Digital Camera Patent AbstractA digital camera is provided with a plurality of group specifying
keys for specifying a use purpose of a photographed picture. In
such an external flash memory of the digital camera that stores
the photographed pictures is generated a plurality of index files
that corresponds to the group specifying keys. When any one of the
plurality of group specifying keys is pressed when some of the recorded
pictures are displayed, file names of those pictures being displayed
are sequentially described in an index file corresponding to that
pressed group specifying key. When using the picture file, the personal
computer reads out a plurality of picture files described in an
index file which corresponds to a desired use purpose to then conduct
the corresponding processes at a time based on that index file.
Digital Camera Patent ClaimsWhat is claimed is:
1. A digital camera comprising: an imaging section for imaging
a subject and outputting a plurality of pieces of image data; a
specifying section for specifying a plurality of the image data
pieces output from said imaging section; an index file generating
section for generating an index file containing a plurality of identifiers
which respectively identify the image data pieces specified by said
specifying section; a first control section for storing in an image
storage section the plurality of image data pieces output from the
imaging section, and for storing in an index file storage section
the index file generated by the index file generating section; a
first transmitting section for transmitting the index file stored
in the index file storage section to an external device; a first
receiving section for receiving a transfer request signal transmitted
from the external device, said transfer request signal requesting
transferring of a plurality of the image data pieces stored in the
image storage section; and a second transmitting section for successively
transmitting the requested image data pieces to the external device,
in response to the transfer request signal received by the first
receiving section; wherein the external device comprises: a second
receiving section for receiving the index file transmitted by the
first transmitting section; a third transmitting section for transmitting
to the digital camera the transfer request signal, said plurality
of requested image data pieces comprising the image data pieces
identified by the plurality of identifiers contained in the index
file received by the second receiving section; and a third receiving
section for successively receiving the plurality of image data pieces
successively transmitted by the second transmitting section.
2. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said image
storage section and said index file storage section are provided
on a recording medium that is attachable to and detachable from
a body of the digital camera and that is also utilizable by the
external device.
3. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said specifying
section specifies the plurality of pieces of image data from among
the plurality of image data pieces stored in said image storage
section.
4. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising
a display section for displaying at least a plurality of the pieces
of image data stored in said image storage section, and wherein
said specifying section specifies the plurality of pieces of image
data from among the pieces of image data displayed on said display
section.
5. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein: said specifying
section further specifies a group type of the specified pieces of
image data; said index file generating section generates said index
file as an index file specific to the group type specified by said
specifying section; said control section further stores in the index
file storage section a plurality of kinds of index files generated
by the index file generating section; said first transmitting section
transmits the plurality of kinds of index files stored in the index
file storage section to the external device; said second receiving
section receives the plurality of kinds of index files transmitted
by the first transmitting section; said external device further
comprises a selecting section for selecting at least one of the
plurality of kinds of index files received by the second receiving
section; and said third transmitting section transmits to the digital
camera the transfer request signal to request the image data pieces
identified by the plurality of identifiers contained in the at least
one of the plurality of kinds of index files selected by the selecting
section.
6. The digital camera according to claim 5, wherein the plurality
of kinds of index files correspond to respective different group
types.
7. The digital camera according to claim 5, wherein: said specifying
section specifies a plurality of group types for the same specified
pieces of image data; and said plurality of kinds of index files
contain the same identifiers.
8. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said index
file contains a file name which specifies said file.
9. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein: said first
control section stores said image data in said image storage section
in a format of an image file in which an image file name is added
to said image data; and said identifiers comprise image file names
of the pieces of image data specified by said specifying section.
10. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said index
file is of a text format.
11. The digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising:
a determining section for determining, each time one of the plurality
of image data pieces is specified, whether or not the index file
corresponding to the specified one of the image data pieces is stored
in the index file storage section; a second control section for,
when the index file is determined to be stored in the index file
storage section, adding the identifier corresponding to said one
of the image data pieces to the stored index file; and a third control
section for, when the index file is determined not to be stored
in the index file storage section, causing the index file generating
section to generate the index file containing the identifier corresponding
to said one of the image data pieces, and for then storing the generated
index file in the index file storage section.
12. The digital camera according to claim 11, wherein: said specifying
section specifies a desired kind of the specified image data pieces;
said index file generating section generates the index file as an
index file of the kind specified by the specifying section; said
determining section determines, each time said one of the plurality
of image data pieces is specified, whether or not the index file
of the same kind as said one of the image data pieces is stored
in the index file storage section; said second control section,
when the index file of said same kind is determined to be stored
in the index file storage section, adds the identifier corresponding
to said one of the image data pieces to the stored index file; and
said third control section, when the index file of said same kind
is determined not to be stored in the index file storage section,
causes the index file generating section to generate the index file
of said same kind containing the identifier corresponding to said
one of the image data pieces, and for then storing the generated
index file in the index file storage section.
13. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein: said index
file generating section generates a plurality of index files; said
first control section stores the plurality of index files in the
index file storage section; said first transmitting section transmits
the plurality of index files stored in the index file storage section;
said second receiving section receives the plurality of index files
transmitted from the first transmitting section; said external device
further comprises a selecting section for selecting at least one
of the plurality of index files received by the second receiving
section; and said third transmitting section transmits the transfer
request signal for requesting transferring of the image data pieces
identified by the identifiers contained in the at least one of the
plurality of index files that is selected by the selecting section.
14. The digital camera according to claim 13, wherein the external
device further comprises a display section for displaying in list
form the plurality of index files received by the second receiving
section, and the selecting section selects at least one of the displayed
plurality of index files.
15. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the external
device further comprises: a selecting section for selecting a desired
kind of image processing from a plurality of kinds of image processing
with a manual operation; and a second control section for executing
the kind of image processing selected by the selecting section on
the plurality of image data pieces successively received by the
third receiving section.
16. The digital camera according to claim 1, wherein: said specifying
section specifies a kind of the specified image data pieces; said
index file generating section generates the index file as an index
file of the kind specified by the specifying section; said first
control section further stores in the index file storage section
a plurality of kinds of index files generated by the index file
generating section; said first transmitting section transmits the
plurality of kinds of index files stored in the index file storage
section to the external device; said second receiving section receives
the plurality of kinds of index files transmitted by the first transmitting
section; said external device further comprises a retrieving section
for retrieving a predetermined kind of index file from the plurality
of kinds of index files received by the second receiving section,
and a determining section for determining whether or not the predetermined
kind of index file is retrieved; and said third transmitting section
transmits to the digital camera the transfer request signal for
requesting transferring of image data pieces identified by the plurality
of identifiers contained in the retrieved predetermined kind of
index file, when the determining section determines that the predetermined
kind of index file is retrieved.
17. A digital camera comprising: imaging means for imaging a subject
and outputting a plurality of pieces of image data; specifying means
for specifying a plurality of the image data pieces output from
the imaging means; index file generating means for generating an
index file containing a plurality of identifiers which respectively
identify the image data pieces specified by said specifying means;
control means for storing in an image storage section the plurality
of image data pieces output from said imaging means and also storing
in an index file storage section the index file generated by said
index file generating means; first transmitting means for transmitting
the index file stored in the index file storage section to an external
device; first receiving means for receiving a transfer request signal
transmitted from the external device, said transfer request signal
requesting transferring of a plurality of the image data pieces
stored in the image storage section; and second transmitting means
for successively transmitting the requested image data pieces to
the external device, in response to the transfer request signal
received by the first receiving means; wherein the external device
comprises: second receiving means for receiving the index file transmitted
by the first transmitting means; third transmitting means for transmitting
to the digital camera the transfer request signal, said plurality
of requested image data pieces comprising the image data pieces
identified by the plurality of identifiers contained in the index
file received by the second receiving means; and third receiving
means for successively receiving the plurality of image data pieces
successively transmitted by the second transmitting means.
