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Digital Camera Patent Abstract
A digital camera is provided which allows easy recognition of what
images are stored in a folder created on a recording medium when
viewed from a personal computer. The digital camera stores photographed
images in folders on a removable recording medium. In response to
an instruction given by the user (step #200), a specified image
(#206) is determined as an image that represents all the images
stored in the folder which includes that image, and then data that
marks it as a representative image is recorded in the tag of the
image file of the image (#208). When searching the recording medium,
the personal computer identifies the representative image based
on the above-mentioned data and displays the representative image
in a manner superimposed on the image of the folder.
Digital Camera Patent Claims
1. A digital camera for storing photographed images as image files
in a folder created on a recording medium, wherein the digital camera
specifies the image of one of the image files stored in the folder
as a representative image that represents all the image files stored
in the folder, and records, in the image file of the representative
image, data that marks a representative image.
2. The digital camera of claim 1, wherein the data that marks a
representative image is recorded in a tag of the image file.
3. The digital camera of claim 1, wherein the images of the image
files stored in the folder are displayed side-by-side in response
to an instruction given by a user, and, if the representative image
is included in the displayed images, an indication that marks a
representative image is added to the representative image.
4. The digital camera of claim 1, wherein the images of the image
files stored in the folder are displayed side-by-side to permit
the user to specify one of the displayed images so that the specified
image is determined as the representative image.
5. The digital camera of claim 1, wherein, as the representative
image, images of a plurality of image files stored in the folder
can be determined.
6. The digital camera 1 of claim 1, wherein the digital camera
has a photographing mode in which a newly photographed image is
associated with the image of one of the image files stored in the
folder and data indicating association between the images is recorded
on the recording medium, and wherein, when an image is photographed
in the photographing mode, the image with which the newly photographed
image is associated is determined as the representative image.
7. The digital camera of claim 1, wherein, as said folder, a plurality
of folders are created on the recording medium, and representative
images are specified on a folder-by-folder basis.
8. A program for making a computer search a recording medium of
a digital camera that stores photographed images as image files
in a folder created on the recording medium so as to display an
image of the folder created on the recording medium, the program
comprising commands for making the computer execute: a first step
of checking whether or not any of the image files stored in the
folder contains data recorded to mark the image of said image file
as a representative image that represents all the image files stored
in the folder; and a second step of displaying, if none of the image
files stored in the folder contains data recorded to mark a representative
image, only the image of the folder or, if any of the image files
stored in the folder contains data recorded to mark a representative
image, the image of said image file in a manner superimposed on
the image of the folder.
9. The program of claim 8, wherein it is checked in the first step
whether or not data that marks a representative image is recorded
in a tag of the image file.
10. The program of claim 8, wherein, if a number of image files
containing data recorded to mark a representative image is equal
to or less than a predetermined number, images of all these image
files are displayed in the second step.
11. The program of claim 8, wherein, if a number of images containing
data recorded to mark a representative image exceeds a predetermined
number, in the second step, of all images of these image files,
only images of the predetermined number of image files are displayed
while a number of remaining image files is displayed along the image
of the folder.
12. The program of claim 8, wherein, if, as said folder, a plurality
of folders storing image files are created on the recording medium,
images of the folders are displayed side-by-side in the second step.
13. A program for making a personal computer read, from a recording
medium of a digital camera that stores photographed images as image
files in a folder created on the recording medium, image files into
a folder created in a storage portion of the personal computer and
then display an image of the folder created in the storage portion,
the program comprising commands for making the computer execute:
a first step of checking whether or not any of the image files stored
in the folder in the storage portion contains data recorded to mark
the image of said image file as a representative image that represents
all the images of the image files stored in the folder; and a second
of displaying, if none of the image files stored in the folder contains
data recorded to mark a representative image, only the image of
the folder, or if any of the image files stored in the folder contains
data recorded to mark a representative image, the image of said
image file in a manner superimposed on the image of the folder.
14. The program of claim 13, wherein it is checked in the first
step whether or not data that marks a representative image is recorded
in a tag of the image file.
15. The program of claim 13, wherein, if a number of image files
containing data recorded to mark a representative image is equal
to or less than a predetermined number, images of all these image
files are displayed in the second step.
16. The program of claim 13, wherein, if a number of image files
containing data recorded to mark a representative image exceeds
a predetermined number, in the second step, of all images of these
image files, only images of the predetermined number of image files
are displayed while a number of remaining image files is displayed
along the image of the folder.
17. The program of claim 13, wherein, as said folder, a plurality
of folders storing image files are created in the storage portion
so that images of the folders are displayed side-by-side in the
second step.
Digital Camera Patent Description
[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application
No. 2004-321649 filed on Nov. 5, 2004, the contents of which are
hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a digital camera for recording
photographed images on a recording medium as image files, and a
computer program for reading image files from such a recording medium.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Images photographed with a digital camera are played back
for display and edited on a personal computer. The digital camera
creates image files representing the photographed images and records
the created image files on a recording medium. The personal computer
reads the image files from the recording medium of the digital camera.
The image files may be read via a cable that connects the personal
computer and the digital camera. Alternatively, the image files
may be read by the use of a removable recording medium that can
be detached from the digital camera so as to be mounted on the personal
computer.
[0006] Both the digital camera and the personal computer store
image files in folders. With the personal computer, the user can
create folders for storing image files therein. The user can classify
image files by storing them in different folders for easier management.
With the digital camera, the number of folders for storing image
files is conventionally limited to one. In some recent digital cameras,
a plurality of folders can be created on the recording medium so
that the folder in which the image files are stored can be switched.
[0007] In the personal computer, the names of files and folders
are displayed so that the user can identify these files and folders.
Moreover, the images of files and the images of folders are displayed
to further facilitate the identification. The images of files and
the images of folders are displayed in different forms, thereby
allowing the user to discriminate the files and folders at first
sight.
