The present invention relates to an image storage apparatus and a program for storing image files.
Recently, as the use of digital cameras has spread, image files such as those for digital photos are widely employed. Since image files hold a larger amount of data than text files, etc., the capacity of a removable memory to which a digital camera outputs image files tends to be insufficient. In order to resolve this problem, a portable image viewer has been developed (see, for example, non-patent document 1).
However, according to the portable image viewer described in non-patent document 1, since all the files stored in a removable memory are written to a built-in hard disk while maintaining a directory tree structure, there is a problem with an operation performed for an image that is deeply located, relative to the directory hierarchy. In this specification, the structure of a directory in which the individual nodes of a tree structure correspond to folders or files is called a directory tree structure.
Further, since the identification of contents by file name is more difficult for image files, such as digital photos, than for text files, etc., performing a search is difficult unless the stored files are arranged using such as folders. To resolve this problem, a digital photo management tool has been developed (see, for example, non-patent document 2).
As programs for managing files stored on a storage medium, such as a hard disk, a file system is known that is generally provided as part of an OS, and an application, such as the digital photo management tool described in non-patent document 2, that manages only a specific type of files. According to the file system that employs directories having a tree structure, lists of files and folders that belong to a current directory are displayed, and the operations performed for the files and folders on the lists are accepted. According to the application described in non-patent document 2, image files can be grouped, regardless of the hierarchical structure of the directories, and a list of image files can be displayed for each group and an operation for a displayed image file can be accepted, so that the management and operation of the image file can be easily performed.
However, a directory entry for an image file that is managed by the application described in non-patent document 2 can not easily be understood by referring to the GUI for the application, and thus, it is difficult for the image file to be accessed using the file system of the OS by tracing the hierarchy of the directory step by step. Therefore, in order to access the image file managed by the application described in non-patent document 2, the application must be started each time.
Further, since the digital photo management tool described in non-patent document 2 fetches only image files, backing up the entire removable memory is not enabled.
Furthermore, the application described in non-patent document 2 searches image files by tracing the directories each time a list of image files is displayed. Therefore, a problem with the application described in non-patent document 2 is that it requires time to display the list.
(Non-Patent Document 1)
Nippon Pola Digital 20GBHDD 1.8 Type Liquid Crystal Mounted Portable Image Viewer, Impress Corp., Sep. 25, 2002, [Searched on Dec. 18, 2002], Internet <URL: http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/pc/docs/2002/0925/npola.htm>
(Non-Patent Document 2)
iphoto, Apple Computer Inc., 2002, [Searched on Dec. 18, 2002], Internet <URL: http://www.apple.co.jp/iphoto>
(Problems that the Invention is to Solve)
A first objective of the present invention is to provide an image storage apparatus that is superior in the operation of image files, and a program therefor.
A second objective of the present invention is to provide an image storage apparatus that can back up the entire storage medium and is superior in the operation of image files, and a program therefor.
A third objective of the present invention is to provide an image storage apparatus that can browse image files within a short period of time, and a program therefor.
(Means for Solving the Problems)
To achieve the first objective, an image storage apparatus includes:
To achieve the first objective, it is preferable that the image storage apparatus further include:
setup means for setting, for each folder in the storage means, either the first mode or the second mode to display the index of the file or the folder that is subordinated to the selected folder. Since means is provided for setting, for each folder, the first mode or the second mode to display the index of the folder, the efficiency of the file operation can be increased.
To achieve the first objective, it is preferable that the file operation means of the image storage apparatus display, as an index for a file that is subordinated to the selected folder, a list of thumbnail images of the image files that are subordinated to the selected folder and are stored in the storage means. Since the list of thumbnail images is displayed as an index, the efficiency of the operation for the image files can be even more increased.