18. An image data managing apparatus comprising: an image storage
section for storing a plurality of pieces of image data; a specifying
section for specifying a plurality of the pieces of image data stored
in said image storage section; an index file generating section
for generating an index file containing a plurality of identifiers
which respectively identify the image data pieces specified by said
specifying section; an index file storage section for storing the
index file generated by said index file generating section; a first
transmitting section for transmitting the index file stored in the
index file storage section to an external device; a first receiving
section for receiving a transfer request signal transmitted from
the external device, said transfer request signal requesting transferring
of a plurality of the image data pieces stored in the image storage
section; and a second transmitting section for successively transmitting
the requested image data pieces to the external device, in response
to the transfer request signal received by the first receiving section;
wherein the external device comprises: a second receiving section
for receiving the index file transmitted by the first transmitting
section; a third transmitting section for transmitting to the image
data managing apparatus the transfer request signal, said plurality
of requested image data pieces comprising the image data pieces
identified by the plurality of identifiers contained in the index
file received by the second receiving section; and a third receiving
section for successively receiving the plurality of image data pieces
successively transmitted by the second transmitting section.
19. A computer-readable recording medium recording an image data
managing program that is executable by a computer of a digital camera,
wherein the digital camera comprises an imaging section for imaging
a subject and outputting image data thereof, and a storage section
for storing a plurality of pieces of image data output from the
imaging section, said image data managing program being executable
by the computer to cause the computer to execute: specifying a plurality
of the pieces of image data stored in the storage section; generating
an index file containing a plurality of identifiers which respectively
identify the plurality of specified pieces of image data; storing
the generated index file in the storage section; transmitting the
index file stored in the storage section to an external device;
receiving a transfer request signal transmitted from the external
device, said transfer request signal requesting transferring of
a plurality of the pieces of image data stored in the storage section;
and successively transmitting the requested pieces of image data
to the external device, in response to the received transfer request
signal; wherein the external device comprises: a first receiving
section for receiving the transmitted index file; a transmitting
section for transmitting to the digital camera the transfer request
signal, said plurality of requested pieces of image data comprising
the pieces of image data identified by the plurality of identifiers
contained in the index file received by the first receiving section;
and a second receiving section for successively receiving the plurality
of pieces of image data successively transmitted from the digital
camera.
20. An image data managing method for a digital camera, wherein
the digital camera comprises an imaging section for imaging a subject
and outputting image data thereof, and a storage section for storing
a plurality of pieces of image data output from the imaging section,
said method comprising: specifying a plurality of the image data
pieces stored in the storage section; generating an index file containing
a plurality of identifiers which respectively identify the plurality
of specified image data pieces; storing the generated index file
in the storage section; transmitting the index file stored in the
storage section to an external device; receiving a transfer request
signal transmitted from the external device, said transfer request
signal requesting transferring of a plurality of the pieces of image
data stored in the storage section; and successively transmitting
the requested pieces of image data to the external device, in response
to the received transfer request signal; wherein the external device
comprises: a first receiving section for receiving the transmitted
index file; a transmitting section for transmitting to the digital
camera the transfer request signal, said plurality of requested
pieces of image data comprising the pieces of image data identified
by the plurality of identifiers contained in the index file received
by the first receiving section; and a second receiving section for
successively receiving the plurality of pieces of image data successively
transmitted from the digital camera.
21. An image data managing apparatus comprising: an acquiring section
for acquiring index files which are stored in an index file storage
section, and which contain identifiers with which image data pieces
can be identified, respectively; a determining section for determining
whether or not any one of the index files acquired by said acquiring
section is specified by a manual operation; a control section for
executing image processing on any one of image data pieces stored
in an image storage section that is identified by the identifier
contained in said any one of the index files acquired by said acquiring
section, which is specified by the manual operation when said determining
section determines that said any one of the index files is specified;
wherein: said acquiring section includes a first receiving section
for receiving index files output from a digital camera; said determining
section determines whether or not any one of the index files received
by said first receiving section is specified by a manual operation;
said control section comprises (i) an output section for outputting
to the digital camera a transfer request signal for requesting transferring
of said any one of the image data pieces that is identified by the
identifier contained in said any one of the index files which is
specified by the manual operation, when said determining section
determines that said any one of the index files is specified by
the manual operation, and (ii) a second receiving section for receiving
from the digital camera said any one of the image data pieces which
is requested to be transferred by the transfer request signal output
from said output section; and said control section executes the
image processing on said any one of the image data pieces which
is received by said second receiving section.
22. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein
said index file storage section and said image storage section are
provided on a recording medium which can be attached to and detached
from a body of the digital camera.
23. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 21, further
comprising a display section for displaying the index files acquired
by said acquiring section, and said specifying section specifying
at least one of a plurality of index files displayed on said display
section.
24. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 21, further
comprising a selecting section for selecting any given image processing
item of a plurality of types of image processing items, said selecting
section being manually operated, said control section executing
an image processing item selected by said selecting section on image
data identified by the identifier contained in said any one of the
index files which is specified by the manual operation.
25. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein:
said acquiring section can acquire a plurality of types of index
files; and said control section executes image processing determined
on the basis of a type of said any one of the index files which
is specified by the manual operation, on image data identified by
the identifier contained in said any one of the index files which
is specified by the manual operation.
26. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein
said control section executes copy, display, or print processing
on said image data.
27. An image data managing apparatus comprising: acquiring means
for acquiring index files which are stored in an index file storage
section and which contain identifiers with which image data pieces
can be identified, respectively; determining means for determining
whether or not any one of the index files acquired by said acquiring
means is specified by a manual operation; and control means for
executing image processing on any one of image data pieces stored
in an image storage section that is identified by the identifier
contained in said any one of the index files which is specified
by the manual operation when said determining means determines that
said any one of the index files is specified by the manual operation;
wherein: said acquiring means includes first receiving means for
receiving index files output from a digital camera; said determining
means determines whether or not any one of the index files received
by said first receiving means is specified by a manual operation;
said control means comprises (i) output means for outputting to
the digital camera a transfer request signal for requesting transferring
of said any one of the image data pieces that is identified by the
identifier contained in said any one of the index files which is
specified by the manual operation, when said determining means determines
that said any one of the index files is specified by the manual
operation, and (ii) second receiving means for receiving from the
digital camera said any one of the image data pieces which is requested
to be transferred by the transfer request signal output from said
output means; and said control means executes the image processing
on said any one of the image data pieces which is received by said
second receiving means.
28. A computer-readable recording medium recording an image data
managing program that is executable by a computer of an image data
managing apparatus for processing image data to cause the computer
to execute: receiving index files that are output from a digital
camera and that contain identifiers which can specify image data;
determining whether or not any one of the received index files is
specified by a manual operation; outputting to the digital camera
a transfer request signal for requesting transferring of image data
that is identified by the at least one identifier contained in said
any one of the index files which is specified by the manual operation,
when it is determined that said any one of the index files is specified
by the manual operation; receiving image data which is output from
the digital camera in response to the output transfer request signal;
and executing image processing on the received image data.
29. An image data managing method comprising: receiving index files
that are output from a digital camera and that contain identifiers
which can specify image data; determining whether or not any one
of the received index files is specified by a manual operation;
outputting to the digital camera a transfer request signal for requesting
transferring of image data that is identified by the at least one
identifier contained in said any one of the index files which is
specified by the manual operation; receiving image data which is
output from the digital camera in response to the output transfer
request signal; and executing image processing on the received image
data.
30. An image data managing apparatus comprising: an acquiring section
for acquiring an index file which is stored in an index file storage
section, and which contains an identifier with which an image data
piece can be identified among image data pieces stored in an image
storage section; a determining section for determining whether or
not a desired kind of image processing for the index file stored
in the index file storage section is selected by a manual operation
from a plurality of kinds of image processing; a control section
for executing the kind of image processing selected by the manual
operation on the image data piece that is identified by the identifier
contained in the index file acquired by said acquiring section,
when said determining section determines that the desired kind of
the image processing for the stored index file is selected; wherein:
said acquiring section includes a first receiving section for receiving
an index file output from the digital camera; said control section
comprises (i) an output section for outputting to the digital camera
a transfer request signal for requesting transferring of an image
data piece identified by an identifier contained in the index file
received by said first receiving section, and (ii) a second receiving
section for receiving from the digital camera the image data piece
requested to be transferred by the transfer request signal output
from said output section; and said control section executes the
selected kind of image processing on the image data piece received
by said second receiving section.
31. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 30, further
comprising a display section for displaying contents of the plurality
of kinds of image processing, and wherein said determining section
determines whether or not any one of the contents of the plurality
of kinds of image processing is selected by a manual operation.
32. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 30, wherein
said index file storage section and said image storage section are
formed on a recording medium removably provided in a main body of
the digital camera.
33. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 30, wherein
the kinds of image processing comprise copy processing, display
processing and print processing.
34. An image data managing apparatus comprising: an acquiring section
for acquiring a plurality of kinds of index files which are stored
in an index file storage section, and which contain identifiers
with which image data pieces can be identified, respectively; a
retrieving section for retrieving a predetermined kind of index
file from the plurality of kinds of index files acquired by said
acquiring section; a determining section for determining whether
or not the predetermined kind of index file is retrieved by said
retrieving section; and a control section for executing a predetermined
kind of image processing on an image data piece included in image
data pieces stored in an image storage section that is identified
by the identifier contained in the index file retrieved by said
retrieving section, when said determining section determines that
the predetermined kind of index file is retrieved; wherein: said
acquiring section includes a first receiving section for receiving
a plurality of kinds of index files output from the digital camera;
said control section includes (i) an output section for outputting
to the digital camera a transfer request signal for requesting transferring
of the image data piece identified by the identifier contained in
the predetermined kind of index file retrieved by the retrieving
section, when said determining section determines that the predetermined
kind of index file is retrieved, and (ii) a second receiving section
for receiving from the digital camera the image data piece requested
to be transferred by the transfer request signal output from said
output section; and said control section executes the predetermined
kind of image processing on the image data piece received by said
second receiving section.
35. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 34, further
comprising a setting and registering section for selecting one of
the plurality of kinds of image processing, and setting and registering
said one of the plurality of kinds of image processing, and wherein
said retrieving section retrieves a predetermined kind of index
file set and registered by said setting and registering section,
from the plurality of kinds of index files acquired by said acquiring
section.
36. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 34, wherein
said index file storage section and said image storage section are
formed on a recording medium removably provided in a main body of
the digital camera.
37. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 34, wherein
the predetermined kind of image processing is copy processing, display
processing or print processing.
38. An image data managing apparatus comprising: a first receiving
section for receiving index files which are sent from a digital
camera, and each of which contains a plurality of identifiers with
which image data pieces can be identified, respectively; a specifying
section for specifying at least one of the index files received
by said first receiving section; a sending section for sending to
the digital camera a transfer request signal for requesting transferring
of the image data pieces which are identified by the identifiers
contained in said at least one of the index files which is specified
by said specifying section; and a second receiving section for successively
receiving from the digital camera the image data pieces requested
to be transferred by the transfer request signal sent from said
sending section to the digital camera.
39. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 38, which
further comprises a control section for executing a predetermined
image processing on the plurality of image data pieces successively
received by said second receiving section.
40. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 38, wherein
each said index file has a text format.
41. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 38, further
comprising a requesting section for making a request for requesting
the digital camera to send the index file, and wherein said first
receiving section receives the index file which is sent from the
digital camera in response to the request made by said requesting
section.
42. An image data managing system comprising a digital camera and
an image data managing apparatus, wherein said digital camera comprises
(i) an imaging section for imaging a subject, and outputting a plurality
of image data pieces, (ii) a specifying section for specifying at
least one of the plurality of image data pieces output from said
imaging section, (iii) an index file generating section for generating
an index file containing a plurality of identifiers with which the
image data pieces can be identified, respectively, (iv) a control
section for storing the plurality of image data pieces output from
said imaging section, and storing in an index file storage section
the index file generated by said index file generating section,
and (v) a first sending section for sending the index file stored
in the index file storage section to the image data managing apparatus,
wherein the image data managing apparatus comprises (i) a first
receiving section for receiving the index file sent from said first
sending section, and (ii) a second sending section for sending to
the digital camera a transfer request signal for requesting transferring
of the image data pieces specified with the identifiers contained
in the index file received by said first receiving section, wherein
the digital camera further comprises (vi) a second receiving section
for receiving the transfer request signal sent from said second
sending section, and (vii) a third sending section for successively
sending to the image data managing apparatus the plurality of image
data pieces which are stored in the image storage section, and which
are identified by the transfer request signal received by said second
receiving section, respectively, and wherein the image data managing
apparatus further comprises a third receiving section for successively
receiving the plurality of image data pieces successively sent from
said third sending section.
43. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 42, wherein:
the image data managing apparatus further comprises a requesting
section for making a request for requesting the digital camera to
send the index file; the digital camera includes a determining section
for determining whether or not the request is made by the requesting
section; and the first sending section sends the index file stored
in the index file storage section to the image data managing apparatus,
when said determining section determines that the request is made
by the requesting section.
44. An image data managing apparatus comprising: acquiring means
for acquiring an index file which is stored in an index file storage
section, and which contains an identifier with which an image data
piece can be identified among image data pieces stored in an image
storage section; determining means for determining whether or not
a desired kind of image processing for the index file stored in
the index file storage section is selected from a plurality of kinds
of image processing by a manual operation; control means for executing
the kind of image processing selected by the manual operation on
the image data piece that is identified by the identifier contained
in the index file acquired by said acquiring means, when said determining
means determines that the desired kind of the image processing for
the stored index file is selected; wherein: said acquiring means
includes first receiving means for receiving an index file output
from the digital camera; said control means comprises (i) output
means for outputting to the digital camera a transfer request signal
for requesting transferring of an image data piece identified by
an identifier contained in the index file received by said first
receiving means, and (ii) second receiving means for receiving from
the digital camera the image data piece requested to be transferred
by the transfer request signal output from said output means; and
said control means executes the image processing the kind of which
is selected by the manual operation, on the image data piece received
by said second receiving means.
45. A computer-readable recording medium recording an image data
managing program that is executable by a computer of an image data
managing apparatus for processing image data to cause the computer
to execute: receiving an index file which is output from a digital
camera, and which contains an identifier with which an image data
piece can be identified; outputting to the digital camera a transfer
request signal for requesting transferring of the image data piece
specified with the identifier contained in the received index file;
receiving from the digital camera the image data piece requested
to be transferred by the transfer request signal; determining whether
or not a desired kind of image processing is selected from a plurality
of kinds of image processing by a manual operation; and executing
the selected kind of image processing on the received image data
piece, when it is determined that the desired kind of the image
processing is selected.
46. An image data managing method comprising the steps of: receiving
an index file which is output from a digital camera, and which contains
an identifier with which an image data piece can be identified;
outputting to the digital camera a transfer request signal for requesting
transferring of the image data piece specified with the identifier
contained in the received index file; receiving from the digital
camera the image data piece requested to be transferred by the transfer
request signal; determining whether or not a desired kind of image
processing is selected from a plurality of kinds of image processing
by a manual operation; and executing the selected image processing
on the received image data piece when it is determined that the
desired kind of the image processing is selected.
47. An image data managing apparatus comprising: acquiring means
for acquiring a plurality of kinds of index files which are stored
in an index file storage section, and which contain identifiers
with which image data pieces can be identified, respectively; retrieving
means for retrieving a predetermined kind of index file from the
plurality of kinds of index files acquired by said acquiring means;
determining means for determining whether or not the predetermined
kind of index file is retrieved by said retrieving means; and control
means for executing a predetermined kind of image processing on
an image data piece included in image data pieces stored in an image
storage section that is identified by the identifier contained in
the index file retrieved by said retrieving means, when said determining
means determines that the predetermined kind of index file is retrieved;
wherein: said acquiring means includes first receiving means for
receiving a plurality of kinds of index files output from the digital
camera; said control means includes (i) output means for outputting
to the digital camera a transfer request signal for requesting transferring
of an image data piece identified by the identifier contained in
the predetermined kind of index file retrieved by the retrieving
means, when said determining means determines that the predetermined
kind of index file is retrieved, and (ii) second receiving means
for receiving from the digital camera the image data piece requested
to be transferred by the transfer request signal output from said
output means; and said control means executes the predetermined
kind of image processing on the image data piece received by said
second receiving means.
