Digital Camera Patent AbstractA digital camera includes: an image capturing section; an image
data generation section; a display section; a recording/reproducing
section; a data communication section; and a control section. The
image data generation section generates image data, which represents
the image of the object that is captured by the image capturing
section, and index data associated with the image data. The display
section displays the image data and the index data. The recording/reproducing
section records the image data and the index data in a memory section
and reproduces the image data and the index data recorded in the
memory section. The data communication section sends the image data
and the index data, which are recorded in the memory section, to
an external device, and receives image data and index data from
the external device. The control section controls the image data
generation section, the recording/reproducing section, and the data
communication section.
Digital Camera Patent ClaimsWhat is claimed is:
1. A digital camera, comprising: an image capturing section for
capturing an image of an object; an image data generation section
for generating image data which represents the captured image of
the object and index data associated with the image data; a display
section for displaying the image data and the index data; a recording/reproducing
section for recording the image data and the index data in a memory
section and reproducing the image data and the index data recorded
in the memory section; a data communication section for sending
the image data and the index data, which are recorded in the memory
section, to an external device, and receiving image data and index
data from the external device; and a control section for controlling
the image data generation section, the recording/reproducing section,
and the data communication section, wherein the control section
controls establishment of a communication between the digital camera
and the external device, and controls the data communication section
to receive the index data from the external device, the control
section controls the recording/reproducing section to record the
received index data in the memory section, and controls the image
data generation section to display at least one index which is represented
by the received index data on the display section, and the control
section controls the data communication section to receive, from
the external device, image data associated with an index selected
by a user from among the at least one index displayed on the display
section, and controls the recording/reproducing section to record
the received image data in the memory section, wherein the control
section controls the data communication section so as to receive
from the external device only information corresponding to a difference
between the index data recorded in the memory section and the index
data modified in the external device.
2. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the index is
a thumbnail image.
3. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the control section
controls the data communication section to send to the external
device an instruction for deleting image data associated with the
selected index.
4. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the data communication
section uses a communication cable or a wireless communication system.
5. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the display section
further includes contact-type input means.
6. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the memory section
includes a rewritable optical recording medium or a rewritable semiconductor
memory.
7. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein the image data
generation section generates image data and index data such that
each of the image data and index data has a display prohibition
flag which prevents reception of the image data or index data by
the external device.
8. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein: the control
section determines whether or not the index data from the external
device has a display prohibition flag; and if the index data has
the display prohibition flag, the control section controls the data
communication section so as not to receive the index data having
the display prohibition flag and image data associated with the
index data.
9. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein: the digital
camera has a unique identification number; the control section compares
the unique identification number of the digital camera with an identification
number unique to the external device; and if the control section
determines as a result of the comparison that the external device
is an authenticatable device, a communication between the digital
camera and the external device is established.
10. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein: the control
section controls the recording/reproducing section to record image
data and index data generated by the image data generation section
in the memory section in units of a folder; the folder has a hierarchical
directory structure.
11. A digital camera according to claim 10, wherein: the control
section controls the recording/reproducing section to reproduce
the image data and the index data recorded in a certain layer of
the hierarchical directory structure in the memory section; and
the control section controls the image data generation section to
display the reproduced image data and index data on the display
section.
12. A digital camera, comprising: an image capturing section for
capturing an image of an object; an image data generation section
for generating image data which represents the captured image of
the object and index data associated with the image data; a display
section for displaying the image data and the index data; a recording/reproducing
section for recording the image data and the index data in a memory
section and reproducing the image data and the index data recorded
in the memory section; a data communication section for sending
the image data and the index data, which are recorded in the memory
section, to an external device, and receiving image data and index
data from the external device; and a control section for controlling
the image data generation section, the recording/reproducing section,
and the data communication section, wherein the control section
controls establishment of a communication between the digital camera
and the external device, and controls the data communication section
to receive the index data from the external device, the control
section controls the recording/reproducing section to record the
received index data in the memory section, and controls the image
data generation section to display at least one index which is represented
by the received index data on the display section, and the control
section controls the data communication section to receive, from
the external device, image data associated with an index selected
by a user from among the at least one index displayed on the display
section, and controls the recording/reproducing section to record
the received image data in the memory section, wherein: the digital
camera has a unique identification number; the control section compares
the unique identification number of the digital camera with an identification
number unique to the external device; and if the control section
determines as a result of the comparison that the external device
is an authenticatable device, a communication between the digital
camera and the external device is established.
13. A digital camera according to claim 12, wherein the index is
a thumbnail image.
14. A digital camera according to claim 12, wherein the control
section controls the data communication section to send to the external
device an instruction for deleting image data associated with the
selected index.
15. A digital camera according to claim 12, wherein the data communication
section uses a communication cable or a wireless communication system.
16. A digital camera according to claim 12, wherein the display
section further includes contact-type input means.
17. A digital camera according to claim 12, wherein the memory
section includes a rewritable optical recording medium or a rewritable
semiconductor memory.
18. A digital camera according to claim 12, wherein the image data
generation section generates image data and index data such that
each of the image data and index data has a display prohibition
flag which prevents reception of the image data or index data by
the external device.
19. A digital camera according to claim 12, wherein: the control
section determines whether or not the index data from the external
device has a display prohibition flag; and if the index data has
the display prohibition flag, the control section controls the data
communication section so as not to receive the index data having
the display prohibition flag and image data associated with the
index data.
20. A digital camera according to claim 12, wherein: the control
section controls the recording/reproducing section to record image
data and index data generated by the image data generation section
in the memory section in units of a folder; the folder has a hierarchical
directory structure.
21. A digital camera according to claim 20, wherein: the control
section controls the recording/reproducing section to reproduce
the image data and the index data recorded in a certain layer of
the hierarchical directory structure in the memory section; and
the control section controls the image data generation section to
display the reproduced image data and index data on the display
section. Digital Camera Patent DescriptionBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a digital camera where image data
is recorded in an information recording medium. More specifically,
the present invention relates to a digital camera which can make
a copy of, or move, desired image data selected from image data
recorded in another digital camera without using a personal computer
or the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
A digital camera converts light reflected by an object to an electrical
signal so as to generate image data, and records the generated image
data in an information recording medium such as a semiconductor
memory, an optical disc, a floppy disc, or the like; and reproduces
and displays an image on a display based on such recorded image
data. The image may be a still image or a moving image.
FIG. 25 shows a structure of a conventional digital camera 2500.
The digital camera 2500 includes an image capturing section 2501,
an image processing section 2502, a monitor 2503, a memory control
section 2504, and an information recording medium 2505.
An operation of the digital camera 2500 having such a structure
is described.
The image capturing section 2501 receives light reflected by an
object to generate an analog signal which represents an image of
the object. The image processing section 2502 converts an analog
signal generated by the image capturing section 2501 to a digital
signal so as to generate image data. The image data is moved to
the monitor 2503, and the object which is represented by the image
data is displayed on the monitor 2503. In this way, the monitor
2503 functions as a finder of the camera. When a user clicks a shutter
provided in a main body of the digital camera, the memory control
section 2504 records the image data, which represents the object
displayed on the monitor 2503, in the information recording medium
2505. Once the image data is recorded in the information recording
medium 2505, the memory control section 2504 can reproduce the image
data recorded in the information recording medium 2505 and display
the object which is represented by the image data on the monitor
2503. The information recording medium 2505 may be a memory incorporated
in the main body of the digital camera 2500. Alternatively, the
information recording medium 2505 may be a removable memory.
In order to edit (for example, compile, process, print, etc.) the
image data recorded in the information recording medium 2505 in
the above described manner, the information recording medium 2505
is directly connected to an external device, such as a personal
computer, in the case where the information recording medium 2505
is an incorporated memory. Alternatively, in the case where the
information recording medium 2505 is a removable memory, the information
recording medium 2505 is removed from the main body of the digital
camera 2500, and the removed information recording medium 2505 is
inserted in a personal computer or the like. Then, a memory card
reader, a disc drive, or the like, incorporated in the personal
computer reads the image data recorded in the information recording
medium 2505, and copies the image data into a fixed disc drive incorporated
in the personal computer.