To achieve the first objective, it is preferable that the image storage apparatus further include:
input means for entering, in the storage means, an image file that is stored on an external storage medium, while directly subordinating the image file to a first folder for which an index is displayed in the first mode, and for entering, in the storage means, all the image files stored on the external storage medium, while maintaining a directory tree structure for the external storage medium and placing all the subordinated image files in a second folder for which an index is displayed in the second mode. Since all the files stored on the external storage medium are entered in the storage means and are subordinated to a predetermined folder, while the directory tree structure of the external storage medium is maintained, all the files stored on the storage medium can be completely backed up. Furthermore, the image files that are located at multiple depths in folders and that are completely backed up can be browsed by displaying the indexes in the second mode. Further, when these image files are directly subordinated to the folder for which the index is displayed in the first mode and are stored in the storage means, these image files can all be viewed at the same time in the first mode. Since the target to be displayed on the list in the first mode is only one in a current directory, the index can be displayed more quickly than in the second mode. Therefore, the image files that are directly subordinated to the first folder and that are stored in the storage means can be quickly displayed as a list.
To achieve the second objective, an image storage apparatus includes:
storage means;
selection means for selecting an arbitrary folder subordinate to a first folder in the storage means;
input means for entering, in the storage means, an image file stored on an external storage medium while directly subordinating the image file to the folder selected by the selection means, and for entering, in the storage means, all the files stored on the external storage medium, while maintaining a directory tree structure of the external storage medium and subordinating the files to a second folder in the storage means; and
file operation means for displaying indexes for all the files that are stored in the storage means and that are directly subordinated to the arbitrary folder, and for accepting an operation for files included in the indexes that are displayed. All the files stored on the external storage means are entered in the storage means and are subordinated to the second folder in the storage means, while the directory tree structure of the storage medium is maintained, so that all the files stored on the storage medium can be completely backed up. Further, since image files stored on the external storage medium are entered in the storage medium while directly subordinated to the folder selected by the selection means, the indexes for all the files directly subordinated to the folder are displayed, and the operation for the files included in the displayed indexes is accepted and the efficiency of the operation for the image files is increased.
To achieve the second objective, it is preferable that the file operation means of the image storage apparatus display, as an index for an image file that is stored in the storage means and is directly subordinated to an arbitrary folder, a list of thumbnail images for all the image files that are stored in the storage means and that are directly subordinated to the arbitrary file. Since the list of thumbnail images is displayed as an index, the efficiency of the operation for the image files is increased.
To achieve the second objective, it is preferable that the input means of the image storage apparatus store, in the storage means, all the image files of a predetermined type stored on the external storage medium, while directly subordinating the image files to the folder selected by the selection means. Since all the image files of a predetermined type stored on the external storage medium are entered in the storage means and are directly subordinated to the folder selected by the selection means, the labor required each time to select an image file stored on the external storage medium and to enter the image file in the storage means can be reduced.
To achieve the second objective, it is preferable for the image storage apparatus that the first folder not be subordinated to the second folder. When the first folder is not subordinated to the second folder, user confusion caused by a single file being subordinated to multiple different folders can be prevented.
To achieve the second objective, it is preferable for the image storage apparatus that the second folder not be subordinated to the first folder. When the second folder is not subordinated to the first folder, user confusion caused by a single file being subordinated to multiple different folders can be prevented.
To achieve the second objective, an image storage program functions a computer as:
storage means;
selection means for selecting an arbitrary folder subordinated to a first folder in the storage means;
input means for entering, in the storage means, an image file stored on an external storage medium while placing the image file directly under the folder selected by the selection means, and for entering, in the storage means, all the files stored on the external storage medium, while maintaining a directory tree structure of the external storage medium and placing the files subordinate to a second folder in the storage means that is not subordinate to the first folder; and
file operation means for displaying indexes for all the files that are stored in the storage means and belong directly to the arbitrary folder, and for accepting an operation for files included in the displayed indexes.
