Digital Camera Patent AbstractA digital camera includes a slot where a magnetooptical disk is
received. A plurality of folders for managing a plurality of image
files is formed in the magnetooptical disk. A recording folder pointer
points one of folders as a record destination folder of an image
file. A reproducing folder pointer points one of folders as a reproducing
destination folder of an image file. In a picture-taking mode, when
a shutter key is operated, a CCD imager takes a picture of a subject,
and a new image file including a compressed image data of the taken
subject are stored in the above mentioned record destination folder
by a disk controller. A CPU, then changes a point destination of
the reproducing folder pointer to a point destination of a recording
folder pointer.
Digital Camera Patent ClaimsWhat is claimed is:
1. A digital camera which accesses a recording medium having a
plurality of folders to store a plurality of image files to each
of which a file number is assigned, comprising: an acceptor for
accepting a selecting operation to select any one of the plurality
of folders formed in said recording medium; a first pointer to point
a folder selected by the selecting operation as a record destination
folder; a second pointer to point any one of the plurality of folders
formed in said recording medium as a reproducing destination folder;
a third pointer to point any one of the image files stored in said
reproducing destination folder; a writer for writing a new image
file accommodating photographed image data to the record destination
folder when a recording instruction is issued; and a first changer
to change a point destination of said second pointer and a point
destination of said third pointer to a point destination of said
first pointer and the new image file, respectively, in association
with a writing process of said writer, wherein said writer includes
a detector to detect a maximum file number from among the file numbers
which are assigned to the image files stored in the record destination
folder, and an assigner to assign a file number continuous from
the maximum file number detected by said detector to the new image
file, and said assigner can assign the same file number to different
folders.
2. A digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising a
folder number assigner for assigning different folder numbers respectively
to the folders formed in said recording medium, wherein said first
pointer holds a folder number of the record destination folder,
said second pointer holds a folder number of the reproducing destination
folder, and said first changer sets the folder number held by said
first pointer to said second pointer.
3. A digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising: a
selector for selecting a designated folder as the reproducing destination
folder; and a second changer for changing only the pointing destination
of said second pointer among said first pointer and said second
pointer to a folder selected by said selector.
4. A digital camera according to claim 1, further comprising a
reproducer for reproducing an image file specified by said second
pointer and said third pointer when a reproducing instruction is
issued.
5. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said detector
detects the maximum file number prior to the recording instruction.
6. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein said acceptor
accepts the selecting operation in an interval of the recording
instructions.
7. A digital camera according to claim 1, wherein any of the folders
noted for the selecting operation is a still image folder, and any
of the image files stored in the still image folder is a still image
file. Digital Camera Patent DescriptionBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This present invention relates to a digital camera. Specifically,
a digital camera which records a plurality of newly prepared image
files in a recording medium where a plurality of directories to
manage a plurality of image files is formed, and reproduces a desired
image file from the record medium.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Digital cameras record an image file including an image signal
which took a picture in a recording medium. Therefore, the greater
the capacity of a recording medium, the more likely to save an image
file. However, the greater the number of image files to be recorded,
the more difficult it becomes to operate, thus decreasing operationality.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is a primary object of present invention to provide
a digital camera which does not decrease operationality, even if
the number of recorded image files increases.
A digital camera according to this invention comprises: an attacher
to be attached with a recording medium forming a plurality of folders
for managing a plurality of image files; a first pointer to point
at any one of the folders as a record destination folder; a second
pointer to point at any one of said folders as a reproducing source
folder; a picture-taker to take a picture of a subject in response
to a picture-taking instruction; a storer for storing a new image
file including image data of the subject to the record destination
folder; and a first changer to change a pointing destination of
the second pointer to a pointing destination of the first pointer.
A plurality of folders for managing a plurality of image files
are prepared in the magnetooptical disk attached by the attacher.
The first pointer points at any one of the folders as a record destination
folder. The second pointer points at any one of the folders as a
reproducing source folder (a folder including an image file to be
reproduced). When a picture-taking instruction is generated, a subject
is taken a picture by the picture taker, and a new image file including
image data of the subject is stored to the record destination folder
by the storer. The first changer changes a pointing destination
of the second pointer to a pointing destination of the first pointer.
In other words, a reproducing source folder does not always correspond
to a record destination folder. However, when a new image file is
stored in the record destination folder in response to a picture-taking
instruction, the point destination of the second pointer is changed.
This makes the reproducing destination folder agree with the record
destination folder. In this way, when a new image file is stored
in the record destination folder in accordance with the picture-taking
instruction, along with managing a plurality of files by a plurality
of folders, there is no need to change the reproducing source folder
manually when the new image file is reproduced immediately after
the picture is taken as the reproducing source folder is programmed
to agree with the record destination folder, thus improving operationality.
In one aspect of this invention, when a folder No. different each
other is assigned to each folder by a folder No. assigner. The first
pointer then holds the folder No. of the record destination folder,
and the second pointer holds the folder No. of the reproducing source
folder. The first change medium sets the folder No. held by the
first point to the second pointer.
In another aspect of this invention, a file No. possibly overlapped
between the folders is assigned to each image file by the file No.
assigner. A third pointer holds a file No. of the image file to
be reproduced, and the image file to be reproduced is specified
by the second pointer and the third pointer. It is preferred that
upon issuing a picture-taking instruction, the file No. held by
the third pointer be changed to the file No. of a new image file
by the second change medium.