In the case where a user copies image data which represents an
object captured by one digital camera into an information recording
medium of another digital camera, the image data must be copied
into a fixed disc drive included in a personal computer before it
is copied into the another digital camera. This task requires labor
and time, and cannot be achieved without using a personal computer
which includes a memory card reader and a disc drive. For example,
image data which represent objects captured by digital cameras cannot
be transferred among the digital cameras in an environment where
there is no personal computer, e.g., outdoors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention, a digital camera
includes: an image capturing section for capturing an image of an
object; an image data generation section for generating image data
which represents the captured image of the object and index data
associated with the image data; a display section for displaying
the image data and the index data; a recording/reproducing section
for recording the image data and the index data in a memory section
and reproducing the image data and the index data recorded in the
memory section; a data communication section for sending the image
data and the index data, which are recorded in the memory section,
to an external device, and receiving image data and index data from
the external device; and a control section for controlling the image
data generation section, the recording/reproducing section, and
the data communication section, wherein the control section controls
establishment of a communication between the digital camera and
the external device, and controls the data communication section
to receive the index data from the external device, the control
section controls the recording/reproducing section to record the
received index data in the memory section, and controls the image
data generation section to display at least one index which is represented
by the received index data on the display section, and the control
section controls the data communication section to receive, from
the external device, image data associated with an index selected
by a user from among the at least one index displayed on the display
section, and controls the recording/reproducing section to record
the received image data in the memory section.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the index is a thumbnail
image.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the control section
controls the data communication section to send to the external
device an instruction for deleting image data associated with the
selected index.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the data
communication section uses a communication cable or a wireless communication
system.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the display
section further includes contact-type input means.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the control
section controls the data communication section so as to receive
from the external device only information corresponding to a difference
between the index data recorded in the memory section and the index
data modified in the external device.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the memory
section includes a rewritable optical recording medium or a rewritable
semiconductor memory.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the image
data generation section generates image data and index data such
that each of the image data and index data has a display prohibition
flag which prevents reception of the image data or index data by
the external device.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the control
section determines whether or not the index data from the external
device has a display prohibition flag; and if the index data has
the display prohibition flag, the control section controls the data
communication section so as not to receive the index data having
the display prohibition flag and image data associated with the
index data.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the digital
camera has a unique identification number; the control section compares
the unique identification number of the digital camera with an identification
number unique to the external device; and if the control section
determines as a result of the comparison that the external device
is an authenticatable device, a communication between the digital
camera and the external device is established.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the control
section controls the recording/reproducing section to record image
data and index data generated by the image data generation section
in the memory section in units of a folder; the folder has a hierarchical
directory structure.
In still another embodiment of the present invention, the control
section controls the recording/reproducing section to reproduce
the image data and the index data recorded in a certain layer of
the hierarchical directory structure in the memory section; and
the control section controls the image data generation section to
display the reproduced image data and index data on the display
section.
Thus, the invention described herein makes possible the advantages
of providing a digital camera which can receive only image data
a user wants to get from among image data which represents an object
captured by another digital camera and which is recorded in an information
recording medium incorporated therein without using a personal computer.
These and other advantages of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding
the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 shows a structure of a receiver digital camera 10 and a
transmitter digital camera 10' of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a display 27 and a control panel 20 of a display section
13 when the power of the digital camera 10 is off.
FIG. 3 shows a display 30 and the control panel 20 of the display
section 13.
FIG. 4 shows a display 40 and the control panel 20 of the display
section 13.
FIG. 5 shows a display 50 and the control panel 20 of the display
section 13.
FIG. 6 shows a display 60 and the control panel 20 of the display
section 13.
FIG. 7 shows a display 70 and the control panel 20 of the display
section 13.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart which illustrates a process performed in
a control section 18 when an image of an object is captured by the
digital camera 10 of the present invention.
FIG. 9 shows a hierarchical directory structure of image data recorded
in an information recording medium 15.
FIG. 10 schematically shows image data, thumbnail image data, and
folder data, which are recorded in the information recording medium
15.
FIG. 11 shows a display 1100 on the display section 13 and the
control panel 20.
FIG. 12 shows a display 1200 on the display section 13 and the
control panel 20.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart which illustrates a process performed by
a control section 18 for editing image data using the digital camera
10 of the present invention.
FIG. 14 shows the structure of a touch panel monitor 1400.
FIG. 15 schematically shows digital cameras connected using a connection
cable.
FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a wireless connection between
digital cameras.
FIG. 17 shows a hierarchical directory structure of image data
recorded in an information recording medium 15' of the transmitter
digital camera 10'.
FIG. 18 shows a display 1100' of a display section 13' and a control
panel 20' of the transmitter digital camera 10'.
FIG. 19 shows a display 1900 of the receiver digital camera 10
and a display 1900' of the transmitter digital camera 10' immediately
after the connection between the receiver digital camera 10 and
the transmitter digital camera 10' has been established.
FIG. 20 schematically shows thumbnail image data recorded in an
incorporated memory 16.
FIG. 21 shows the display 1900 and the control panel 20 of the
receiver digital camera 10, which was shown in the upper part of
FIG. 19.
FIG. 22 schematically shows image data, thumbnail image data, and
folder data recorded in the information recording medium 15.
FIG. 23 shows a display 2300 and the control panel 20 of the display
section 13 of the receiver digital camera 10 after the receiver
digital camera 10 receives image data from the transmitter digital
camera 10' and records the received image data in the information
recording medium 15.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart which illustrates a process performed by
the control section 18 for establishing a communication between
the digital camera 10 and the transmitter digital camera 10' and
receiving image data desired by a user from the transmitter digital
camera 10'.
FIG. 25 shows a structure of a conventional digital camera 2500.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described
with reference to FIGS. 1 and 24.
1. Structure of Digital Camera of the Present Invention
FIG. 1 shows a structure of a receiver digital camera 10 and a
transmitter digital camera 10' of the present invention. Although
in this example, these digital cameras are referred to as "receiver"
and "transmitter" digital cameras for convenience of explanation,
the receiver digital camera 10 and transmitter digital camera 10'
have identical structures and functions, and each of them has both
a data transmitting function and a data receiving function.
The receiver digital camera 10 of the present invention includes
an image capturing section 11, an image data generation section
12, a display section 13, a recording/reproducing section 14, a
data transmission section 17, a control section 18, and a memory
section 19. The control section 18 controls the image data generation
section 12, the recording/reproducing section 14, and the data transmission
section 17. The memory section 19 includes an incorporated memory
16 and an information recording medium 15. The information recording
medium 15 may be removable from the memory section 19, or alternatively
may be fixedly incorporated in the memory section 19. The information
recording medium 15 is a rewritable information recording medium
which deals with a digital signal. The information recording medium
15 may be, for example, a semiconductor memory, an optical disc,
a floppy disc, or the like. In this specification, an "image"
refers to a still image or a moving image. In the case where image
data represents a still image, it is preferable to use a rewritable
high-speed semiconductor memory as the information recording medium
15. In the case where image data represents a moving image, it is
preferable to use an optical disc having a large capacity as the
information recording medium 15.
The image capturing section 11 receives light reflected by an object
to generate an analog signal according to the amount of the received
light.
The image generation section 12 converts an analog signal generated
by the image capturing section 11 to a digital signal. This digital
signal is image data which represents the object. The image data
is transferred to the display section 13, such as a monitor or the
like, and displayed on the display section 13. The display section
13 functions as a view finder of the camera. When a user clicks
a shutter provided in a main body of the digital camera 10, the
image generation section 12 generates image data which represents
the object and index data which is associated with the image data.
The generated image data and index data are transferred to the recording/reproducing
section 14. The index data is any type of data which represents
contents of the image data and whose data size is smaller than that
of the image data. The index data may be, for example, text data
which represents an image by a text, or thumbnail image data which
represents a reduced size image. The index data is preferably thumbnail
image data which represents a reduced size image of the image which
is represented by the image data. In the case where the image is
a still image, the thumbnail image is a reduced size image of the
still image. In the case where the image is a moving image, the
thumbnail image is an initial frame of the moving image. Index data,
such as thumbnail image data, text data, etc., has a smaller data
size than that of image data, and therefore, the index data can
be quickly displayed on the display section 13 as compared with
a case where the image data is displayed on the display section
13. In the examples described below in this specification, the index
data is thumbnail image data.
The recording/reproducing section 14 records the image data and
thumbnail image data (index data) generated by the image generation
section 12 in the information recording medium 15 or incorporated
memory 16 and/or reproduces the image data and thumbnail image data
recorded in the information recording medium 15 or incorporated
memory 16. A plurality of thumbnail images, which have been recorded
in the information recording medium 15 or incorporated memory 16
in the above described manner, can be displayed at a time on the
display section 13. Thus, a user can readily confirm the contents
of the image recorded in the information recording medium 15 or
incorporated memory 16.
The data transmission section 17 transmits/receives the image data
and the thumbnail image data to/from an external device (digital
camera 10'). The data transmission section 17 may be any type of
communication means, such as a connection cable, wireless communication
means, or the like. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the receiver
digital camera 10 and the transmitter digital camera 10' are connected
via a connection cable 3.
The display section 13 may be a monitor which includes an interface
through which a user can input some data.
In this example, the external device connected to the receiver
digital camera 10 is the transmitter digital camera 10'. The transmitter
digital camera 10' includes an image capturing section 11', an image
data generation section 12', a display section 13', a recording/reproducing
section 14', a data transmission section 17', a control section
18', and a memory section 19'. The control section 18' controls
the image data generation section 12', the recording/reproducing
section 14', and the data transmission section 17'. The memory section
19' includes an incorporated memory 16' and an information recording
medium 15'. Since the transmitter digital camera 10' has the same
structure and functions as those of the receiver digital camera
10, detailed descriptions thereof are herein omitted.
A procedure for capturing an image of an object using the digital
camera 10 having the above structure is described below.
2. Capturing an Image of an Object
FIG. 2 shows a display 27 and a control panel 20 of the display
section 13 when the power of the digital camera 10 is off. The display
section 13 may be a monitor which includes an interface through
which a user can input some data. In this embodiment, the display
section 13 is a pointing device which utilizes a movable cursor
and a control button. The control panel 20 includes: an ON/OFF button
21 for turning ON/OFF the power of the digital camera 10; a shutter
22 for capturing an image of an object; a lock button 23 for protecting
recorded image data and thumbnail image data; a menu button 24 for
switching operation modes of the digital camera 10; a cross button
25 for vertically and horizontally moving a highlighted display
region; and a determination button 26 for determining an execution
of an operation. The control panel 20 shown in FIG. 2 is merely
an example, and the present invention is not limited to such an
illustrated button structure of the control panel 20. The control
panel 20 can be provided at any position of the main body of the
digital camera 10. Since the power of the digital camera 10 is off
in the example illustrated in FIG. 2, nothing is displayed on the
display 27 of the display section 13.
