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Digital Camera Patent Abstract
An digital camera includes a storage medium for connecting a storage
medium having image information stored thereon and a display unit
that displays the image information stored on the storage medium.
The digital camera displays characteristic images symbolizing one
or more pieces of the image information stored on the storage medium
on the display unit. The characteristic images include key images,
images extracted by retrieval, or images obtained by analyzing plural
pieces of image information.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
1. A digital camera comprising: a display unit; and a storage medium
interface for connecting a storage medium having image information
stored thereon, wherein the digital camera displays characteristic
images corresponding to one or more pieces of the image information
stored on the storage medium, which is connected to the storage
medium interface, on the display unit.
2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein display of
the characteristic images on the display unit is executed with application
of a power supply, connection of the storage medium, or shift to
a reproduction mode as a trigger.
3. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic
images are one or plural key images in the storage medium.
4. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic
images are one or plural images as a retrieval result extracted
by searching through the storage medium.
5. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the characteristic
images are one or plural images as an analysis result obtained by
analyzing contents stored on the storage medium.
6. A computer program product comprising a computer program for
operating the digital camera according to claim 1.
7. A digital camera comprising: a display unit; and a storage medium
interface for connecting a storage medium having image information
stored thereon, wherein the digital camera creates characteristic
images corresponding to the image information stored on the connected
storage medium.
8. The digital camera according to claim 7, wherein the digital
camera stores the created characteristic images in the storage medium.
9. The digital camera according to claim 7, wherein the digital
camera stores the created characteristic image in a storage unit
built-in the digital camera.
10. The digital camera according to claim 7, wherein the characteristic
images are one or plural key images in the storage medium.
11. The digital camera according to claim 7, wherein the characteristic
images are one or plural images as a retrieval result extracted
by searching through the storage medium.
12. The digital camera according to claim 7, wherein the characteristic
images are one or plural images as an analysis result obtained by
analyzing contents stored on the storage medium.
13. A computer program product comprising a computer program for
operating the digital camera according to claim 7.
14. A digital camera that has at least a display unit and a storage
medium interface and displays image information stored on a storage
medium, which is connected to the storage medium interface, on the
display unit, wherein the digital camera sequentially reads out
the image information stored on the connected storage medium, judges
whether the read-out image information is similar to key images,
and counts a number of similar images judged as similar to the key
images to thereby diagrammatize and display the number of the similar
images corresponding to the key images.
15. A computer program product comprising a computer program for
operating the digital camera according to claim 14.
16. An digital camera that has at least a display unit and a storage
medium interface and displays image information stored on a storage
medium, which is connected to the storage medium interface, on the
display unit, wherein the digital camera sequentially reads out
the image information stored on the connected storage medium, judges
whether the read-out image information is similar to key images,
and reads out data such as date and time included in an image file
of similar images judged as similar to the key images to thereby
diagrammatize and display a distribution of date and time of imaging
on the basis of the data.
17. A computer program product comprising a computer program for
operating the digital camera according to claim 16.
18. A digital camera comprising: a connecting unit that connects
a storage medium having image information stored thereon; a display
unit that displays the image information stored on the storage medium;
a detection unit that detects a display trigger for characteristic
images for one or more pieces of the image information stored on
the storage medium connected to the connecting unit; and a control
unit that controls, when the display trigger is detected, the digital
camera to display the characteristic image on the display unit.
19. The digital camera according to claim 18, wherein the display
trigger is timing suitable for displaying characteristic images
such as application of a power supply, connection of the storage
medium, or shift to a reproduction mode.
20. The digital camera according to claim 18, further comprising
a creating unit that creates characteristic images for the image
information stored on the storage medium connected to the connecting
unit.
21. The digital camera according to claim 20, further comprising
a writing control unit that writes the characteristic images created
by the creating unit in the storage medium.
22. The digital camera according to claim 20, wherein the creating
unit includes: a retrieving unit that retrieves one or more pieces
of the image information having relevance to key images from the
storage medium; and a setting unit that sets the key images as the
characteristic images.
23. The digital camera according to claim 20, wherein the creating
unit includes: a retrieving unit that retrieves one or more pieces
of the image information having relevance to key images from the
storage medium; and a setting unit that sets one or more pieces
of the image information retrieved by the retrieving unit as the
characteristic images.
24. The digital camera according to claim 20, wherein the creating
unit includes: an analyzing unit that analyzes contents stored on
the storage medium; and a setting unit that sets one or more pieces
of the image information obtained as a result of analysis by the
analyzing unit as the characteristic images.
25. The digital camera according to claim 20, wherein the creating
unit includes: a judging unit that sequentially reads out the image
information stored on the storage medium connected to the connecting
unit and judges whether the read-out image information is related
to key images; a counting unit that counts a number of pieces of
the image information judged as related to the key images; and a
characteristic image creating unit that diagrammatizes the number
of pieces of the image information related to the key images and
creates the characteristic images.
26. The digital camera according to claim 20, wherein the creating
unit includes: a judging unit that sequentially reads out the image
information stored on the storage medium connected to the connecting
unit and judges whether the read-out image information is related
to key images; and a characteristic image creating unit that reads
out date and time data included in an image .file of the image information
judged as related to the key images and creates images representing
a distribution of imaging date and time of the image information
as the characteristic images on the basis of the read-out date and
time data.
27. A digital camera comprising: a connecting unit that connects
a storage medium having image information stored thereon; a display
unit that displays the image information stored on the storage medium;
and a creating unit that creates characteristic images for the image
information stored on the connected storage medium.
28. The digital camera according to claim 27, further comprising
a writing control unit that writes the characteristic images created
by the creating unit in the storage medium.
29. The digital camera according to claim 27, further comprising:
an internal storing unit that is built-in the digital camera; and
a writing control unit that writes the characteristic images created
by the creating unit in the internal storing unit.
30. The digital camera according to claim 27, wherein the creating
unit includes: a retrieving unit that retrieves one or more pieces
of the image information having relevance to key images from the
storage medium; and a setting unit that sets the key images as the
characteristic images.
31. The digital camera according to claim 27, wherein the creating
unit includes: a retrieving unit that retrieves one or more pieces
of the image information having relevance to key images from the
storage medium; and a setting unit that sets one or more pieces
of the image information retrieved by the retrieving unit as the
characteristic images.
32. digital camera according to claim 27, wherein the creating
unit includes: an analyzing unit that analyzes contents stored on
the storage medium; and a setting unit that sets one or more pieces
of the image information obtained as a result of analysis by the
analyzing unit as the characteristic images.
33. The digital camera according to claim 27, wherein the creating
unit includes: a judging unit that sequentially reads out the image
information stored on the storage medium connected to the connecting
unit and judges whether the read-out image information is related
to key images; a counting unit that counts a number of pieces of
the image information judged as related to the key images; and a
characteristic image creating unit that diagrammatizes the number
of pieces of the image information related to the key images and
creates the characteristic images.
34. The digital camera according to claim 27, wherein the creating
unit includes: a judging unit that sequentially reads out the image
information stored on the storage medium connected to the connecting
unit and judges whether the read-out image information is related
to key images; and a characteristic image creating unit that reads
out date and time data included in an image file of the image information
judged as related to the key images and creates images representing
a distribution of imaging date and time of the image information
as the characteristic images on the basis of the read-out date and
time data.
35. A digital camera comprising: a connecting unit that connects
a storage medium having image information stored thereon; a display
unit that displays the image information stored on the storage medium;
a judging unit that sequentially reads out the image information
stored on the storage medium connected to the connecting unit and
judges whether the read-out image information is related to key
images; a counting unit that counts a number of pieces of the image
information judged as related to the key images; and a display control
unit that diagrammatizes the number of pieces of the image information
related to the key images and causes the display unit to display
the number.
36. A digital camera comprising: a connecting unit that connects
a storage medium having image information stored thereon; a display
unit that displays the image information stored on the storage medium;
a judging unit that sequentially reads out the image information
stored on the storage medium connected to the connecting unit and
judges whether the read-out image information is related to key
images; and a display control unit that reads out date and time
data included in an image file of the image information judged as
related to the key images and causes the display unit to display
a distribution of imaging date and time of the image information
on the basis of the read-out date and time data.
37. A computer program product comprising a computer program that
controls a digital camera, which includes a connecting unit that
connects a storage medium having image information stored thereon
and a display unit that displays the image information stored on
the storage medium, to display characteristic images for one or
more pieces of the image information stored on the storage medium,
which is connected to the connecting unit, on the display unit.
38. A computer program product comprising a computer program that
controls a digital camera, which includes a connecting unit that
connects a storage medium having image information stored thereon
and a display unit that displays the image information stored on
the storage medium, to create characteristic images for the image
information stored on the storage medium connected to the connecting
unit.
