data pieces
stored in an image storage section that is identified by an identifier
contained in an index file acquired by the acquiring means, wherein
the configuration enables improving a working efficiency in image
processing on the image data by an external apparatus.
[0016] According to an eighth preferred aspect of the present invention
a computer-readable recording medium is provided that has recorded
thereon an image data managing program for executing the processes
of: acquiring an index file which is stored in an index file storage
section and which contains an identifier with which any image data
piece can be identified into a computer of an image data managing
apparatus for processing image data; and executing predetermined
image processing on any one of image data pieces stored in an image
storage section that is identified by an identifier contained in
an acquired index file, whereby a working efficiency in image processing
on the image data by an external apparatus can be improved.
[0017] According to a ninth preferred aspect of the present invention
a picture data managing method is provided which includes: acquiring
an index file which is stored in an index file storage section and
which contains an identifier with which any image data piece can
be identified; and executing predetermined image processing on any
one of the image data pieces stored in an image storage section
that is identified by an identifier contained in an acquired index
file, whereby a working efficiency in image processing on the image
data by an external apparatus can be improved.
[0018] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will
be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will
be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of
the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be
realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations
particularly pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention, and together with the general description given above
and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve
to explain the principles of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 1 is an external view for showing a digital camera
related to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for showing an outline of the
digital camera of the first embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 3 is an illustration for showing a file storage construction
in an external flash memory of the first embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 4 is an illustration for explaining data contents of
an index file recorded in the external flash memory;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a block diagram for showing an outline of a personal
computer related to the first embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for showing an operation of grouping
pictures photographed by the digital camera of the first embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for showing an operation of picture
processing by the personal computer of the first embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for showing another operation of picture
processing by the personal computer of the first embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for showing a further operation of
picture processing by the personal computer of the first embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for showing a still further operation
of picture processing by the personal computer of the first embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a block diagram for showing an outline of a digital
camera related to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a flowchart for showing an operation of the side
of the digital camera of the second embodiment; and
[0032] FIG. 13 is a flowchart for showing an operation of the side
of a personal computer of the second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] The following will describe embodiments of the present invention
with reference to the drawings.
[0034] First Embodiment
[0035] FIG. 1 is an external view for showing a digital camera
1 related to the first embodiment of the present invention. A digital
camera 1 includes a camera section 3 coupled to a side of an apparatus
body 2 in such a manner that the camera section 3 may rotate in
a vertical direction. The camera section 3 is equipped with an optical
system including an imaging lens, a diaphragm, etc., which are not
shown. A shutter key 4 is provide on the right side of the apparatus
body 2. On the rear face of the apparatus body 2, a display 5, i.e.
a TFT-type LCD monitor, is provided. On a side of the display 5,
a mode switching key 6 is provided for switching the operation mode
of the digital camera 1 between an imaging mode (REC) for imaging
and recording an image of a subject and a reproduction mode (PLAY)
for displaying a recorded picture. Below the display 5, first through
fourth operation keys 7a-7d (shown as "A-KEY", "B-KEY",
C-KEY", and "D-KEY") are arranged in this order from
the left. The first through fourth operations keys of 7a-7d are
assigned different functions in the different imaging and reproduction
modes; in the reproduction mode, for example, they are used as a
group specification key, thus functioning as a specifying section
(specifying means) of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for showing an outlined electrical
configuration of the digital camera 1. The digital camera 1 is housed
in the camera section 3 and includes a CCD 11, on whose light-reception
face is formed an optical image, and a DSP/CPU 12. The DSP/CPU 12
is a one-chip micro-controller having a function of sampling, amplifying,
and digitizing an analog signal and a function of controlling various
sections of the digital camera 1.
[0037] To the DSP/CPU 12 is connected a TG (Timing Generator) 13
for driving the CCD 11. A unit circuit 14, to which an imaging analog
signal corresponding to a brightness of a subject output from the
CCD 11 is input, is connected to TG 13. The unit circuit 14 is comprised
of a CDS for holding an imaging analog signal output from the CCD
11, a gain-control amplifier (AGC) which is an analog amplifier
for amplifying this imaging signal, and an A/D converter (AD) for
converting an imaging signal amplified at the gain adjustment amplifier
into an imaging digital signal, in such a configuration that an
output signal of the CCD 11 is sent as a digital signal to the DSP/CPU
12 via the unit circuit 14.