[0008] Furthermore, in one brand of OS (Operating System) for the
personal computer, namely Windows (a registered trademark of Microsoft
Corporation) XP, a reduced image of one of the image files stored
in a folder is displayed superimposed on the image of this folder.
Displaying the image of an image file stored in a folder in a manner
superimposed on the image of the folder in this way allows the user
to easily recognize what images the folder stores. The user can
specify the image file of the image to be displayed superimposed
on the image of the folder. Up to four such images can be displayed
simultaneously.
[0009] Japanese Patent Application Lain-Open No. 2003-339013 discloses
a computer in which an image to be displayed superimposed on the
image of a folder is set automatically. In this computer, the display
time of each image is measured when it is played back for display,
and the image kept displayed for the longest display time is set
to be the one displayed superimposed on the image of the folder
for display.
[0010] The above-mentioned OS function for displaying the image
of the image file specified by the user in a manner superimposed
on the image of the folder can also be used for the purpose of searching
the recording medium of the digital camera connected via the cable
or directly attached to the personal computer with a view to looking
through folders created on the recording medium. However, moving
(or copying) image files from the recording medium of the digital
camera to the personal computer causes the loss of the information
on the specified image file. As a result, when the image of the
folder is displayed on the personal computer, no image is displayed
on the folder. Therefore, the image file needs to be specified again
to make the image displayed superimposed on the folder.
[0011] In many cases, the general user moves (copies) image files
from the recording medium of the digital camera to the recording
medium of the personal computer since no more new image can be photographed
unless the image files are deleted from the recording medium of
the digital camera. In such a case, which folders have stored which
image files is ambiguously memorized, because a large number of
image files have been stored and also a long period of time has
passed since the images were photographed. Thus, in order to determine
the image to be displayed superimposed on the folder on the personal
computer, a great number of images need to be displayed to examine
the contents thereof, which requires a long period of time.
[0012] According to the above-mentioned conventional technique,
after the image of one or more image files are displayed on the
computer, the image to be superimposed on the image of the folder
is automatically specified, which is convenient. However, the judgment
on which image is to be displayed superimposed on the image of the
folder is based on the period of time for which it is kept displayed
on the computer. Therefore, the image to be displayed superimposed
on the image of the folder cannot be specified until the image of
at least one image file is displayed at least once. Accordingly,
even when an image has been displayed on the digital camera, no
image is displayed superimposed on the image of the folder immediately
after the image file of the image is moved from the recording medium
of the digital camera to the recording medium of the computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In view of the conventionally encountered problems described
above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a digital
camera and a program for a personal computer that allow easy recognition
of what images are contained in the image files stored in a folder
created on a recording medium when viewed from a personal computer,
and also that, even after the image files are moved from the recording
medium to the personal computer, allow easy recognition of what
images are contained in the image files included in the folder storing
the moved image files.
[0014] To achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one
aspect of the present invention, a digital camera for storing photographed
images as image files in a folder created on a recording medium,
specifies the image of one of the image files stored in the folder
as a representative image that represents all the image files stored
in the folder. Then the digital camera records, in the image file
of the representative image, data that marks a representative image.
[0015] When the folder created on the recording medium of this
digital camera is searched from a personal computer, the representative
image can be displayed superimposed on the image of the folder.
This makes it easy to recognize what images are contained in the
image files stored in the folder. Furthermore, the data that marks
the representative image is recorded in the image file itself of
the representative image. Thus, even when the image of the folder
that stores the image file of the representative image is displayed
after this image file is read into the personal computer, the representative
image can be displayed superimposed on the image of the folder.
[0016] The data that marks the representative image may be recorded
in a tag (header) of the image file. Each file contains a tag (header)
for recording predetermined data such as the file type. Using the
tag allows the data marking the representative image to be recorded
in the image file itself without requiring the image file to be
specially structured.
[0017] The images of the image files stored in the folder may be
displayed side-by-side in response to an instruction given by a
user. If the representative image is included in the displayed images,
an indication that marks a representative image may be added to
the representative image. This permits the user to easily recognize
whether or not the image is the representative image.
[0018] The images of the image files stored in the folder may be
displayed side-by-side to permit the user to specify one of the
displayed images so that the specified image may be determined as
the representative image. This permits the user to determine an
image he or she desires as the representative image. In addition,
this can be achieved through easy operation.
[0019] As the representative image, images of a plurality of image
files stored in the folder may be determined. Specifying a plurality
of images as the representative image allows a plurality of images
to be displayed superimposed on the image of the folder on the personal
computer. This makes it easier to recognize what images are contained
in the image files stored in the folder.
[0020] The digital camera may have a photographing mode, in which
a newly photographed image is associated with the image of one of
the image files stored in the folder and data indicating association
between the images is recorded on the recording medium. Thus, when
an image is photographed in the photographing mode, the image with
which the newly photographed image is associated may be determined
as the representative image. Recording the association between images
can enhance the images' capability to convey information. Moreover,
since the same image can be associated with a plurality of new images,
determining such an image as the representative image allows easier
recognition of what images are contained in the image file stored
in the folder.
[0021] As above-mentioned folder, a plurality of folders may be
created on the recording medium, and representative images may be
determined on a folder-by-folder basis. Providing a plurality of
folders allows image classification on the digital camera. Moreover,
determining the representative image on a folder-by-folder basis
allows easier recognition of the correspondence between the classified
images and the image files.
[0022] To achieve the above-mentioned object, according to another
aspect of the present invention, a program is provided for making
a computer search a recording medium of a digital camera that stores
photographed images as image files in a folder created on the recording
medium so as to display an image of the folder created on the recording
medium. The program includes commands for making the computer execute
the following steps. A first step is provided for checking whether
or not any of the image files stored in the folder contains data
recorded to mark the image of aforementioned image file as a representative
image that represents all the image files stored in the folder.