In another aspect of this invention, when a given folder is selected
as a reproducing destination folder by a select medium, the third
change medium changes only the point destination of the second pointer
out of the first and second pointer to the selected folder selected
by the select medium. In other words, in order to reproduce, even
when the reproducing destination folder is changed to reproduce
the image file, the record destination folder is not changed. Therefore,
even when the reproducing source folder is changed in order to reproduce
an image file taken in the past, an image file newly taken is recorded
in the record destination folder pointed by the first pointer.
The above described objects and other objects, features, aspects
and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent
from the following detailed description of the present invention
when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing a directory structure formed
in a magnetooptical disk;
FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a part of operation of the FIG.
1 embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing another part of the operation of
the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing still another part of the operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing yet another part of the operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing another part of the operation of
the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing still another part of the operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing yet another part of the operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing another part of the operation of
the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing still another part of the operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing yet another part of the operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing another part of the operation of
the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing still another part of the operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 15 is an illustrative view showing a part of the operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 16 is an illustrative view showing another part of the operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 17 is an illustrative view showing still another part of the
operation of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 18 is an illustrative view showing yet another part of the
operation of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 19 is an illustrative view showing another part of the operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 20 is an illustrative view showing still another part of the
operation of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 21 is an illustrative view showing yet another part of the
operation of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 22 is an illustrative view showing another part of the operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 23 is an illustrative view showing still another part of the
operation of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 24 is an illustrative view showing yet another part of the
operation of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 25 is an illustrative view showing another part of the operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 26 is an illustrative view showing still another part of the
operation of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 27 is an illustrative view showing yet another part of the
operation of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 28 is an illustrative view showing another part of the operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 29 is an illustrative view showing still another part of the
operation of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 30 is an illustrative view showing yet another part of the
operation of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 31 is an illustrative view showing another part of the operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 32 is an illustrative view showing still another part of the
operation of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 33 is an illustrative view showing yet another part of the
operation of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 34 is an illustrative view showing another part of the operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 35 is an illustrative view showing still another part of the
operation of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 36 is an illustrative view showing yet another part of the
operation of the FIG. 1 embodiment; and
FIG. 37 is an illustrative view showing another part of the operation
of the FIG. 1 embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, a digital camera 10 of this present embodiment
includes a focus lens 12. An optical image of a subject is incident
on a light-receiving surface of a CCD imager 14 through the focus
lens 12. On the receiving surface, a camera signal (raw image signal)
corresponding to the incident optical image is generated by photoelectric
conversion.
A timing generator (TG) 16, upon given a process command from a
CPU 32, reads a camera signal at a frame rate of 15 fps from a CCD
imager 14. The read camera signal is converted into a digital signal
by an AID converter 20 through a well-known noise removal and level
arrangement by a CDS/AGC circuit 18.
A signal processing circuit 22, upon given a process command from
the CPU 32, makes well-known signal processing such as color separation,
RGB conversion, white balance arrangement and YUV conversion on
a camera data outputted from an A/D converter 20, to generate image
data having a luminance component (Y data) and a chrominance component
(U data, V data). The generated image data is given to a memory
control circuit 24 and written into an image data storage area 26a
of a SDRAM 26 by the memory control circuit 24.
A video encoder 28, in response to a process command from the CPU
32, causes the memory control circuit 24 to read an image data out
of the image data storage area 26a. The read image data is encoded
into an NTSC-formatted composite image signal, and the encoded composite
image signal is supplied to an LCD 30 through a switch SW1. As a
result, an image corresponding to the composite image signal is
displayed on the screen.
A character generator 36, upon given a character display command
from the CPU 32, generates a desired character signal. The character
signal is supplied to the LCD 30 by way of the switch SW1. Due to
this, a desired character is OSD--displayed on the screen.
A JPEG CODEC 34, upon given a compression command, causes the control
circuit 24 to read a one frame worth image data stored in the image
data storage area 26a, and makes compression process in agreement
with a JPEG format onto the read image data. On obtaining the compressed
image data, the JPEG CODEC 34 gives the generated compressed image
data to the memory control circuit 24. The compressed image data
is stored in a compressed data storage area 26b by the memory control
circuit 24. On the other hand, on receiving an decompression command,
the JPEG CODEC 34 causes the memory control circuit 24 to read the
compressed image data in one frame stored in the compressed data
storage area 26b, and makes decompression process in agreement with
the JPEG format onto the read compressed image data. On receiving
the decompressed image data, the JPEG CODEC 34 stores the decompressed
image data in the image data storage area 26a through the memory
control circuit 24.
The CPU 32 by itself executes a process of recording/reproducing
of a compressed image data. Upon recording, the CPU 32, along with
reading the compressed image data stored in the compressed data
storage area 26b through the memory control circuit 24, creates
header information by itself such as a file name, and then gives
compressed image data, header information and recording command
to a disk controller 38. The compressed image data and header information
are recorded on a magnetooptical disk by the disk controller 38.
Due to this, an image file is created in the magnetooptical disk
40.
On the other hand, upon reproducing, a reproducing command is given
to the disk controller 38 from the CPU 32. The disk controller 38
reads a desired image file out of the magnetooptical disk 40. The
compressed image data included in the read compressed image file
is, similarly by the CPU 32, written into the compression data storage
area 26b through the memory control circuit 24.