48. A computer-readable recording medium recording an image data
managing program that is executable by a computer of an image data
managing apparatus for processing image data to cause the computer
to execute: receiving a plurality of kinds of index files which
are output from a digital camera, and which contain identifiers
with which image data pieces can be identified, respectively; retrieving
a predetermined kind of index file from the acquired plurality of
kinds of index files; determining whether or not the predetermined
kind of index file is retrieved; outputting to the digital camera
a transfer request signal for requesting transferring of the image
data piece identified by the identifier contained in the retrieved
index file, when it is determined that the predetermined kind of
index file is retrieved; receiving from the digital camera the image
data piece requested to be transferred by the output transfer request
signal; and executing a predetermined kind of image processing on
the received image data piece.
49. An image data managing method comprising: receiving a plurality
of kinds of index files which are output from a digital camera,
and which contain identifiers with which image data pieces can be
identified, respectively; retrieving a predetermined kind of index
file from the acquired plurality of kinds of index files; determining
whether or not the predetermined kind of index file is retrieved;
outputting to the digital camera a transfer request signal for requesting
transferring of the image data piece identified by the identifier
contained in the retrieved index file, when it is determined that
the predetermined kind of index file is retrieved; receiving from
the digital camera the image data piece requested to be transferred
by the output transfer request signal; and executing the predetermined
kind of image processing on the received image data piece.
50. An image data managing apparatus comprising: first receiving
means for receiving index files which are sent from a digital camera,
each of which contains a plurality of identifiers with which image
data pieces can be identified, respectively; specifying means for
specifying at least one of the index files received by the first
receiving means; sending means for sending to the digital camera
a transfer request signal for requesting transferring of the image
data pieces identified by the plurality of identifiers which are
contained in said at least one of the index files which is specified
by said specifying means; and second receiving means for successively
receiving from the digital camera the image data pieces requested
to be transferred by the transfer request signal sent from said
sending means to the digital camera.
51. A computer-readable recording medium recording an image data
managing program that is executable by a computer of an image data
managing apparatus for processing image data to cause the computer
to execute: receiving index files which are sent from a digital
camera, and each of which contains a plurality of identifiers with
which image data pieces can be identified, respectively; specifying
at least one of the received index files; sending to the digital
camera a transfer request signal for requesting transferring of
the image data pieces identified by the plurality of identifiers
which are contained in said at least one of the index files which
is specified; and successively receiving from the digital camera
the image data pieces requested to be transferred by the transfer
request signal sent to the digital camera.
52. An image data managing method comprising the steps of: receiving
index files which are sent from a digital camera, and each of which
contains a plurality of identifiers with which image data pieces
can be identified, respectively; specifying at least one of the
received index files; sending to the digital camera a transfer request
signal for requesting transferring of the image data pieces identified
by the plurality of identifiers which are contained in said at least
one of the index files which is specified; and successively receiving
from the digital camera the image data pieces requested to be transferred
by the transfer request signal sent to the digital camera.
53. An image data managing apparatus comprising: an acquiring section
for acquiring a plurality of kinds of index files which are stored
in an index file storage section, and each of which contains at
least one identifier which identifies a corresponding at least one
piece of image data that is among a plurality of pieces of image
data stored in an image storage section; a selecting section for
selecting a kind of image processing from a plurality of kinds of
image processing; a retrieving section for retrieving one of the
acquired index files that is of a same kind as the selected kind
of image processing; a determining section for determining whether
or not the index file of said same kind has been retrieved by the
retrieving section; and a control section for executing the selected
kind of image processing on the at least one image data piece that
is identified by the at least one identifier contained in the index
file retrieved by the retrieving section, when the determining section
determines that the index file of said same kind has been retrieved;
wherein: said acquiring section includes a first receiving section
for receiving the plurality of kinds of index files from a digital
camera; said control section comprises: (i) an output section for
outputting to the digital camera the identifier contained in the
retrieved index file, when the determining section determines that
the index file of said same kind has been retrieved, and (ii) a
second receiving section for receiving from the digital camera the
at least one image data piece corresponding to the identifier output
from the output section; and said control section executes the predetermined
kind of image processing on the at least one image data piece received
by the second receiving section.
54. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 53, wherein
the index file storage section and the image storage section are
formed on a recording medium removably provided in a main body of
the digital camera.
55. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 53, wherein
the plurality of kinds of image processing comprise copy processing,
display processing and print processing.
56. An image data managing apparatus comprising: a first receiving
section for receiving an index file which is transmitted from a
digital camera, and which contains identifiers which respectively
identify image data pieces; a first transmitting section for transmitting
to the digital camera a transfer request signal for requesting transferring
of the image data pieces identified by the identifiers contained
in the index file received by the first receiving section; and a
second receiving section for successively receiving from the digital
camera the image data pieces requested to be transferred by the
transfer request signal; wherein the digital camera comprises: an
imaging section for imaging a subject and outputting a plurality
of pieces of image data; a specifying section for specifying a plurality
of the image data pieces output from the imaging section; an index
file generating section for generating an index file containing
the plurality of identifiers, which respectively identify the image
data pieces specified by the specifying section; a first control
section for storing in an image storage section the image data pieces
output from the imaging section, and for storing in an index file
storage section the index file generated by the index file generating
section; a second transmitting section for transmitting the index
file stored in the index file storage section; a third receiving
section for receiving the transfer request signal transmitted by
the first transmitting section; and a third transmitting section
for successively transmitting, to the second receiving section,
the requested image data pieces stored in the image storage section.
57. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 56, wherein
the index file storage section and the image storage section are
formed on a recording medium removably provided in a main body of
the digital camera.
58. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 56, further
comprising a second control section for executing image processing
on the plurality of image data pieces received by the second receiving
section.
59. The image data managing apparatus according to claim 58, wherein
the image processing executed by the second control section comprises
at least one of copy processing, display processing and print processing.
60. An image data managing apparatus comprising: first receiving
means for receiving an index file which is transmitted from a digital
camera, and which contains identifiers which respectively identify
image data pieces; first transmitting means for transmitting to
the digital camera a transfer request signal for requesting transferring
of the image data pieces identified by the identifiers contained
in the index file received by the first receiving means; and second
receiving means for successively receiving from the digital camera
the image data pieces requested to be transferred by the transfer
request signal; wherein the digital camera comprises: imaging means
for imaging a subject and outputting a plurality of pieces of image
data; specifying means for specifying a plurality of the image data
pieces output from the imaging means; index file generating means
for generating an index file containing the plurality of identifiers,
which respectively identify the image data pieces specified by the
specifying means; control means for storing in an image storage
section the image data pieces output from the imaging section, and
for storing in an index file storage section the index file generated
by the index file generating means; second transmitting means for
transmitting the index file stored in the index file storage means;
third receiving means for receiving the transfer request signal
transmitted by the first transmitting means; and third transmitting
means for successively transmitting, to the second receiving means,
the requested image data pieces stored in the image storage section.
61. A computer-readable recording medium recording an image data
managing program that is executable by a computer of an image data
managing apparatus for processing image data to cause the computer
to execute: receiving an index file which is transmitted from a
digital camera, and which contains identifiers which respectively
identify image data pieces; transmitting to the digital camera a
transfer request signal for requesting transferring of the image
data pieces identified by the identifiers contained in the received
index file; and successively receiving from the digital camera the
image data pieces requested to be transferred by the transfer request
signal; wherein the digital camera comprises: an imaging section
for imaging a subject and outputting a plurality of pieces of image
data; a specifying section for specifying a plurality of the image
data pieces output from the imaging section; an index file generating
section for generating an index file containing the plurality of
identifiers, which respectively identify the image data pieces specified
by the specifying section; a control section for storing in an image
storage section the image data pieces output from the imaging section,
and for storing in an index file storage section the index file
generated by the index file generating section; a first transmitting
section for transmitting the index file stored in the index file
storage section; a receiving section for receiving the transfer
request signal; and a second transmitting section for successively
transmitting, to the image data management apparatus, the requested
image data pieces stored in the image storage section.