39. A computer program product comprising a computer program that
causes a digital camera, which includes a connecting unit that connects
a storage medium having image information stored thereon and a display
unit that displays the image information stored on the storage medium,
to execute: a step of sequentially reading out the image information
stored on the storage medium connected to the connecting unit; a
step of judging whether the read-out image information is related
to key images; a step of counting a number of pieces of the image
information judged as related to the key images; and a step of diagrammatizing
the number of pieces of the image information related to the key
images and causing the display unit to display the number.
40. A computer program product comprising a computer program that
causes a digital camera, which includes a connecting unit that connects
a storage medium having image information stored thereon and a display
unit that displays the image information stored on the storage medium,
to execute: a step of sequentially reading out the image information
stored on the storage medium connected to the connecting unit; a
step of judging whether the read-out image information is related
to key images; a step of reading out date and time data included
in an image file of the image information judged as related to the
key images; and a step of causing the display unit to display a
distribution of imaging date and time of the image information on
the basis of the read-out date and time data.
Digital Camera Patent Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a digital camera for managing
various kinds of information and, more particularly, to a digital
camera that displays image information and the like stored on a
storage medium.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventionally, information managing apparatuses such as
a camera, a video camera, a cellular phone, a compact disk storing
and reproducing apparatus, a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) recording
and reproducing apparatus, which display image information and the
like stored on a storage medium on display unit or store image information
and the like on a storage medium, have been put to practical use.
[0003] In particular, a camera for image-retrieving an image stored
on a storage medium is proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
2000-76302. This camera is useful in that the camera can retrieve
a desired image only from a storage medium that can be connected
at a time.
[0004] Note that, concerning judgment on similarity of images executed
in image retrieval processing, in addition to a judgment method
described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-76302, a judgment
method described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-233800 is
known.
[0005] Incidentally, various memory type storage media such as
a compact flash.RTM. card (hereinafter referred to as CF card) and
various disk type storage media such as a Compact Disc Read Only
Memory (CD-ROM), a Compact Disc Recordable (CD-R), a Compact Disc
Rewritable (CD-RW), and a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) become less
expansive every year. Moreover, a storage capacity of a storage
medium increases. Thus, it is predicted that, in future, even an
individual owns a large number of large capacity storage media.
[0006] However, in the conventional techniques, although it is
possible to find out a desired image from a storage medium that
can be connected at a time, there still is a problem in finding
out a desired image from plural or a large number of storage media.
[0007] In the conventional techniques, every time a storage medium
is replaced, image retrieval has to be executed on all pieces of
image information stored on the storage medium. Therefore, it is
likely that it takes long to find out a target image and an operator
is required to bear significant labor. This problem will attract
more attention if a capacity of a storage medium increased and a
user owns a large number of such storage media.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Therefore, it can be said that it is desired to make it
possible for a user to grasp characteristics of contents stored
on a storage medium in short time with an easy method.
[0009] It is an object of the invention to solve at least one of
such problems and other problems. Note that the other problems would
be understood through the entire specification.
[0010] The invention is characterized in that, when image information
is stored on plural storage media, respectively, characteristic
images, which allow a user to understand contents stored on the
respective storage media, are displayed in a digital camera.
[0011] An digital camera according to a first aspect of the invention
is a digital camera including: a storage medium interface that connects
a storage medium having image information and the like stored thereon;
and display unit that displays the image information and the like
stored on the storage medium. In the digital camera, characteristic
images for one or more pieces of the image information stored on
the storage medium connected to the storage medium interface are
displayed on the display unit.
[0012] The characteristic image unit an image representing characteristics
of contents stored on the storage medium. In other words, an image
symbolizing plural stored contents is the characteristic image.
[0013] For example, one or plural images, which symbolize contents
stored on a storage medium, may be selected as characteristic images
out of plural images stored on the storage medium. Alternatively,
the digital camera may create one or plural characteristic images,
which symbolize contents stored on the storage medium, on the basis
of one or plural images included in the storage medium.
[0014] Preferably, a digital camera according to a second aspect
of the invention is characterized in that, in the digital camera
according to the first aspect of the invention, the characteristic
images are displayed on the display unit with application of a power
supply, connection of the storage medium, shift to a reproduction
mode, or the like as a trigger.
[0015] A digital camera according to a third aspect of the invention
is a digital camera that has at least a storage medium interface
and stores image information and the like in a storage medium connected
to the storage medium interface. The digital camera creates characteristic
images for the image information stored on the connected storage
medium.
[0016] Preferably, a digital camera according to a fourth aspect
of the invention is characterized in that, in the digital camera
according to the third aspect of the invention, the characteristic
images created by the digital camera are stored on the storage medium.
[0017] Preferably, a digital camera according to a fifth aspect
of the invention is characterized in that, in the digital camera
according to the third aspect of the invention, the characteristic
images created by the digital camera are stored on storing unit
built-in or integrated in the digital camera.
[0018] Preferably, a digital camera according to a sixth aspect
of the invention is characterized in that, in the digital camera
according to any one of the first to the fifth aspect of the invention,
one or plural characteristic images are used as the characteristic
images.
[0019] Preferably, a digital camera according to a seventh aspect
of the invention is characterized in that, in the digital camera
according to any one of the first to the fifth aspects of the invention,
one or plural images as a retrieval result retrieved from contents
stored on the storage medium are used as the characteristic images.
[0020] Preferably, a digital camera according to an eighth aspect
of the invention is characterized in that, in the digital camera
according to any one of the first to the fifth aspect of the invention,
one or plural analysis result image obtained by analyzing contents
stored on the storage medium are used as the characteristic images.
[0021] A digital camera according to a ninth aspect of the invention
is an digital camera that has at least display unit and a storage
medium interface and displays image information and the like, which
are stored on a storage medium connected to the storage medium interface,
on the display unit. The digital camera sequentially reads out the
image information stored on the connected storage medium, judges
whether the read-out image information is similar to key images
and the like, and counts the number of similar images and the like
judged as similar to the key images to thereby diagrammatize and
display the number of the similar images and the like for the key
images and the like.
[0022] A digital camera according to a tenth aspect of the invention
is a digital camera that has at least display unit and a storage
medium interface and displays image information and the like, which
are stored on a storage medium connected to the storage medium interface,
on the display unit. The digital camera sequentially reads out image
information stored on the connected storage medium, judges whether
the read-out image information is similar to key images and the
like, and reads out data such as date and time included in an image
file of a similar image and the like judged as similar to the key
images to thereby diagrammatize and display a distribution of date
and time of imaging on the basis of the data.
[0023] Preferably, a computer program according to an eleventh
aspect of the invention causes the digital camera according to any
one of the first to the tenth aspects of the invention to operate
appropriately.
[0024] According to the invention, there is an advantage that,
when a detachably-attachable storage medium is attached to the digital
camera, characteristic images of the storage medium are displayed.
Thus, there is an advantage that a user can easily understand contents
stored on the storage medium.
[0025] The digital camera according to the first aspect of the
invention shows characteristic images to a user to indicate what
is stored on the storage medium and what kind of characteristics
contents stored on the storage medium have. This makes it possible
for the user to easily recollect or estimate contents stored on
the storage medium. For example, in finding out a desired image
from a large number of storage media, the user can cause the digital
camera to display characteristic images of the storage media, grasp
rough stored contents of the respective storage media, and narrow
down targets to several storage media. Since it is possible to narrow
down target storage media easily, time for finding out a desired
image finally is reduced. In other words, it is possible to find
out a desired image from plural or a large number of storage media
in shorter time and more easily than in the past.
[0026] According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition
to the advantage of the first aspect of the invention, for example,
a user can see characteristic images immediately after connecting
the storage medium without performing complicated operation.
[0027] According to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible
to acquire characteristic images concerning the storage medium using
the digital camera. The user can recollect or estimate contents
of the storage medium easily according to the acquired characteristic
images. As a result, it is possible to provide a digital camera
that makes it possible to find out a desired image in short time
and easily from plural or a large number of storage media.
[0028] According to the fourth aspect of the invention, characteristic
images are managed together with the storage medium. Thus, for example,
when the storage medium is connected in a digital camera different
from a digital camera that has created characteristic images, the
user can see the characteristic images without being required of
labor for creating characteristic images repeatedly.
[0029] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, for example,
even when an unused capacity is not present in a storage medium,
it is possible to store characteristic images in internal storing
unit. In addition, when readout speed of the internal storing unit
is higher than readout speed of the storage medium, it is also possible
to display the characteristic images at high speed.
[0030] According to the sixth aspect of the invention, there is
an advantage that key images can also be used as characteristic
images.