Note that the magnetooptical disk 40 is a removable non-volatile
recording medium when connected to a slot 39 to be accessed by the
disk controller 38.
The disk controller 38 manages an image file recorded on the magnetooptical
disk 40 by an FAT (File Allocation Table) or UDF (Universal Disk
Format) scheme. Due to this, inside the magnetooptical disk 40 a
directory with hierarchical levels is formed as represented in FIG.
2. Specifically, a directory "DCIM" related to the digital
camera 10 in this embodiment is formed in a lower level of a root
directory "ROOT". Furthermore, a plurality of directories,
"***SANYO" (*** denotes a folder No.) functioning as a
folder are formed parallel in a hierarchical lower level of the
directory "DCIM". An image file "SANYO 0xxx.jpg"
(0xxx denotes a file No., only last three digits used) is formed
parallel in a lower hierarchical level of each folder.
Furthermore, as understood from FIG. 2, although the folder Nos.
assigned to the folders differ, the file No. assigned to each image
file may be duplicated among folders.
The system controller 42 is connected with various manipulate keys
44 60. When a key operation is made by an operator, a key--state
signal showing a current key situation is given from the system
controller 42 to the CPU 32. A power key 44 is a key to turn the
power on/off. A shutter key 46 is a key to issue a picture-taking
trigger in a subject. A cursor key 48 is a key to move the cursor
over a menu when the menu is displayed. By operating this key, the
cursor moves either up, down, right or left. A set key 50 is a key
to select a menu item pointed by the cursor. A dial key 52 is a
key to select either picture-taking mode, reproducing mode, option
mode or information search mode.
A file move key 54 is a key to select a file move mode. An erase
key 56 is a key to select an erase mode. A direct access 58 key
is a key to select a direct access mode. These keys become effective
when selecting a reproducing mode. An EXIT key 60 is a key to exit
the file move mode, erase mode or direct access mode.
It is noted that an option mode is a mode to select a desired file
or to prepare newly a folder. The information search mode is a mode
to search for the number of image files stored in each folder. The
file move mode is a mode to move an image file from one folder to
another. The erase mode is a mode to erase a desired image file
or folder. The direct access mode is a mode to have a direct access
to a desired image file.
The CPU 32 starts processing flowchart shown in FIG. 3 FIG. 13
when given a key state signal showing an input of an electric current
from the system controller 42.
Firstly, in step S1 whether or not recording folder pointer information
is stored in a non-volatile memory 32a is determined. The recording
folder pointer information is pointer information to point a destination
of an image file record. This is concretely represented by a folder
No. If such recording folder pointer information is absent, in step
3 a maximum folder No. is searched for through the disk controller
38. A maximum folder No. detected is set to a register 32b in the
step 5. On the other hand, if such recording folder pointer information
is present in the memory 32a, in step S7 the folder No. represented
by the pointer information is set to the register 32b. Due to this,
the register 32b serves as a recording folder pointer.
In the succeeding step S9, whether a reproducing folder pointer
information is present in the memory 32a or not is determined. The
reproducing folder pointer information is pointer information to
point a folder having an image file to be reproduced. Similar to
the recording folder pointer information, this is represented by
a folder No. In the absence of reproducing folder pointer information,
the process advances from the step S9 to step S11 to set the folder
No. represented in the register 32b (recording folder pointer) to
a register 32c. The register 32c serves as a reproducing folder
pointer. Furthermore, a maximum folder No. is searched for through
the disk controller 38 in step S13. In the succeeding step S15,
the maximum file No. is set to a register 32e. The register 32e
serves as a reproducing file pointer.
On the other hand, in the presence of the reproducing folder pointer
information in the memory 32a, in step S17 the folder No. represented
by the pointer information, is set to a register 32c (reproducing
folder pointer). In addition, in step S19 whether reproducing file
pointer information in the memory 32a is present or not is determined.
The reproducing file pointer information is pointer information
to point an image file to be reproduced. This is concretely represented
by a file No. In the presence of the reproducing file pointer information,
a file No. represented by the pointer information in step S21 is
set to a register 32e (reproducing file pointer). In the absence
of the reproducing file pointer information, the process advances
to the step S13.
In this manner, the folder No. is set to both the register 32b
(recording folder pointer) and the register 32c (reproducing folder
pointer), and further the file No. is set to the register 32e (reproducing
file pointer). Therefore, the recording folder, the reproducing
folder and the reproducing file are respectively specified by the
register 32b (recording folder pointer), the register 32c (reproducing
folder pointer) and the register 32e (reproducing file pointer).
It is noted that, as explained later, there is among holders a
holder not storing any image file. Where the reproducing folder
is a folder not having any image file, in the step S13 "000"
is sent back from the disk controller 38 as a maximum file No. In
this case, in the step S15, "000" is set to the register
32e (reproducing file pointer).
In step S23, whether an option mode is selected or not is determined.
In step S25, whether an information search mode is selected or not
is determined. In step S27, whether a picture-taking mode is selected
or not is determined. In step S29, whether a reproducing mode is
selected or not is determined. In step S 31, whether the power is
turned off or not is determined. The steps S23 S29 are determined
by a key-state signal showing a state of the dial key 52. The step
S31 is determined by a key-state signal showing a state of the electric
current key 44.
