US20050158015A1 - Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium for electronic equipment including an electronic camera - Google Patents
Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium for electronic equipment including an electronic camera Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050158015A1 US20050158015A1 US11/036,371 US3637105A US2005158015A1 US 20050158015 A1 US20050158015 A1 US 20050158015A1 US 3637105 A US3637105 A US 3637105A US 2005158015 A1 US2005158015 A1 US 2005158015A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- data
- information
- image data
- main image
- electronic equipment
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000010365 information processing Effects 0.000 title claims description 34
- 238000003672 processing method Methods 0.000 title claims description 7
- 238000012217 deletion Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 230000037430 deletion Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 63
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 54
- 230000000875 corresponding effect Effects 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000002596 correlated effect Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000012790 confirmation Methods 0.000 description 13
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001174 ascending effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000284 extract Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B27/00—Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/02—Editing, e.g. varying the order of information signals recorded on, or reproduced from, record carriers
- G11B27/031—Electronic editing of digitised analogue information signals, e.g. audio or video signals
- G11B27/034—Electronic editing of digitised analogue information signals, e.g. audio or video signals on discs
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B27/00—Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/10—Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/19—Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel by using information detectable on the record carrier
- G11B27/28—Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel by using information detectable on the record carrier by using information signals recorded by the same method as the main recording
- G11B27/32—Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel by using information detectable on the record carrier by using information signals recorded by the same method as the main recording on separate auxiliary tracks of the same or an auxiliary record carrier
- G11B27/327—Table of contents
- G11B27/329—Table of contents on a disc [VTOC]
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B27/00—Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/10—Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/34—Indicating arrangements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N5/00—Details of television systems
- H04N5/76—Television signal recording
- H04N5/765—Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
- H04N5/77—Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus between a recording apparatus and a television camera
- H04N5/772—Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus between a recording apparatus and a television camera the recording apparatus and the television camera being placed in the same enclosure
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N5/00—Details of television systems
- H04N5/76—Television signal recording
- H04N5/765—Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N5/00—Details of television systems
- H04N5/76—Television signal recording
- H04N5/907—Television signal recording using static stores, e.g. storage tubes or semiconductor memories
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N9/00—Details of colour television systems
- H04N9/79—Processing of colour television signals in connection with recording
- H04N9/80—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback
- H04N9/804—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback involving pulse code modulation of the colour picture signal components
- H04N9/8042—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback involving pulse code modulation of the colour picture signal components involving data reduction
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N9/00—Details of colour television systems
- H04N9/79—Processing of colour television signals in connection with recording
- H04N9/80—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback
- H04N9/804—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback involving pulse code modulation of the colour picture signal components
- H04N9/806—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback involving pulse code modulation of the colour picture signal components with processing of the sound signal
- H04N9/8063—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback involving pulse code modulation of the colour picture signal components with processing of the sound signal using time division multiplex of the PCM audio and PCM video signals
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N9/00—Details of colour television systems
- H04N9/79—Processing of colour television signals in connection with recording
- H04N9/80—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback
- H04N9/82—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback the individual colour picture signal components being recorded simultaneously only
- H04N9/8205—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback the individual colour picture signal components being recorded simultaneously only involving the multiplexing of an additional signal and the colour video signal
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N9/00—Details of colour television systems
- H04N9/79—Processing of colour television signals in connection with recording
- H04N9/80—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback
- H04N9/82—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback the individual colour picture signal components being recorded simultaneously only
- H04N9/8205—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback the individual colour picture signal components being recorded simultaneously only involving the multiplexing of an additional signal and the colour video signal
- H04N9/8227—Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback the individual colour picture signal components being recorded simultaneously only involving the multiplexing of an additional signal and the colour video signal the additional signal being at least another television signal
Definitions
- JP9-082865 filed Apr. 1, 1997
- JP9-082867 filed Apr. 1, 1997
- JP9-082866 filed Apr. 1, 1997
- JP8-263031 filed Oct. 3, 1996
- JP8-263033 filed Oct. 3, 1996
- JP8-263034 filed Oct. 3, 1996.