[0031] According to the seventh aspect of the invention, there
is an advantage that images as a retrieval result image can also
be used as characteristic images.
[0032] According to the eighth aspect of the invention, there is
an advantage that images as an analysis result image can also be
used as characteristic images.
[0033] According to the ninth aspect of the invention, it is possible
to visually confirm what kind of images and how many images are
included in a storage medium easily and promptly and is very useful.
[0034] According to the tenth aspect of the invention, it is possible
to visually confirm a distribution of imaging time for an image
present in a storage medium easily and promptly and is very useful.
[0035] It is possible to realize the digital camera according to
any one of the first to the tenth aspects of the invention by executing
the computer program according to the eleventh aspect of the invention
on a digital camera. As a result, the same advantageous effect as
the digital camera according to any one the first to the tenth aspects
of the invention is shown.
[0036] As described above, the invention is very useful, has many
advantages, and contributes to the industries significantly.
[0037] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters
designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain
the principles of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a constitution
of an information managing apparatus according to an embodiment
of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 2 is an external view of the information managing apparatus
according to the embodiment; FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an imaging
operation, processing for writing information in a storage medium
30, and the like of the information managing apparatus according
to the embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 4 is an exemplary flowchart concerning processing for
displaying characteristic images according to the embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 5 is an exemplary flowchart concerning processing for
setting key images according to an embodiment;
[0043] FIG. 6 is an exemplary flowchart concerning image retrieval
processing according to the embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart concerning processing for
displaying characteristic images according to the embodiment;
[0045] FIGS. 8 to 11 are diagrams showing examples of analysis
images obtained by analyzing what kind of image is included in a
storage medium;
[0046] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of an information
managing apparatus according to an embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 13 is an exemplary flowchart of an operation for analyzing
the number of images according to the embodiment; and
[0048] FIG. 14 is an exemplary flowchart of a time-series analysis
operation according to the embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0049] Embodiments useful in understanding a superordinate concept,
an intermediate concept, and a subordinate concept of the invention
will be described below. Note that not all concepts included in
the embodiments are always described in patent claims. However,
it should be understood that the concepts are not excluded from
a technical scope of the patent invention intentionally but are
excluded from the description of the patent claims because the concepts
are in a relation of equivalence to the patent invention.
[0050] In the embodiments described below, a digital camera will
be explained as an example of an information managing apparatus
according to the invention. Note that it goes without saying that,
even if the invention is applied to other kinds of information processing
apparatuses such as a video camera, a cellular phone, a disk storing
and reproducing apparatus, a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) recording
and reproducing apparatus, and a personal computer (PC), the information
managing apparatuses can be realized in the same manner.
[0051] In the embodiments, it is assumed that the digital camera
has an image retrieval function. Note that the image retrieval function
is not always required. Image retrieval is, when certain images
are set as key images, extraction of other images having relevance
to the key images. As a detailed method for the image retrieval,
other than a method of comparing images disclosed in the conventional
techniques and the like, there is a technique for comparing file
names, acquisition time, comment information, and the like. Note
that it goes without saying that the invention does not depend on
an image retrieval method and various image retrieval methods can
be adopted.
First Embodiment
[0052] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a constitution
of an information managing apparatus according to a first embodiment
of the invention. It is possible to connect another information
apparatus 200 such as a PC or a printer to an information managing
apparatus 100 in this example. FIG. 2 is an external view of the
information managing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0053] In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 100 denotes an information
managing apparatus such as a digital camera, a digital video camera,
a cellular phone with camera, or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
with camera. The information managing apparatus 100 can store a
still image and a moving image as electronic data. The information
managing apparatus 100 includes a shutter button 22A, a retrieval
button 22B, a jog dial for mode setting 22C, a power supply switch
22D, a display & file operation related button 22E, a ZOOM &
WIDE button 22F, and a DISP button 22G, which form an operation
unit 22.
[0054] A display unit 20 is formed by a liquid crystal display
and the like. The display unit 20 displays subject images, images
already imaged, key images and a retrieval result in the case in
which retrieval processing is performed, an operation guide for
a user, and the like. In the invention, characteristic images are
displayed on the display unit 20.
[0055] A storage medium housing unit, which is covered by a lid
at the time of imaging and the like, is provided on a side of the
information managing apparatus 100. A storage medium 30 is connected
to the storage medium housing unit. As examples of the storage medium
30, there are a repeatedly readable and writable memory card such
as a CF card, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording
medium, and a magneto-optical recording medium.
[0056] An internal structure and the like of the information managing
apparatus 100 will be explained. In FIG. 1, reference sign A denotes
a subject image; reference numeral 11 denotes an optical system
such as a lens; 12, a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) (or Complementary
Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor area (CMOS) sensor, etc.); and 13, an
Analog Digital (AD) conversion unit. Reference numeral 14 denotes
an image processing unit that applies signal processing such as
shading correction and gamma conversion for converting a digital
image input signal inputted through the AD conversion unit 13 into
an RGB signal adapted to a human vision. Reference numeral 15 denotes
a RAM controller. The RAM controller 15 is connected to a main CPU
bus 29 and a Random Access Memory (RAM) 16 serving as storing unit.
[0057] Reference numeral 17 denotes a (main) Central Processing
Unit (CPU) that controls the entire information managing apparatus
100. Reference numeral 18 denotes is a Read Only Memory (ROM) that
stores a program in which a control method and the like for the
entire information managing apparatus 100 is described. Reference
numeral 19 denotes a ROMIF that functions as an interface between
the ROM 18 and the main CPU bus 29. Reference numeral 24 denotes
a sound output unit such as a speaker and a buzzer. Reference numeral
25 denotes a sound output unit IF including a DA converter. Reference
numeral 26 denotes a sound input unit such as a microphone. Reference
numeral 27 denotes a sound input unit IF including an AD converter.
[0058] Reference numeral 28 denotes a communication circuit serving
as communication unit that should perform a function for communication
with other information apparatuses and the like. The communication
circuit 28 executes operations complying with standards such as
USB, LAN, wireless LAN, IrDA, Bluetooth, IEEE1394. The communication
circuit 28 communicates with the information apparatus 200 through
a communication unit 228 mounted on another information apparatus
200 such as a PC or a printer. This makes it possible to transfer
image data and the like imaged by the information managing apparatus
100 to the PC and store the image data in the PC or directly print
the image data and the like with the printer or the like. This also
makes it possible to remotely operate the information managing apparatus
100 from another information apparatus 200.
[0059] The display unit 20 is connected to the main CPU bus 29
via a display unit IF 21. It is possible to drive the display unit
20 from the (main) CPU 17. Similarly, the operation unit 22, which
includes the shutter button 22A, the retrieval button 22B, the jog
dial for mode setting 22C, the power supply switch 22D, the display
& file operation related button 22E, the ZOOM & WIDE button
22F, and the DISP button 22G, is connected to the main CPU bus 29
via an operation unit IF 23. As a result, the information managing
apparatus 100 recognizes an instruction, which is inputted from
the operation unit 22, through the operation unit IF 23.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 1, the storage medium 30 is connected to
the main CPU bus 29 via an IF for storage medium 31. An internal
area of the storage medium 30 can be divided into a first storage
area 301 storing general images and a second storage area 302 for
storing characteristic images and the like. Note that various methods
of dividing the internal area into two areas are conceivable. For
example, the internal area may be divided into two areas by creating
separate folders (directories) in an initial sequence or the like
of the information managing apparatus 100. Alternatively, the internal
area may be divided such that it is possible to access divided areas
according to an address area.
[0061] A search engine 50 is a circuit that compares key image
data and general image data to retrieve similar image data. The
search engine 50 may be constituted by an Application Specific Integrated
Circuit (ASIC) having a Direct Memory Access (DMA) function. It
is also possible constitute the search engine 50 with a sub-CPU
that is capable of operating in parallel with the CPU 17.
(Processing for Creating Characteristic Images)
[0062] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an imaging operation, processing
for writing information in the storage medium 30, and the like of
the information managing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0063] It is assumed that the jog dial for mode setting 22C is
set in an imaging mode and the power supply switch 22D is pressed
to turn on the power supply. In this case, when considerable time
elapses after the power ON and the initial sequence or the like
ends, the information managing apparatus 100 shifts to a state of
the imaging mode and, then, comes into a standby state.
[0064] In step S300, the CPU 17 polls a state of the jog dial 22C
of the operation unit IF 23 and judges whether the imaging mode
ends. If the imaging mode ends, the CPU 17 ends the flowchart. If
the imaging mode is maintained, the CPU 17 proceeds to step S301.