62. An image data managing method comprising: receiving an index
file which is transmitted from a digital camera, and which contains
identifiers which respectively identify image data pieces; transmitting
to the digital camera a transfer request signal for requesting transferring
of the image data pieces identified by the identifiers contained
in the received index file; and successively receiving from the
digital camera the image data pieces requested to be transferred
by the transfer request signal; wherein the digital camera comprises:
an imaging section for imaging a subject and outputting a plurality
of pieces of image data; a specifying section for specifying a plurality
of the image data pieces output from the imaging section; an index
file generating section for generating an index file containing
the plurality of identifiers, which respectively identify the image
data pieces specified by the specifying section; a control section
for storing in an image storage section the image data pieces output
from the imaging section, and for storing in an index file storage
section the index file generated by the index file generating section;
a first transmitting section for transmitting the index file stored
in the index file storage section; a receiving section for receiving
the transfer request signal; and a second transmitting section for
successively transmitting the requested image data pieces stored
in the image storage section. Digital Camera Patent DescriptionCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority
from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-350407, filed
Nov. 17, 2000, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital camera capable of outputting
picture (image) data to an external apparatus, a picture data managing
device, a picture data managing method, and a recording medium in
which a picture data managing program is recorded.
2. Description of the Related Art
Recently, digital cameras have been equipped with a display such
as an LCD, which functions as a view finder, and which allows a
photographed picture to be reproduced and confirmed on the display
without using any other devices. In such a digital camera, a picture
of a subject imaged by a solid imaging device such as a CCD is recorded
as picture data in a recording medium such as a flash memory. Pieces
of the picture data are compressed in a predetermined format such
as JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) and are then recorded
in an order they were photographed in the recording medium as picture
files having file names each consisting of, for example, a date
and time.
Furthermore, some digital cameras typically utilize cable communication,
for example via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection, or wireless
communication, for example via infrared light, to thereby transmit
picture data to an external apparatus such as another digital cameras
or a personal computer. Digital cameras may also have a detachable
memory such as the above-mentioned recording medium, which may be
attached to the external apparatus so that the external apparatus
can access the picture data. Therefore, with such a digital camera,
the picture data recorded by photographing can be accessed on a
personal computer and copied on a floppy disk, for example, so that
the pictures may be distributed to a plurality of persons. That
is, it is possible to make extra copies of photographed images,
as is possible with silver-salt cameras.
However, in an attempt to copy specific picture data to a floppy
disk with a personal computer, it is difficult to identify the picture
to be copied using only the above-mentioned file name. Accordingly,
it is necessary to display and confirm on a monitor the pictures
in the order (or reverse order) they were photographed and then
to select a specific one of them and copy it on a floppy disk. It
is thus troublesome and inefficient to distribute many pictures
to many persons. In particular, when a personal computer with a
low picture processing capability is used, it takes a long time
to confirm the pictures to be copied, thus causing the process of
copying and distributing the pictures to be remarkably inefficient.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital camera,
a picture data managing apparatus, a picture data managing method,
and a recording medium recording therein a picture data managing
program that can output picture data recorded in the digital camera
to an external apparatus and improve a working efficiency in picture
processing executed by the external apparatus on the picture data.
To achieve the above object, according to a first preferred aspect
of the present invention a digital camera is provided which includes:
an imaging section for imaging a subject and outputting a plurality
of pieces of image data; a specifying section for specifying at
least one of the plurality of image data pieces output from the
imaging section; an index file generating section for generating
an index file containing an identifier with which any image data
piece specified by the specifying section can be identified; and
a control section for storing in an image storage section a plurality
of image data pieces output from the imaging section, and for storing
in an index file storage section an index file generated by the
index file generating section, wherein the configuration enables
improving a working efficiency in image processing on the image
data by an external apparatus.
According to a second preferred aspect of the present invention
a digital camera is provided which includes: imaging means for imaging
a subject and outputting a plurality of pieces of image data; specifying
means for specifying at least one of a plurality of image data pieces
output from the imaging means; index file generating means for generating
an index file containing an identifier with which any image data
piece specified by the specifying means can be identified; and control
means for storing in an image storage section the plurality of image
data pieces output from the imaging means and also storing in an
index file storage section an index file generated by the index
file generating means, wherein the configuration enables improving
a working efficiency in image processing on the image data by an
external apparatus.
According to a third preferred aspect of the present invention
an image data managing apparatus is provided which includes: an
image storage section for storing a plurality of image data pieces;
a specifying section for specifying at least one of the plurality
of image data pieces stored in the image storage section; an index
file generating section for generating an index file containing
an identifier with which any image data piece specified by the specifying
section can be identified; and an index file storage section for
storing an index file generated by the index file generating section,
wherein the configuration enables improving a working efficiency
in image processing on the image data by an external apparatus.
According to a fourth preferred aspect of the present invention
a computer-readable recording medium is provided that has recorded
thereon an image data managing program for causing a computer of
a digital camera provided with an imaging section for imaging a
subject and outputting picture data thereof to execute the processes
of: specifying at least one of a plurality of pieces of image data
output from the imaging section; generating an index file containing
an identifier with which any specified image data piece can be identified;
and storing a generated index file in a memory, whereby a working
efficiency in image processing on the image data by an external
apparatus can be improved.
According to a fifth preferred aspect of the present invention
an image data managing method for a digital camera is provided which
includes: imaging a subject and outputting image data; specifying
at least one of a plurality of thus output image data pieces; generating
an index file containing an identifier with which any specified
image data piece can be identified; and storing a generated index
file in a memory, whereby a working efficiency in image processing
on the image data by an external apparatus can be improved.
According to a sixth preferred aspect of the present invention
an image data managing apparatus is provided which includes; an
acquiring section for acquiring an index file which is stored in
an index file storage section and which contains an identifier with
which any image data piece can be identified; and a control section
for executing image processing on any one of the image data pieces
stored in an image storage section that is identified by the identifier
contained in an index file acquired by the acquiring section, wherein
the configuration enables improving a working efficiency in image
processing on the image data by an external apparatus.
According to a seventh preferred aspect of the present invention
an image data managing apparatus is provided which includes: acquiring
means for acquiring an index file which is stored in an index file
storage section and which contains an identifier with which any
image data piece can be identified; and control means for executing
predetermined image processing on any one of the image data pieces
stored in an image storage section that is identified by an identifier
contained in an index file acquired by the acquiring means, wherein
the configuration enables improving a working efficiency in image
processing on the image data by an external apparatus.
According to an eighth preferred aspect of the present invention
a computer-readable recording medium is provided that has recorded
thereon an image data managing program for executing the processes
of: acquiring an index file which is stored in an index file storage
section and which contains an identifier with which any image data
piece can be identified into a computer of an image data managing
apparatus for processing image data; and executing predetermined
image processing on any one of image data pieces stored in an image
storage section that is identified by an identifier contained in
an acquired index file, whereby a working efficiency in image processing
on the image data by an external apparatus can be improved.
According to a ninth preferred aspect of the present invention
a picture data managing method is provided which includes: acquiring
an index file which is stored in an index file storage section and
which contains an identifier with which any image data piece can
be identified; and executing predetermined image processing on any
one of the image data pieces stored in an image storage section
that is identified by an identifier contained in an acquired index
file, whereby a working efficiency in image processing on the image
data by an external apparatus can be improved.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set
forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious
from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and
obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly
pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute
a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention,
and together with the general description given above and the detailed
description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the
principles of the invention.