When the power is turned off, steps S33 S37 as represented in FIG.
4 are processed. Firstly, in step S33 storing a value of the register
32b (recording folder pointer) as recording folder pointer information
to the memory 32a, and in step S35 stored is a value of the register
32c (reproducing folder pointer) as reproducing folder pointer information.
In step S37, a value of the register 32e (reproducing file pointer)
is stored as reproducing file pointer information to the memory
32a. Subsequently, the process is terminated.
When the option mode is selected, steps S39 S73 represented in
FIG. 5 are processed. Firstly, in the step 39 detected are folder
Nos. of the folders formed in the magnetooptical disk 42. In step
S41, controlling the character generator 36 and switch SW1, a menu
display, for example, represented in FIG. 15 is displayed on the
monitor 30. According to FIG. 15, the folder No. (recording folder
No.) set by the register 32b (recording folder pointer) in the step
S5 or S7 is displayed at the upper left of the screen. A plurality
of folder Nos. detected is displayed in the step S39 in the center
of the monitor. Furthermore, the cursor points at the same No. as
the recording folder No. of a plurality of folder Nos. At the top
of the folder Nos., a character "NEW" is displayed.
The recording folder generation mode is selected by setting the
cursor to a menu "NEW" by using the cursor key 48 and
pressing the set key 50. Thereupon, the CPU 32 determines YES in
the step S43. In steps S55 S65 a process of forming newly a recording
folder is executed. Firstly, in step S55 through disk controller
38 the maximum folder No. is searched for, and in step S57 the record
holder having the number added by one to the maximum folder No.
is newly created at a lower hierarchical level of the directory
"DCIM" represented in FIG. 2. Next, in step S59 a folder
No. of a newly created recording folder is set to the register 32b
(recording folder pointer). In step S61 a value of the register
32b (recording folder pointer), namely, a newly created folder No.
is set to the register 32c (reproducing folder pointer). Furthermore,
while step S63 makes the register 32e (reproducing file pointer)
ineffective, step S65 updates a display of the monitor 30, for example,
to a menu screen represented in FIG. 16. Upon completion of the
update, process returns to the step S43.
According to FIG. 16, folder Nos., "210", "211"
and "212" in plurality are displayed at the center of
the monitor, wherein the cursor points at "212". This
"212" is displayed at the upper side of the monitor as
a record destination folder No. This makes possible to know that
a folder No. "212" has been newly created.
A recording folder change mode, is selected by setting the cursor
to another folder No. by the cursor key 48 and pressing the set
key 50. In this case, the CPU 32 determines YES in the step S45
and executes step S67 step S73. In the step S67 the selected folder
No. is set to the register 32b (recording folder pointer), and in
the step S69 a value of the register 32b (recording folder pointer),
namely, a selection folder No. is set to the register 32c (reproducing
folder pointer). Subsequently, in the step S71 the register 32e
(reproducing file pointer) is made ineffective, and in the step
S73 a menu screen is updated.
In other words, by changing the record destination folder the value
of the current register 32e (reproducing file pointer) is rendered
insignificant and hence made ineffective. Meanwhile, the changed
folder No. is displayed at the upper left of the menu screen. When
the cursor is moved to the folder No. "101" and the set
key 50 is pressed, a menu screen represented in FIG. 17 is displayed
on the monitor 30. Upon completion of the display switching, the
process returns to S43.
When neither the recording folder generation mode nor recording
folder change mode is selected, determination is made in step S47
whether the presence or absence of an information search mode selection.
In step S49, determination is made as to the presence or absence
of selecting a picture-taking mode. In step S51 determination is
made as to the presence or absence of selecting a reproducing mode.
And in step S53 determined is the presence or absence of operating
the power key 44.
When the information search mode is selected, processing is made
for steps S75 S93 represented in FIG. 6. Firstly, in the step S75
the number of all the folders formed in the magnetooptical disk
40 is detected. In the step S77 a total number of image files recorded
in the magnetooptical disk 40 is detected, and in the step S79 detected
is the number of the image file stored in the folder (current reproducing
folder) pointed by the register 32c (reproducing folder pointer).
All the processes in the step S75 S79 are executed through the disk
controller 38. In the step S81, a menu screen showing a plurality
of detected folder Nos., the number of files in the currently reproducing
folder and a total file number of files configured are displayed
on the monitor 30.
This menu screen is configured, for example as represented in FIG.
18. According to FIG. 18, a character of "FOLDER/FILE INFORMATION"
is displayed at the upper left side of the screen. A plurality of
folder Nos. "No. 100", "No. 101", "No.
102", "No. 103" and "No. 104" are displayed
at the center of the monitor. The cursor points at the currently
reproducing folder No. "No. 102". The number of files
"28 SHEETS" of the image files included in the currently
reproducing folder is displayed on the right side of the current
reproducing folder. In addition, a total numbers of files "187
SHEETS" is displayed at the lower position of the screen.