[0065] In step S301, the CPU 17 judges whether at least the shutter
button 22A is pressed. For example, when the shutter button 22A
is pressed, a shutter button ON signal is generated in the operation
IF 23. Thus, the CPU 17 can detect the ON signal by executing the
polling. On the other hand, when the shutter button 22A and the
retrieval button 22B are pressed simultaneously, a key image imaging
signal (a simultaneous press signal) is generated in the operation
unit IF 23 in addition to the shutter button ON signal. The generated
shutter button ON signal is transmitted to the (main) CPU 17 in
both imaging for general images and imaging for key images. Note
that, in detecting the shutter button ON signal, for example, a
constitution for detecting the shutter button ON signal according
to interrupt processing may be adopted instead of a polling operation.
If the shutter button ON signal cannot be detected, the CPU 17 returns
to step S300. If the shutter button ON signal is detected, the CPU
17 proceeds to step S302.
[0066] In step S302, the CPU 17 starts an imaging operation. Specifically,
the CCD 12 subjects an image of a subject image A, which is made
incident on the CCD 12 via the optical system 11, to photoelectric
conversion for each pixel and sends the image to the AD conversion
unit 13. The AD conversion unit 13 subjects an analog value concerning
density of each color of each pixel to AD conversion and sends a
digital image input signal to the image processing unit 14. The
image processing unit 14 executes signal processing such as shading
correction and gamma conversion on the inputted digital image input
signal to thereby convert the digital image input signal into a
RGB signal adapted to human vision. As a result, respective pixel
data and the like of still image data subjected to image processing
are written and stored on the RAM 16 one after another via the RAM
controller 15. All pixel data and additional data for one image
are written in the RAM 16, whereby the imaging operation for one
image ends. Note that, in this embodiment, the data are not written
in the storage medium 30 immediately every time the imaging operation
for one image ends but are written in the storage medium 30 collectively
when the imaging operation for several images ends.
[0067] In step S303, the CPU 17 judges whether the image data stored
on the RAM 16 is general image data or key image data. This judgment
is performed when the CPU 17 accesses the operation unit IF 23 to
confirm whether an imaging signal for imaging key images is generated.
It goes without saying that the imaging signal for imaging key images
and the imaging signal for general images are clearly distinguishable.
As a result of the judgment, if an imaging operation is imaging
for general images, the CPU 17 proceeds to step S304. If the imaging
operation is imaging for key images, the CPU 17 proceeds to step
S305.
[0068] In step S304, the CPU 17 writes the images stored on the
RAM 16 in the storage medium 30 as general images. For example,
the CPU 17 transfers the images stored on the RAM 16 to a first
image storage area 301 of the storage medium 30 and stores the images
in the first image storage area 301.
[0069] In step S305, the CPU 17 writes the images written and stored
on the RAM 16 in the storage medium 30 as key images. For example,
the CPU 17 transfers the images stored on the RAM 16 to a second
image storage area 302 of the storage medium 30 and stores the images
in the second image storage area 302.
[0070] In step S306, the CPU 17 sets the key images stored on the
image storage area 302 as characteristic images. There are various
methods of setting characteristic images. For example, information
representing characteristic images may be written in a data file
for the key images, characteristic images may be redundantly stored
on a dedicated folder for storing the characteristic images, or
a management file including file names of characteristic images
may be created to store the management file in the storage medium
30 or the ROM 18.
[0071] In this way, in acquiring general image data, operation
of only the shutter button is used as operation input. On the other
hand, in acquiring key image data, simultaneous press of the shutter
button and the retrieval button is used as operation input. As a
result, the general image data and the key image data are inputted
to the CPU 17 in different operation forms. Therefore, a user can
easily separate two kinds of imaging operations clearly and select
the imaging operations.
[0072] According to the information managing apparatus 100, general
images and key images are stored on the identical storage medium
30 and the key images are separated from the general images and
selectively stored. Thus, it is possible to take out the key images
from the storage medium 30 easily. In other words, the key images
are stored on a storage area separate form a storage area for a
group of general images that could be large in quantity. Thus, it
is possible to read out the key images easily and use the key images
for image retrieval.
[0073] On the other hand, the key images are stored for retrieving
general images stored on the storage medium 30. Thus, it is highly
likely that the key images have high relevance with all or a part
of a group of images stored on the storage medium 30.
[0074] In the first embodiment, one or plural images of the key
images are characteristic images of the storage medium. Note that,
as described above, the characteristic image unit a characteristic
image that symbolizes contents stored on the storage medium. Thus,
it can be said that this key images are characteristic images of
the storage medium 30. In addition, storage of the key images in
the storage medium 30 is equivalent to creation of characteristic
images concerning image information stored on the storage medium
30 connected to the storage medium IF 31.
[0075] There are several methods of using the key images as the
characteristic images. For example, there is a method. in which
the CPU 17 treats all stored key images as characteristic images.
In this case, a step of setting characteristic images in step S306
is unnecessary.
[0076] Characteristic images may be selected from the key images.
In other words, in step S306, the CPU 17 sets arbitrary one or plural
images designated by the operation unit 22 as characteristic images.
The CPU 17 may select characteristic images from the stored key
images and narrow down the characteristic images. In this case,
the CPU 17 may select arbitrary ones of the key images or may select
characteristic images according to some standard. For example, the
CPU 17 counts the number of times the respective key images are
used for image retrieval and stores the number of times in the storage
medium 30. The CPU 17 sets one or a predetermined number of key
images, which have relatively a large number of times of use, as
characteristic images. Alternatively, it is also possible that,
as a result of image retrieval, the.CPU 17 stores the number of
pieces of retrieved image information (the number of hits) in the
storage medium 30 for each of the key images to select one or a
predetermined number of key images, which have relatively a large
number of hits, as characteristic images.
(Processing for Displaying Characteristic Images)
[0077] FIG. 4 is an exemplary flowchart concerning processing for
displaying characteristic images according to the embodiment. Note
that various triggers for the processing for displaying characteristic
images are conceivable. For example, when a user operates the jog
dial for mode setting 22C and the CPU 17 detects that the apparatus
is switched from an imaging mode to a reproduction mode, when the
power supply switch 22D is pressed in a state in which the jog dial
for mode setting 22C is set in the reproduction mode and the CPU
17 detects that the power supply is turned on, when the CPU 17 detects
simple application of a power supply, or when the CPU 17 detects
connection of the storage medium 30 after application of a power
supply, triggers for display may be set. In this case, at least
one of the CPU 17 and the operation unit IF 23 functions as unit
for detecting a display trigger for characteristic images.
[0078] In step S401, the CPU 17 judges whether a trigger for processing
for displaying characteristic images has occurred. For example,
the CPU 17 executes polling for the operation unit 22. As a result,
if switching from the operation mode to the reproduction mode or
the like is detected, the CPU 17 judges that a display trigger has
occurred. Note that, in detecting the switching or the like, the
CPU 17 may detect the switching or the like according to an interrupt
signal instead of an operation of the polling. If a trigger for
processing for displaying characteristic images is detected, the
CPU 17 proceeds to step S402.
[0079] In step S402, the CPU 17 accesses the storage medium IF
31 to thereby read contents stored on the second storage area 302
of the storage medium 30 and read out image data set as characteristic
images on the basis of the read stored contents. The CPU 17 writes
all the image data of the characteristic images in the RAM 16 via
the RAM controller 15.
[0080] In step S403, the CPU 17 judges how a display form is set
when plural characteristic images are present. Concerning the processing
for displaying characteristic images in this embodiment, all characteristic
images stored on the storage medium 30 may be displayed or a part
of the characteristic images may be displayed. For example, setting
information is stored on the ROM 18 in advance and the CPU 17 only
has to read out contents of the setting in the ROM 18 via the ROMIF
19 to recognize whether all the characteristic images are displayed
or a part of the characteristic images are displayed (in the latter
case, the CPU 17 also recognizes the number of images).
[0081] If the present setting is the display of all the characteristic
images, the CPU 17 proceeds to step S404. The CPU 17 lays out image
data of the plural characteristic images stored on the RAM 16 in
order, then, sends all the image data to the display unit IF 21,
and causes the display unit 20 to display the image data.
[0082] On the other hand, if the present setting is the display
of a part of the characteristic images, the CPU 17 proceeds to step
S405. The CPU 17 selects images to be actually displayed on the
display unit 20 out of the plural characteristic image data stored
on the RAM 16. There are various methods of selecting display images.
All the methods belong to the technical scope of the invention.
Several methods will be explained below. A first method is a method
of selecting and displaying latest one or plural images of image
data of the characteristic images written in the RAM 16. A second
method is a method of selecting and displaying oldest one or plural
images. A third method is a method of selecting and displaying one
or plural images between the latest one and the oldest one. A fourth
method is a method of selecting and displaying one or plural characteristic
images designated by a user via the operation unit 22 out of the
characteristic images.