To achieve the third objective, an image storage apparatus includes:
storage means;
selection means for selecting a folder in the storage means;
collection means for searching for image files of a predetermined type subordinated to a predetermined folder, and for storing the image files thus found in the storage means, while placing the image files directly under the folder selected by the selection means; and
file operation means for displaying indexes for all the files that are stored in the storage means and that belong directly to an arbitrary folder, and for accepting an operation for files included in the displayed indexes. When the image files of a predetermined type subordinated to a predetermined folder are stored while being subordinated to the folder selected by the selection means, and when the indexes for all the files that belong directly to the selected folder are displayed, the image files of a predetermined type located at multiple depths can be browsed in a predetermined folder. Since targets to be displayed as a list are only those in a current directory, a search for image files performed by tracing the directories is not required each time a list display is performed, so that the time required for a list display can be reduced. Therefore, according to the image storage apparatus, the image files can be browsed within a short period of time.
To achieve the third objective, it is preferable that the collection means of the image storage apparatus rename the image file that is found as a file having a name that represents the time the image file was created. When the image file is renamed and has a file name that represents the creation time, the creation time for the image file can be obtained in accordance with the file name.
To achieve the third objective, it is preferable that the selection means of the image storage apparatus be capable of selecting only a folder not subordinated to the predetermined folder. When selection of a folder subordinated to the predetermined folder is prohibited, user confusion caused by a single file being subordinated to multiple different folders can be prevented.
To achieve the third objective, it is preferable that the selection means of the image storage apparatus be capable of selecting only a folder not subordinated to the predetermined folder. When selection of a folder subordinated to the predetermined folder is prohibited, user confusion caused by a single file being subordinated to multiple different folders can be prevented.
To achieve the third objective, it is preferable that the file operation means of the image storage apparatus display, as indexes for image files that are stored in the storage means and belong directly to an arbitrary folder, a list of thumbnail images of all the image files that are stored in the storage means and belong directly to the arbitrary folder. Since the list of thumbnail images is displayed as an index, the operation performed for image files is increased.
To achieve the third objective, an image storage program performs such functions of a computer as:
storage means;
selection means for selecting a folder in the storage means;
collection means for searching for image files of a predetermined type subordinated to a predetermined folder, and for storing, in the storage means, image files thus found that belong directly to the folder selected by the selection means; and
file operation means for displaying indexes for all the files that are stored in the storage means and belong directly to an arbitrary folder, and for accepting an operation for files included in the displayed indexes.
The functions of multiple means included in the present invention are provided by hardware resources whose functions are designated by the configurations, by hardware resources whose functions are designated by programs, or by the combination of them. Furthermore, the functions of these multiple means are not limited to those provided by hardware resources that are physically independent.
Further, the present invention can be specified as an invention for a recording medium on which a program is recorded, and as an invention for a method.
The modes of an image storage apparatus and program therefor that achieve the first objective will now be described based on embodiments. In the explanation for a first embodiment, an image file (hereinafter referred to as an “Exif file”) that conforms to an Exif file form is regarded as an image file of a predetermined type cited in the claims. The Exif file form is a file form for a digital still camera, and includes an attached information area for storing attached information related to a digital image, such as the day and time photographed, the exposure and shutter speed, an image data area for storing digital images, and a thumbnail image data area for storing thumbnail images of digital images stored in the image data area.
The CPU 11 controls the entire image storage apparatus 1 by executing programs stored in the ROM 12 and on the HDD 15. Further, by executing an image storage program stored on the HDD 15, the CPU 11 functions as selection means, collection means, file operation means, setup means and input means. The ROM 12 is a memory in which programs and data required to operate the CPU 11 are stored in advance. The RAM 13 is a memory in which various programs and data are temporarily stored. These programs and data may be read from the removable memory 19 and input, or when communication means connectable to a network is prepared, these programs and data may be downloaded from a predetermined server via the network and input. When an interface, such as USB or Bluetooth, with a personal computer has been set up the programs and data may be input from the personal computer via the interface.