FIG. 1 is an external view for showing a digital camera related
to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for showing an outline of the digital
camera of the first embodiment;
FIG. 3 is an illustration for showing a file storage construction
in an external flash memory of the first embodiment;
FIG. 4 is an illustration for explaining data contents of an index
file recorded in the external flash memory;
FIG. 5 is a block diagram for showing an outline of a personal
computer related to the first embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for showing an operation of grouping pictures
photographed by the digital camera of the first embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for showing an operation of picture processing
by the personal computer of the first embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for showing another operation of picture
processing by the personal computer of the first embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for showing a further operation of picture
processing by the personal computer of the first embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for showing a still further operation of
picture processing by the personal computer of the first embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a block diagram for showing an outline of a digital
camera related to a second embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for showing an operation of the side of
the digital camera of the second embodiment; and
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for showing an operation of the side of
a personal computer of the second embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following will describe embodiments of the present invention
with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment
FIG. 1 is an external view for showing a digital camera 1 related
to the first embodiment of the present invention. A digital camera
1 includes a camera section 3 coupled to a side of an apparatus
body 2 in such a manner that the camera section 3 may rotate in
a vertical direction. The camera section 3 is equipped with an optical
system including an imaging lens, a diaphragm, etc., which are not
shown. A shutter key 4 is provide on the right side of the apparatus
body 2. On the rear face of the apparatus body 2, a display 5, i.e.
a TFT-type LCD monitor, is provided. On a side of the display 5,
a mode switching key 6 is provided for switching the operation mode
of the digital camera 1 between an imaging mode (REC) for imaging
and recording an image of a subject and a reproduction mode (PLAY)
for displaying a recorded picture. Below the display 5, first through
fourth operation keys 7a 7d (shown as "A-KEY", "B-KEY",
C-KEY", and "D-KEY") are arranged in this order from
the left. The first through fourth operations keys of 7a 7d are
assigned different functions in the different imaging and reproduction
modes; in the reproduction mode, for example, they are used as a
group specification key, thus functioning as a specifying section
(specifying means) of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for showing an outlined electrical configuration
of the digital camera 1. The digital camera 1 is housed in the camera
section 3 and includes a CCD 11, on whose light-reception face is
formed an optical image, and a DSP/CPU 12. The DSP/CPU 12 is a one-chip
micro-controller having a function of sampling, amplifying, and
digitizing an analog signal and a function of controlling various
sections of the digital camera 1.
To the DSP/CPU 12 is connected a TG (Timing Generator) 13 for driving
the CCD 11. A unit circuit 14, to which an imaging analog signal
corresponding to a brightness of a subject output from the CCD 11
is input, is connected to TG 13. The unit circuit 14 is comprised
of a CDS for holding an imaging analog signal output from the CCD
11, a gain-control amplifier (AGC) which is an analog amplifier
for amplifying this imaging signal, and an A/D converter (AD) for
converting an imaging signal amplified at the gain adjustment amplifier
into an imaging digital signal, in such a configuration that an
output signal of the CCD 11 is sent as a digital signal to the DSP/CPU
12 via the unit circuit 14.
The above-mentioned display 5, a key-input section 15 for generating
a key-input signal corresponding to any of the above-mentioned shutter
key, the plurality of operation keys 7a 7d, and a power supply key,
and a timer section 16 having a calendar function and a function
to output the current date data, day-of-the-week data, and time
data to the DSP/CPU 12 are connected to the DSP/CPU 12. And a DRAM
18, an internal flash memory 19, and an external flash memory 20
are connected to the DSP/CPU 12 via an address/data bus 17. The
DRAM 18 temporarily stores a digitized imaging signal of a subject
imaged by the CCD 11 when the system is set in the photographing
wait mode. The built-in flash memory 19 serves as a recording medium
of the present invention for storing a variety of kinds of data
used for control of an operating program of the DSP/CPU 12 and the
various sections, and the built-in flash memory 19 also has a reserved
work area that is used by the DSP/CPU 12. The DSP/CPU 12 operates
according to the above-mentioned operating program to function as
a control section (control means), a specifying section (specifying
means), and an index file generating section (index file generating
means) of the present invention.
The external flash memory 20 functions as a picture storage section
and an index file storage section of the present invention and serves
as a card-type recording medium which can be attached to and detached
from the apparatus body 2, so that when photographing is instructed
by pressing the shutter key 4 in the photographing wait mode, one
frame of picture data read out by the DSP/CPU 12 from the DRAM 18
undergoes various picture processes and is compressed and finally
recorded as a picture file in this external flash memory 20.
FIG. 3 shows a storage construction of a picture file in the external
flash memory 20. In this embodiment, when photographing is instructed,
a JPEG-format picture file is generated, so that as shown in FIG.
3, in the external flash memory 20, following a DCIM folder 20a
provided beforehand in the initial state thereof are dated folders
20b ("0101", "0102", . . . ) having a photographing
date. These dated folder 20b are followed by sequentially recorded
picture files 20c of pictures photographed on the same day that
have file names ("0101001.jpg", "0101002.jpg",
. . . ) each consisting of a date and a serial number.
Each dated folder 20b is followed by the picture file 20c as well
as recorded index files 20d ("folderA.text", "folderB.text",
"folderC.text") created for each of a plurality of groups
predefined by the user. As shown in FIG. 4, the index files 20d
are a text-format file consisting only of character data with a
described file name of one or a plurality of picture files 20c in
each dated folder 20b, and the index files 20d correspond to the
first through fourth operation keys 7a to 7d, respectively.
In the imaging wait state where the shutter key 4 is not pressed
in the above-mentioned imaging mode, the display 5 functions as
a view finder by displaying as a through picture a subject image
taken in from the CCD11 and, in the above-mentioned reproduction
mode, the display 5 displays a list of pictures as downsized that
were recorded in the external flash memory 20 or displays a user-selected
picture in a size set at the time of photographing.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram for showing a personal computer as the
external apparatus used together with the digital camera 1 in this
embodiment. The personal computer 30 has a CPU 31, a RON 32 and
a RAM 33 which are connected to the CPU 31, a CRT driving circuit
35 for driving a CRT 34, and a printer 42. A keyboard 37, a mouse
38, a hard disk drive 39, a floppy disk drive 40, and a card reader
41, which has a slot through which an external flash memory 20 used
in the digital camera 1 is removably insertable, are connected to
the CPU 31 through an interface 36. A program for enabling the card
reader 41 to be used, a predetermined copying program for copying,
into a drive specified by a user, a predetermined picture file recorded
in the external flash memory 20 mounted to the card reader 41, and
a predetermined application program for reading picture data from
and writing data to the external flash memory 20 are all installed
in the hard disk drive 39.
(Grouping of Pictures in Digital Camera)
The following will describe an operation of grouping pictures in
the above-mentioned digital camera 1 in the reproduction mode with
reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6. This flowchart shows the behavior
of subroutines called by a main routine (not shown) and sequentially
executed.
When the reproduction mode is set and any one of the pictures stored
in the external flash memory 20 is shown on the display 5 (or a
plurality of downsized pictures are shown on the display 5), if
any one of the above-mentioned group specifying keys (first through
fourth operation keys) 7a to 7d is pressed (YES is answered at step
SA1), the digital camera 1 decides whether an index file 20d which
corresponds to the pressed group specifying key is present following
a dated folder 20b in which a picture file 20c of the picture displayed
(or selected) is present (step SA2). When such a corresponding index
file 20d is present (YES is answered at step SA2), for example,
"folderA.text" is read out as that corresponding index
file 20d if that pressed group specifying key is the first operation
key 7a (step SA3). If no corresponding index file 20d is present
(NO is answered at step SA2), an index file 20d corresponding to
the pressed group specifying key, for example, "folderD.text"
is newly created if that pressed group specifying key is the fourth
operation key 7d (step SA4).
Subsequently, the process enters a file name (e.g., "0101005.jpg")
of the currently displayed or selected picture in the index file
20d read out at step SA3 or created at step SA4 then updates (saves)
this index file 20d (step SA5) and then returns to the main routine
in the reproduction mode. By repeating these operations, the pictures
recorded in the external flash memory 20 are sorted into a plurality
of groups (four groups in this embodiment), which are indicated
by index files 20d. Note here that the user can specify the same
picture over a plurality of groups, in which case, the same file
name is entered in a plurality of different index files 20d.
(Copying Pictures in Personal Computer)
The following will describe the operations when the user has activated
the above-mentioned copying program in a state where the external
flash memory 20 after undergoing the above-mentioned processing
by the digital camera 1 is mounted to the card reader 41, with reference
to the flowchart of FIG. 7.