FIG. 3 shows a display 30 and the control panel 20 of the display
section 13. When the ON/OFF button 21 is depressed, the power of
the digital camera 10 is turned on, and the display section 13 displays
the menu display 30 as shown in FIG. 3. The menu display 30 is also
displayed when the menu button 24 of the control panel 20 is depressed.
The menu display 30 includes an image capturing button 31 and an
edit button 32. By selecting the image capturing button 31, a user
can input any setting details before capturing an image of an object
(image capturing mode). After an image of an object has been captured,
by selecting the edit button 32, a user can input any setting details
for editing the captured image (edit mode). In FIG. 3, a highlighted
display region is present on the image capturing button 31. The
highlighted display region can be moved using the cross button 25
in the control panel 20.
FIG. 4 shows a display 40 and the control panel 20 of the display
section 13. When a user depresses the determination button 26 while
the highlighted display region is present on the image capturing
button 31 in the menu display 30 of FIG. 3, the display section
13 displays the display 40 of FIG. 4. In the display 40, a user
can designate a place in the information recording medium 15 where
image data which represents a captured image and thumbnail image
data associated with the image data are to be stored. If a user
select a "YES" button in response to a message 41 "Do
you want to designate a directory for storing data?", a new
window 42 is generated on the display 40. In the window 42, an "existing
folder" button 43 and a "create new folder" button
44 are displayed. In the case where the user selects the "existing
folder" button 43, a list of existing folders (not shown) stored
in the information recording medium 15 is displayed on the display
section 13. After a user selects a desired folder from the displayed
list of existing folders, image data and thumbnail image data, which
are generated after an image of an object has been captured, are
stored in the selected folder. The display 40 further includes an
end button 45 and a back button 46. When a user selects the end
button 45, the display of the display section 13 returns to the
menu display 30 of FIG. 3. When a user selects the back button 46,
the user can returns to a previous manipulation (or entry) step.
FIG. 5 shows a display 50 and the control panel 20 of the display
section 13. When a user selects the "create new folder"
button 44'' in the display 40 of FIG. 4, the display section 13
displays the display 50 for giving a folder name to the newly created
folder. The display 50 includes a keyboard entry section 51 and
a folder name field 52 for entering a folder name. The keyboard
entry section 51 has the same function as that of an actual keyboard.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, "FATHE_" has already
been entered in the folder name field 52. When a user selects an
"R" key in the keyboard entry section 51, the folder name
field 52 is changed to "FATHER". In this way, a user can
create a folder and give a folder name to the newly created folder.
Such an arrangement where sets of image data which represent a
captured image and thumbnail image data are stored in separate folders
is useful, for example, in the case where a plurality of users share
one digital camera 10, or where a user wants to sort out sets of
image data and thumbnail image data according to the purposes thereof.
FIG. 6 shows a display 60 and the control panel 20 of the display
section 13. When a user gives a folder name and selects the end
button 45 in the display 50 of FIG. 5, the display section 13 displays
the display 60 which functions as a finder of the digital camera
10. The display 60 includes: an address 61 which indicates an address
where image data and thumbnail image data are to be stored; a lock
mark 62 which represents that an image to be captured next is an
image to be protected; an image which can be captured by the digital
camera 10 (in this example, a house). In the example illustrated
in FIG. 6, the address 61 indicates that the data are to be stored
in the FATHER folder of DISK1 which represents the information recording
medium 15. In the case where a user wants to protect image data,
the user simply depresses a lock button 23 in the control panel
20.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, when the lock button 23 is
depressed, the lock button 23 is lightened so as to indicate that
the lock button 23 is active, and the lock mark 62 is displayed
on the display 60. In this specification, "protect" and
"lock" means adding a display prohibition flag to image
data and thumbnail image data for prohibiting display, copying,
and moving of image data and thumbnail image data from the digital
camera 10 to an external device, or for enabling only a specific
individual user who uses the digital camera 10 to view the display
of the image data and thumbnail image data using a password system
or the like. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the display
prohibition flag is added to image data and thumbnail image data
for the purpose of prohibiting display, copying, and moving of image
data and thumbnail image data from the digital camera 10 to an external
device.
Further, the control panel 20 may include a copyright protection
button for adding a copyright protection data section to the image
data. In the case where image data is copied or moved to another
digital camera, the copyright of the image data can be protected
by limiting the number of times of copying or moving utilizing the
copyright protection data section to the image data. Furthermore,
by utilizing a copyright protection function provided to a digital
camera, image data is prevented from being digitally duplicated
into an indefinite number of copies, and accordingly, production
of quality-degraded copies of the image data generated by a user
can be prevented.
FIG. 7 shows a display 70 and the control panel 20 of the display
section 13. When a user clicks the shutter 22 of the control panel
20 in the display 60 of FIG. 6, an image shown in the display 60
(an image of a house) is captured into the digital camera 10. Then,
the display section 13 displays the display 70 shown in FIG. 7.
In the display 70, a user can give a file name to image data which
represents the captured image. If a user select a "YES"
button in response to a message 71 "Do you want to give a name
to this file?", the display section 13 generates a new display
72. The display 72 includes a keyboard entry section 51 and a file
name field 73 for entering a file name, which have the same functions
as the keyboard entry section 51 and the folder name field 52 in
the display 50 of FIG. 5. In the display 72, a user can give a file
name to the image data in a similar manner as that described in
the example illustrated in FIG. 5. The file name given to the image
data is also simultaneously given to thumbnail image data associated
with the image data in an automatic manner.
Due to such a file name given to image data which represents a
captured image, a user can readily sort out image data and can readily
understand the content of the image data without reproducing the
image data.
It should be noted that, as a matter of course, a place (address)
where image data and thumbnail image data are to be stored, a folder
name, and a file name can be determined after an image has been
captured.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart which illustrates a process performed in
the control section 18 when an image of an object is captured by
the digital camera 10 of the present invention. Steps of the process
performed in the control section 18 are described below.
Step S801: When the control section 18 (FIG. 1) determines that
a user depressed the ON/OFF button 21 of the control panel 20 of
FIG. 2, the control section 18 instructs the image data generation
section 12 to display the menu display 30 of FIG. 3 on the display
section 13 (FIG. 1).
Step S802: The control section 18 determines which of the image
capturing button 31 and the edit button 32, shown in the menu display
30, is selected by a user. If the control section 18 determines
that the user selected the image capturing button 31, the process
proceeds to Step S803, and the operation mode of the digital camera
10 is changed to the image capturing mode. If the control section
18 determines that the user selected the edit button 32, the process
proceeds to a process shown in FIG. 9, and the operation mode of
the digital camera 10 is changed to the edit mode (A).
Step S803: If the control section 18 determines at Step S802 that
the user selected the image capturing button 31, the control section
18 instructs the image data generation section 12 to display the
display 40 of FIG. 4 on the display section 13. If the user select
a "YES" button in response to a message 41 "Do you
want to designate a directory for storing data?", the process
proceeds to Step S804, and a new window 42 (FIG. 4) is generated
on the display 40. Otherwise, the process proceeds to Step S807
without designating a place where the image data and thumbnail image
data, which will be generated after an image capturing operation,
are to be stored.
Step S804: The control section 18 determines which of the "existing
folder" button 43 and the "create new folder" button
44, shown in the window 42, is selected by a user. If the control
section 18 determines that the user selected the "existing
folder" button 43, the process proceeds to Step S805. If the
control section 18 determines that the user selected the "create
new folder" button 44, the process proceeds to Step S806.
Step S805: If the control section 18 determines at Step S804 that
the user selected the "existing folder" button 43, the
control section 18 instructs the image data generation section 12
to display a list of existing folders on the display section 13.
Then, the control section 18 determines which of the existing folders
is selected by the user, and designates the selected folder as a
folder in which image data and thumbnail image data, which will
be generated after an image capturing operation, are to be stored.
Then, the process proceeds to Step S807.
Step S806: If the control section 18 determines at Step S804 that
the user selected the "create new folder" button 44, the
control section 18 instructs the image data generation section 12
to display the display 50 of FIG. 5 on the display section 13. Then,
the user enters any folder name using the keyboard entry section
51, the cross button 25, and the determination button 26. The control
section 18 designates a newly created folder having a new name ("FATHER"
folder in the example illustrated in FIG. 5) as a folder where image
data and thumbnail image data, which will be generated after an
image capturing operation, are to be stored. Then, the process proceeds
to Step S807.
Step S807: The control section 18 determines whether or not the
user depresses the lock button 23 in the control panel 20. If the
control section 18 determines that the user depressed the lock button
23, the process proceeds to Step S808. Otherwise, the process proceeds
to Step S809.
Step S808: When the user clicks the shutter 22 in the control panel
20 to capture an image of an object, the control section 18 instructs
the image data generation section 12 to generate image data and
thumbnail image data to which display prohibition flags are attached.
Then, the process proceeds to Step S810.