[0083] A fifth method is a method of selecting and displaying,
when characteristic images derive from key images, one or plural
characteristic images related to a function of the key images. For
example, it is possible that the number of times key images corresponding
to characteristic images are used for a retrieval function is stored
on the storage medium 3 or the like in advance.and one or plural
images are selected and displayed in order from an image with highest
frequency (or lowest frequency). Alternatively, it is also possible
that the number of hits in the case in which key images corresponding
to characteristic images are used for the retrieval function is
stored on the storage medium 30 or the like in advance and one or
plural images are selected and displayed in order from an image
with a largest number (or smallest number) of hits.
[0084] The one or plural characteristic images selected in association
with the function as original key images are symbolic images having
relatively deep relevance to general images stored on the storage
medium 30. Thus, when the characteristic images are displayed, the
user can recollect or estimate contents stored on the storage medium
30 more easily. In other words, the user can learn more promptly
what is stored on the storage medium and what kind of characteristics
the storage medium has.
[0085] In step S406, the CPU 17 lays out image data of the selected
one or plural characteristic images.of the characteristic images
written in the RAM 16 in order, then, sends the image data to the
display unit IF 21, and causes the display unit 20 to display the
image data. Note that, it goes without saying that, if one image
is selected, the one image is displayed on an entire surface of
the display unit 20 as a layout, and if plural images are selected,
all the selected characteristic images displayed appropriately.
[0086] In step S407, the CPU 17 judges.whether the processing for
displaying characteristic images should be finished. For example,
when the jog dial of the operation unit 22 is switched to another
mode or when power OFF is instructed, the CPU 17 judges that the
processing for displaying characteristic images should be finished.
[0087] In the above explanation, key images imaged by operating
the retrieval button 22B are set as characteristic images directly.
However, in the information managing apparatus 100, the retrieval
button 22B may be constituted as a characteristic image setting
button. In this case, when the shutter button 22A and the characteristic
image imaging button 22B are pressed simultaneously, characteristic
images are imaged. When only the shutter button 22A is pressed,
general images are imaged. Consequently, characteristic images corresponding
to image information stored on the connected storage medium are
created.
[0088] By adopting the constitution described above, it is possible
to show, with a simple constitution, characteristic images to a
user to indicate what is stored on the storage medium and what kind
of characteristics the storage medium has. The user can recollect
or estimate contents of the storage medium easily. As a result,
it is possible to.provide, in particular, an information managing
apparatus that allows the user to find out a desired image from
plural or a large number of storage media in short time and easily.
[0089] Since connection of a storage medium is set as a trigger
for the processing for displaying characteristic images, the user
can see characteristic images immediately without performing complicated
operation.
[0090] Since characteristic images are stored on a storage medium,
it is possible to manage the characteristic images and the storage
medium together. Thus, when the storage medium is connected to an
information managing apparatus different from an information managing
apparatus that has created the characteristic images, the user can
see the characteristic images, although the characteristic images
are not created repeatedly.
[0091] In the information managing apparatus having an image retrieval
function, it is possible to use key images also as characteristic
images. Consequently, processing for displaying characteristic images
and processing for creating characteristic images are performed
very efficiently. Compared with the case in which the key images
and the characteristic images are stored separately, since a storage
capacity can be saved, additional cost is required only a little.
Second Embodiment
[0092] In a second embodiment of the invention, a method of using
images as a retrieval result obtained by executing image retrieval
as characteristic images will be explained. Note that the components
explained in the first embodiment are denoted by the identical reference
numerals and signs to simplify the explanation.
[0093] FIG. 5 is an exemplary flowchart concerning processing for
setting key images according to this embodiment. In this embodiment,
a user sets key images manually. First, when the user operates the
display & file operation related button 22E to select processing
for selecting key images, interrupt is generated from the operation
unit IF 23. The CPU 17 detects the interrupt and starts the processing
for selecting key images.
[0094] In step S501, the CPU 17 executes interrupt clear or the
like. In step S502, the CPU 17 reads out all key images in order
from the storage medium 30 and writes the key images in the RAM
16 via the RAM controller 15. When all image data of the key images
are stored on the RAM 16, the CPU 17 reads out the image data in
order and sends the read-out image data to the display unit IF 21
to thereby display the key images on the display unit 20 as thumbnails.
The user can select one key image out of the plural key images displayed
as thumbnails with an arrow key included in the display & file
operation related button 22E. The CPU 17 highlights the selected
key image according to, for example, color reversal.
[0095] In step S503, the CPU 17 performs polling through the operation
unit IF 23 to detect whether an instruction for scroll is inputted
by an arrow key in the operation unit 22. If the instruction for
scroll is inputted, the CPU 17 instructs the display unit IF 21
to perform scroll, color reversal, or the like of the image. In
other words, the CPU 17 returns to step S502 to display a thumbnail
of the next key image.
[0096] In step S504, the CPU 17 judges whether decision of selection
of the key image is instructed. For example, the CPU 17 judges whether
a decision button included in the display and file operation related
button 22E is pressed. If the decision of selection is instructed,
the CPU 17 proceeds to step S505. If the decision of selection is
not instructed, the CPU 17 returns to step S503.
[0097] In step S505, the CPU 17 sets the selected key image as
an image for retrieval. For example, the CPU 17 writes the key image,
selection of which is decided, in a specific area of the RAM 15,
the ROM 17, or the storage medium 30. Consequently, in executing
retrieval next time, the search engine 50 reads out this key image
from the specific area and uses the key image. Thereafter, the CPU
17 ends the operation for selecting key images and returns to the
original mode.
[0098] FIG. 6 is an exemplary flowchart concerning processing for
image retrieval according to this embodiment. This processing is
executed when a user presses the retrieval button 22B in the reproduction
mode. In other words, when the retrieval button 22B is pressed in
the reproduction mode, interrupt is generated by the operation unit
IF 23 and sent to the CPU 17. In response to this interrupt, the
CPU 17 starts processing for image retrieval.
[0099] In step S601, the CPU 17 performs interrupt clear or the
like. In step S602, the CPU 17 judges whether a key image for retrieval
has been set. For example, if a key image is stored on the specific
area described above, the CPU 17 judges that a key image for retrieval
has been set. If the key image has not been set, the CPU 17 proceeds
to step S603. The CPU 17 sends an instruction to the display unit
IF 21, causes the display unit 20 to display an indication that
a key image for retrieval has not been set, and ends a retrieval
operation.
[0100] In step S604, the CPU 17 starts the search engine 50. The
search engine 50 reads out general images in the storage medium
30 sequentially according to a Direct Memory Access (DMA) operation
without the intervention of the CPU 17 and transfers the general
images to the RAM 16. The search engine 50 compares the images read
out by the DMA operation and the set key image to thereby judge
whether both the images are related to each other (e.g., whether
both the images are similar). When a similar image is retrieved,
the search engine 50 stores the image in another area (e.g., a retrieval
result storage area) in the RAM 16.
[0101] In step S605, the CPU 17 judges whether image retrieval
is completed for the general images in the storage medium 30. For
example, the CPU 17 detects an end of the retrieval operation of
the search engine 50 according to polling or interrupt. If the retrieval
operation ends, the CPU 17 proceeds to step S606.
[0102] In step S606, the CPU 17 sends image data of one or plural
images as a retrieval result stored on the retrieval result storage
area in the RAM 16 to the display unit IF 31 and displays the image
data on the display unit 20 as thumbnails or in a usual display
form.
[0103] In step S607, the CPU 17 judges whether the retrieval result
should be stored. There are several methods for the judgment. For
example, when a setting item representing whether a retrieval result
should be stored is provided in environment setting items of the
information managing apparatus stored on the ROM 18, the CPU 17
can reads the setting item to judge whether the retrieval result
should be stored. On the other hand, on a screen at the time when
a retrieval result is displayed or on a screen after that, the CPU
17 may display a message, which inquires a user whether the retrieval
result should be stored, to the display unit 20 to cause the user
to select whether the retrieval result should be stored every time.
Step S607 may be omitted by fixing the setting for whether a retrieval
result is always stored or not stored. Note that, when the retrieval
result is not stored, the CPU 17 ends the retrieval operation directly.
[0104] On the other hand, when the retrieval result is stored,
in step S608, the CPU 17 reads out the retrieval result from the
RAM 16 and writes the retrieval result in the storage medium 30
or the ROM 18. Note that the retrieval result may be stored on a
specific area of the RAM 16. The storage medium 30, the ROM 18,
or the RAM 16, in which the retrieval result is written, may be
fixed or may be determined according to environment setting items
set in advance. Alternatively, the CPU 17 may store the retrieval
result in storage unit determined by the user every time. The retrieval
result may be stored on two or more storage unit redundantly.