If the operator operates the cursor key 48, the CPU 32 advances
from step S83 to step S85 to update a folder No represented by the
register 32c (reproducing folder pointer). Completing the update
process, the process returns to the step S79. As a result, the number
of the image files in the folder having a folder No. updated is
detected in the step S79. In the succeeding step S81, the menu screen
is updated. In a displaying state as shown in FIG. 18, if the operator
moves the cursor downward, the display screen is updated to that
of FIG. 19. According to FIG. 19, the cursor points at the folder
No. "No. 103". The number of image files "36 SHEETS"
included in the folder having that folder No. is displayed at the
right of the screen. Note that the number of folder Nos. to be displayed
at one time on the monitor is limited to five. Due to this, if the
number of folders detected in the step S75 exceeds six, the following
folder Nos. are displayed on the monitor by keeping pressing the
cursor key 48 downward.
When the cursor key 48 is not operated, in the step S87 determination
is made as to whether the option mode is selected or not. In the
step S89, determination is made as to whether the picture-taking
mode is selected. In the step S91 determination is made as to whether
the reproducing mode is selected. And in the step S93, determined
is whether the power is turned off or not.
When the picture-taking mode is selected, the steps S95 S129 represented
in FIG. 7 are processed. Firstly, in the step S95 the maximum file
No. is searched for through the disk controller 38, and the searched
maximum No is compared with a predetermined value (for example,
"999") in the step S97. Namely, it is not possible in
this example to assign a file No. greater than three digits. As
the maximum No. to be assigned is "999", in the step S97
the maximum No is to be distinguished.
If the maximum file No. is less than "999", the process
advances to the step S107, to generate an image file name assigned
with No. added one to the maximum file No. Upon generating the image
file name, the process advances to the step S109, to set the newly
formed file No. to the register 32d (record file pointer). When
the maximum file No. is, for example, "251", in the step
S107 the image file name assigned with "252" is set to
the register 32d (recording file pointer). In the step S109 "252"
is set to the register 32d (recording file pointer). If no image
file is stored in the current recording folder and the maximum file
No. searched is "000", in the step S107 the image file
name assigned to "001" is generated. In the step S109
"001" is set to the register 32d (recording file pointer).
On the other hand, if the maximum file No. sent back from the disk
controller 38 is "999", in the step S99 the maximum folder
No. is searched, and in the step S101 a new folder is generated
at a lower hierarchical level of the directory "DCIM"
represented in FIG. 2. In this case, the No. added by one to the
maximum folder No. searched is assigned to the newly prepared folder.
Next, in the step S103 the new folder No. is set to the register
32b (recording folder pointer), and in the step S105 a new file
name having a file No. "001" is prepared.
In the step S111 it is determined whether the shutter 46 is pressed
or not. If YES, in the step S121 a picture-taking process is carried
out. This picture-taking process allows the compressed image data
to be secured in the SDRAM 26 compressed data storage area. In the
step S123 the compressed image data is read out through the memory
control circuit 24, and an image file having the read compressed
image data and uniquely prepared header information are recorded
in the magnetooptical disk 40. In this case, the image file has
a file name prepared in the step S105 or S107, and is stored at
a lower hierarchical level of the folder assigned with the folder
No. represented by the register 32b (recording folder pointer).
Subsequently, in the step S125 the maximum file No. is updated.
In the step S127 the folder No represented by the register 32b (recording
folder pointer) is set to the register 32c (reproducing folder pointer).
In the step S129 the file No. represented by a register 32d (record
file pointer) is set to the register 32e (reproducing file pointer),
and then the process returns to the step S95.
It is noted that if the shutter 36 is not pressed, in the step
S113 determination is made as to whether the option mode is selected
or not. In the step S115 determination is made as to whether the
information search mode is selected or not. In the step S117 determination
is made as to whether the reproducing mode is selected or not, and
in the step S119 determined is whether the power is turned off or
not.
When the reproducing mode is selected, the flowchart shown in FIG.
8 FIG. 14 is processed. Firstly, in step S131 it is determined whether
the register 32e (reproducing file pointer) is ineffective or not.
If effective, the process advances to step S133. However, if ineffective,
then in the step S133 the maximum file No is searched for, and in
step S135 the maximum file No. searched is set to the register 32e
(reproducing file pointer), and then the process advances to step
S137.
In the step S137, it is determined whether the file No. represented
by the register 32e is "000" or not. If No, in step S139
a reproducing process of the image file is carried out. This concretely
specifies a folder having a folder No. represented by the register
32c (reproducing folder pointer) and reproduces an image file having
a file No. represented by the register 32e (reproducing file pointer)
among the specified files. As a result, the corresponding image
is reproduced on the monitor 30.
Contrary to that, if YES in the step S137, the character generator
36 and the switch SW1 are controlled in step S141. A message "NO
IMAGE FILE IN THIS CURRENT FOLDER" represented in FIG. 20 is
OSD-d is played on the monitor 30.
In step S143 it is determined whether an image forward is instructed
by the cursor 48 or not. If YES, a reproducing file pointer is updated
in step S145. In other words, this searches for the file No. in
close vicinity to and greater than the file No. represented by the
register 32e (reproducing file pointer) from the same folder and
to update the register 32e (reproducing file pointer) by the searched
file No. Completing the update, the process returns to the step
S137. As a result, the image file having the updated file No. is
reproduced.
When an image back is instructed by the cursor key 48, the process
advances from step S147 to step S149. This is to search for the
file No. in close vicinity to and smaller than the current file
No. (register 32e) in the same folder and updates the register 32e
(reproducing file pointer) by the searched file No. Completing the
update, the process returns to the step S137. As a result, the image
file having the updated file No. is reproduced.