A second step is provided for displaying, if none of the image files
stored in the folder contains data recorded to mark a representative
image, only the image of the folder, or if any of the image files
stored in the folder contains data recorded to mark a representative
image, the image of that image file in a manner superimposed on
the image of the folder.
[0023] The personal computer that operates in accordance with this
program, depending on whether or not the image file of the representative
image is included in the image files stored in the folder on the
recording medium of the digital camera, can make switching between
the following two operations: displaying only the image of the folder
and displaying the representative image in a manner superimposed
on the image of the folder. The user can recognize what images are
contained in the image files stored in the folder, based on the
representative image displayed superimposed on the image of the
folder. A search of the recording medium of the digital camera can
be performed with the personal computer and the digital camera connected
together, or by the use of a removable recording medium that can
be mounted on the personal computer.
[0024] To achieve the above-mentioned object, according to still
another aspect of the present invention, a program is provided for
making a personal computer read, from a recording medium of a digital
camera that stores photographed images as image files in a folder
created on the recording medium, image files into a folder created
in a storage portion of the personal computer and then display an
image of the folder created in the storage portion. The program
includes commands for making the computer execute the following
steps. A first step is provided for checking whether or not any
of the image files stored in the folder in the storage portion contains
data recorded to mark the image of aforementioned image file as
a representative image that represents all the images of the image
files stored in the folder. A second step is provided for displaying,
if none of the image files stored in the folder contains data recorded
to mark a representative image, only the image of the folder or,
if any of the image files stored in the folder contains data recorded
to mark a representative image, the image of that image file in
a manner superimposed on the image of the folder.
[0025] The personal computer that operates in accordance with this
program, after reading image files from the recording medium of
the digital camera into its own storage portion, depending on whether
or not the image file of the representative image is included in
the image files stored in the folder in the storage portion, can
make switching between the following two operations: displaying
only the image of the folder and displaying the representative image
in a manner superimposed on the image of the folder. The data that
marks the representative image is recorded in the image file itself.
Therefore, reading the image file automatically results in reading
the data that marks the representative image. The user can recognize
what images are contained in the image files stored in the folder,
based on the representative image displayed superimposed on the
image of the folder.
[0026] It may be checked in the first step whether or not data
that marks a representative image is recorded in a tag of the image
file. Recording the data marking the representative image eliminates
the need to specially structure the image file.
[0027] If the number of image files containing data recorded to
mark a representative image is equal to or less than a predetermined
number, images of all these image files are displayed in the second
step. The larger the number of representative images that are displayed,
the easier it becomes to recognize what images are contained in
the image files stored in the folder.
[0028] If the number of image files containing data recorded to
mark a representative image exceeds a predetermined number, in the
second step, of all images of these image files, only images of
the predetermined number of image files are displayed while a number
of remaining image files may be displayed along the image of the
folder. If there are a great number of representative images, the
representative images can no longer be displayed superimposed on
the image of the folder all at once. Even in such a case, displaying
the number of the representative images that are not displayed can
notify the user that there exist representative images other than
those being displayed. Moreover, the display can also be switched
so that the images that are not displayed are displayed superimposed
on the image of the folder.
[0029] In the case of a program that searches the recording medium,
if, as the above-mentioned folder, a plurality of folders storing
image files are created on the recording medium, images of the folders
may be displayed side-by-side in the second step. This makes it
possible to recognize which image is contained in the image file
stored in which folder.
[0030] In the case of a program that reads image files from the
recording medium into the storage portion of the personal computer,
as the above-mentioned folder, a plurality of folders storing image
files may be created in the storage portion, and images of the folders
may be displayed side-by-side in the second step. Creating a plurality
of folders allows easy classification and thus management of the
acquired image files. Thus, displaying the images of the folders
side-by-side and also displaying the representative images in a
manner superimposed on the images of the folders that store the
image files of the representative images allows recognition of which
images are contained in the image files stored in which folders.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIGS. 1A and 1B are a perspective view and a back view,
respectively, schematically showing the external appearance of a
digital camera according to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration
of the digital camera;
[0033] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the folder configuration
of a memory card on which the digital camera records image files;
[0034] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the flow of operations performed
by the digital camera in a normal photographing mode;
[0035] FIGS. 5A to 5C show examples of screens displayed by the
digital camera to permit the setting of a representative image in
response to an instruction given by the user;
[0036] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the flow of operations for
setting a representative image in response to an instruction given
by the user;
[0037] FIGS. 7A to 7D show examples of screens displayed by the
digital camera in an annotation photographing mode;
[0038] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the flow of operations performed
by the digital camera in the annotation photographing mode;
[0039] FIGS. 9A and 9B show examples of screens displayed by the
digital camera in a guide photographing mode;
[0040] FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing the flow of operations performed
by the digital camera in the guide photographing mode;
[0041] FIGS. 11A to 11C show examples of screens displayed by the
digital camera in a playback mode;
[0042] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the flow of operations performed
by the digital camera in the playback mode;
[0043] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance
of a personal computer according to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0044] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration
of the personal computer.
[0045] FIG. 15 shows a search screen displayed by the personal
computer;
[0046] FIGS. 16A and 16B show examples of images displayed by the
personal computer in a folder and file display region on the search
screen;
[0047] FIG. 17 shows an example of the content of a folder searched
by the personal computer;
[0048] FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing the flow of operations performed
by the personal computer to search a memory card;
[0049] FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the flow of operations performed
by the personal computer to read an image file;
[0050] FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the flow of operations performed
by the personal computer to display an image;
[0051] FIG. 21 shows a screen displayed by the personal computer
to permit the setting of a representative image;
[0052] FIG. 22 shows a screen displayed by the personal computer
to permit the selection of a file name; and
[0053] FIG. 23 is a flow chart showing the flow of operations performed
by the personal computer to set a representative image.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0054] The embodiments of the present invention will be described
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIGS. 1A
and 1B are schematic diagrams showing the external view of a digital
camera 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG.
1A is a perspective view as viewed obliquely from the front. FIG.