When the copying program is activated, the personal computer 30
displays on the CRT 34 a screen requesting the location (other than
the card reader 41) to which a picture file is to be copied, e.g.
the floppy disk drive 40 etc. (step SB1), and then awaits specification
of the recording medium (step SB2). If the user then specifies a
recording medium (drive) (YES is answered at step SB2), the index
files 20d present following all the dated folders 20b in the external
flash memory 20 are retrieved and listed on the CRT 34 (step SB3)
and then specification of at least one of the index files 20d is
awaited (step SB4).
If, subsequently, one or more of the index files 20d (e.g., "folderA.text")
is specified from among this list displayed on the CRT 34 (YES is
answered at step SB4), all the specified index files 20d are read
out (step SB5). Then, all the picture files described in the one
or more index files 20d having the same file name are sequentially
read out from the external flash memory 20 and the read out picture
files 20c are copied to a recording medium (drive) specified by
the user at step SB1 (step SB6). When the relevant picture files
20c are all copied completely (YES is answered at step SB7), the
process ends immediately.
In this embodiment, therefore, the user can perform the following
steps to distribute one or a plurality of pictures photographed
by the digital camera 1 using a floppy disk. First, for example,
he predefines the first operation key 7a ("A-KEY") of
the digital camera 1 as a group specifying key for specifying a
picture to be copied so that the digital camera 1 may sequentially
display or select pictures to be distributed and, when the first
operation key 7a is presseda picture is selected to be copied. Next,
the external flash memory 20 is detached from the digital camera
1 and attached to the personal computer 30 to supply the index file
20d ("folderA.text") which corresponds to the first operation
key 7a ("A-KEY") to the personal computer 30 so that the
one or more pictures specified therein may be copied to a floppy
disk. Thus, one or a plurality of pictures to be automatically copied
to the floppy disk at a time.
That is, the user can operate the personal computer to copy any
pictures recorded in the external flash memory 20 directly to the
floppy disk without a need of displaying and confirming them one
by one. This feature enables rapid copying even with a personal
computer having a low picture processing capability. Moreover, even
many pictures to be distributed can be copied to the floppy disk
at a time. The picture files, therefore, can be copied easily and
efficiently.
Furthermore, since the index files 20d generated by the digital
camera 1 and recorded in the external flash memory 20 are of a text
format, even if many picture files are specified (grouped) as pictures
to be copied, the size of the index files 20d does not significantly
increase. Therefore, only a small memory capacity is required to
record the index files 20d, thus effectively utilizing the storage
capacity of the external flash memory.
Also in this embodiment, since the first through fourth operations
keys 7a 7d function as the group specifying keys in the reproduction
mode, and since a plurality of index files 20d are generated corresponding
to the operations of the first through fourth operation keys 7a
7d, the pictures recorded in the external flash memory 20 can be
classified and specified beforehand into a plurality of groups,
for example, into a plurality of subject types such as a landscape
and a portrait or into subject person groups, so that one or a plurality
of the pictures can be rapidly copied at a time for each of thus
classified groups. This facilitates use.
It should be noted that, in contrast to this embodiment, any one
of the first through fourth operation keys 7a 7d may be specified
to function as the group specifying key so that its operations may
instruct the system to create only one index file 20d. Even in such
a case, the same effect as this embodiment can be obtained. That
is, the picture files can be copied easily and efficiently. Also
in this case, since no index files 20d need to be specified in the
personal computer 30, steps SB3 and SB4 of FIG. 7 can be omitted,
so that copying starts immediately when the one index file 20d is
retrieved from the external flash memory 20.
Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment the above-mentioned
index files 20d are each generated following each of the dated folders
20b, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example,
an index file 20d may be generated, for example, immediately following
the DCIM folder 20a so that specified picture files 20c may be indicated
over a plurality of the dated folders 20b. A number of the index
files 20d may correspond to a number the group specifying keys (first
through fourth operations keys) 7a 7d. Thus, rather than generating
a plurality of index files 20d of the same group for each date,
only one index file 20d must be generated for the group.
In addition, although according to the first embodiment the index
file 20d may be generated in the external flash memory 20 based
on the operations of the group specifying keys, the present invention
is not limited thereto. For example, an index file 20d that corresponds
to each of the group specifying keys (first through fourth operation
keys) 7a 7d and that has no picture file name recorded may be generated
beforehand, for example immediately when the external flash memory
20 is started in use.
Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment the apparatus
body 2 of the digital camera 1 is provided with the first through
fourth operation keys 7a 7d so that the user can selectively press
each of these operation keys 7a 7d to thereby specify (select) a
picture on the display 5 and also specify its group, the present
invention is not limited thereto. For example, an operation key
for specifying a desired picture and an operation key for further
specifying it's the group of the desired picture may be provided
separately from each other; or the same operation key may be used
to specify a desired picture and also to specify its group.
Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment the digital
camera 1 shas the display for displaying a through picture and a
recorded picture, the present invention is not limited thereto.
For example, a digital camera may be employed that does not have
the display 5. In such a case, for example, when the shutter key
4 is pressed in photographing and if any one of the operation keys
7a 7d or a predetermined operation key is pressed, a picture file
name of a previously photographed picture may be entered in an index
file 20d which corresponds to an operated group specifying key.
Alternatively, if any one of the operation keys 7a 7d or a predetermined
key is pressed immediately before the shutter key is pressed in
photographing, a picture file name of a picture photographed immediately
afterward may be entered in an index file 20d which corresponds
to an operated group specifying key.
Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment the external
flash memory 20 is detached from the digital camera 1 and is subsequently
attached to the card reader 41 of the personal computer 30 so that
the personal computer 30 may acquire a picture file 20c and an index
file 20d, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example,
the picture file 20c and the index file 20d may be transferred from
the digital camera 1 (later-described digital camera 51 of FIG.
11) to the personal computer 30 via cable communication, for example
via a USB cable, or via wireless communication, for example via
an infrared light, to be recorded on the hard disk 39 (or the RAM
33, the floppy disk, or the external flash memory 20) of the personal
computer 30.
Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment the picture
processing conducted on a picture file contained in a specified
index file 20d is copying the picture file to other recording mediums,
the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the picture
processing conducted on the picture file may be any other processing,
for example, printing or display processing. In a case of printing
processing conducted as the picture processing, only such a program
needs to be prepared that when the user has specified any one of
the index files 20d recorded in the external flash memory 20, one
or a plurality of picture files 20c described in this specified
index file 20d may be sequentially read out to the above-mentioned
personal computer 30 to cause the printer 42 connected thereto to
start printing.
Furthermore, although according to the first embodiment a fixed
type of picture processing is conducted on a picture file described
in a specified index file 20d, the present invention is not limited
thereto. For example, any given picture processing selected by the
user may be conducted.
The following will describe a specific example where the user selects
any given picture processing, with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining a variant of the flowchart
of FIG. 7.
Upon activation of the picture processing program, the personal
computer 30 searches the external flash memory 20 for all the index
files 20d following any dated folders 20b and lists them on the
CRT 34 (step SB11), awaiting the specification of one or more of
the index files 20d (step SB12).
Subsequently, when one or more of the index files 20d in the list
displayed on the CRT 34 is specified (YES is answered at step SB12),
the types of processing, such as copy, print, display, and other
picture processing, are listed on the CRT34 (step SB13) and selection
of a picture processing type is awaited (step S314).
If the print processing is selected from the list (YES is answered
at step SB14), a picture file (picture files) is read out from the
external flash memory 20 that is identified by a picture file name
contained in the index file 20d specified at step SB12, and the
read out picture file is printed by the printer 42, thereby ending
the process (step SB15).
If the copy processing is selected from the list (YES is answered
at step SB14), on the other hand, a picture file (picture files)
is read out from the external flash memory 20 that is identified
by a picture file name contained in the index file 20d specified
at step SB12, and the read out picture file is copied to another
recording medium, thereby ending the process (step SB16).