[0038] The above-mentioned display 5, a key-input section 15 for
generating a key-input signal corresponding to any of the above-mentioned
shutter key, the plurality of operation keys 7a-7d, and a power
supply key, and a timer section 16 having a calendar function and
a function to output the current date data, day-of-the-week data,
and time data to the DSP/CPU 12 are connected to the DSP/CPU 12.
And a DRAM 18, an internal flash memory 19, and an external flash
memory 20 are connected to the DSP/CPU 12 via an address/data bus
17. The DRAM 18 temporarily stores a digitized imaging signal of
a subject imaged by the CCD 11 when the system is set in the photographing
wait mode. The built-in flash memory 19 serves as a recording medium
of the present invention for storing a variety of kinds of data
used for control of an operating program of the DSP/CPU 12 and the
various sections, and the built-in flash memory 19 also has a reserved
work area that is used by the DSP/CPU 12. The DSP/CPU 12 operates
according to the above-mentioned operating program to function as
a control section (control means), a specifying section (specifying
means), and an index file generating section (index file generating
means) of the present invention.
[0039] The external flash memory 20 functions as a picture storage
section and an index file storage section of the present invention
and serves as a card-type recording medium which can be attached
to and detached from the apparatus body 2, so that when photographing
is instructed by pressing the shutter key 4 in the photographing
wait mode, one frame of picture data read out by the DSP/CPU 12
from the DRAM 18 undergoes various picture processes and is compressed
and finally recorded as a picture file in this external flash memory
20.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows a storage construction of a picture file in
the external flash memory 20. In this embodiment, when photographing
is instructed, a JPEG-format picture file is generated, so that
as shown in FIG. 3, in the external flash memory 20, following a
DCIM folder 20a provided beforehand in the initial state thereof
are dated folders 20b ("0101", "0102", ) having
a photographing date. These dated folder 20b are followed by sequentially
recorded picture files 20c of pictures photographed on the same
day that have file names ("0101001.jpg", "0101002.jpg",
) each consisting of a date and a serial number.
[0041] Each dated folder 20b is followed by the picture file 20c
as well as recorded index files 20d ("folderA.text", "folderB.text",
"folderC.text") created for each of a plurality of groups
predefined by the user. As shown in FIG. 4, the index files 20d
are a text-format file consisting only of character data with a
described file name of one or a plurality of picture files 20c in
each dated folder 20b, and the index files 20d correspond to the
first through fourth operation keys 7a to 7d, respectively.
[0042] In the imaging wait state where the shutter key 4 is not
pressed in the above-mentioned imaging mode, the display 5 functions
as a view finder by displaying as a through picture a subject image
taken in from the CCD11 and, in the above-mentioned reproduction
mode, the display 5 displays a list of pictures as downsized that
were recorded in the external flash memory 20 or displays a user-selected
picture in a size set at the time of photographing.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a block diagram for showing a personal computer
as the external apparatus used together with the digital camera
1 in this embodiment. The personal computer 30 has a CPU 31, a ROM
32 and a RAM 33 which are connected to the CPU 31, a CRT driving
circuit 35 for driving a CRT 34, and a printer 42. A keyboard 37,
a mouse 38, a hard disk drive 39, a floppy disk drive 40, and a
card reader 41, which has a slot through which an external flash
memory 20 used in the digital camera 1 is removably insertable,
are connected to the CPU 31 through an interface 36. A program for
enabling the card reader 41 to be used, a predetermined copying
program for copying, into a drive specified by a user, a predetermined
picture file recorded in the external flash memory 20 mounted to
the card reader 41, and a predetermined application program for
reading picture data from and writing data to the external flash
memory 20 are all installed in the hard disk drive 39.
[0044] (Grouping of Pictures in Digital Camera)
[0045] The following will describe an operation of grouping pictures
in the above-mentioned digital camera 1 in the reproduction mode
with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6. This flowchart shows
the behavior of subroutines called by a main routine (not shown)
and sequentially executed.
[0046] When the reproduction mode is set and any one of the pictures
stored in the external flash memory 20 is shown on the display 5
(or a plurality of downsized pictures are shown on the display 5),
if any one of the above-mentioned group specifying keys (first through
fourth operation keys) 7a to 7d is pressed (YES is answered at step
SA1), the digital camera 1 decides whether an index file 20d which
corresponds to the pressed group specifying key is present following
a dated folder 20b in which a picture file 20c of the picture displayed
(or selected) is present (step SA2). When such a corresponding index
file 20d is present (YES is answered at step SA2), for example,
"folderA.text" is read out as that corresponding index
file 20d if that pressed group specifying key is the first operation
key 7a (step SA3). If no corresponding index file 20d is present
(NO is answered at step SA2), an index file 20d corresponding to
the pressed group specifying key, for example, "folderD.text"
is newly created if that pressed group specifying key is the fourth
operation key 7d (step SA4).