1B is a back view. The digital camera 1 includes on the front surface
thereof: an image-taking lens 11 for directing light from a photographing
subject to a built-in image-sensing element (see FIG. 2); an optical
viewfinder front window 12a; a self timer lamp 13; and a flash emitter
14. The digital camera 1 includes on the side surface thereof: a
card slot 15 into which a memory card M as a removable recording
medium is inserted, and a USB/AV output terminal 16. Moreover, the
digital camera 1 includes on the top surface thereof a shutter release
button 17 and a power button 18. The digital camera 1 includes on
the rear surface an optical finder rear window 12b and a display
19 built with a liquid crystal panel. The image-taking lens 11 is
a zoom lens.
[0055] The digital camera 1 can, while photographing an image,
immediately display the photographed image on the display 19 to
provide a live view thereof. Thus, the display 19 functions as a
viewfinder. The image photographed immediately after the release
button 17 is operated is recorded as an image file onto the removable
memory card M that incorporates semiconductor memory. The image
is displayed as an after view on the display 19 for a short period
of time. The image of the image file recorded on the memory card
M can also be played back to be displayed on the display 19. Photographing-related
data such as the photographing date and time, the image scale, the
exposure conditions, and the photographing mode is recorded in the
tag (header) of the image file recorded on the memory card M.
[0056] The digital camera 1 operates in, other than a normal photographing
mode for performing normal photographing, an annotation photographing
mode and a guide photographing mode. The annotation photographing
mode is for adding an image as an annotation to a partial region
of an already photographed image whose image file has been recorded
onto the memory card M. The image photographed immediately after
the region is specified becomes the annotation for the region. The
guide photographing mode is provided for, in an image photographing
operation, displaying on the display 19 an already photographed
image whose image file has been recorded onto the memory card M
so that the image serves as a reference for photographing a new
image.
[0057] In the annotation photographing mode, an image whose image
file is written onto the memory card M by an external device, e.g.,
an image whose image file is read from an original document with
an image scanner so as to be recorded onto the memory card M, can
be treated as an image to which to add an annotation. Similarly,
in the guide photographing mode, an image whose image file is written
onto the memory card M with an external device can be treated as
an image to be displayed as a reference.
[0058] The digital camera 1 includes, on the rear surface thereof,
a normal photographing button 23, an annotation photographing button
24, and a guide photographing button 25 for specifying these three
modes. The digital camera 1 also includes: a zoom button 20 for
specifying the focal length of the image-taking lens 11 which is
a zoom lens; direction buttons 21 that are used for selecting an
item displayed on the display 19; a confirm button 22 for giving
an instruction for confirming the selection; and a playback button
26 for specifying a playback mode for playing back an image for
display. The direction buttons 21 include an up button, a down button,
a left button, and a right button for specifying the up, down, left,
and right directions, respectively.
[0059] As described above, the digital camera 1 records image files
onto the memory card M. Folders are created on the memory card M
so that the image files are stored in the folders. The folders can
be freely created by the user. The user specifies a desired folder
from among the folders already created. New image files are recorded
in the specified folder until another folder is specified.
[0060] The image files no longer needed can be deleted individually
or collectively from the memory card M. Deleting a folder allows
deletion of all the image files stored therein.
[0061] The digital camera 1 is capable of determining a representative
image that represents all the images of the image files stored in
each folder. The user can specify a desired image as a representative
image among images photographed in the normal photographing mode.
There is no restriction on the number of representative images that
can be specified by the user. The digital camera 1 includes on the
back surface thereof a representative image set button 27 that is
used for setting a representative image.
[0062] When an image is photographed as an annotation in the annotation
photographing mode, the digital camera 1 specifies, as a representative
image, the image to which the annotation is added. When an image
is photographed in the guide photographing mode, the digital camera
1 specifies, as a representative image, the image used as a reference
in this operation.
[0063] Data that marks a representative image is recorded in the
tag of the image file of the representative image. Generally, a
file has a tag for recording data related thereto. Using the tag
for recording the data that marks a representative image eliminates
the need to specially structure the image file. Alternatively, data
that marks a representative image may be stored in a special file
created in the same folder that stores the representative image,
though recording such data in the image file itself makes file management
easier.
[0064] Association data indicating the association between an image
photographed as an annotation in the annotation photographing mode
and the image and the region to which the annotation is added is
also recorded in the tag of the image file. The association data
is recorded in the image files of both the image photographed as
the annotation and the image (referred to as a parent image) to
which the annotation is added. Association data indicating the association
between an image photographed in the guide photographing mode and
the image (referred to as a guide image) used as a reference in
this photographing operation is also recorded in the tag of the
image file. This association data is also recorded in the image
files of both the images.
[0065] An image used as a parent image in the annotation photographing
mode and an image used as a guide image in the guide photographing
mode are selected by the user from among the images of the image
files stored in the folder which has been specified for storing
the image files of newly photographed images. Therefore, the image
file of an image photographed in the annotation photographing mode
and the image file of an image photographed in the guide photographing
mode are stored in the same folder that stores the parent image
and the guide image, respectively.
[0066] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration
of the digital camera 1. In addition to the above-mentioned image-taking
lens 11, display 19, etc., the digital camera 1 includes an image
sensing element 31, an image processor 32, a recording portion 33,
and a controller 35. The image sensing element 31 photographs an
image by converting the light directed thereto by the image-taking
lens 11 into an electrical signal. The image processor 32 processes
the signal outputted by the image sensing element 31 to thereby
create recording image data representing the photographed image
and image data for display. The recording image data is compressed.
The recording portion 33 records an image file onto the memory card
M as image data, and also reads out the image file from the memory
card M so as to play back the image for display.
[0067] The controller 35 includes a CPU 35a and a memory 35b. The
CPU 35a controls various portions of the digital camera 1. A program
containing instructions for control operations to be performed by
the CPU 35a is recorded in the memory 35b. The CPU 35a also performs
processing of representative images based on the program recorded
in the memory 35b.