The display unit 14 includes a CRT or a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a display controller. The display unit 14 is controlled by the CPU 11, and displays digital images stored in the Exif file that is received, for example, from the removable memory 19. The display unit 14 also functions as file operation means, setup means and input means, and displays a screen for selecting a folder, a screen for displaying an index for a file or a folder, a screen for setting a mode for each folder, a screen for selecting a first folder and a screen for accepting an operation for a file.
The HDD 15 includes a hard disk and a hard disk controller. The HDD 15 functions as storage means, and stores an operating system (OS), an image storage program, image files such as Exif files and various data.
The operation unit 16 includes press button switches: a 4-way button, used to move a cursor displayed on the display unit 14 in every direction, or to select a button to be highlighted on a display, or to select a folder or a thumbnail image; an [OK] button, used to enter a selection; a [cancel] button, used to cancel a selection and return to the upper screen or the upper folder; and a [menu] button, used to display various menus. The operation unit 16 functions as selection means, file operation means, setup means and input means, and is used to select an item displayed on the display unit 14.
The input unit 17 includes a card slot and a memory controller. The input unit 17 functions as input means, and under the control of the CPU 11, reads a file from the removable memory 19 loaded in the card slot, or writes a file to the removable memory 19. The removable memory 19 is an external memory medium detachable from the input unit 17, and specifically, for example, is a card type flash memory detachable from a digital still camera. The removable memory 19, such as a flash memory of a card type, a flexible disk, an MO, a CD-R or a DVD, may be employed as an external storage medium, and data on the external storage medium may be written to the HDD 15 via the input unit 17. Or a non-volatile memory incorporated in the digital camera 3, for example, may be employed as an external storage medium, and data may be written from that memory to the HDD 15 via the input unit 17.
The mode setup process 21 is a process for setting, for each folder on the HDD 15, the first mode or the second mode to display the indexes for files or folders subordinated to a selected folder. The mode setup process 21, for example, displays a mode setup screen 33 in
The folder selection process 22 is a process for selecting a folder. Specifically, for example, when a user issues a folder selection instruction through a predetermined manipulation, the folder selection process 22 displays a folder selection screen 34 in
The mode determination process 23 is a process for determining, in accordance with the file name output by the folder selection process 22, whether the index should be displayed in the first mode or the second mode. Specifically, for example, when the folder name is output by the folder selection process, the display process 24 in the first mode, or the display process 25 in the second mode, the mode determination process 23 obtains, from the mode setup information, mode information consonant with the folder name, and when the first mode is designated in the obtained mode information, determines that the index should be displayed in the first mode, and instructs the display process 24 in the first mode to perform a process. When the second mode is designated, the mode determination process 23 instructs the display process 25 in the second mode to perform a process. When, for example, a [folder A] folder is selected, the mode determination process 23 instructs the display process 24 in the first mode to perform the process, and when a [folder C] folder is selected, instructs the display process 25 in the second mode to perform the process.
The display process 24 in the first mode is a process for displaying the indexes of files or folders that belong directly to a folder. Further, the display process 24 in the first mode accepts an operation for a file or a folder included in the displayed indexes. Specifically, for example, when a folder name is output by the mode determination process 23, the display process 24 in the first mode obtains, from the OS, the file names and the folder names for files that are stored in the HDD 15 and belong directly to the folder corresponding to the folder name. And for an Exif file among the files corresponding to the obtained file names, the display process 24 in the first mode displays a list of thumbnail images stored in the Exif file on an index display screen, for files other than the Exif file, displays a list of file icons, and for folders, displays a list of folder icons. As a result, indexes are displayed. It should be noted that thumbnail images may be displayed for image files other than Exif files. When the list of thumbnail images is displayed as an index, a search for an image can be easily performed, and an operation for an image file is improved.