[0047] Subsequently, the process enters a file name (e.g., "0101005.jpg")
of the currently displayed or selected picture in the index file
20d read out at step SA3 or created at step SA4 then updates (saves)
this index file 20d (step SA5) and then returns to the main routine
in the reproduction mode. By repeating these operations, the pictures
recorded in the external flash memory 20 are sorted into a plurality
of groups (four groups in this embodiment), which are indicated
by index files 20d. Note here that the user can specify the same
picture over a plurality of groups, in which case, the same file
name is entered in a plurality of different index files 20d.
[0048] (Copying Pictures in Personal Computer)
[0049] The following will describe the operations when the user
has activated the above-mentioned copying program in a state where
the external flash memory 20 after undergoing the above-mentioned
processing by the digital camera 1 is mounted to the card reader
41, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7.
[0050] When the copying program is activated, the personal computer
30 displays on the CRT 34 a screen requesting the location (other
than the card reader 41) to which a picture file is to be copied,
e.g. the floppy disk drive 40 etc. (step SB1), and then awaits specification
of the recording medium (step SB2). If the user then specifies a
recording medium (drive) (YES is answered at step SB2), the index
files 20d present following all the dated folders 20b in the external
flash memory 20 are retrieved and listed on the CRT 34 (step SB3)
and then specification of at least one of the index files 20d is
awaited (step SB4).
[0051] If, subsequently, one or more of the index files 20d (e.g.,
"folderA.text") is specified from among this list displayed
on the CRT 34 (YES is answered at step SB4), all the specified index
files 20d are read out (step SB5). Then, all the picture files described
in the one or more index files 20d having the same file name are
sequentially read out from the external flash memory 20 and the
read out picture files 20c are copied to a recording medium (drive)
specified by the user at step SB1 (step SB6). When the relevant
picture files 20c are all copied completely (YES is answered at
step SB7), the process ends immediately.
[0052] In this embodiment, therefore, the user can perform the
following steps to distribute one or a plurality of pictures photographed
by the digital camera 1 using a floppy disk. First, for example,
he predefines the first operation key 7a ("A-KEY") of
the digital camera 1 as a group specifying key for specifying a
picture to be copied so that the digital camera 1 may sequentially
display or select pictures to be distributed and, when the first
operation key 7a is pressed a picture is selected to be copied.
Next, the external flash memory 20 is detached from the digital
camera 1 and attached to the personal computer 30 to supply the
index file 20d ("folderA.text") which corresponds to the
first operation key 7a ("A-KEY") to the personal computer
30 so that the one or more pictures specified therein may be copied
to a floppy disk. Thus, one or a plurality of pictures to be automatically
copied to the floppy disk at a time.
[0053] That is, the user can operate the personal computer to copy
any pictures recorded in the external flash memory 20 directly to
the floppy disk without a need of displaying and confirming them
one by one. This feature enables rapid copying even with a personal
computer having a low picture processing capability. Moreover, even
many pictures to be distributed can be copied to the floppy disk
at a time. The picture files, therefore, can be copied easily and
efficiently.
[0054] Furthermore, since the index files 20d generated by the
digital camera 1 and recorded in the external flash memory 20 are
of a text format, even if many picture files are specified (grouped)
as pictures to be copied, the size of the index files 20d does not
significantly increase. Therefore, only a small memory capacity
is required to record the index files 20d, thus effectively utilizing
the storage capacity of the external flash memory.
[0055] Also in this embodiment, since the first through fourth
operations keys 7a-7d function as the group specifying keys in the
reproduction mode, and since a plurality of index files 20d are
generated corresponding to the operations of the first through fourth
operation keys 7a-7d, the pictures recorded in the external flash
memory 20 can be classified and specified beforehand into a plurality
of groups, for example, into a plurality of subject types such as
a landscape and a portrait or into subject person groups, so that
one or a plurality of the pictures can be rapidly copied at a time
for each of thus classified groups. This facilitates use.
[0056] It should be noted that, in contrast to this embodiment,
any one of the first through fourth operation keys 7a-7d may be
specified to function as the group specifying key so that its operations
may instruct the system to create only one index file 20d. Even
in such a case, the same effect as this embodiment can be obtained.