[0068] The operation members such as the above-mentioned shutter
release button 17 and power button 18 are collectively referred
to as an operation portion 28. FIG. 2 shows only the operation members
concerned with representative images. [0069] FIG. 3 is a schematic
diagram showing the folder structure on the memory card M. In the
folder named "FLDRMAIN", the folders (folders named "FLDR0001"
to "FLDR0006") are created for recording the image files.
The image files (files named "PICT0001.JPG" to "PICT0006.JPG")
are stored in two of the folders.
[0070] FIG. 4 shows the flow of operations performed to photograph
an image in the normal photographing mode and then record the image
file of the photographed image. This sequence of operations starts
when the normal photographing button 23 is operated. First, it is
checked whether or not the shutter release button 17 is operated
to enter an instruction for photographing a recording image (step
#100). If the instruction is not entered, an image is sensed (#102),
and the sensed image is displayed on the display 19 (#104). Then
the flow returns to step #102. A live view is provided by repeating
steps #102 and #104.
[0071] If the instruction for photographing the recording image
is provided, the image is sensed (#106), the sensed image is displayed
(#108), and then the image file of the sensed image is recorded
onto the memory card M (#110). An after view is provided by continuously
displaying the image for a short period of time in step #108. The
flow in FIG. 3 continues until the working mode is switched to the
playback mode or another photographing mode.
[0072] FIGS. 5A to 5C show examples of screens displayed on the
display 19 when the user specifies a representative image among
images photographed in the normal photographing mode. FIG. 5A is
the screen displayed when the representative image set button 27
is operated. On this screen, all the images stored in the folder
that is set at this point as a folder for storing the image files
are displayed side-by-side on a reduced scale. The user can operate
the direction buttons 21 to select an image and operate the confirm
button 22 to specify the selected image as a representative image.
A frame F is displayed around the selected image to indicate that
the image is being selected. In order to indicate that images photographed
in the annotation photographing mode and the guide photographing
mode cannot be specified as representative images, they are displayed
in a different mode of display from the images photographed in the
normal photographing mode.
[0073] FIG. 5B is the screen displayed when the representative
image has been specified through the operation of the confirm button
22. The specified representative image is displayed on this screen.
The screen is continuously displayed for a short period of time
(several seconds).
[0074] FIG. 5C is the screen displayed after the screen of FIG.
5B is displayed. The images are displayed side-by-side in the folder
in a similar manner to FIG. 5A. The image specified as a representative
image is marked with a symbol S that indicates a representative
image.
[0075] FIG. 6 shows the flow of operations performed to set a representative
image in response to an instruction given by the user. First, the
representative image set button 27 is operated to check whether
or not an instruction for setting a representative image is entered
(step #200). If the instruction is not entered, the sequence of
operations ends. If the instruction is entered, the screen displayed
in FIG. 5A for specifying a representative image is displayed (#202).
Then, it is checked whether or not the image files of the images
photographed in the normal photographing mode are included in the
folder (#204). If no such image files are included in the folder,
the sequence of operations ends.
[0076] If one or more image files of the images photographed in
the normal photographing mode are included in the folder, the specification
of a representative image through the operation of the direction
buttons 21 and the confirm button 22 is accepted (#206). Then data
that marks a representative image is recorded in the tag of the
image file of the image specified as a representative image (#208).
After the image is displayed on an enlarged scale for a short period
of time as in FIG. 5B, the display is switched back to the original
state as indicated in FIG. 5C. Then the symbol S indicating a representative
image is added to the image specified as the representative image
(#210), thereby ending the sequence of operations.
[0077] FIGS. 7A to 7D show examples of screens displayed on the
display 19 in the annotation photographing mode. FIG. 7A is the
screen displayed when the annotation photographing button 24 is
operated. On this screen, all images stored in the folder that is
set at this point as a folder storing image files are displayed
side-by-side on a reduced scale. The user can operate the direction
buttons 21 to select an image and operate the confirm button 22
to specify the selected image as a parent image. A frame F is displayed
around the selected image to indicate that the image is being selected.
[0078] FIG. 7B is the screen displayed when the parent image has
been specified through the operation of the confirm button 22. This
screen displays the specified parent image, on which a frame R indicating
a region to which to add an annotation is displayed superimposed.
The region to which to add an annotation is set in a predetermined
size at the center of the parent image. The user can operate the
direction buttons 21 and the confirm button 22 to freely change
the size and the location of the region to which to add an annotation.
FIG. 7C shows how this is performed/achieved.
[0079] FIG. 7D is the screen displayed when the shutter release
button 17 is operated after a parent image and a region thereon
have been specified. This screen displays a recording image photographed
in response to the operation of the shutter release button 17, i.e.,
the after view of the image to be used as an annotation for the
parent image.
[0080] FIG. 8 shows the flow of operations performed in the annotation
photographing mode. This sequence of operations starts when the
annotation photographing button 24 is operated. First, the screen
shown in FIG. 7A for specifying a parent image is displayed (step
#300). Then, it is checked whether or not the image files of images
photographed in the normal photographing mode or image files recorded
with an external device are included in the folder (#302). If no
such image files are included in the folder, the sequence of the
operations ends.
[0081] If the image file of an image photographed in the normal
photographing mode or an image file recorded with the external device
is included in the folder, the specification of the parent image
through the operation of the direction buttons 21 and the confirm
button 22 is accepted (#304). Then, the screens shown in FIGS. 7B
and 7C for setting the region is displayed (#306), and then the
setting of the region through the operation of the direction buttons
21 and the confirm button 22 is accepted (#308).
[0082] Subsequently, it is checked whether or not an instruction
for photographing a recording image is entered through the operation
of the shutter release button 17 (step #310). If the instruction
is not entered, an image is sensed (# 312), and the sensed image
is displayed on the display 19 (#314). Then the flow returns to
step #310. A live view is provided by repeating steps #312 and #314.