[0105] In step S609, the CPU 17 writes a flag concerning presence
or absence of a retrieval result (e.g., information of 1 bit consisting
of 0 or 1, etc.) in the storage medium 30. In addition, storage
location information indicating where the retrieval result is stored
(a section where the retrieval result is stores, address information,
etc.) may also be written according to circumstances. Thereafter,
the CPU 17 ends the retrieval operation.
[0106] FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart concerning processing for
displaying characteristic images according to this embodiment. In
this flowchart, one or plural images of images, which appear as
a retrieval result when image retrieval is applied to the target
storage medium 30, are set as characteristic images of the storage
medium.
[0107] Note that, as described above, the characteristic image
unit a characteristic image that symbolizes contents stored on the
storage medium 30. It is highly likely that the images appearing
as a retrieval result in this embodiment are images required by
a user among a certain group of images in the storage medium 30.
Thus, the images appearing as a retrieval result would be suitable
as characteristic images in the storage medium 30. Note that it
goes without saying that showing a retrieval result at the time
when image retrieval is performed is equivalent to creation of characteristic
images for image information stored on the connected storage medium
30. In other words, processing for storing images as a retrieval
result is equivalent to processing for setting images as a retrieval
result as characteristic images.
[0108] In step S701, the CPU 17 judges whether a display trigger
for characteristic images has occurred. Details of this step are
as explained in step S401.
[0109] In step S702, the CPU 17 judges whether the information
managing apparatus 100 is in a mode for reusing a retrieval result
in the past. There are several methods of judging whether a retrieval
result in the past should be reused. For example, it is possible
to judge whether a retrieval result in the past should be reused
using the setting for storage of a retrieval result described above.
For example, when a setting item concerning whether a retrieval
result should be stored is stored on the ROM 18 in advance, the
CPU 17 reads this setting item. When the setting item is set as
"store a retrieval result", the CPU 17 can judge that
a retrieval result is reused. On the other hand, the CPU 17 may
cause the display unit 20 to display a message inquiring whether
a retrieval result should be reused to cause the user to select
whether a retrieval result should be reused. Note that, when a retrieval
result is stored on any storage unit, the retrieval result may always
be reused. In this case, steps S702 and S703 are unnecessary.
[0110] When the information managing apparatus 100 is in the mode
for reusing a retrieval result, the CPU 17 proceeds to step S703.
If it is judged that a retrieval result in the past is not reused,
the CPU 17 proceeds to step S710 and executes new processing for
image retrieval.
[0111] In step S703, the CPU 17 checks whether a retrieval result
in the past is present. It is possible to check whether a retrieval
result is present as described below. As shown in the flowchart
in FIG. 6, if a retrieval result is stored on advance, information
concerning presence or absence of a retrieval result (0 or 1, information
of 1 bit, etc.) is written in a predetermined area of the storage
medium 30 (S609). Thus, it is possible to recognize presence or
absence of a retrieval result by referring to the information. When
it is judged that no retrieval result is present, the CPU 17 proceeds
to step S710 and executes a subroutine of the processing for image
retrieval (FIG. 6).
[0112] On the other hand, when some retrieval result is present,
the CPU 17 proceeds to step S704. The CPU 17 accesses the storage
medium 30, the ROM 18, or the like, in which the retrieval result
in the past is stored, to thereby read out the retrieval result
in the past to the RAM 16.
[0113] In step S705, the CPU 17 sends image data of one or plural
images as a retrieval result (characteristic images) to the display
unit IF 31 and displays the image data on the display unit 20 in
a thumbnail display form or a usual display form for displaying
images one by one. In this embodiment, the images as a retrieval
result are nothing but characteristic images of the storage medium
30. Therefore, in the information managing apparatus 100, it is
possible to display characteristic images with switching to the
reproduction mode or the like as a trigger. Note that, concerning
this display processing, steps S403 to S407 may be executed.
[0114] In step S706, the CPU 17 judges whether the processing for
displaying characteristic images should be finished. For example,
when an end instruction is inputted in the operation unit 22, the
CPU 17 judges that the processing for displaying characteristic
images should be finished.
[0115] As explained above, according to the second embodiment,
a retrieval result acquired by the processing for image retrieval
is displayed on the display unit 20 as characteristic image of the
storage medium 30. Thus, the user can recollect or estimate contents
stored on the storage medium 30 easily. In other words, the user
can learn more promptly what is stored on the storage medium and
what kind of characteristics the storage medium has. Thus, the invention
according to this embodiment is very useful. As a result, it is
possible to provide an information managing apparatus that makes
it possible to find out a desired image from plural (in particular,
a large number of) storage media in short time and easily.
[0116] The user can see characteristic images immediately after
connecting the storage medium without performing complicated operation.
[0117] If retrieval result in the past is stored, it is possible
to display characteristic images promptly without performing an
image retrieval operation again. This is very useful for the user.
Third Embodiment
[0118] In the third embodiment, images as an analysis result (analysis
images) obtained by analyzing what is included in images in the
storage medium 30 are set as characteristic images of the storage
medium. Note that, as described above, the characteristic image
is a characteristic image symbolizing contents stored on the storage
medium. The analysis images in this embodiment are images obtained
by analyzing what kind of images are included in all or a part of
a group of images in the storage medium 30. Thus, the analysis images
would be suitable as characteristic images in the storage medium
30.
[0119] In addition, analyzing what is included in images in the
storage medium 30 to show analyzes images of the images is equivalent
to creation of characteristic images concerning image information
stored on the storage medium 30 connected to the information managing
apparatus 100.
[0120] FIGS. 8 to 11 are diagrams showing examples of analysis
images obtained by analyzing what kind of images are included in
a storage medium. In particular, FIG. 8 is a diagram of number-of-images
analysis images that indicate what kind of images and how many images
are included in the storage medium 30. In the figure, on an abscissa,
plural key images such as face images of plural people suitable
for retrieving images in the storage medium 30 are arranged. On
an ordinate, the number of images similar to the key images or images
including face images of people as the key images is arranged as
bar graphs. In this way, concerning the images included in the storage
medium 30, the number of images (images including face images of
people) similar to key images (face images of the people, etc.)
is calculated and diagrammatized as bar graphs. Consequently, the
CPU 17 creates number-of-images analysis images of the storage medium
30.
[0121] Note that the key images (face images of people, etc.) are
arranged on the abscissa in the example described above. However,
for example, other items may be arranged on the abscissa. FIG. 9
is a diagram showing an example in which classification item names
or the like are arrange on the abscissa. Classification items such
as "person (large), person (set), cherry tree, mountain, river,
sea, sky, Chinese noodle, and white board" are shown as examples.
In this case, for example, if sample images corresponding to these
items are stored and held in the ROM 18 of the information managing
apparatus 100 as a key image, it is possible to realize number-of-images
analysis images using these classification item names or the like
in the same method as the number-of-images analysis images using
key images.
[0122] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of other analysis
images. FIG. 10 shows time-series analysis images indicating what
kind of images are imaged and when the images are imaged on the
storage medium 30. In FIG. 10, key images such as face images of
plural people suitable for retrieving images in the storage medium
30 are arranged on an abscissa. Creation time of images (files)
stored on the storage medium 30 such as so-called imaging time is
arranged on an ordinate. In this way, the CPU 17 plots imaging time
of images similar to key images (face images of people, etc.) with
respect to the images included in the storage medium 30 to thereby
create a chart of a distribution in time series of imaging time.
[0123] Note that, in this case, classification item names or the
like may be adopted on the abscissa in the same manner. An example
of the classification item names is shown in FIG. 11. It is possible
to realize the time-series analysis images using the classification
item names or the like in the same manner by using the same creation
method as the number-of-images analysis images that are created
using the classification item names or the like.
[0124] As explained above, analysis images are an example of characteristic
images and the analysis images include number-of-images analysis
images and time-series analysis images as examples. However, the
invention is not always limited to these specific examples. Even
if a method of plotting items on the ordinate and the abscissa is
changed in various ways, the method belongs to the technical scope
of the invention.
[0125] Subsequently, an operation in the case in which such analysis
images are used as characteristic images will be explained. In the
third embodiment, components already explained are denoted by the
identical reference numerals and signs to simplify the explanation.
[0126] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation of an information
managing apparatus according to the third embodiment. When a user
operates the jog dial for mode setting 22C to switch (shift) the
imaging mode to the reproduction mode, when the power supply switch
22D is turned on in a state in which the jog dial for mode setting
22C is set in the reproduction mode, when power supply is simply
applied to the information managing apparatus, or when the storage
medium 30 is connected, the CPU 17 executes processing of this flowchart
with that as a trigger.