That is, the picture files can be copied easily and efficiently.
Also in this case, since no index files 20d need to be specified
in the personal computer 30, steps SB3 and SB4 of FIG. 7 can be
omitted, so that copying starts immediately when the one index file
20d is retrieved from the external flash memory 20.
[0057] Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment
the above-mentioned index files 20d are each generated following
each of the dated folders 20b, the present invention is not limited
thereto. For example, an index file 20d may be generated, for example,
immediately following the DCIM folder 20a so that specified picture
files 20c may be indicated over a plurality of the dated folders
20b. A number of the index files 20d may correspond to a number
the group specifying keys (first through fourth operations keys)
7a-7d. Thus, rather than generating a plurality of index files 20d
of the same group for each date, only one index file 20d must be
generated for the group.
[0058] In addition, although according to the first embodiment
the index file 20d may be generated in the external flash memory
20 based on the operations of the group specifying keys, the present
invention is not limited thereto. For example, an index file 20d
that corresponds to each of the group specifying keys (first through
fourth operation keys) 7a-7d and that has no picture file name recorded
may be generated beforehand, for example immediately when the external
flash memory 20 is started in use.
[0059] Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment
the apparatus body 2 of the digital camera 1 is provided with the
first through fourth operation keys 7a-7d so that the user can selectively
press each of these operation keys 7a-7d to thereby specify (select)
a picture on the display 5 and also specify its group, the present
invention is not limited thereto. For example, an operation key
for specifying a desired picture and an operation key for further
specifying it's the group of the desired picture may be provided
separately from each other; or the same operation key may be used
to specify a desired picture and also to specify its group.
[0060] Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment
the digital camera 1 has the display for displaying a through picture
and a recorded picture, the present invention is not limited thereto.
For example, a digital camera may be employed that does not have
the display 5. In such a case, for example, when the shutter key
4 is pressed in photographing and if any one of the operation keys
7a-7d or a predetermined operation key is pressed, a picture file
name of a previously photographed picture may be entered in an index
file 20d which corresponds to an operated group specifying key.
Alternatively, if any one of the operation keys 7a-7d or a predetermined
key is pressed immediately before the shutter key is pressed in
photographing, a picture file name of a picture photographed immediately
afterward may be entered in an index file 20d which corresponds
to an operated group specifying key.
[0061] Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment
the external flash memory 20 is detached from the digital camera
1 and is subsequently attached to the card reader 41 of the personal
computer 30 so that the personal computer 30 may acquire a picture
file 20c and an index file 20d, the present invention is not limited
thereto. For example, the picture file 20c and the index file 20d
may be transferred from the digital camera 1 (later-described digital
camera 51 of FIG. 11) to the personal computer 30 via cable communication,
for example via a USB cable, or via wireless communication, for
example via an infrared light, to be recorded on the hard disk 39
(or the RAM 33, the floppy disk, or the external flash memory 20)
of the personal computer 30.
[0062] Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment
the picture processing conducted on a picture file contained in
a specified index file 20d is copying the picture file to other
recording mediums, the present invention is not limited thereto.
For example, the picture processing conducted on the picture file
may be any other processing, for example, printing or display processing.
In a case of printing processing conducted as the picture processing,
only such a program needs to be prepared that when the user has
specified any one of the index files 20d recorded in the external
flash memory 20, one or a plurality of picture files 20c described
in this specified index file 20d may be sequentially read out to
the above-mentioned personal computer 30 to cause the printer 42
connected thereto to start printing.
[0063] Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment
a fixed type of picture processing is conducted on a picture file
described in a specified index file 20d, the present invention is
not limited thereto. For example, any given picture processing selected
by the user may be conducted.
[0064] The following will describe a specific example where the
user selects any given picture processing, with reference to the
drawings.
[0065] FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a variant of the flowchart
of FIG. 7.
[0066] Upon activation of the picture processing program, the personal
computer 30 searches the external flash memory 20 for all the index
files 20d following any dated folders 20b and lists them on the
CRT 34 (step SB11), awaiting the specification of one or more of
the index files 20d (step SB12).
[0067] Subsequently, when one or more of the index files 20d in
the list displayed on the CFT 34 is specified (YES is answered at
step SB12), the types of processing, such as copy, print, display,
and other picture processing, are listed on the CRT34 (step SB13)
and selection of a picture processing type is awaited (step SB14).
[0068] If the print processing is selected from the list (YES is
answered at step SB14), a picture file (picture files) is read out
from the external flash memory 20 that is identified by a picture
file name contained in the index file 20d specified at step SB12,
and the read out picture file is printed by the printer 42, thereby
ending the process (step SB15).