Step S809: When the user clicks the shutter 22 in the control panel
20 to capture an image of an object, the control section 18 instructs
the image data generation section 12 to generate image data and
thumbnail image data. Then, the process proceeds to Step S810.
Step S810: The control section 18 instructs the image data generation
section 12 to display on the display section 13 the display 70 (FIG.
7) which inquires a user whether he/she wants to give a file name
to the image data generated at Step S808 or Step S809. If the control
section 18 determines that the user selected a "YES" button
in response to the message 71 "Do you want to give a name to
the file?", the control section 18 instructs the image data
generation section 12 to generate the new display 72 on the display
section 13. Then, the process proceeds to Step S811. Otherwise,
the process proceeds to Step S812.
Step S811: The user enters any folder name using the keyboard entry
section 51, the cross button 25, and the determination button 26
in the same manner as that of Step S806. The control section 18
designates the file name entered by the user ("HOME" file
in the example illustrated in FIG. 7) as the file names of the image
data and thumbnail image data generated at Step S808 or Step S809.
If the user selects "NO" at Step S810, a default file
name, such as "image1", "image2", . . . , for
example, is selected as the file names of the image data and thumbnail
image data generated at Step S808 or Step S809.
The control section 18 controls the recording/reproducing section
14 (FIG. 1) to record the thus-generated image data and thumbnail
image data associated there within the information recording medium
15 of the memory section 19 (FIG. 1). Then, the process proceeds
to Step S812.
Step S812: The control section 18 instructs the image data generation
section 12 to generate on the display section 13 a display (not
shown) which inquires the user whether or not he/she wants to continue
capturing another image. If the control section 18 determines that
the user selected "YES" to continue the image capturing
operation, the process returns to Step S803 to perform the above
described steps again. Otherwise, the image capturing mode is canceled,
and the image capturing operation is terminated.
Designation and determination of a folder name performed at Steps
S802 S806, and determination of a file name performed at Steps S810
S811, can alternatively be performed by the user in the edit mode,
which will be described later.
Next, the structure of image data generated based on an image captured
by the digital camera 10 of the present invention is described.
3. Structure of Image Data
FIG. 9 shows a hierarchical directory structure of image data recorded
in the information recording medium 15.
The exemplary hierarchical directory structure of image data recorded
in the information recording medium 15 which is shown in FIG. 9
is obtained after the process of FIG. 8 is completed. In the example
illustrated in FIG. 9, the highest layer 91 includes a FATHER folder,
a "SMILE" image, a "SMILE" thumbnail image associated
with the "SMILE" image, an "image3" image, an
"image3" thumbnail image associated with the "image3"
image, and a MOTHER folder. A subordinate layer 92, which is subordinate
to the FATHER folder, includes a "HOME" image, a "HOME"
thumbnail image associated with the "HOME" image, an "image1"
image, an "image1" thumbnail image associated with the
"image1" image, an "image2" image, and an "image2"
thumbnail image associated with the "image2" image. Another
subordinate layer 93, which is subordinate to the MOTHER folder,
includes a "CAKE" image, and a "CAKE" thumbnail
image associated with the "CAKE" image. It should be appreciated
that the above hierarchical directory structure is just an example
and may have any other structure.
Since image data is recorded together with thumbnail image data
associated therewith in the information recording medium 15 based
on the hierarchical directory structure, the user(s) can readily
sort out image data according to various attributes (e.g., an image
captured by a father, an image captured by a mother, date when an
image was captured, a place where an image was captured, etc.),
and can readily find image data the user wants to get.
FIG. 10 schematically shows image data, thumbnail image data, and
folder data, which are recorded in the information recording medium
15. In FIG. 10, image data includes, for example, an address where
the image data is stored, a file name of the image data, and a protection
status of the image data. In the example illustrated in FIG. 10,
image data 100 is the "HOME" image included in the FATHER
folder of FIG. 9, the address where the image data 100 is stored
is "/DISK1/FATHER", and the file name of the image data
100 is "HOME". The protection status is represented by
a lock key (i.e., display prohibition flag) which indicates that
the image data is locked.
The folder data 108 and 109 each includes an address where the
folder data 108 or 109 is stored, a folder name, a protection status,
and information which indicates that the folder data 108 or 109
itself is a folder icon. The folder data 108 represents a folder
icon of the FATHER folder, and the folder data 109 represents a
folder icon of the MOTHER folder.
For example, in FIG. 10, a set of three image data, which is indicated
by reference numeral 102, are image data regarded as being contained
in the FATHER folder of FIG. 9. A set of two image data, which is
indicated by reference numeral 103, are the "SMILE" image
and "image3" image of FIG. 9. Image data indicated by
reference numeral 104 is the "CAKE" image which is regarded
as being contained in the MOTHER folder. In the case where the address
to store image data is not designated, address "/DISK1",
which is the highest layer of the information recording medium 15,
is designated as an address to store such image data. In the case
where a file name of image data is not designated, a default file
name, e.g., "image1", is given to such image data. In
the case where image data is not protected, a lock key which represents
the protection status of the image data is not displayed.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, image data 101 is the "HOME"
thumbnail image in the FATHER folder of FIG. 9. The image data 101
has the same information as that of the image data 100 except that
the image data 101 includes information which indicates that the
image data 101 itself is a thumbnail image. In this embodiment,
the image data 100 and the image data 101 are associated with each
other so as to have the same information (for example, an address
to store image data, a file name, a protection status, etc.). However,
the association of image data and corresponding thumbnail image
data can be established in any manner so long as the image data
and thumbnail image data can be associated on a one-to-one basis.
Three image data indicated by reference numeral 105 are thumbnail
image data which are regarded as being stored in the FATHER folder
of FIG. 9. Two image data, which is indicated by reference numeral
106, are the "SMILE" thumbnail image data and "image3"
thumbnail image data of FIG. 9. Image data indicated by reference
numeral 107 is the "CAKE" thumbnail image data which is
regarded as being contained in the MOTHER folder.
Next, an operation of the digital camera 10 for editing image data
is described below. In the following example, the image data shown
in FIGS. 8 and 9 are recorded in the digital camera 10.
4. Edit of Image Data
FIG. 11 shows a display 1100 on the display section 13 and the
control panel 20. When in the display 30 of FIG. 3, a user moves
a highlighted display region to the edit button 32 and depresses
the determination button 26, the display section 13 displays the
display 1100 for performing edit of data. In the case where the
image data are arranged in the hierarchical directory structure
shown in FIG. 9, a thumbnail image in the highest layer 91 (i.e.,
the folder icon images (FATHER folder and MOTHER folder) and the
"SMILE" image and "image3" image) are displayed
on the display 1100. If the image data are arranged in a hierarchical
directory structure, thumbnail images can be displayed in a hierarchical
manner.
The display 1100 includes: an address 1101 indicating which layer
the currently displayed thumbnail images belong to; a function button
1102; an end button 45, and a back button 46. In the example illustrated
in FIG. 11, the address 1101 is "/DISK1", which indicates
the highest layer. For example, the function button 1102 includes:
an "open" button for opening a folder; a "create
new folder" button for creating a new folder; a "change
folder name" button for changing the name of a folder: a "change
file name" button for changing the name of a file; a "delete"
button for deleting a folder or file; a "cut" button for
cutting a folder or file; a "paste" button for pasting
a folder or file; a "copy" button for copying a folder
or file; a "reproduction" button for reproducing a file;
and a "change lock" button for changing the protection
status of a file or folder. It should be noted that the function
button 1102 is not limited to the above button structure. In the
example illustrated in FIG. 11, the user selects the FATHER folder
by placing the highlighted display region on the "open"
button.
FIG. 12 shows a display 1200 on the display section 13 and the
control panel 20. When a user activates the "open" button
while the FATHER folder of FIG. 11 is selected, the thumbnail images
stored in the FATHER folder shown in the display 1200 are displayed
on the display section 13. In the case where the image data are
arranged in the hierarchical directory structure shown in FIG. 9,
the thumbnail images in the subordinate layer 92 (i.e., the "HOME"
thumbnail image, the "image1" thumbnail image, and the
"image2" thumbnail image) are displayed on the display
1200. The display 1200 includes: an address 1201; a function button
1102; an end button 45, and a back button 46 same as the display
1100. The address 1201 is "/DISK1/FATHER", which indicates
that the thumbnail image data displayed on the display 1200 of FIG.
12 are subordinate to the highest layer indicated by the address
"/DISK1".
FIG. 13 is a flowchart which illustrates a process performed by
the control section 18 for editing image data using the digital
camera 10 of the present invention. Steps of the process performed
by the control section 18 are described below. The process illustrated
in FIG. 13 begins when the control section 18 determines at Step
S802 of FIG. 8 that the user selected the edit button 32 in the
menu display 30.
Step S1301: The control section 18 determines whether or not the
user selected a desired thumbnail image displayed on a screen, and
selected the function button(s) 1102 or the end button 45. When
the control section 18 determines that the user selected the function
button(s) 1102, the process proceeds to Steps S1302 through S130N.
Otherwise, the process terminates.
Step S1302: The control section 18 determines whether or not the
user selected the "open" button. When the control section
18 determines that the user selected the "open" button,
the process proceeds to Step S1310. Otherwise, the process proceeds
to Steps S1303 through S130N.