The index display screen 31 in
Further, the display process 24 in the first mode accepts an operation for a file or folder included in the displayed index. Specifically, for example, when a thumbnail image is selected on the index display screen, and when the [OK] button is pressed in this state, the display process 24 in the first mode accepts this operation as an operation for displaying a digital image that is stored in an Exif file corresponding to the selected thumbnail image. After accepting the display operation, the display process 24 in the first mode outputs to the operation performance process 26 the file name of the Exif file that corresponds to the selected thumbnail image and operation information indicating “display”. Further, when the “menu” button is pressed while the thumbnail image is selected, the display process 24 in the first mode displays an operation selection menu to select an available operation for an Exif file that corresponds to the selected thumbnail image. Then, an operation other than the display operation is to be accepted. Operation choices displayed on the operation selection menu are, for example, copy, rename, move and delete. The same process is performed when a file icon indicating a file other than an Exif file has been selected, and operation choices available for the pertinent file are displayed on the menu. An operation for a folder is accepted only on the operation selection menu. Operation choices displayed are, for example, create new folder, copy folder, rename folder and delete folder.
When the [OK] button is pressed while the folder icon is selected, the display process 24 in the first mode accepts, as a next selected folder, a folder that corresponds to the selected folder icon, and outputs the selected folder name to the mode determination process 23. When the [Cancel] button is pressed, the display process 24 in the first mode accepts a folder having a higher precedence as the next selected folder, regardless of the presence/absence of a selection, obtains the name of the folder having the higher precedence from the OS, and outputs the folder name to the mode determination process 23. Upon receiving the folder name, the mode determination process 23 again determines, in accordance with the mode designated for the folder corresponding to the pertinent folder name, whether a display should be provided in the first mode or the second mode, and in accordance with the determination results, instructs the display process 24 in the first mode or the display process 25 in the second mode to perform the process. Therefore, in the first mode, files can be searched and operated by hierarchically tracing the directory tree structure. These processes can be performed in the same manner when the [Cancel] button is pressed during the display process 25 in the second mode.
The display process 25 in the second mode is a process for displaying the indexes for all the Exif files that are subordinated to a folder. Further, as well as the display process 24 in the first mode, the display process 25 in the second mode accepts an operation for a file.
The index display screen 32 in
The operation performance process 26 is a process for performing an accepted operation. When the display process 24 in the first mode or the display process 25 in the second mode outputs a file name or a folder name and operation information, the operation performance process 26 performs the operation, designated by the operation information, relative to a file consonant with the file name or a folder consonant with the folder name. For example, when the operation information is “display”, an Exif file consonant with the pertinent file name is read from the HDD 15, and a digital image held in the Exif file is displayed on the display unit 14.
The file input process 27 is a process for writing to the HDD 15 an Exif file that is stored in the removable memory 19, while locating the Exif file directly subordinate to a first folder for which the index is displayed in the first mode, and for also writing to the HDD 15 all the files stored in the removable memory 19, while maintaining the directory tree structure of the removable memory 19 and locating the files directly subordinate to a second folder for which the index is displayed in the second mode.
Furthermore, the file input process 27 writes to the HDD 15 all the files stored in the removable memory 19, while maintaining the directory tree structure of the removable memory 19 and placing the files subordinate to a second folder for which the index is displayed in the second mode. It should be noted that in the explanation for the first embodiment, an example wherein the [Cards] folder is always fixed as the second folder is employed.
The tree structure on the HDD 15 after the input process has been performed is shown in
Further, directly under the [Cards] folder, which is the second folder, the file input process 27 prepares a folder having a name consisting of a process execution date and a serial number. The serial number is reset to 1 when the date is changed, and is incremented by one each time reading from the removable memory 19 is instructed. In the example shown in the drawing, [20021225.001], [20021225.002] and [20021228.001] are folders that have been created. When the folders are created, all the files stored in the removable memory 19 are entered directly under the created folders while the tree structure is maintained. An area enclosed, indicated by a broken line 52, in
In the first embodiment, all the Exif files stored in the removable memory 19 have been stored as directly belonging to the first folder; however, a user may select Exif files to be stored. Further, the folder of the removable memory 19 may be selected, and only an Exif file that is stored while directly belonging to the selected folder or being subordinated to the selected folder may be stored.