When neither the image forward nor the image back is instructed,
it is determined whether or not a direct access key 58, an erase
key and a file transfer key 54 are operated in step S151, step S153
and step S155 respectively. When the direct access key 58 is pressed,
the process advances to FIG. 9 in order to execute a direct access
mode. When the erase key 56 is pressed, the process advances to
FIG. 11 in order to carry out an erase mode. When the file move
54 is pressed the process advances to FIG. 14 in order to carry
out a file transfer mode.
It is noted that when neither the direct access key 58 nor the
erase key 56 nor the file transfer key 54 is pressed, in step S157
determination is made as to whether or not the option mode is selected,
in step S159 determination is made as to whether or not the information
search mode is selected, in step S161 determination is made as to
whether or not the picture-taking mode is selected, and in step
S163 determined is whether or not the power is turned off.
When the direct access mode is selected, a menu display represented
in step S165 of FIG. 9 is OSD-displayed on the monitor 30. According
to FIG. 21, a character showing "FOLDER" and that showing
"FILE" are displayed in the upper, slightly to the left
of the display. The cursor points at the "FOLDER". If
the operator points the cursor at the "FOLDER" and operates
the set key 50, the CPU 32 determines YES in step S167 and the process
advances to the step S171.
In the step S171 the folder Nos. of all the folders formed in the
magnetooptical disk 40 is detected through the disk controller 38.
In the succeeding step S173 the display of the monitor 30 is updated
to the menu display represented in FIG. 22. According to FIG. 22,
in addition to the character of "FOLDER" and "FILE",
a plurality of folder Nos. detected in the step S171 is displayed.
The cursor points at the folder No. represented by the register
32c (reproducing folder pointer). This makes it possible to know
that the number of the currently reproducing folder is "102".
When a number-forward is instructed by the operator by using the
cursor key 48 and the set key 50, the CPU 32 determines YES in step
S175 and sets the folder No. in close vicinity to and greater than
that of the currently reproducing folder to the register 32c (reproducing
folder pointer) in step S177. Upon completing the setting, the process
returns to the step S173, and the menu display is updated as shown
in FIG. 23. On the other hand, when a number-back is instructed
by the operator by the cursor key 48 and the set key 50, the CPU
32 advances from step S179 to step S181 and sets the folder No.
in close vicinity to and smaller than that of the currently reproducing
folder to the register 32c (reproducing folder pointer). Upon completing
the setting, the process returns to the step S173. As a result the
menu display is updated.
In other words, if the folder forward or the back is instructed,
only the register 32c (reproducing folder pointer) is caused to
change and the register 32b (recording folder pointer) keeps on
showing the same folder No.
If the set key 50 is re-operated after the desired folder is selected
as above, the CPU 32 determines YES in step S185, making the register
32e (reproducing file pointer) ineffective in step S187 and returns
to the step S113 in FIG. 7. This means that as a result of updating
the register 32c (reproducing folder pointer), the value of the
register 32e (reproducing file pointer) is rendered insignificant
and hence making the register 32e (reproducing file pointer) ineffective.
As a consequence, in the step S139 as shown in FIG. 8 the image
file included in the desired folder and having the maximum folder
No. is reproduced.
While keeping the menu screen as shown in FIG. 21, when the operator
selects the character of "FILE" in the upper of the monitor
by the cursor key 48, the CPU 32 determines "YES" in step
S169, and the process advances to step S189. If the file is selected
while the menu screen is displayed as represented in FIG. 22 or
FIG. 23, the process advances from step S183 to step S189. In the
step S189 the file No. of the image file stored in the currently
reproducing folder is detected, and in the succeeding step S191
the menu screen is updated as represented in FIG. 24. According
to FIG. 24, at the center of the screen a plurality of the detected
file Nos. is displayed, and the cursor points at the file No. represented
by the register 32e (reproducing file pointer).
If the operator instructs the No.--forward by the cursor key 48
and set key 50, the CPU 32 advances from step S193 to step S195,
and sets the file No. in close vicinity to and greater than the
current reproducing file No. to the register 32e (reproducing file
pointer). Upon completing the setting, the process returns to the
step S191. Due to this, the cursor points at the updated file No.
On the other hand, if the operator instructs the No.--back by the,
cursor key 48 and set key 50, the process advances from step S197
to step S199, and the file No. in close vicinity to and smaller
than the current file No. is set to the register 32e (reproducing
file pointer). Upon completing of the setting, the process returns
to the step S191. As a result, a point destination of the cursor
is changed to the updated file No.
If the set key 50 is pressed after the desired file No. is selected
as explained above, the CPU 32 determines YES in step S203, and
the process returns to the step S137. As a result, the image file
having the desired file No. is reproduced. It is noted that if the
folder is re-selected by the cursor key 48 and set key 50, in step
S201 YES is determined, and the process returns to the step S171
shown in FIG. 9.
When the operator selects the erase mode, the CPU 32 advances from
the step S153 in FIG. 9 to step S205 in FIG. 11, and a menu screen
as shown in FIG. 25 is displayed on the monitor 30. According to
FIG. 25, the menu items of "ONE SHEET ERASE", "GROUP
ERASE", "FOLDER ERASE" and "EXIT" and the
cursor pointing at one of each menu item are displayed on the monitor
30.