[0127] In step S1201, the CPU 17 executes processing for confirming
and determining an analysis mode. For example, the CPU 17 determines
whether the number-of-images analysis shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is
executed, the time-series analysis shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is executed,
or other analyses are executed. Moreover, a detailed display form
may be determined. For, it is determined whether key images are
plotted or classification item names are plotted on an abscissa.
In determining the analysis mode, the CPU 17 may cause a user to
determine the analysis mode using the operation unit 22 every time
an analysis operation is performed. However, in the invention, any
method of determination may be adopted. For example, in this embodiment,
it is assumed that an item for setting an analysis mode to be used
is present as one of environment setting items of the information
managing apparatus 100 and contents of the setting are stored on
the ROM 18 in advance. The CPU 17 reads and confirms the setting
contents to thereby determine which analysis mode should be adopted.
Step S1201 may be omitted by fixing an analysis method to only one
type.
[0128] In step S1202, the CPU 17 judges whether an analysis result
in the past is reused (S303). There are several methods of judging
whether an analysis result in the past is reused. For example, a
setting item for indicating whether an analysis result should be
stored is provided, contents of the setting are stored on the ROM
18 in advance, and the CPU 17 reads and confirms the contents of
the setting. Consequently, the CPU 17 can judge whether an analysis
result should be stored. Alternatively, on a screen at the time
when an analysis result is displayed or on a screen after that,
a message inquiring the user whether the analysis result should
be stored is displayed on the display unit 20 to cause the user
to select whether the analysis result is stored every time, the
CPU 17 may refer to the contents of the setting and execute the
judgment. Step S1202 may be omitted by fixing the setting for whether
an analysis result is always stored or are not always stored.
[0129] When the analysis result in the past is not reused, the
CPU 17 proceeds to step S1203 and starts a new analysis operation.
The CPU 17 displays characteristic images, which are an obtained
analysis result, on the display unit 20. Details of this step will
be described later with reference to, for example, flowcharts in
FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0130] In step S1204, the CPU 17 judges whether a series of analysis
operations and a display operation for characteristic images, which
is an analysis result, end. For example, the CPU 17 detects the
end according to polling or interrupt.
[0131] When the analysis operation ends, the CPU 17 proceeds to
step S1205 and judges whether the analysis result should be stored.
There are several methods for the judgment. For example, a setting
item indicating whether an analysis result should be stored is provided
as one of environment setting items of the information managing
apparatus 100 and contents of the setting is stored on the ROM 18.
The CPU 17 reads the contents of the setting and performs the judgment
according to the contents of the setting. Alternatively, on a screen
at the time when an analysis result is displayed or on a screen
after that, a message inquiring the user whether the analysis result
should be stored may be displayed on the display unit 20 to cause
the user to select. whether the analysis result is stored every
time. The CPU 17 can perform the judgment by referring to results
of the setting. Step S1205 may be omitted by fixing the setting
for whether an analysis result is always stored or is not always
stored.
[0132] When the analysis result is not stored, the CPU 17 proceeds
to step S1208 and ends the processing of this flowchart awaiting
end of display is instructed from the operation unit 22.
[0133] On the other hand, when the analysis result is stored, the
CPU 17 proceeds to step S1206 and stores the analysis result. For
example, the CPU 17 reads out the analysis result from the RAM 16
and writes the analysis result in the storage medium 30 or the ROM
18. Alternatively, the CPU 17 may store the analysis result in a
specific area of the RAM 16. Note that storage unit in which the
analysis result is stored may be fixed to one of the storage medium
30, the ROM 18, and the like or may be determined in accordance
with contents of setting set in advance. Alternatively, the CPU
17 may cause the user to determine storage unit every time. In addition,
the CPU 17 may store the analysis result in plural storage unit
redundantly.
[0134] In step S1207, the CPU 17 writes information on presence
or absence of an analysis result (0 or 1, information of 1 bit,
etc.) in a predetermined area of the storage medium 30. In addition,
storage location information indicating where the analysis result
is stored (a section where the analysis result is stores, address
information, etc.) may also be written according to circumstances.
[0135] In this embodiment, an analysis result is characteristic
images of the storage medium 30. Thus, in the information managing
apparatus 100, an analysis result is created with switching to the
reproduction mode or the like as a trigger and images of the analysis
result are displayed as characteristic images. Thereafter, the CPU
17 proceeds to step S1208 and ends an analysis operation awaiting
input of an end instruction.
[0136] On the other hand, when it is judged in step S1202 that
an analysis result in the past is not reused, the CPU 17 proceeds
to step S1210.
[0137] In step S1210, the CPU 17 checks whether an analysis result
is stored. It is possible to judge whether an analysis result is
present as described below. For example, as explained in step S1207,
when information concerning presence or absence of an analysis result
(0 or 1, information of 1 bit, etc.) is written in a predetermined
area of the storage medium 30, the CPU 17 can recognize presence
or absence of an analysis result in the past by referring to the
information. When no analysis result is present, the CPU 17 proceeds
to step S1203 and executes new analysis processing.
[0138] On the other hand, when an analysis result is present, the
CPU 17 proceeds to step S1211. The CPU 17 reads out an analysis
result in the past from the storage unit (the storage medium 30,
the ROM 18, etc.), in which the analysis result in the past is stored,
and writes the analysis result in the RAM 16.
[0139] In step S1212, the CPU 17 sends characteristic images, which
is the analysis result in the past, to the display unit IF 31 and
displays the characteristic image on the display unit 20. In this
way, in this embodiment, analysis images are created with switching
to the reproduction mode or the like as a trigger and the created
analysis images are displayed as characteristic images. Thereafter,
the CPU 17 proceeds to step S1208 and ends the analysis operation
awaiting an end instruction to end the analysis operation.
[0140] FIG. 13 is an exemplary flowchart of a number-of-images
analysis operation according to this embodiment. First, in the case
of number-of-images analysis, in step S1301, the CPU 17 initializes
respective variables. In this example, three variables i, j, and
k are used. The variable i is a variable for counting key images
or classification items. Note that facial images of people or the
like may be adopted or sample images of classification items (including
facial images of the people) may be adopted as the key images. The
variable j is a variable for counting analysis object general images
stored on the storage medium 30. The variable k is a variable for
counting images similar to key images set at present. After starting
the analysis operation, first, the CPU 17 clears the variables i,
j, and k to zero.
[0141] In step S1302, the CPU 17 increments the variable i. In
step S1303, the CPU 17 sets an ith key image in the RAM 16. For
example, the CPU 17 reads out a key image from the storage medium
30 (or the ROM 18, etc.) and transfers the key image to the RAM
16. The search engine 50 or the like, which carries out analysis
processing, may execute this processing according to Direct Memory
Access (DMA) without the intervention of the CPU 17.
[0142] In step S1304, the CPU 17 increments the variable j. In
step S1305, the CPU 17 reads out a jth analysis object general image
from the storage medium 30 (or the ROM 18, etc.) and transfers the
analysis object general image to the RAM 16. The search engine 50
or the like, which carries out analysis processing, may execute
this processing according to Direct Memory Access (DMA) without
the intervention of the CPU 17.
[0143] In step S1306, the CPU 17 judges whether the ith key image
and the jth general image are similar. When the ith key image and
the jth general image are not similar, the CPU 17 proceeds to step
S1308. When the ith key image and the jth general image are similar,
the CPU proceeds to step S1307. It is possible to use a publicly-known
image retrieval technique (an image recognition technique, a similar
image judgment technique, or the like) for this judgment on similarity.
[0144] In step S1307, the CPU 17 increments the variable k. Consequently,
the CPU 17 counts the number of similar images. In step S1308, the
CPU 17 judges whether the judgment on similarity for a defined number
of values of the variable j has ended. In other words, the CPU 17
judges whether the judgment on similarity for the ith key image
has ended for all the general images stored on the storage medium
30. When the judgment on similarity has not ended, the CPU 17 returns
to step S1304 and repeats steps S1305 to S1308 while incrementing
a value of j. Consequently, the CPU 17 executes the judgment on
similarity for all the general images stored on the storage medium
30.
[0145] When the judgment on similarity has ended for the defined
number of values of j, the CPU 17 proceeds to step S1309. The CPU
17 writes a value of k in a result value f(i) for the ith key image.
In other words, a value of k means the number of general images
similar to the ith key image (including facial images of people).
[0146] In step S1301, the CPU 17 creates analysis images and causes
the display unit 20 to display the analysis images. For example,
the CPU 17 creates an analysis result image by plotting the values
of i and f(i) in a form of abscissa to ordinate. Consequently, it
is possible to render and display analysis images as i f(i).