According to the above described image storage apparatus 1 for the first embodiment of the present invention, since the first mode and the second mode are automatically changed in accordance with the selected folder, files can be easily browsed in accordance with the usage of a folder. Therefore, according to the image storage apparatus 1, the operation for the Exif file can be improved.
In the first embodiment, it should be noted that a list of thumbnails is displayed as an index; however, a list of file names may be displayed as an index.
Further, in the first embodiment, an image file having the Exif file form has been explained as an example for the image file of a predetermined type. However, the image file of a predetermined type may be an image file having another form, such as a JPEG form, a TIFF form or a bitmap form. In this case, the thumbnail image must be stored separately in correlation with the form.
The mode for an image storage apparatus and a program therefor that achieve the second objective will now be described based on one embodiment. No explanation will be given for the sections that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment.
Assume, for example, that the path for layout designation file shikaku00.usd has been written to index file shikaku_0.usm. When image file 00001.JPG is to be correlated with layout designation file shikaku00.usd, a ust file having file name 00001.ust is created, and path shikaku_0.usm is written to the ust file. As a result, 00001.JPG and shikaku00.usd are correlated with each other.
The directory tree structure under the folder for each maker can be individually determined by the maker. In the case of the [100MakerA] folder, an image file and a correlation file are stored while they belong directly to or are subordinated to the [Gazou] folder, and the layout designation file and the index file are stored while they belong directly to a [Layout] folder.
The selection acceptance process 30 is a process for accepting the selection of an arbitrary folder subordinated to the first folder. Specifically, the selection acceptance process 30 is initiated when, for example, a user selects a [read card] button to be highlighted on a screen shown in
The file storage process 31 is a process for writing to the HDD 15 all the image files stored in the removable memory 19, while placing these files directly under the selected folder, and for writing to the HDD 15 all the files stored in the removable memory 19, while maintaining the directory tree structure of the removable memory 19 and locating the files so they are subordinated to the second folder of the HDD 15. Specifically, for example, when the folder name of the selected folder is output, the file storage process 31 enters, directly under the selected folder, all the image files stored in the removable memory 19.
The tree structure for the HDD 15 after the file storage process has been performed is shown in
In addition, directly under the [Cards] folder, which is the second folder, the file storage process 31 creates a folder having a name consisting of a process execution date and a serial number. The serial number is reset to 1 when the date is changed, and is incremented by one each time an instruction to read the removable memory 19 is issued. In the example in the drawing, [20021225.001], [20021225.002] and [20021228.001] are the folders that have been created. After the folders have been created, all the files stored in the removable memory 19 are stored directly under these folders while maintaining the tree structure. Therefore, the area enclosed by a broken line 52 in
The file operation process 33 is a process for displaying an index for all the files, stored on the HDD 15, that belong directly to an arbitrary folder. The file operation process 33 accepts the section and the operation for a file included in the index that is displayed. Specifically, the file operation process 33 is initiated, for example, by selecting “browse” on a screen in
In the example in
The same process is performed when the [Cards depository] button is selected on the screen shown in
That is, the file operation process 33 does not include, in the index, the thumbnail image of an image file that is subordinated to, but does not belong directly to a selected folder. Therefore, in order to display the index for the selected folder, only the image files that belong directly to the folder must be searched, and the subordinate image files need not be searched by tracking directories. Therefore, the search time can be reduced, and a quick display is possible. Furthermore, since the displaying of the file index and the limiting of the index in a general file system are identical, i.e., since a file that is subordinated to a specific folder but does not belong directly to the specific folder is not included in the index for the folder, the tree structure of the HDD 15 is easily understood by a user. When, for example, a folder is selected, and only image files that belong directly to the folder are included in the folder, the user can easily apprehend which image files belong directly to the pertinent folder. Further, when a folder icon is displayed together with the image files, the user can easily apprehend the hierarchical structure of the folder.