When the operator sets the cursor to "ONE SHEET ERASE"
along with operating the set key 50, in step S215 an erase confirmation
display represented in FIG. 26 is displayed on the monitor 30. According
to FIG. 26, a question "ERASE IMAGE FILE?" and a menu
item of "EXECUTE" and "CANCEL" are displayed.
The cursor selects one of each menu item. If CANSEL is selected,
the process returns to the step S205. If EXECUTE is selected, in
step S221 the image file equivalent to one sheet is erased from
the current folder. The image file to be erased is the image file
assigned with the file No. shown by the register 32e (reproducing
file pointer), namely this refers to the image file to be reproduced
at this time.
Upon completing the one sheet erase, the CPU 32 determines in step
S223 whether any image file remains in the current folder or not.
If YES, the process advances to step S225, and searches for the
file No. in close vicinity of the image file to be erased from the
file Nos. remaining in the current folder. Next, the searched file
No. is set to the register 32e (reproducing file pointer) in step
S227, and a message display "ONE SHEET ERASE COMPLETED"
represented in FIG. 27 is displayed on the monitor 30 in the step
5229. On the other hand, if determined is NO in the step S223, the
register 32e (reproducing file pointer) is made ineffective in step
S231. In the step S211 as represented in FIG. 28, a message display
"NO IMAGE FILE DUE TO ONE SHEET ERASE" is displayed on
the monitor 30. Upon completing the step S229 or S233, determined
in step S235 is whether or not the EXIT key 60 is operated, and
the process returns to the step S131 represented in FIG. 8 corresponding
to the key operation thereof.
With the menu screen shown in FIG. 25 being displayed, if the operator
sets the cursor to the "GROUP ERASE" and presses the set
key 50, the CPU 32 advances from step S209 in FIG. 11 to step S237
in FIG. 12. An erase confirmation screen shown in FIG. 29 is displayed.
According to FIG. 29, a message "GROUP-ERASE IMAGE FILE?"
and the menu item "EXECUTE" and "CANCEL" and
the cursor pointing at one of each menu item are displayed on the
monitor 30. If "CANCEL" is selected, the process returns
to step S205, as a result, the display of the monitor 30 returns
from FIG. 29 to FIG. 25. On the other hand, if "EXECUTE"
is selected, in step S243 all image files included in the current
folder are erased, and in step S245 the register 32e (reproducing
file pointer) is made ineffective. Furthermore, a message display
"GROUP ERASE COMPLETED" represented in FIG. 30 is displayed
on the monitor 30 in step S247. Upon completing processing the message
screen display, in step S249 determined is whether or not the EXIT
key 60 is operated, and the process returns to the step S131 corresponding
to the key operation thereof.
Corresponding to the menu screen represented in FIG. 25, if the
operator selects "FOLDER ERASE", the CPU 32 advances from
the step S211 in FIG. 11 to step S251 in FIG. 13. The erase confirmation
screen represented in FIG. 31 is displayed on the monitor 30. Namely,
a message "ERASE FOLDER?", menu items as "EXECUTE","CANCEL"
and the cursor pointing at one of each menu item are displayed on
the monitor 30. If the operator selects "CANCEL", the
process returns from step S255 to the step S205,
On the other hand, if the operator selects "EXECUTE",
the process advances from step S253 to step S257 by erasing the
current folder. In the succeeding step S259, determined is whether
or not any file remains in the magnetooptical disk 40. If YES, together
with searching for the folder No. in close vicinity to the erased
file No. in step S261, the searched folder No. is set to the register
32c (reproducing folder pointer) in step S263. Furthermore, as the
current folder No. is rendered insignificant by the erased folder
and hence in step S265 the register 32e (reproducing file pointer)
made ineffective. The process advances to step S275 thereafter.
When a folder is vanished from the magnetooptical disk 40 due to
the folder erase, in the step S259 determined is No. Subsequently,
the CPU 32 newly prepares a folder assigned with a folder No. "000"
in step S267, in step S269 a new folder No. "000" is set
to the register 32b (recording folder pointer). Furthermore, in
step S271 the folder No. of the register 32b (recording folder pointer)
is set to the register 32c (reproducing folder pointer). Upon completing
the process of step S273, in step S251 the register 32e (reproducing
file pointer) is made insignificant, and then the process advances
to the step S275.
In the step S275 a message "FOLDER ERASED" as represented
in FIG. 32 is displayed on the monitor 30. In the succeeding step
S277 determined is whether or not the EXIT key 60 is operated. Then
corresponding to the EXIT key 60, the process returns to the step
S131 represented in FIG. 8.
It is noted that if the operator selects "EXIT" on the
menu screen in FIG. 25, the CPU 32 returns from step S213 in FIG.
11 to the step S131 in FIG. 8. When the operator selects the file
move mode, the CPU 32 advances from step S155 FIG. 8 to step S279
in FIG. 14, and the menu screen in FIG. 33 is displayed on the monitor
30. According to FIG. 33, a plurality of folder Nos. showing a destination
folder and the cursor showing one of each folder Nos. are displayed
on the monitor 30. While the process returns from step S283 to the
step S131 in FIG. 8 when the EXIT key 60 is pressed, the process
advances from step S281 to the step S285 when the desired No. is
selected by the cursor key 48 and set key 50.