If the display processing is selected from the list (YES is answered
at step SB14), on the other hand, a picture file (picture files)
is read out from the external flash memory 20 that is identified
by a picture file name contained in the index file 20d specified
at step SB12, and the read out picture file is displayed on the
CRT 34, thereby ending the process (step SB17).
Furthermore, although as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 the type
of picture processing to be conducted on a picture file described
in a specified index file 20d is selected by hand, the present invention
is not limited thereto. For example, the type of picture processing
to be conducted may be automatically determined on the basis of
a file type of the index file 20d.
The following will describe a specific example where the picture
processing type is determined automatically, with reference to the
drawings.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a variant of the flowchart
of FIG. 8.
Upon activation of the picture processing program, the personal
computer 30 searches the external flash memory 20 for all the index
files 20d following any dated folders 20b and lists them on the
CRT 34 (step SB21) and then waits for specification of one or more
of the index files 20d.
When, subsequently, one or more of the index files 20d is specified
from the list (YES is answered at step SB22), the picture processing
type is determined on the basis of a file name of the specified
index file 20d. (step SB23).
If the print processing is selected (YES is answered at step SB24),
a picture file (picture files) is read out from the external flash
memory 20 that is identified by a picture file name contained in
the index file 20d specified at step SB22, and the read out picture
file is printed by the printer 42, thereby ending the process (step
SB25).
If the copy processing is selected at step SB23 (YES is answered
at step 26), on the other hand, a picture file (picture files) is
read out from the external flash memory 20 that is identified by
a file name contained in the index file 20d specified at step SB22,
and the read out picture file is copied to another recording medium,
thereby ending the process (step SB27).
If the display processing is selected at step SB23 (NO is answered
at step S826), on the other hand, a picture file (picture files)
is read out from the external flash memory 20 that is identified
by a picture file name contained in the index file 20d specified
at step SB22, and the read out picture file is displayed on the
CRT 34, thereby ending the process (step SB28).
Although the flowchart of FIG. 7 has been described with a case
where the index file 20d is specified by the user manually, the
present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the index
file 20d may be specified (selected) automatically.
For example, a printer-dedicated terminal (terminal comprised only
of the CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, card reader 41, and printer 42 shown
in FIG. 5) that is capable of accepting the external flash memory
20 may be used as an external apparatus of the present invention
so that a predetermined file name may be given beforehand to this
terminal so as to automatically print one or a plurality of picture
files 20c described in an index file 20d having the predetermined
file name.
The following will describe a specific example of automatically
specifying an index file to be printed, with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a variant of the flowchart
of FIG. 7.
Upon activation of the picture processing program, the print-dedicated
terminal searches the external flash memory 20 for those index files
20d assigned a printing file name of all the index files 20d following
any dated folders 20b (step SB31). If any one of such index files
20d is found (YES is answered at step SB32), the print-dedicated
terminal reads out from the external flash memory 20 a picture file
(picture files) identified by a picture file name contained in that
printing index file 20d and prints the read out picture file using
the printer 42, thereby ending the process (step 3B33).
Although the flowchart of FIG. 10 has been described with a case
where the present invention is applied to a print-dedicated terminal,
the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present
invention may be likewise applied to a display-dedicated terminal
or a copy-dedicated terminal.
Furthermore, although FIG. 10 has been described with a case where
the present invention is applied to a print-dedicated terminal,
the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present
invention may be applied to an external apparatus (personal computer
30 of FIG. 5) that can conduct all of the copy, print, and display
processing items described along the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 9.
That is, when any one of the copy, print, and display processing
items is specified (selected) and set and registered beforehand,
processing as shown in FIG. 10 with respect to the print processing
is conducted for the set and registered processing.
Second Embodiment
FIG. 11 is a block diagram for showing an electrical configuration
of the digital camera 51 related to a second embodiment of the present
invention. In addition to roughly the configuration as that of FIG.
2, the digital camera 51 has a data transfer section 52 connected
to the address/data bus 17. The data transfer section 52 realizes
an output section of the present invention and has an output terminal
for attaching a communication cable (not shown), through which it
is connected to an interface 36 of the personal computer 30 shown
in FIG. 5. In this configuration, the picture files 20c and the
index files 20d recorded in the external flash memory 20 are output
to the personal computer etc. shown in FIG. 5. In this data transfer,
signal processing is performed according to the predetermined standards
of the RS232C, the USB, etc. The other sections of the digital camera
51 are the same as those of the digital camera 1 shown in FIG. 2
and so an explanation thereof is omitted.
With the digital camera 51 as described above, by grouping the
pictures according to the flowchart of FIG. 6 corresponding to the
user's operations in the reproduction mode, the above-mentioned
index file 20d can be created and stored in the external flash memory
20. The digital camera 51 itself can also be connected to the personal
computer 30 through the communication cable with predetermined data-transfer
link software installed in the personal computer, to transfer the
picture file 20c to the personal computer 30.
FIGS. 12 and 13 are flowcharts for showing the operations of the
digital camera 51 and the personal computer 30 respectively when
the user transmits a predetermined picture file 20c recorded in
the external flash memory 20 to the personal computer 30 with the
digital camera 51 connected thereto via the communication cable.
That is, upon activation of the link software by the user, the
personal computer 30 requests the digital camera 51 to send an index
file thereto (step SC1). At this moment, the digital camera 51,
after being connected with the communication cable, is waiting for
a request for an index file, so that in response to a request from
the personal computer (YES at step SD1), it reads out all the index
files 20d recorded on the external flash memory 20 and transfers
them to the personal computer 30 (step SD2).
Upon completion of reception of these index files 20d (YES at step
SC2), the personal computer 30 in turn lists all the received index
files 20d on the CRT 34 (step SC3) and waits for specification of
one or more of the index files 20d (step SC4). If, subsequently,
one or more of these listed index files 20d (e.g., "folderA.text")
is specified (YES is answered at step SC4), the personal computer
requests the digital camera 51 to send each of the picture files
described in the specified index file 20d (step SC5). In this step,
the personal computer 30 sends the information of a file name of
the picture file 20c and also a dated folder 20b where the picture
file 20c exists to the digital camera 51.
The digital camera 51 responds to a request from the personal computer
30 (YES at step SD3) by reading out the requested picture files
sequentially and transferring them to the personal computer 30 (step
SD4) and, upon completion of the transfer of all the picture files
(YES at step SD5), ends the process. The personal computer 30 in
turn sequentially receives the picture files 20c requested at the
step SC5 and copies them to a predetermined recording medium (drive)
(step SC6). When all the requested picture files are copied (YES
is answered at step SC7), the process end directly.
As according to the first embodiment, according to the second embodiment,
therefore, the user can specify a copy-subject picture in the digital
camera 51 beforehand to thereby copy a picture file easily and efficiently.
Almost the same effects other than this as those described with
the first embodiment can be obtained.
According to the second embodiment, the purpose in use (usage)
of a specified picture may be any other purpose, for example, printing,
instead of copying. In such a case, desired pictures can be printed
at a time immediately by operating a printer with which the digital
camera 51 can be connected in much the same manner as mentioned
above with respect to the personal computer 30. Moreover, it is
possible to print only a desired picture without providing the printer
with a display section required to confirm print-subject pictures.
Further, by employing such a configuration that print-subject index
files 20d are generated in the external flash memory 20 of the digital
camera 51 while the printer is engaged in only the reading of those
index files 20d, the printer need not specify any index file 20d,
thus eliminating a need for the display section for specifying the
index files 20d.
Although like the first embodiment, according to the second embodiment
an index file 20d may be stored along with a picture file 20c into
the external flash memory 20, the present invention is not limited
thereto. For example, of course, these files 20c and 20d may be
stored at different locations.
Besides the above-mentioned configurations, a password or an ID
code may be recorded, in configuration, in one or all of the above-mentioned
plurality of index files 20d for enabling the collation by the personal
computer etc. when it engages in processing which corresponds to
a predetermined use purpose of a picture file also only such processing
that corresponds to a picture file 20c described in a collated index
file 20d.
Furthermore, of course, the variations of the first embodiment
(especially as shown in FIGS. 8 10) apply to the second embodiment
as well.
Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those
skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects
is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments
shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may
be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general
inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
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