Step S1310: The control section 18 instructs the recording/reproducing
section 14 to reproduce thumbnail image data stored in a selected
folder, and display thumbnail images of the thumbnail image data
on the display section 13. Then, the process returns to Step S1301,
and the above described steps are performed again.
Step S1303: The control section 18 determines whether or not the
user selected the "change file name" button. When the
control section 18 determines that the user selected the "change
file name" button, the process proceeds to Step S1311. Otherwise,
the process proceeds to Steps S1304 (not shown) through S130N.
Step S1311: The control section 18 instructs the display section
13 to provide the display 72 as shown in FIG. 7 for entering a file
name. Then, the control section 18 instructs the recording/reproducing
section 14 to record a thumbnail image corresponding to the file
name entered by the user in the information recording medium 15.
Simultaneously, the file name of the thumbnail image is updated,
and the name of an image associated with the thumbnail image is
also updated. Thereafter, the process returns to Step S1301, and
the above described steps are performed again.
Step S130N: The control section 18 determines whether or not the
user selected the "change lock" button. When the control
section 18 determines that the user selected the "change lock"
button, the process proceeds to Step S131N. Otherwise, the process
terminates.
Step S131N: The control section 18 inquires of the user whether
or not he/she is willing to activate/deactivate protection for the
selected thumbnail image data. If the user is willing to activate
protection for the selected thumbnail image data, the control section
18 adds display prohibition flags to thumbnail image data and image
data associated with the thumbnail image data, and instructs the
recording/reproducing section 14 to write the thumbnail image data
and image data associated with the thumbnail image data having the
display prohibition flags over the information recording medium
15. If the user is willing to deactivate protection for the selected
thumbnail image data, the control section 18 instructs the recording/reproducing
section 14 to delete the display prohibition flags from the thumbnail
image data and image data associated with the thumbnail image data,
and write the thumbnail image data and image data associated with
the thumbnail image data, from which the display prohibition flags
have been deleted, over the information recording medium 15. Thereafter,
the process returns to Step S1301, and the above described steps
are performed again.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, for simplicity of explanation,
only the process performed by the control section 18 when the "open"
button, the "file name change" button, and the "change
lock" button are selected from the function button 1102, has
been described. Even when any other function button 1102 is selected,
the control section 18 performs appropriate processing.
FIG. 14 shows the structure of a touch panel monitor 1400.
In the display section 13 of the above described example, the monitor
including an interface through which a user can input certain data
is achieved by the cross button 25 and the determination button
26. However, the display section 13 of the present invention may
be a touch panel monitor (contact-type input means).
The touch panel monitor 1400 includes an upper transparent electrode
4, and a lower transparent electrode 5, and spacers 6 provided between
the upper transparent electrode 4 and the lower transparent electrode
5. With the spacers 6, a certain gap is provided between the upper
transparent electrode 4 and the lower transparent electrode 5. Entry
by a user is received by detecting a position of a contact made
between the upper transparent electrode 4 and the lower transparent
electrode 5.
For example, a user can input data by directly touching a surface
of the monitor 1400 with a pen-shaped stylus 7. Specifically, for
example, a thumbnail image is selected by touching the thumbnail
image once, and by touching a function button once, processing corresponding
to the touched function button is performed on the selected thumbnail
image. Alternatively, by continuously touching a thumbnail image
twice, an image corresponding to the touched thumbnail image is
displayed on the monitor 1400. A touch panel monitor using a stylus
is a pointing device which enables intuitive manipulation, and is
frequently used in a portable information terminal or the like.
In the case where a touch panel monitor is used, complicated button
manipulation or the like is not necessary. As a matter of course,
a touch panel monitor and another type of pointing device can be
used in combination.
Next, the receiver digital camera 10 and the transmitter digital
camera 10' of the present invention are connected, and an operation
for transmitting/receiving image data between the digital cameras
10 and 10' is described.
5. Transmission/Reception of Data Between Digital Cameras
(1) Establishment of Communication Between Digital Cameras
FIG. 15 schematically shows digital cameras connected using a connection
cable.
The receiver digital camera 10 and the transmitter digital camera
10' (FIG. 1) are physically connected by a connection cable 3. The
receiver digital camera 10 has a connector 1501 provided at the
data transmission section 17. The transmitter digital camera 10'
also has a connector 1501' provided at the data transmission section
17'. The connection cable 3 connects the receiver digital camera
10 and the transmitter digital camera 10' through the connectors
1501 and 1501'.
When a user inserts the connection cable 3 into the connector 1501
of the receiver digital camera 10 and the connector 1501' of the
transmitter digital camera 10', the control section 18 of the receiver
digital camera 10 receives an electrical signal, which is generated
by insertion of the connection cable 3 into the connector 1501',
from the transmitter digital camera 10' through the data transmission
section 17. The control section 18 of the receiver digital camera
10 determines based on the received electrical signal whether or
not the transmitter digital camera 10' is an authenticatable device.
Similarly, the control section 18' of the transmitter digital camera
10' receives an electrical signal, which is generated by insertion
of the connection cable 3 into the connector 1501, from the receiver
digital camera 10 through the data transmission section 17'. The
control section 18' of the transmitter digital camera 10' determines
based on the received electrical signal whether or not the receiver
digital camera 10 is an authenticatable device. In the case where
the control sections 18 and 18' determine that the digital cameras
10' and 10 are authenticatable, respectively, a communication between
the receiver digital camera 10 and the transmitter digital camera
10' is established.
Next, an authentication method of such digital cameras is described
by explaining a process performed in the control section 18 of the
receiver digital camera 10.
In the case where the connection cable 3 is a cable designed for
use with digital cameras, the control section 18 of the receiver
digital camera 10 receives from the transmitter digital camera 10'
an electrical signal which indicates that the connection cable 3
is a cable for digital cameras. In such a case where a cable for
digital cameras is used, a communication between the receiver digital
camera 10 and the transmitter digital camera 10' is established
without a determination by the control section 18 about whether
or not the transmitter digital camera 10' is an authenticatable
device. Thus, in the case where a cable for digital cameras is used
as the connection cable 3, a communication between digital cameras
can readily be established without an authentication step.
Alternately, in the case where the connection cable 3 is any other
type of cable, e.g., a general-purpose cable, the control section
18 of the receiver digital camera 10 receives from the transmitter
digital camera 10' an electrical signal which includes information
unique to the transmitter digital camera 10'. For example, the information
unique to the transmitter digital camera 10' includes an identification
number unique to the transmitter digital camera 10'. The receiver
digital camera 10 stores an identification number unique to itself
and identification numbers of authenticatable devices, which are
given to the digital camera 10 at the time of production thereof.
These identification numbers may be stored in the control section
18, or may be stored in the incorporated memory 16. The control
section 18 compares an identification number included in the received
electrical signal with the identification numbers of the authenticatable
devices, which are stored in the control section 18 or incorporated
memory 16. If the identification number included in the received
electrical signal matches any of the identification numbers of the
authenticatable devices, the control section 18 determines that
the transmitter digital camera 10' is an authenticatable device.
As a result, a communication is established between the receiver
digital camera 10 and the transmitter digital camera 10'.
The above described authorization process is also performed in
the transmitter digital camera 10' in a similar manner.
Using the connection cable 3 for connecting the receiver digital
camera 10 and the transmitter digital camera 10' is advantageous
because a high data transfer rate can be realized, and a general
purpose interface (e.g., USB, IEEE1394, etc.) can be used.
FIG. 16 schematically illustrates a wireless connection between
digital cameras.
According to the present invention, a connection between the receiver
digital camera 10 and the transmitter digital camera 10' may be
a wireless communication. The data transmission section 17 of the
receiver digital camera 10 has an infrared communication interface
1601. Similarly, the data transmission section 17' of the transmitter
digital camera 10' also has an infrared communication interface
1601'. For example, when a user turns on switches (not shown) provided
in the main bodies of the digital cameras 10 and 10' for initiating
an infrared communication, communication signals are emitted from
the infrared communication interfaces 1601 and 1601'. The receiver
digital camera 10 receives the communication signal emitted from
the infrared communication interface 1601', and the transmitter
digital camera 10' receives the communication signal emitted from
the infrared communication interface 1601. The control section 18
determines based on the received communication signal whether or
not the transmitter digital camera 10' is an authenticatable device.
Similarly, the control section 18' determines based on the received
communication signal whether or not the receiver digital camera
10 is an authenticatable device. In the case where the control sections
18 and 18' determine that the digital cameras 10' and 10 are authenticatable,
respectively, an infrared communication 1602 is established between
the receiver digital camera 10 and the transmitter digital camera
10'.
Next, an authentication method of such devices is described by
explaining a process performed in the control section 18 of the
receiver digital camera 10.
The communication signal emitted from the infrared communication
interface 1601' includes information unique to the transmitter digital
camera 10', which is the same type of information as that described
in the above example illustrated in FIG. 15 where a general-purpose
cable is employed for connection between the digital cameras 10
and 10'. In this example, the communication signal includes an identification
number unique to the transmitter digital camera 10'. The receiver
digital camera 10 stores an identification number unique to itself
and identification numbers of authenticatable devices, which are
given to the digital camera 10 at the time of production thereof.