The file operation process 33 also accepts the selection and the operation of a file included in an index that is displayed. Specifically, for example, when a user selects a thumbnail image on a screen shown in
The operation performance process 34 is a process for performing an operation for a file. When the file name of the image file and the operation information are received, the operation performance process 34 performs an operation, indicated by the operation information, for the image file specified by the file name. When “display”, for example, is selected as an operation, a digital image stored in an image file (hereinafter referred to as a “selected image file”) that is consonant with the output file name is displayed on the display unit 14. When “delete”, for example, is selected as an operation, the selected image file is deleted. When move is selected, a folder selection screen (not shown) for selecting a destination folder is displayed, and the selected image file is moved to a folder selected on the folder selection screen. When an image file having the same name is already present in the folder selected on the folder selection screen, a file name that does not overlap is provided for the image file that is to be stored. When copy is selected, a folder selection screen is displayed for selecting a copy destination folder, and the selected image file is copied to a folder selected on the folder selection screen. When a folder to which the selected image file belongs directly is selected, the image file is stored while a file name that does not overlap is provided for the image file. When rename is selected, a file name designation screen (not shown) is displayed for the designation of a file name, and the file name of the selected image file is changed to the file name designated on the file name designation screen.
According to the second embodiment described above, all the files stored in the removable memory 19 are stored on the HDD 15 as being subordinated to the [Cards folder], while the directory tree structure of the removable memory 19 is maintained. As a result, all the files stored in the removable memory 19 can be completely backed up. Further, image files stored in the removable memory 19 are stored on the HDD 15 while the files are placed directly under a selected folder, the indexes for all the files that belong directly to the folder are displayed, and an operation for a file included in the displayed indexes is accepted. Thus, the operation capability of the image file is increased.
In addition, according to the second embodiment, since the files stored in the removable memory 19 are completely backed up, the correlation between files other than image files, like a printing designation file and a layout designation file, that are stored in correlation with image files can be maintained.
It should be noted that, in the second embodiment, the list of thumbnail images is displayed as an index; however, the list of file names may be displayed as an index.
The mode for an image storage apparatus and a program therefor that achieve the third objective will now be described based on one embodiment. No explanation will be given for the sections that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment. The day a photograph was taken and the time it was stored in an image file in an Exif form is information indicating that a digital image stored in the image file was obtained, and in a third embodiment, the day photographed and time corresponds to the creation time of an image file. Further, a “predetermined folder” cited in claims is an arbitrary folder to which an image file of a predetermined type, which is stored in the image storage apparatus, is subordinated. In the explanation for the third embodiment, a case wherein the root folder in the removable memory, which is detachable from the image storage apparatus, is fixed as a “predetermined folder” is employed as an example. That is, in the third embodiment, an explanation will be given by employing, as an example, a case for the storage, in the image storage apparatus, all of the Exif files that are obtained by a digital still camera and are stored in a removable memory. The root folder is the folder having the highest precedence of all the folders that serve as individual nodes for the directory tree structure of the removable memory, and is the starting point of the directory tree structure.
The folder selection process 21 is a process for selecting a folder on an HDD 15. The folder selection process 21 is initiated when a user enters a predetermined instruction while a removable memory 19 is loaded in an input unit 17. When the process is instructed, first, the folder selection process 21 displays, for example, a folder selection screen 31 shown in
The file collection process 22 is a process for searching for an Exif file subordinated to the predetermined folder, for renaming the obtained Exif file to a file name that represents the creation time of this Exif file, and for storing the resultant file in the HDD 15, with the file belonging directly to the folder selected using the folder selection process 21. Specifically, as an example, the file collection process 22 sequentially traces a directory toward the lower depths, beginning at the predetermined folder, and searches for an Exif file that is stored directly under the predetermined file and an Exif file that is stored directly under a folder subordinated to the predetermined folder. When Exif files are found, these Exif files are copied to a location immediately under the selected folder. At this time, the file collection process 22 obtains a day and time photographed, based on information attached to the obtained Exif file, and changes the file name of a new Exif file created by copying the original Exif file to the file name that represents the obtained day and time photographed.