[0069] If the copy processing is selected from the list (YES is
answered at step SB14), on the other hand, a picture file (picture
files) is read out from the external flash memory 20 that is identified
by a picture file name contained in the index file 20d specified
at step SB12, and the read out picture file is copied to another
recording medium, thereby ending the process (step SB16).
[0070] If the display processing is selected from the list (YES
is answered at step SB14), on the other hand, a picture file (picture
files) is read out from the external flash memory 20 that is identified
by a picture file name contained in the index file 20d specified
at step SB12, and the read out picture file is displayed on the
CRT 34, thereby ending the process (step SB17).
[0071] Furthermore, although as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
8 the type of picture processing to be conducted on a picture file
described in a specified index file 20d is selected by hand, the
present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the type
of picture processing to be conducted may be automatically determined
on the basis of a file type of the index file 20d.
[0072] The following will describe a specific example where the
picture processing type is determined automatically, with reference
to the drawings.
[0073] FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a variant of the flowchart
of FIG. 8.
[0074] Upon activation of the picture processing program, the personal
computer 30 searches the external flash memory 20 for all the index
files 20d following any dated folders 20b and lists them on the
CRT 34 (step SB21) and then waits for specification of one or more
of the index files 20d.
[0075] When, subsequently, one or more of the index files 20d is
specified from the list (YES is answered at step SB22), the picture
processing type is determined on the basis of a file name of the
specified index file 20d (step SB23).
[0076] If the print processing is selected (YES is answered at
step SB24), a picture file (picture files) is read out from the
external flash memory 20 that is identified by a picture file name
contained in the index file 20d specified at step SB22, and the
read out picture file is printed by the printer 42, thereby ending
the process (step SB25).
[0077] If the copy processing is selected at step SB23 (YES is
answered at step 26), on the other hand, a picture file (picture
files) is read out from the external flash memory 20 that is identified
by a file name contained in the index file 20d specified at step
SB22, and the read out picture file is copied to another recording
medium, thereby ending the process (step SB27).
[0078] If the display processing is selected at step SB23 (NO is
answered at step SB26), on the other hand, a picture file (picture
files) is read out from the external flash memory 20 that is identified
by a picture file name contained in the index file 20d specified
at step SB22, and the read out picture file is displayed on the
CRT 34, thereby ending the process (step SB28).
[0079] Although the flowchart of FIG. 7 has been described with
a case where the index file 20d is specified by the user manually,
the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the index
file 20d may be specified (selected) automatically.
[0080] For example, a printer-dedicated terminal (terminal comprised
only of the CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, card reader 41, and printer
42 shown in FIG. 5) that is capable of accepting the external flash
memory 20 may be used as an external apparatus of the present invention
so that a predetermined file name may be given beforehand to this
terminal so as to automatically print one or a plurality of picture
files 20c described in an index file 20d having the predetermined
file name.
[0081] The following will describe a specific example of automatically
specifying an index file to be printed, with reference to the drawings.
[0082] FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a variant of the flowchart
of FIG. 7.
[0083] Upon activation of the picture processing program, the print-dedicated
terminal searches the external flash memory 20 for those index files
20d assigned a printing file name of all the index files 20d following
any dated folders 20b (step SB31). If any one of such index files
20d is found (YES is answered at step SB32), the print-dedicated
terminal reads out from the external flash memory 20 a picture file
(picture files) identified by a picture file name contained in that
printing index file 20d and prints the read out picture file using
the printer 42, thereby ending the process (step SB33).
[0084] Although the flowchart of FIG. 10 has been described with
a case where the present invention is applied to a print-dedicated
terminal, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example,
the present invention may be likewise applied to a display-dedicated
terminal or a copy-dedicated terminal.
[0085] Furthermore, although FIG. 10 has been described with a
case where the present invention is applied to a print-dedicated
terminal, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example,
the present invention may be applied to an external apparatus (personal
computer 30 of FIG. 5) that can conduct all of the copy, print,
and display processing items described along the flowcharts of FIGS.
8 and 9.
[0086] That is, when any one of the copy, print, and display processing
items is specified (selected) and set and registered beforehand,
processing as shown in FIG. 10 with respect to the print processing
is conducted for the set and registered processing.
[0087] Second Embodiment
[0088] FIG. 11 is a block diagram for showing an electrical configuration
of the digital camera 51 related to a second embodiment of the present
invention. In addition to roughly the configuration as that of FIG.