These identification numbers may be stored in the control section
18, or may be stored in the incorporated memory 16. The control
section 18 compares an identification number included in the received
communication signal with the identification numbers of the authenticatable
devices, which are stored in the control section 18 or incorporated
memory 16. If the identification number included in the received
communication signal matches any of the identification numbers of
the authenticatable devices, the control section 18 determines that
the transmitter digital camera 10' is an authenticatable device.
As a result, an infrared communication is established between the
receiver digital camera 10 and the transmitter digital camera 10'.
The above described authorization process is also performed in
the transmitter digital camera 10' in a similar manner.
In the case where a user wants to establish a communication only
with a digital camera having a specific identification number, the
user inputs an identification number of an intended digital camera
to his/her digital camera, whereby the user can set his/her digital
camera such that it establishes a communication only with the intended
digital camera having the identification number input by the user.
With such a setting function, the user can establish a communication
only between his/her digital camera and an intended digital camera
even when a plurality of digital cameras are present in the vicinity
of his/her digital camera.
In this embodiment described above, both the control section 18
of the receiver digital camera 10 and the control section 18' of
the transmitter digital camera 10' determine each other's authenticity.
However, according to the present invention, a communication may
also be established when one of these digital cameras determines
that the other one is an authenticatable digital camera.
In the case of employing a wireless communication such as an infrared
communication, a communication can be established between the receiver
digital camera 10 and the transmitter digital camera 10' without
using any part other than the digital cameras themselves (e.g.,
a connection cable 3 shown in FIG. 15). According to the present
invention, any other type of wireless communication system different
from an infrared communication system, such as a bluetooth.TM. wireless
communication system, may be employed.
Next, an example where a communication between the receiver digital
camera 10 and the transmitter digital camera 10' is established
by the method illustrated in FIG. 15, and the digital camera 10
receives only desired image data from among image data recorded
in the information recording medium 15' of the digital camera 10',
is described. As a matter of course, an operation which will be
described below is applicable to a case where a communication is
established using the method illustrated in FIG. 16
(2) Transmission/Reception of Thumbnail Image Data
FIG. 17 shows a hierarchical directory structure of image data
recorded in the information recording medium 15' of the transmitter
digital camera 10'. The highest layer 1701 of the information recording
medium 15' of the transmitter digital camera 10' includes a FREE
folder, an "APPLE" image, an "APPLE" thumbnail
image associated with the "APPLE" image, an "image2
'" image, an "image2'" thumbnail image associated
with the "image2'" image, an "image3'" image,
and an "image3'" thumbnail image associated with the "image3'"
image. A subordinate layer 1702 includes an "image1'"
thumbnail image associated with the "image1'" image.
FIG. 18 shows a display 1100' of the display section 13' and a
control panel 20' of the transmitter digital camera 10'. FIG. 18
shows thumbnail images included in the highest layer, which are
recorded in the information recording medium 15' of the transmitter
digital camera 10', in the same fashion as described in connection
with the display 1100 of FIG. 11. In FIG. 18, elements having the
same functions are indicated by like reference numerals used in
FIG. 11, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
The display 1100' shows thumbnail images recorded in the highest
layer of the information recording medium 15' (i.e., a folder icon
image (FREE folder), the "APPLE" thumbnail image, the
"image2'" thumbnail image, and the "image3'"
thumbnail image). In the "image2'" thumbnail image, a
lock key which indicates that the "image2'" image is protected
is shown. The address 1101' is "/DISK1'", which indicates
that the information recording medium 15' is DISK1' and that the
currently displayed thumbnail images are recorded in the highest
layer of the information recording medium 15'.
Now, consider that the receiver digital camera 10, which includes
image data arranged in the hierarchical directory structure of FIG.
9, and the transmitter digital camera 10', which includes image
data arranged in the hierarchical directory structure of FIG. 17,
are connected by the connection cable 3 to establish the digital
cameras 10 and 10'.
FIG. 19 show a display 1900 of the receiver digital camera 10 and
a display 1900' of the transmitter digital camera 10' immediately
after the connection between the receiver digital camera 10 and
the transmitter digital camera 10' has been established.
After the connection between the receiver digital camera 10 and
the transmitter digital camera 10' has been established, the thumbnail
image data included in the highest layer of the information recording
medium 15' of the transmitter digital camera 10' are sent to the
receiver digital camera 10 and recorded in the incorporated memory
16 of the receiver digital camera 10. Similarly, the thumbnail image
data included in the highest layer of the information recording
medium 15 of the receiver digital camera 10 are sent to the transmitter
digital camera 10' and recorded in the incorporated memory 16' of
the transmitter digital camera 10'.
In FIG. 19, the thumbnail image data of the highest layer, which
are recorded in the incorporated memory 16 and 16', are displayed
on the display 1900 of the display section 13 and the display 1900'
of the display section 13', respectively.
The display 1900 includes: an address 1101 for indicating which
layer the currently displayed thumbnail images belong to; a function
button 1102; an end button 45; a back button 46; and an icon 1901
for indicating that the currently displayed thumbnail images are
derived from the information recording medium 15' of the transmitter
digital camera 10'. In the display 1900, the address 1101 is "/TEMP1"
which indicates the highest layer of the incorporated memory 16.
In the display 1900, the thumbnail images are temporarily recorded
in the incorporated memory 16 (i.e., a folder icon image (FREE folder),
the "APPLE" thumbnail image, and the "image3'"
thumbnail image). The "image2'" thumbnail image, which
is displayed on the display 1100' of the transmitter digital camera
10' in FIG. 18, is not displayed on the display 1900 of FIG. 19.
This is because the "image2'" thumbnail image data has
a display prohibition flag, and the receiver digital camera 10 cannot
receive such flagged image data and thumbnail image data.
The function button 1102 includes, for example, a "view"
button for performing a display of a file, a "copy" button
for copying a file or folder; and a "move" button for
moving a file or folder. These buttons appear when the function
button 1102 is pulled down.
The display 1900' also includes: an address 1101' for indicating
which layer the currently displayed thumbnail images belong to;
a function button 1102'; an end button 45'; a back button 46'; and
an icon 1901' for indicating that the currently displayed thumbnail
images are derived from the information recording medium 15 of the
receiver digital camera 10. In the display 1900', the address 1101'
is "/TEMP1'" which indicates the highest layer of the
incorporated memory 16'. The structure of the function button 1102'
is the same as that of the function button 1102.
In the display 1900', the thumbnail images are temporarily recorded
in the incorporated memory 16' (i.e., folder icon images (the FATHER
folder and MOTHER folder) and the "image3" thumbnail image).
The "SMILE" thumbnail image, which is displayed on the
display 1100 of the receiver digital camera 10 in FIG. 11, is not
displayed on the display 1900' of FIG. 19. This is because the "SMILE"
thumbnail image data has a display prohibition flag, and the transmitter
digital camera 10' cannot receive such flagged image data and thumbnail
image data.
FIG. 20 schematically shows thumbnail image data recorded in the
incorporated memory 16. The thumbnail image data temporarily recorded
in the incorporated memory 16 are image data and folder data included
in the highest layer 1701 of FIG. 17 to which a display prohibition
flag is not attached. Each thumbnail image data includes: a current
address where the thumbnail image data is currently stored; an original
address from which the thumbnail image data is derived; a file name;
a protection status; and information which indicates that the thumbnail
image data itself is a thumbnail image. The folder data includes
the same information as those included in thumbnail image data except
that folder data includes information which indicates that the folder
data itself is a folder icon in place of the information which indicates
that the thumbnail image data itself is a thumbnail image. Thumbnail
image data 2000 is "APPLE" thumbnail image data. Thumbnail
image data 2001 is "image3'" thumbnail image data. Folder
data 2002 is a folder icon of the FREE folder.
The thumbnail image data and folder data shown in FIG. 20 are different
from the thumbnail image data and folder data shown in FIG. 11 in
that each of the thumbnail image data and folder data shown in FIG.
20 include the information about the original address in addition
to the information about the current address. In the example illustrated
in FIG. 20, information about the original address includes "/DISK1'"
which indicates the original address of the thumbnail image 2000
in the original information recording medium (information recording
medium 15'). The information about the original address may include
information inherent to an original information recording medium
or original digital camera. Due to the original address information,
for example, an association between the "APPLE" thumbnail
image recorded in the incorporated memory 16 of the receiver digital
camera 10 and the "APPLE" image recorded in the information
recording medium 15' of the transmitter digital camera 10' can be
maintained. Such an association is merely an example. Such an association
can be established in any manner, even when image data and thumbnail
image data of the image data exist in different devices, so long
as the image data and the thumbnail image data are associated on
a one-to-one basis.
The thumbnail image data of the information recording medium 15'
of the transmitter digital camera 10' which has been reproduced
and recorded in the incorporated memory 16 of the receiver digital
camera 10 may be left recorded in the incorporated memory 16 while
the thumbnail image data is still associated with a number unique
to the information recording medium 15', or alternatively may be
deleted automatically.
Now, consider a case where the thumbnail image data is left recorded
in the incorporated memory 16 while the thumbnail image data is
still associated with a number unique to the information recording
medium 15' of the transmitter digital camera 10'.