[0083] If the instruction for photographing a recording image is
provided, an image is sensed (#316), the sensed image is displayed
(#318), and then the image file of the sensed image is recorded
onto the memory card M (#320). Further, association data indicating
that the photographed image is an annotation added to a partial
region of the parent image is recorded in the tags of the image
files of the photographed image and the parent image (#322). Then,
data that marks a representative image is recorded in the tag of
the image file of the parent image (#324), thereby ending the sequence
of operations. Maintaining the screen displayed in step #318 for
a short period of time provides an after view as shown in FIG. 7C.
[0084] FIGS. 9A and 9B show examples of screens displayed on the
display 19 in the guide photographing mode. FIG. 9A is the screen
displayed when the guide photographing button 25 is operated. On
this screen, all the images stored in the folder that is set at
this point as a folder storing the image files are displayed side-by-side
on a reduced scale. The user can operate the direction buttons 21
to select an image and operate the confirm button 22 to specify
the selected image as a guide image. A frame F is displayed around
the selected image for indicating that the image is being selected.
[0085] FIG. 9B is the screen displayed after the guide image is
specified. On this screen, the reduced guide image is displayed
superimposed on the live view. The user can specify the composition,
etc. of a new image to be photographed while viewing the guide image.
[0086] FIG. 10 shows the flow of operations performed in the guide
photographing mode. This sequence of operations starts when the
guide photographing button 25 is operated. First, the screen shown
in FIG. 9A for specifying a guide image is displayed (step #400).
Then, it is checked whether or not the image files of images photographed
in the normal photographing mode or image files recorded with an
external device are included in the folder (#402). If no such image
files are included in the folder, the sequence of operations ends.
[0087] If the image file of an image photographed in the normal
photographing mode or an image file recorded with the external device
is included in the folder, the specification of the guide image
through the operation of the direction button 21 and the confirm
button 22 is accepted (#404). Then, the specified guide image is
displayed on a reduced scale (#406).
[0088] Subsequently, it is checked whether or not an instruction
for photographing a recording image is entered through the operation
of the shutter release button 17 (#408). If the instruction is not
entered, an image is sensed (#410), the sensed image is displayed
on the display 19 (#412), and the flow returns to step #408. Steps
#410 and #412 are repeated to provide a live view, on a partial
region of which the guide image is superimposed.
[0089] If the instruction for photographing a recording image is
entered, an image is sensed (#414), the sensed image is displayed
(#416), and then the image file of the sensed image is recorded
onto the memory card M (#418). Further, association data indicating
that the photographed image is obtained by referring to the guide
image is recorded in the tags of the image files of the photographed
image and the guide image (#420). Then, data that marks a representative
image is recorded in the tag of the image file of the guide image
(#422), thereby ending the sequence of operations. Maintaining the
screen displayed in step #416 for a short period of time provides
an after view, thereby allowing the checking of whether or not the
after view is similar to the guide image on which the after view
is displayed superimposed.
[0090] FIGS. 11A to 11C show examples of screens displayed on the
display 19 in the playback mode for playing back images for display.
FIG. 11A is the screen displayed when the playback button 26 is
operated. On this screen, all the images D of the folders created
on the recording medium for storing the image files are displayed
side-by-side. Moreover, a representative image is superimposed on
the image of the folder storing the image file of the representative
image. The user can operate the direction buttons 21 and the confirm
button 22 to specify a desired folder.
[0091] FIG. 11B is the screen displayed after the folder is specified.
On this screen, all the images stored in the folder are displayed
side-by-side on a reduced scale. The representative image is marked
with the aforementioned symbol S marking a representative image.
The user can operate the direction buttons 21 to select an image
and operate the confirm button 22 to specify the selected image
as an image to be displayed. A frame F is displayed around the selected
image to indicate that the image is being selected. FIG. 11C is
the screen displaying the specified image.
[0092] FIG. 12 shows the flow of operations performed in the playback
mode. This sequence of operations starts when the playback button
26 is operated. First, the screen shown in FIG. 11A for specifying
a folder is displayed (step #500). Subsequently, the specification
of the folder is accepted (#502), and the screen shown in FIG. 11B
for specifying an image is displayed (#504). The specification of
the image is accepted (#506), and the specified image is displayed
as shown in FIG. 11C (#508). Subsequently, an instruction on whether
or not to display another image is accepted (#510). The flow returns
to step #508 if the instruction for displaying another image is
entered. If the instruction is not entered, the instruction is awaited.
[0093] The instruction for displaying another image is entered
through the operation of the direction buttons 21. Of the direction
buttons 21, the right button is used to specify the image located
immediately after the image displayed in step #508, and the left
button is used to specify the image located immediately before the
image displayed in step #508. The branching from step #510 to #508
in FIG. 12 is performed when these buttons are operated. Of the
direction buttons 21, the up button is used to enter an instruction
to display the screen for specifying a folder while the down button
is used for providing an instruction to display the screen for specifying
an image. When these buttons are operated, the flow returns to step
#500 and step #504, respectively. The playback mode is ended by
switching to any of the photographing modes.
[0094] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the external view
of a personal computer 2 according to a second embodiment of the
invention. The personal computer 2 includes: a main body 41 provided
with a CPU for performing various operations, a memory for storing
data, and a built-in recording medium such as a hard disk; and a
display 42 for displaying various kinds of data such as images and
characters. The main body 41 is provided with a card slot into which
a removable memory card M can be inserted. Moreover, although not
illustrated, the main body 41 is connected with a keyboard and a
mouse used for input operations.
[0095] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration
of the personal computer 2. The personal computer 2 has: a controller
43 including the CPU; an operation portion 44 including the mouse
and the keyboard; a storage portion 45 including the recording medium
such as a semiconductor memory and a hard disk; an input and output
portion 46 for performing input and output operations on the memory
card M; and a connection portion 47 for achieving a connection with
an external device via a cable. The storage portion 45 stores a
program containing instructions for the control performed by the
personal computer 2 and also a program containing instructions for
image processing performed by the personal computer 2. The CPU of
the controller 43 performs the necessary operations in accordance
with these programs. The storage portion 45 also stores images.