[0147] In step S1311, the CPU 17 clears a value of k to zero. In
step S1312, the CPU 17 judges whether analysis processing has ended
for a defined number of values of i. In other words, the CPU 17
judges whether the analysis processing has ended for all key images.
If the analysis processing has not ended for all the key images,
the CPU 17 returns to step S1302 and repeats steps S1303 to S1312
while incrementing a value of i. When the analysis processing has
ended for the defined number of values of i, the CPU 17 ends the
analysis processing. Consequently, the number of similar images
or the like with respect to key images or the like are diagrammatized
and displayed.
[0148] FIG. 14 is an exemplary flowchart of a time-series analysis
operation according to this embodiment. Note that components already
explained are denoted by the identical reference numerals and signs
to omit explanations of the components.
[0149] In step S1401, the CPU 17 initializes i and k. Thereafter,
after executing steps S1302 to S1305, the CPU 17 proceeds to step
S1406.
[0150] In step S1406, the CPU 17 performs the same judgment on
similarity as step S1306. When the ith key image and the jth general
image are not similar, the CPU 17 proceeds to step S1410. When the
ith key image and the jth general image are similar, the CPU proceeds
to step S1407.
[0151] In step S1407, the CPU 17 reads out data of date and time
from a file of a general image judged as similar. In step S1408,
the CPU 17 writes the read-out data of date and time in a function
f(i).
[0152] In step S1409, the CPU 17 creates analysis images and displays
the analysis images. For example, the CPU 17 arranges an ith key
image on an abscissa and arranges an imaging date of an image similar
to the ith key image on an ordinate. In other words, analysis images
shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are created and displayed. Thereafter,
in step S1410, the CPU 17 judges whether analysis processing has
ended for all general images. If the analysis processing has ended
for all the general images, the CPU 17 proceeds to step S1312. If
the analysis processing has not ended for all the general images,
the CPU 17 returns to step S1304.
[0153] Consequently, f(i) (date and time of similar images) for
an ith key image (or a sample image for a classification item) are
superimposed in order to continue rendering and display for all
the variables i and j.
[0154] As explained above, in the third embodiment, an analysis
result of the storage medium 30 is displayed on the display unit
20 as characteristic images. Thus, a user can recollect or estimate
contents of the storage medium 30 more easily. In addition, it is
possible to learn more promptly what is stored on the storage medium
and what kind of characteristics the storage medium has. Thus, the
invention according to this embodiment is very useful.
[0155] According to this embodiment, an information managing apparatus,
which makes it possible to find out a desired image from plural
(in particular, a large number of) storage media in short time and
easily, is provided.
[0156] A user can see characteristic images immediately after connecting
the storage medium without performing complicated operation.
[0157] If an analysis result in the past is stored, it is possible
to display characteristic images promptly without performing an
analysis operation again. Thus, the invention is very useful.
Other Embodiments
[0158] Various embodiments have been explained. However, further
applications are conceivable. For example, the second embodiment,
in which images as a retrieval result are used as characteristic
images, may be modified such that the CPU 17 stores history data
in the ROM 18 every time an image retrieval operation is performed.
The history data includes the number of hits for each key image
and the number of hits for each general image. In displaying the
characteristic images, a general image, which was hit most frequently
(or least frequently) in the past, may be displayed as a characteristic
image. Alternatively, plural general images may be displayed as
characteristic images in order from one with highest frequency (or
lowest frequency) of hit out of images hit in the past. In particular,
if the general images are displayed from one with largest number
of hits, since more familiar images or the like appear, a user can
recollect or estimate contents of the storage medium more easily.
[0159] The same idea can be applied to the first embodiment in
which key images are used as characteristic images. For example,
in displaying characteristic images as a retrieval result, key images
related to retrieval, in which a large number of (or a small number
of) general images were hit in the past, may be displayed as characteristic
images. Alternatively, key images related to retrieval, in which
a large number of (or a small number of) general images were hit
in the past, may be displayed as characteristic images in order
from one with a largest (or smallest) number of hits. In addition,
key images may be selected as characteristic images according to
the number of times these ideas are used for retrieval.
[0160] By adopting such a constitution, since more effective or
more familiar key images or the like appear, the user can recollect
or estimate contents of a storage medium more easily.
[0161] In the second embodiment, it is also possible that plural
key images are set, detailed retrieval conditions are created according
to logical combinations such as AND and OR of these key images to
execute retrieval, and an obtained retrieval result is used as characteristic
images. By defining retrieval conditions in detail in this way,
it is highly likely that more characteristic images appear in the
storage medium 30. Thus, the user can recollect or estimate contents
of the storage medium more easily.
[0162] In the first to the third embodiments, it is also possible
that categories of. pictures such as a group picture and a landscape
picture are set as retrieval keys to execute retrieval or analysis
and key images, images as a retrieval result, or analysis images
in that case are displayed as characteristic images in the same
manner. Consequently, since characteristic images representing characteristics
of contents stored on the storage medium 30 well also appear, the
user can recollect or estimate contents of the storage medium easily.
[0163] According to the third embodiment, by making full use of
the image retrieval technique, it is possible to analyze a tendency
concerning what kind of images are stored on the storage medium
30 in a large quantity. If a result of this analysis is applied
to the first or the second embodiment as key images, it is also
possible to display images as a retrieval result coinciding with
the analysis result as further characteristic images. Consequently,
since characteristic images representing characteristics in the
storage medium 30 well also appear, the user can recollect or estimate
contents of the storage medium easily.
[0164] On the other hand, concerning a method of displaying characteristic
images, in the first to the third embodiments, when a user operates
the jog dial for mode setting 22C to thereby switch (shift) the
information managing apparatus from an imaging mode to a reproduction
mode, when the power supply switch 22D is turned on in a state in
which the jog dial for mode setting 22C is set in the reproduction
mode, when simple application of a power supply is detected, or
when connection of the storage medium 30 is detected, these are
detected as display triggers to display characteristic images. However,
characteristic images may always be displayed as long as the information
managing apparatus is connected to the power supply. Operation of
an arbitrary button (pressing of a button, etc.) in the operation
unit 22 may be set as a display trigger. Alternatively, specific
operation or the like may be set as a display trigger to display
characteristic images.
[0165] The respective embodiments may be combined in a range in
which the combination is not inconsistent with the invention. For
example, the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be combined
to display key images and images as a retrieval result as characteristic
images simultaneously.
[0166] In the respective embodiments, a method of displaying characteristic
images may be a thumbnail form or a usual display form for displaying
images one by one. Alternatively, other display methods may be adopted.
[0167] In the explanations of the respective embodiments, characteristic
images are created from the time of detection of a trigger for creation
of characteristic images until the time of display of the characteristic
images. However, characteristic images may be created at other timing.
For example, it is also possible that characteristic images are
created according to DMA in the background during other operations,
stored on the storage medium 30, the ROM 18, or the RAM 16, and
displayed.
[0168] The invention is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS.
8 to 11 explained in the third embodiment. For example, analysis
images, which are obtained by analyzing a group of images stored
on the storage medium 30 with some statistic method or the like,
may be set as characteristic images. It goes without saying that
detailed form of display and items to be arranged on the ordinate
and the abscissa may be changed according to circumstances.
[0169] The first to the third embodiments and the applications
of the embodiments have been explained. Several variations and combinations
thereof such as use of flowcharts other than those described above
are conceivable. It goes without saying that the variations and
the combinations belong to the technical scope of the invention
as long as the variations and the combinations coincide with constitutions
and operations described in patent claims. It goes without saying
that the respective embodiments do not deny these and other variations.
[0170] In the invention, retrieval is performed in the reproduction
mode. However, a retrieval mode aiming chiefly at being used for
retrieval may be provided separately. It goes without saying that
the invention can be applied to that case.
[0171] In the respective embodiments, a digital camera is described
as an example of the information managing apparatus. However, a
range of application of the invention is not always limited to this.
For example, various apparatuses capable of realizing the constitution
of the invention such as a camera, a video camera, a cellular phone,
a compact disk storing and reproducing apparatus, a DVD recording
and reproducing apparatus, and a PC can be understood as the information
managing apparatus.
[0172] The present invention can be applied to a system constituted
by a plurality of devices, or to an apparatus comprising a single
device. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the invention is
applicable also to a case where the object of the invention is attained
by supplying a program to a system or apparatus.
[0173] As many apparently widely different embodiments of the present
invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited
to the specific embodiments thereof except as defined in the appended
claims.
Claim of Priority
[0174] This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application
No. 2004-225814 filed on Aug. 2, 2004, which is hereby incorporated
by reference herein. |