The thumbnail image data recorded in the information recording
medium 15' of the transmitter digital camera 10' is recorded in
the incorporated memory 16 of the receiver digital camera 10. Then,
the information recording medium 15' is removed from the transmitter
digital camera 10', and another information recording medium (not
shown) is inserted into the transmitter digital camera 10'. Thereafter,
a communication between the receiver digital camera 10 and the transmitter
digital camera 10' is established. Again, thumbnail image data recorded
in the another information recording medium of the transmitter digital
camera 10' is recorded in the incorporated memory 16 of the receiver
digital camera 10. In this case, the thumbnail image data which
is derived from the information recording medium 15' and which has
previously been recorded in the incorporated memory 16 is maintained
to be associated with the number unique to the information recording
medium 15', and therefore is prevented from being overwritten by
the thumbnail image data derived from the another information recording
medium.
Then, the another information recording medium is removed from
the transmitter digital camera 10', and the information recording
medium 15' is inserted into the transmitter digital camera 10',
so that a communication between the receiver digital camera 10 and
the transmitter digital camera 10' is established. At this point
in time, the incorporated memory 16 stores the thumbnail image data
associated with the number unique to the information recording medium
15' and the thumbnail image data associated with a number unique
to the removed another information recording medium. Therefore,
it is not necessary to record in the incorporated memory 16 the
thumbnail image data recorded in the information recording medium
15'. Thus, the receiver digital camera 10 can quickly refer to the
thumbnail image data derived from the information recording medium
15'. That is, the receiver digital camera 10 can quickly display
the thumbnail image data derived from the information recording
medium 15' on the display section 13. In this case, the thumbnail
image data recorded in the incorporated memory 16 of the receiver
digital camera 10 includes a number unique to an information recording
medium from which it is derived. For example, the above described
original address information may includes a number unique to an
original information recording medium and an original storage address
in the original information recording medium.
Next, consider a case where the thumbnail image data recorded in
the incorporated memory 16 is automatically deleted.
The thumbnail image data recorded in the information recording
medium 15' of the transmitter digital camera 10' is recorded in
the incorporated memory 16 of the receiver digital camera 10. Then,
the information recording medium 15' is removed from the transmitter
digital camera 10', and another information recording medium (not
shown) is inserted into the transmitter digital camera 10'. Thereafter,
a communication between the receiver digital camera 10 and the transmitter
digital camera 10' is established. At this point in time, the thumbnail
image data which is derived from the information recording medium
15' and which has been recorded in the incorporated memory 16 is
deleted. Then, thumbnail image data recorded in the another information
recording medium of the transmitter digital camera 10' is recorded
in the incorporated memory 16 of the receiver digital camera 10.
Then, the another information recording medium is removed from
the transmitter digital camera 10', and the information recording
medium 15' is inserted into the transmitter digital camera 10',
so that a communication between the receiver digital camera 10 and
the transmitter digital camera 10' is established. At this point
in time, the thumbnail image data which is derived from the removed
another recording medium and which has been recorded in the incorporated
memory 16 is deleted.
Thus, it is necessary to record the thumbnail image data recorded
in the information recording medium 15' (or another information
recording medium) of the transmitter digital camera 10' into the
incorporated memory 16 of the receiver digital camera 10 every time
a communication between the receiver digital camera 10 and the transmitter
digital camera 10' is established. In this case, the capacity of
the incorporated memory 16 can be saved, but the thumbnail image
data cannot be quickly displayed on the display section 13.
In the above described example, the incorporated memories 16 and
16' are used as primary memories used for temporarily storing data
such as thumbnail image data. However, received thumbnail image
data may be recorded in the information recording medium 15 and
the information recording medium 15'. Thumbnail image recorded in
the transmitter digital camera 10' is not reproduced in the transmitter
digital camera 10', but is temporarily recorded in the memory section
19 of the receiver digital camera 10 and reproduced in the receiver
digital camera 10. With such an arrangement, the thumbnail image
obtained from the transmitter digital camera 10' can be quickly
displayed on the display section 13.
(3) Reception and Edit of Image Data a User Desires
FIG. 21 shows the display 1900 and the control panel 20 of the
receiver digital camera 10 which was shown in the upper part of
FIG. 19.
FIG. 21 shows an example where a user places a highlighted display
region on the "APPLE" thumbnail image and selects the
"copy" button of the function button 1102. When the user
selects the "copy" button, the "APPLE" image
data recorded in the information recording medium 15' of the transmitter
digital camera 10', which is associated with the selected "APPLE"
thumbnail image, is sent from the transmitter digital camera 10'
to the receiver digital camera 10 and copied in the information
recording medium 15. On the other hand, the "APPLE" thumbnail
image data temporarily recorded in the incorporated memory 16 is
moved to the information recording medium 15. The "APPLE"
image data is displayed on the display section 13 while it is copied
in the information recording medium 15.
When the image data ("APPLE" image) is displayed on the
display section 13, the definition and size of the image data may
be decreased. However, as a matter of course, the decreases in definition
and size of the image data should be limited to a level that does
not cause problems in the display of the image data on the display
section 13. Furthermore, in the case where the image data is a moving
image, the image data may be sequentially displayed on the display
section 13 while copying the image data from the transmitter digital
camera 10' to the information recording medium 15 of the receiver
digital camera 10.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 21, the image data recorded
in the information recording medium 15' of the transmitter digital
camera 10' is directly copied into the information recording medium
15 of the receiver digital camera 10. However, the image data may
be once copied into the incorporated memory 16 and then moved to
the information recording medium 15. In the case where the incorporated
memory 16 is a memory in which data can be written at a high speed,
such as a DRAM (dynamic random access memory), the image data to
be copied is temporarily stored in the incorporated memory 16 and
moved from the incorporated memory 16 to the information recording
medium 15. This is because the time required for copying data is
shorter as compared with a case where the data is directly copied
from the transmitter digital camera 10' to an information recording
medium 15 of the receiver digital camera 10.
FIG. 22 schematically shows image data, thumbnail image data, and
folder data recorded in the information recording medium 15. Specifically,
FIG. 22 schematically shows image data, thumbnail image data, and
folder data recorded in the information recording medium 15 after
the "APPLE" image data has been copied from the transmitter
digital camera 10' to the information recording medium 15 of the
receiver digital camera 10, and the "APPLE" thumbnail
image data is moved from the incorporated memory 16 to the information
recording medium 15.
Image data 2200 is a copy of the "APPLE" image data recorded
in the transmitter digital camera 10'. The image data 2200 is the
same as the image data stored in the transmitter digital camera
10' except that the address included in the image data 2200 indicates
the address where the image data 2200 is currently stored.
Thumbnail image data 2201 is thumbnail image data moved from the
incorporated memory 16 to the information recording medium 15. The
thumbnail image data 2201 is the same as the thumbnail image data
2000 of FIG. 20 except that the original address (e.g., "/DISK1'"
of FIG. 20) is deleted. A set of image data 2203 corresponds to
the sets of image data 102, 103, and 104 of FIG. 10. A set of image
data 2204 corresponds to the sets of image data 105, 106, and 107
of FIG. 10.
As described above in connection with FIG. 21, when a user selects
a button other than the "copy" button, e.g., when a user
selects the "move" button, the image data associated with
the selected thumbnail image is copied to the receiver digital camera
10 and then deleted from the transmitter digital camera 10'.
Alternatively, when a user selects the "view" button
in FIG. 21, the image data in the transmitter digital camera 10'
which is associated with the selected thumbnail image is sent to
the incorporated memory 16 of the receiver digital camera 10 from
the transmitter digital camera 10' and temporarily stored in the
incorporated memory 16 of the receiver digital camera 10. Thereafter,
if the user wants to "copy" or "move" the image
data temporarily stored in the incorporated memory 16, the image
data and the thumbnail image data, which are stored in the incorporated
memory 16, are moved to the information recording medium 15. In
this case, since the image data is simply moved from the incorporated
memory 16 to the information recording medium 15, the processing
time is short. However, if the user selects the "move"
button, thumbnail image data and image data associated with the
thumbnail image data, which are to be moved from the incorporated
memory 16 to the information recording medium 15, are deleted from
the information recording medium 15' of the transmitter digital
camera 10'.
Alternatively, in FIG. 21, when a user selects the FREE folder
and selects the "copy" or "move" button, all
of the image data and thumbnail image data included in the FREE
folder recorded in the information recording medium 15' of the transmitter
digital camera 10' are copied or moved into the information recording
medium 15 of the receiver digital camera 10. However, if the user
selects the "move" button, the selected folder (and the
thumbnail image data and image data associated with the thumbnail
image data which are included in the selected folder) are deleted
from the information recording medium 15' of the transmitter digital
camera 10'.
In the above examples illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, the user
selects one thumbnail image. However, the use can select any number
of thumbnail images. In the case where the use selects a plurality
of thumbnail images, the selected thumbnail images can be sequentially
processed (e.g., copied or moved).
In the case where the image data recorded in the information recording
medium 15' of the transmitter digital camera 10' is changed (e.g.,
added or deleted), the control section 18 of the receiver digital
camera 10 instructs the data transmission section 17 to compare
thumbnail image data associated with the changed image data which
is recorded in the information recording medium 15', with thumbnail
image data which are temporarily stored in the incorporated memory
16 of the receiver digital camera 10. The control section 18 receives
from the data transmission section 17 only information corresponding
to a difference between the compared thumbnail image data (for example,
information indicating that certain thumbnail image data is deleted
or added) and performs an overwriting operation in the incorporated
memory 16 based on the received information. With such an arrangement,
old thumbnail image data is updated, and the updated thumbnail image
data is displayed on the display section 13. Thus, since the control
section 18 receives only such difference information, the speed
of processing for transmitting image data from the transmitter digital
camera 10' to the receiver digital camera 10 is increased.