The images stored in the storage portion 45 are fed from the digital
camera 1 of the first embodiment via the cable or read out from
the memory card M used for the digital camera.
[0096] The personal computer 2 is capable of searching the memory
card M inserted in the digital camera 1 that is connected to the
personal computer 2 via the cable and also the memory card M inserted
in the card slot of the personal computer 2 itself so as to identify
what folders and what image files are stored on these memory cards
M. The personal computer 2 is also capable of reading an image file
from the memory card M to store it in the storage portion 45. The
image file stored in the storage portion 45 can be displayed on
the display 42 and edited.
[0097] FIG. 15 shows a search screen 50 displayed on the display
42 by the personal computer 2 to carry out a search for a folder
and an image file stored on the memory card M. The search screen
50 is displayed not only for searching the memory card M but also
for searching for a folder and a file stored in the storage portion
45. The search screen 50 includes a tree display region 51 and a
folder and file display region 52. The tree display region 51 displays
a folder tree 51a which indicates the relationship between a device
and folders in a tree structure. The folder and file display region
52 displays a folder 52a and files included in the specified device
or folder in the folder tree 51a. On the search screen 50, a representative
image specify button 53 is displayed for displaying a dialog box
for specifying a representative image.
[0098] When the user operates the mouse or the keys on the keyboard
to specify a device or a folder in the folder tree 51a displayed
in the tree display region 51, or the folder 52a displayed in the
folder and file display region 52, the images and names of the folders
and files stored in the specified device or folder are displayed
in the folder and file display region 52.
[0099] For example, in a case where the memory card M of the digital
camera 1 has a folder structure as shown in FIG. 3, when the user
specifies the memory card M as a device, the folder "FLDRMAIN"
is displayed in the folder and file display region 52, and the name
of this folder is also displayed in the folder tree 51a. Further,
when this folder is specified, the folders such as "FLDR0001"
included therein are displayed in the folder and file display region
52, and the names of the folders are also displayed in the folder
tree 51a.
[0100] When any of the image files stored in the image folder includes
data that marks a representative image, the image of the representative
image is displayed superimposed on the image of the folder. When
a plurality of representative images are specified for one folder,
the plurality of representative images are displayed side-by-side
on the image of the folder. However, displaying many images on the
image of one folder results in very small images, which makes it
difficult to recognize the contents thereof. Thus, an upper limit
is set on the number (e.g. 4) of representative images to be displayed
side-by-side on the image of one folder. A predetermine number of
representative images are thus displayed, while only the number
of representative images that are not displayed is displayed along
the image of the folder.
[0101] Suppose that, as shown in FIG. 17, image files P1 to P6
are stored in the folder "FLDR0001". In this case, for
example, screens as shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B are displayed in
the folder and file display region 52. FIG. 16A shows a case where
only the image of the image file P1 is set as a representative image,
in which case only the image P1 is displayed superimposed on the
image of the folder "FLDR0001". FIG. 16B shows a case
where the images of the four image files P1, P2, P4, and P6 are
set as representative images, and in addition the upper limit on
the number of representative images to be displayed is set at 2.
In this case, on the image of the folder "FLDR0001", the
images P1 and P2 are displayed side-by-side, while the number N,
which represents the number of remaining representative images that
are not displayed, is displayed by the side of the image of the
folder.
[0102] The order in which representative images are displayed is
determined in accordance with the dates and times of creation of
the image files of the representative images, but this order can
be changed by the user. As in FIG. 16B, even some representative
images that remain undisplayed can be displayed by changing the
order of display.
[0103] FIG. 18 shows the flow of operations performed to search
the memory card M. First, it is checked whether or not folders are
included in the specified device or folder (step #600). If no folder
is included therein, the sequence of operations ends. If one or
more folders are included in the specified device or folder, the
image and the name of one of the folders included are displayed
in the folder and file display region 52 (#602). Subsequently, it
is checked whether or not image files are stored in the folder (#604).
If no image files are stored therein, the flow returns to step #600
to perform the operations in steps #600 and #602 for the next folder.
[0104] If one or more image files are stored in the folder, the
data recorded in the tag of each image file is read to check whether
or not data that marks a representative image is included therein
(#606). If no data that marks a representative image is included
therein, the flow returns to step #600. If data that marks a representative
image is included in the tag of any of the image files, it is checked
whether or not the number of image files including this data, i.e.,
the number of representative images, is equal to or less than a
predetermined number (#608).
[0105] When the number of representative images is equal to or
less than the predetermined number, all the representative images
are displayed superimposed on the image of the folder displayed
in step #602 (#610). Then, the flow returns to step #600. When the
number of representative images exceeds the predetermined number,
the predetermined number of representative images are superimposed
on the image of the folder (#612), while only the number of representative
images that are not displayed is displayed together (#604). Then,
the sequence of the operations returns to step #600.
[0106] While the search screen 50 (FIG. 15) is displayed, the user
can display on the display 42 the image contained in an image file
stored in a folder on the memory card M, and also can read an image
file from a folder on the memory card M to store it in the storage
portion 45. Moreover, the user can display on the display 42 the
image of an image file read from a folder on the image card M and
then stored in the storage portion 45.
[0107] FIG. 19 shows the flow of operations performed to read an
image from the memory card M to store the image in the storage portion
45. First, the operation for searching the memory card M shown in
FIG. 18 is performed (step #700). Then, while folders are displayed
in the folder and file display region 52, the folder specification
made by the user is accepted (#702). Then all the image files stored
in the specified folder are copied onto the recording medium of
the storage portion 45 (#704). In this operation, a folder is created
that has the same name as that of the folder from which the image
files are read, so that the read image files are stored in the created
folder. The folder is specified through the operation of the mouse
or the keyboard. The names of the read image files and the name
of the folder that stores the image files can be changed on the
search screen.