In the third embodiment, an explanation has been given for an example wherein the predetermined folder is fixed as the root folder for the removable memory 19. However, a user may select a predetermined folder. In this case, the predetermined folder may be a folder on the HDD 15. Further, a digital still camera and the image storage apparatus can be connected by a cable, and a folder in the storage means of the digital still camera can be employed as a predetermined folder. Furthermore, in the third embodiment, all the Exif files stored in the removable memory 19 have been held to belong directly to a selected folder. However, Exif files to be stored may be selected by a user. In addition, a folder in the removable memory 19 may be selected, and only Exif files that belong directly to a selected folder or are subordinated to the selected folder may be stored.
The file operation process 23 is a process for displaying the index for all the files that belong directly to a folder, and for accepting an operation for files included in the displayed index. Specifically, the file operation process 23 is initiated when, for example, “browse” is selected on a screen 32 on
In addition, when, for example, the [Card] button is selected and the “Gazou” folder is accepted as a designated folder, on an index display screen 36 in
The file operation process 23 further accepts an operation for a file included in the displayed index. Specifically, when, for example, the manipulation for pressing the [OK] button is performed while a thumbnail image is selected on the index display screen, the file operation process 23 accepts this manipulation as an operation for the display of a digital image stored in an Exif file that is consonant with the selected thumbnail image. When the display operation is accepted, the file operation process 23 outputs to the operation performance process 24 the file name of the Exif file consonant with the selected thumbnail image and operation information indicating “display”. Also, when a [Menu button] button is pressed while a thumbnail image is selected, the file operation process 23 displays an operation selection menu for selecting select an available operation for an Exif file that is consonant with the selected thumbnail image. Then, an operation other than the display operation is to be accepted. In this case, operation choices displayed on the operation selection menu are, for example, copy, rename, move and delete. The same process is performed when a file icon that represents a file other than an Exif file is selected, and available operation choices for the file are displayed on the menu.
The operation performance process 24 is a process for performing an accepted operation. When the Exif file name and the operation information are output by the file operation process 23, the operation performance process 24 performs an operation designated by the operation information for a file corresponding to the file name. When the operation information indicates “display”, an Exif file having the pertinent file name is read from the HDD 15, and a digital image held in the Exif file is displayed on the display unit 14.
According to the above described third embodiment of the present invention, Exif files that are subordinated to the root folder of the removable memory 19 are stored directly under the folder selected by the file selection process, and an index for all the files that belong directly to the selected folder is displayed. As a result, the Exif files located at multiple depths in the removable memory 19 can be viewed on a list. At this time, since the targets to be displayed on a list are only those in the current directory, an image file need not be searched for by tracing the directory each time the display of a list is required, and the time required to display the list can be reduced. Thus, according to this image storage apparatus 1, the image files can be browsed within a short period of time.
It should be noted that in the third embodiment the list of thumbnail images is displayed as an index; however, a list of file names may be displayed as an index.
Furthermore, in the explanation for the third embodiment, an image file for an Exif file form has been employed as an example image file of a predetermined type. However, the image file of a predetermined type may be an image file having another form, like a JPEG form, a TIFF form or a bitmap form. In this case, a thumbnail image must be stored separately, in correlation with the form.
Further, in the third embodiment, an image file obtained by a search is copied, and the copy is stored on the HDD 15, while the image file obtained by the search is maintained. However, an image file obtained by the search may be moved and stored.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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P2003-102667 | Apr 2003 | JP | national |
P2003-105034 | Apr 2003 | JP | national |
P2003-105038 | Apr 2003 | JP | national |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | PCT/JP04/05042 | Apr 2004 | US |
Child | 11245077 | Oct 2005 | US |