In the step S285 the maximum folder No. is searched among a plurality
of folder Nos. included in the selected folder. When the maximum
folder No. is searched, in the succeeding step S287 determined is
whether or not the maximum file No. is "999". As the number
to be assigned to the image file is limited to "999",
if determined YES in the step S287, a one second error display or
the like is carried out in step S289. Concretely, a message "UNABLE
TO MOVE IMAGE FILE" is displayed on the monitor 30 represented
in FIG. 34. After a lapse of one second, the process returns to
the step S281 and the menu screen shown in FIG. 33 is re-displayed
on the monitor 30.
On the other hand, if the searched maximum file No. is less than
"999", the process advances from the step S287 to step
S291 and a move confirmation screen represented in FIG. 35 is displayed
on the monitor 30. According to FIG. 35, a message "MOVE IMAGE
FILE?", menu items as "EXECUTE" and "CANCEL"
and the cursor pointing at one of each menu item are displayed on
the monitor 30. If "CANCEL" is selected, the process returns
from step S295 to the step S279. If "EXECUTE" is selected,
the process advances from step S293 to step S297, and then an image
file move process is carried out.
For example, by keeping a state where the image file of a file
No. "003" included in the folder assigned with the folder
No. "100" is being reproduced, and then if the file folder
"103" is selected as a move folder, the file No. "003"
image file is moved to the folder No. "103" folder. It
is noted that in order to avoid a number duplication in the moved
folder, the file No. of the moved image file is updated by adding
"One" to the maximum file No.
Upon completing the move process, the process advances to step
S299, and determined is whether or not the image file remains in
the current folder. If the image file remains, the process advances
to step S301, and searches for a file No. in close vicinity of the
moved image file from the file Nos. remaining in the current folder.
Then, the searched file No. is set to the register 32e (reproducing
file pointer) in step S303. Upon completing the setting, a message
"MOVE COMPLETED" represented in the step S305 in FIG.
36 is displayed on the monitor 30.
On the other hand, if no image file remains in the current folder,
in the step S299 determined is NO. Together with making the register
32e (reproducing file pointer) insignificant in step S307, a message
"DUE TO MOVE NO IMAGE FILE" represented in FIG. 37 is
displayed on the monitor 30 in step S309. Upon completing processes
of step S305 and step S309, in step S311 determined is whether or
not the EXIT key 60 is operated, and corresponding to the key operation,
the process returns to the step S131 in FIG. 8.
According to this embodiment, a plurality of folders for managing
a plurality of image files are prepared in the magnetooptical disk
received in the slot. Herein, the recording folder pointer points
at any folder as a destination folder to record an image file. The
reproducing folder pointer points at any folder as a destination
folder to reproduce an image file. In a picture-taking mode, when
the shutter key is operated, the CCD imager takes a picture of a
subject. A new image file including the compressed image data of
the taken subject is stored to the record destination folder by
the disk controller. At this time, the CPU changes a point destination
of the reproducing folder pointer to a point destination of the
recording folder pointer.
In other words, a point destination of the reproducing folder pointer
does not always correspond to that of the recording folder pointer.
However, when a new image file is stored to the record destination
folder in response to manipulation of the shutter key, the point
destination of the reproducing folder pointer is changed. Therefore
the reproducing destination folder coincides with the record destination
folder. For this reason, in the case a new image file needs to be
reproduced immediately after taking a picture, there is no need
to manually change the reproducing destination folder, improving
operationality.
Meanwhile, the folders prepared in the magnetooptical disk are
assigned with folder Nos. different from one another. The recording
folder pointer and the reproducing folder pointer respectively have
a folder number of the record destination folder and a folder number
of the reproducing destination folder. For this reason, when a new
image file is stored in the record destination folder, the CPU set
the folder number held by the recording folder pointer to the reproducing
folder pointer.
Each of the image files can be assigned with file Nos. possibily
overlapped between the folders. The reproducing file pointer has
a file No. of an image file to reproduce. Consequently, the image
file to reproduce is specified by the reproducing folder pointer
and the reproducing file pointer.
Where a new image file is stored to the record destination folder
according to the picture-taking instruction, a file number held
by the reproducing file pointer is changed to a file number of a
new image file by the CPU. Due to this, when the reproducing mode
is selected immediately after taking a picture, a new image file
is immediately reproduced.
On the other hand, when the operator in the reproducing mode selects
an arbitrary folder as a reproducing destination folder, the CPU
changes only the point destination of the reproducing folder pointer
among the recording and reproducing folder pointers to a selected
folder. In other words, in the reproducing mode, the record destination
folder is not changed due to the change of the reproducing destination
folder. There is no possibility that the new image file obtained
from following picture-taking be stored in the reproducing destination
folder by mistake.
Incidentally, in this embodiment, each time the shutter key is
manipulated, one sheet of a still image file is newly prepared.
However, by providing a sequential shot mode or video clip mode,
a plurality of still image files may be prepared in response to
one picture-taking instruction in the sequential shot mode. A moving
image file may be provided responsive to one picture-taking instruction
in the video clip mode. Furthermore, utilizing a microphone, a sound
file may be prepared.
Incidentally, although a CCD imager is used as an image sensor
in this embodiment, a CMOS imager may be used instead of a CCD imager.
Furthermore, although a magnetooptical disk is utilized as a recording
medium in this embodiment, a non-volatile semiconductor memory or
hard disk drive may be used instead of a magnetooptical disk.
Although the present invention has been described and illustrated
in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration
and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation, the
spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by
the terms of the appended claims.
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