[0108] In the operations of FIG. 19, the image files are read folder
by folder. Alternatively, the image files may be read individually
in the following manner. All the image files stored in the folder
are displayed when the folder is specified in step #702. After accepting
the image file specification, the specified image file is copied
into the storage portion 45. In this case, a new folder may be created
as described above so that the image file is stored therein, or
the image file can be stored in an existing folder.
[0109] FIG. 20 shows the flow of operations performed to display
the image of an image file stored in the storage portion 45. First,
the operation for searching the storage portion 45 is performed
(step #800). This operation is similar to the operation for searching
the memory card M shown in FIG. 18. Subsequently, the folder specification
made by the user is accepted while the folder is being displayed
in the folder and file display region 52 (#802), and the images
and the names of all the images files stored in the specified folder
are displayed side-by-side in the folder and file display region
52 (#804). The image file specification is then accepted (#806),
and the image of the specified image file is displayed on the display
42 (#808), thereby ending the sequence of operation. In step #806,
the image is displayed on a display screen which is different from
the search screen 50.
[0110] The operations for directly displaying the image of an image
file stored on the memory card M is also almost the same as the
operations shown in FIG. 20. The only difference is that the memory
card M is searched in step "#800.
[0111] New representative images can be set and existing representative
images can be changed on the personal computer 2. The dialog box
for specifying a representative image is displayed for this operation.
As described above, the dialog box for specifying a representative
image is displayed through the operation of the representative image
specify button 53 displayed on the search screen 50.
[0112] FIG. 21 shows a representative image specification dialog
box 60. The representative image specification dialog box 60 includes
a directory path display region 61 and a representative image file
name display region 62. The representative image file name display
region 62 displays the file name of an image specified as a representative
image, and the directory path display region 61 displays the directory
path to that image file.
[0113] The representative image specification dialog box 60 displays
a browse button 63, an add button 64, a delete button 65, an OK
button 66, a cancel button 67, a representative image display check
box 68, a file display check box 69, a representative image storage
check box 70, a sort method selection region 71, and a sort direction
selection region 72. The browse button 63 is operated to display
a dialog box that permits the selection of the file name of an image
as a representative image. FIG. 22 shows a file name selection dialog
box 80 displayed when the browse button 63 is operated.
[0114] The file name selection dialog box 80 includes a folder
display region 81 for displaying a folder 81a, and a file name display
region 82 for displaying a file name 82a of a file included in a
folder selected in the folder display region 81. The file name selection
dialog box 80 also includes an open button 83. A representative
image can be specified by selecting (clicking) a file name displayed
in the file name display region 82 and then operating the open button
83.
[0115] The add button 64 included in the representative image specification
dialog box 60 (FIG. 21) is operated to add an image specified in
the file name selection dialog box 80 to what is being displayed
in the representative image file name display region 62. Specifically,
the add button 64 is used to give an instruction to add the image
as a representative image. The delete button 65 is used to give
an instruction to delete a representative image already set. Selecting
a file name displayed in the representative image file name display
region 62 and subsequently operating the delete button 65 results
in deleting the image of that file from the representative images.
[0116] The OK button 66 is used to end the sequence of operations
while saving the results set at the representative image specification
dialog box 60. The cancel button 67 is used to end the sequence
of operations without saving the set results. When the sequence
of operations is ended through the operation of the Ok button 66,
the set results are immediately reflected on the personal computer
2, so that the representative images displayed superimposed on the
image of the folder on the search screen 50 becomes those set at
the representative image specification dialog box 60.
[0117] The representative image display check box 68 is used to
specify whether or not a representative image is to be displayed
superimposed on the image of the folder. When the user does not
want a representative image to be displayed superimposed on the
image of the folder on the search screen 50, the user can operate
this check box to display only the image of the folder. The representative
image storage check box 70 is used to specify whether or not to
store in a file the relationship between the representative image
set at the representative image specification dialog box 60 and
the folder. This file is created in the form of a text file in the
folder, so that the file can be used by being referred to from various
application programs.
[0118] The file display check box 69 is used to specify whether
to display the file names of all the image files stored in the folder
or the files names of only those stored in the folder which contains
data recorded to mark a representative image. The sort method selection
region 71 and the sort direction selection region 72 display items
on the basis of which to specify the order in which the file names
are to be displayed in the file name display region 82 of the file
name selection dialog box 80. The sort method selection region 71
displays five items including "by attribute", "by
name", "by date", "by size", and "by
extension". The sort direction selection region 72 displays
2 items including "ascending order" and "descending
order". The user can freely select from among the items.
[0119] The order in which the representative images are displayed
superimposed side-by-side on the image of the folder corresponds
to the order in which the file names are displayed in the representative
image file name display region 62 of the representative image specification
dialog box 60. In the representative image file image display region
62, the file names are displayed in the order in which the file
names have been added through the operation of the add button 64.
The user can change the order of the file names displayed in the
representative image file name display region 62 by selecting and
moving a file name therein. In this way, the user can change the
order in which the representative images are displayed superimposed
side-by-side on the image of the folder. This function allows, when
there exist more than a predetermined number of representative images
that can be displayed at once, a representative image that has not
been displayed to be newly displayed.
[0120] FIG. 23 shows the flow of operations performed to set a
representative image. First, it is checked whether or not an instruction
for setting a representative image is given through the operation
of the representative image specify button 53 (step #900). If the
instruction is not given, the sequence of the operations ends. If
the instruction for setting a representative image is given, the
above-mentioned representative image specification dialog box 60
is displayed to permit the setting of a representative image (#902),
and the specification of the representative image is accepted (#904).
Then, data related to the specified representative image is stored
(#906), thereby ending the sequence of the operations.
[0121] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore
to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the
invention may be practiced other than as specifically described. |