2, the digital camera 51 has a data transfer section 52 connected
to the address/data bus 17. The data transfer section 52 realizes
an output section of the present invention and has an output terminal
for attaching a communication cable (not shown), through which it
is connected to an interface 36 of the personal computer 30 shown
in FIG. 5. In this configuration, the picture files 20c and the
index files 20d recorded in the external flash memory 20 are output
to the personal computer etc. shown in FIG. 5. In this data transfer,
signal processing is performed according to the predetermined standards
of the RS232C, the USB, etc. The other sections of the digital camera
51 are the same as those of the digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 2
and so an explanation thereof is omitted.
[0089] With the digital camera 51 as described above, by grouping
the pictures according to the flowchart of FIG. 6 corresponding
to the user's operations in the reproduction mode, the above-mentioned
index file 20d can be created and stored in the external flash memory
20. The digital camera 51 itself can also be connected to the personal
computer 30 through the communication cable with predetermined data-transfer
link software installed in the personal computer, to transfer the
picture file 20c to the personal computer 30.
[0090] FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts for showing the operations
of the digital camera 51 and the personal computer 30 respectively
when the user transmits a predetermined picture file 20c recorded
in the external flash memory 20 to the personal computer 30 with
the digital camera 51 connected thereto via the communication cable.
[0091] That is, upon activation of the link software by the user,
the personal computer 30 requests the digital camera 51 to send
an index file thereto (step SC1). At this moment, the digital camera
51, after being connected with the communication cable, is waiting
for a request for an index file, so that in response to a request
from the personal computer (YES at step SD1), it reads out all the
index files 20d recorded on the external flash memory 20 and transfers
them to the personal computer 30 (step SD2).
[0092] Upon completion of reception of these index files 20d (YES
at step SC2), the personal computer 30 in turn lists all the received
index files 20d on the CRT 34 (step SC3) and waits for specification
of one or more of the index files 20d (step SC4). If, subsequently,
one or more of these listed index files 20d (e.g., "folderA.text")
is specified (YES is answered at step SC4), the personal computer
requests the digital camera 51 to send each of the picture files
described in the specified index file 20d (step SC5). In this step,
the personal computer 30 sends the information of a file name of
the picture file 20c and also a dated folder 20b where the picture
file 20c exists to the digital camera 51.
[0093] The digital camera 51 responds to a request from the personal
computer 30 (YES at step SD3) by reading out the requested picture
files sequentially and transferring them to the personal computer
30 (step SD4) and, upon completion of the transfer of all the picture
files (YES at step SD5), ends the process. The personal computer
30 in turn sequentially receives the picture files 20c requested
at the step SC5 and copies them to a predetermined recording medium
(drive) (step SC6). When all the requested picture files are copied
(YES is answered at step SC7), the process end directly.
[0094] As according to the first embodiment, according to the second
embodiment, therefore, the user can specify a copy-subject picture
in the digital camera 51 beforehand to thereby copy a picture file
easily and efficiently. Almost the same effects other than this
as those described with the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0095] According to the second embodiment, the purpose in use (usage)
of a specified picture may be any other purpose, for example, printing,
instead of copying In such a case, desired pictures can be printed
at a time immediately by operating a printer with which the digital
camera 51 can be connected in much the same manner as mentioned
above with respect to the personal computer 30. Moreover, it is
possible to print only a desired picture without providing the printer
with a display section required to confirm print-subject pictures.
Further, by employing such a configuration that print-subject index
files 20d are generated in the external flash memory 20 of the digital
camera 51 while the printer is engaged in only the reading of those
index files 20d, the printer need not specify any index file 20d,
thus eliminating a need for the display section for specifying the
index files 20d.
[0096] Although like the first embodiment, according to the second
embodiment an index file 20d may be stored along with a picture
file 20c into the external flash memory 20, the present invention
is not limited thereto. For example, of course, these files 20c
and 20d may be stored at different locations.
[0097] Besides the above-mentioned configurations, a password or
an ID code may be recorded, in configuration, in one or all of the
above-mentioned plurality of index files 20d for enabling the collation
by the personal computer etc. when it engages in processing which
corresponds to a predetermined use purpose of a picture file also
only such processing that corresponds to a picture file 20c described
in a collated index file 20d.
[0098] Furthermore, of course, the variations of the first embodiment
(especially as shown in FIGS. 8-10) apply to the second embodiment
as well. Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader
aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative
embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications
may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general
inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. |