For example, the difference information can be produced as explained
below. The control section 18 of the receiver digital camera 10
instructs the data transmission section 17 to issue an instruction
to produce difference information and send the produced difference
information to the receiver digital camera 10. In response to such
an instruction, the transmitter digital camera 10' produces difference
information and sends only the produced difference information to
the receiver digital camera 10.
Thus, after a user selects at least one desired thumbnail image,
a desired processing can be performed only on the selected thumbnail
image. Therefore, it is not necessary to receive an excessive amount
of image data, and the capacity of the information recording medium
15 can be saved. Further, only a necessary processing is performed,
and accordingly, the entire processing rate is high.
FIG. 23 shows a display 2300 of the display section 13 and the
control panel 20 of the receiver digital camera 10 after the receiver
digital camera 10 receives image data from the transmitter digital
camera 10' and records the received image data in the information
recording medium 15.
When the edit button 32 of FIG. 3 is selected after the receiver
digital camera 10 receives "APPLE" image data from the
transmitter digital camera 10' and records the received "APPLE"
image data in the information recording medium 15, and a user depresses
the menu button 24 in FIG. 21, a display 2300 is displayed as shown
in FIG. 23.
The display 2300 includes: an address 1101 indicating which layer
the currently displayed thumbnail images belong to; a function button
1102; an end button 45, and a back button 46. In the display 2300,
the address 1101 is "/DISK1", which indicates the highest
layer of the information recording medium 15 is shown. The display
2300 shows a thumbnail image recorded in the information recording
medium 15, i.e., the folder icon images (FATHER folder and MOTHER
folder) and the "APPLE" thumbnail image and "image3'"
thumbnail image. The display 2300 is the same as the display 1100
of FIG. 11 except that the "APPLE" image is added.
The "APPLE" image, which is received from the transmitter
digital camera 10' and recorded in the information recording medium
15 of the receiver digital camera 10, can also be subjected to various
processing as described in connection with FIGS. 11 through 13.
(4) Processing of the Control Section 18
FIG. 24 is a flowchart which illustrates a process performed by
the control section 18 for establishing a communication between
the receiver digital camera 10 and the transmitter digital camera
10' and receiving image data desired by a user from the transmitter
digital camera 10'. Steps of this process performed by the control
section 18 are described below.
Step S2401: The connection cable 3 (FIG. 1) is connected to the
receiver digital camera 10 and the transmitter digital camera 10'
through the connector 1501, which is provided at the data transmission
section 17 of the receiver digital camera 10, and the connector
1501', which is provided at the data transmission section 17' of
the transmitter digital camera 10', respectively.
In the case where the communication between the digital camera
10 and the transmitter digital camera 10' is established by a wireless
communication system, Step S2401 is omitted.
Step S2402: The control section 18 (FIG. 1) determines whether
or not a communication is established between the receiver digital
camera 10 and the transmitter digital camera 10'. The control section
18 confirms whether or not a communication is established between
the digital cameras 10 and 10' by the method described with reference
to FIG. 15 or 16.
Step S2403: After the control section 18 confirms that a communication
has been established between the digital cameras 10 and 10', the
control section 18 instructs the data transmission section 17 to
receive thumbnail image data included in the highest layer recorded
in the information recording medium 15' of the transmitter digital
camera 10'. On the other hand, the control section 18 sends thumbnail
image data included in the highest layer recorded in the information
recording medium 15 of the receiver digital camera 10 to the transmitter
digital camera 10'. In this step, the control section 18 determines
whether or not any of the thumbnail image data derived from the
highest layer of the information recording medium 15' of the transmitter
digital camera 10' has a display prohibition flag. Based on a result
of the determination, the control section 18 controls the data transmission
section 17 so as not to receive thumbnail image data having a display
prohibition flag from the transmitter digital camera 10'.
Herein, the control section 18 may instructs the recording/reproducing
section 14 to delete thumbnail image data which has been already
sent to the transmitter digital camera 10' from the information
recording medium 15.
Step S2404: The control section 18 instructs the recording/reproducing
section 14 to temporarily record the thumbnail image data received
by the data transmission section 17 in the incorporated memory 16
of the memory section 19. On the other hand, the control section
18 instructs the image data generation section 12 to display the
thumbnail image data received by the data transmission section 17
on the display section 13.
Step S2405: The control section 18 determines whether or not a
user selected at least one of the thumbnail image data displayed
on the display section 13. When the control section 18 determines
that the user selected any of the thumbnail image data displayed
on the display section 13, the process proceeds to Step S2406. Otherwise,
the process terminates.
Step S2406: The control section 18 determines whether the user
selected the function button 1102 or the end button 45. If the control
section 18 determines that the user selected the function button
1102, the process proceeds to Steps S2407 through S2409. Otherwise,
the process terminates.
Step S2407: The control section 18 determines whether or not the
user selected the "view" button. If the control section
18 determines that the user selected the "view" button,
the process proceeds to Step S2410. Otherwise, the process proceeds
to Steps S2408 through S2409.
Step S2410: The control section 18 instructs the data transmission
section 17 of the receiver digital camera 10 to receive image data
associated with selected thumbnail image data from the information
recording medium 15' of the transmitter digital camera 10'. Then,
the control section 18 instructs the recording/reproducing section
14 to record the image data received by the data transmission section
17 in the incorporated memory 16. Thereafter, the control section
18 instructs the image data generation section 12 to display the
image data on the display section 13. Then, the process returns
to Step S2405.
Step S2408: The control section 18 determines whether or not the
user selected the "copy" button. If the control section
18 determines that the user selected the "copy" button,
the process proceeds to Step S2411. Otherwise, the process proceeds
to Step S2409.
Step S2411: The control section 18 instructs the data transmission
section 17 of the receiver digital camera 10 to receive image data
associated with selected thumbnail image data from the information
recording medium 15' of the transmitter digital camera 10'. Then,
the control section 18 instructs the recording/reproducing section
14 to record the image data received by the data transmission section
17 in the information recording medium 15. Thereafter, the process
returns to Step S2405.
Step S2409: The control section 18 determines whether or not the
user selected the "move" button. If the control section
18 determines that the user selected the "move" button,
the process proceeds to Step S2412. Otherwise, the process terminates.
Step S2412: The control section 18 instructs the data transmission
section 17 of the receiver digital camera 10 to receive image data
associated with selected thumbnail image data from the information
recording medium 15' of the transmitter digital camera 10'. Then,
the control section 18 instructs the recording/reproducing section
14 to record the image data received by the data transmission section
17 in the information recording medium 15.
Step S2422: The control section 18 instructs the data transmission
section 17 to send a deletion instruction to the transmitter digital
camera 10' for deleting that image data from the information recording
medium 15'. Thereafter, the process returns to Step S2405.
In this embodiment, transmission of image data from the transmitter
digital camera 10' to the receiver digital camera 10 for the purpose
of copying, moving, or display, and transmission of image data from
the receiver digital camera 10 to the transmitter digital camera
10' for the purpose of copying, moving, or display, can be performed
simultaneously. That is, the receiver digital camera 10 can refer
to thumbnail image data recorded in the information recording medium
15' of the transmitter digital camera 10' while the transmitter
digital camera 10' refers to thumbnail image data recorded in the
information recording medium 15 of the receiver digital camera 10.
Between two digital cameras, display, copying, or moving of image
data is performed from the first camera to the second, and from
the second camera to the first, simultaneously. Thus, in such a
case, the manipulation time is short as compared with a case where
image data is exchanged such that transmission of image data from
the first camera to the second camera and transmission of image
data from the second camera to the first camera are performed at
separate times.
In this specification, the receiver digital camera 10 and the transmitter
digital camera 10' have identical functions, and can exchange data
therebetween. However, according to the present invention, it is
not an indispensable requirement that the receiver digital camera
10 and the transmitter digital camera 10' are of the same product
model or have identical functions. It is appreciated that the present
invention can be practiced so long as the transmitter digital camera
10' is an external device having a predetermined interface.
According to a digital camera of the present invention, an image
data generation section of the digital camera generates image data
which represents an image of an object and index data which is associated
with the image data. A plurality of indices can be displayed on
a display section, and therefore, a user can readily know the contents
of image data recorded in a memory section.
According to a digital camera of the present invention, the control
section controls the following processes: establishment of a communication
between a digital camera and an external device; reception of index
data by a data communication section from the external device; recording
of the received index data by a recording/reproducing section; and
display of at least one index, which is represented by the received
index data, on the display section by the image data generation
section. With such an arrangement, a user can readily know the contents
of image data included in the external device without a personal
computer.
According to a digital camera of the present invention, when a
user selects a desired index from among indices which have been
derived from the external device and displayed on the display section,
the control section controls the data communication section to receive
image data associated with a selected index from the external device.
The received image data is recorded in the memory section. With
such an arrangement, the user can receive only image data desired
by a user from the external device and edit the received image data.
Various other modifications will be apparent to and can be readily
made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope
and spirit of this invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that
the scope of the claims appended hereto be limited to the description
as set forth herein, but rather that the claims be broadly construed.
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