- This invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method and a recording medium, and in particular relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method and a recording medium that execute a predetermined process on data that include main image data, sub image data and sound data, which are input from electronic equipment connected to the information processing apparatus.
- the image of the object being shot is first digitized and then is data-compressed by means of a predetermined method.
- the compressed digital data are then recorded in a memory or a recording medium of the electronic camera or an attached personal computer, for example.
- the image recorded in such an electronic camera may be read into the personal computer.
- Various processes may then be executed on the image using functions that are provided in the personal computer.
- main image an image
- other information such as a memo
- sound and other sub images which are also added to the main image
- the composite image is referred to hereafter as a recording unit.
- a problem occurs in that a proper display method has not been established.
- FIG. 16 shows a process in which information recorded in an electronic camera is deleted by means of an operation from the personal computer that is connected to the electronic camera.
- step S 61 the personal computer receives an input designating a recording unit to be deleted.
- the control program then proceeds to step S 62 .
- step S 62 the personal computer receives an input indicating whether to execute the deletion process. If in step S 62 , the input indicates execution of the deletion process (YES), the control program moves to step S 63 . If the input does not indicate execution of the deletion process (NO), the process ends (END).
- step S 63 the personal computer deletes the designated recording unit from the memory of the electronic camera, for example. If a plurality of information are contained in the recording unit, all of the information will be deleted.
- a conventional process such as that described above has the problem that selected information contained in a recording unit cannot be deleted (while other non-selected information in that recording unit is not deleted) by means of an operation from the personal computer.
- FIG. 17 shows a process in which the information recorded in the electronic camera is read by the personal computer and is recorded on the hard disk drive.
- step S 71 the personal computer determines whether the specific recording unit is designated. If the specific recording unit is not designated (NO), the control program returns to step S 71 and repeats the same process. If the specific recording unit is designated (YES), the control program moves to step S 72 .
- step S 72 the personal computer displays the stored dialogue described in FIG. 18 and displays the file name of the file contained in the recording unit designated in step S 71 (the file corresponding to the data being contained in the recording unit).
- step S 73 a new file name for recording the above data in the hard disk drive is input.
- “NewImage”, which is shown in the box below “File Name” in the stored dialogue of FIG. 18 is input to the hard disk.
- the control program then moves to step S 74 .
- step S 74 the personal computer determines whether to store the file being displayed in the stored dialogue. In other words, the personal computer determines whether the “store button”, which is shown to the right side of the store dialogue of FIG. 18 , has been pressed. If the “store button” was pressed (YES), the control program moves to step S 75 . If the “cancel button” was pressed (NO), the process ends (END).
- step S 75 the designated file is stored in the hard disk drive with a new name.
- three files, Image1.jpg, Image1.rlg, and Image1.snd, which are displayed in the box shown in upper section of FIG. 18 are renamed and recorded in the hard disk drive as NewImage.jpg, NewImage.rlg and NewImage.snd, respectively.
- an object of the invention is to make it possible to read information into a personal computer from an electronic camera, which is capable of recording a plurality of information besides the main image, and to display a table of the information in an easy to understand format.
- Another object of the invention is to make it possible to selectively delete, by means of the personal computer, for example, specific information out of all the information recorded in the electronic camera.
- Yet another object of the invention is to make it possible to selectively read, using the personal computer, for example, only selected or necessary information out of all the information recorded in the electronic camera, and to record the selected or necessary data in the recording medium.
- the information processing apparatus comprises an input device for inputting first information relating to the types of data stored on an electronic equipment (e.g., an electronic camera) coupled to the apparatus and second information that identifies inter-relationships among the data.
- the information processing apparatus also includes a correlating device for correlating the first information into units based on the second information.
- the information processing apparatus also includes a display information generation device for generating display information from the correlated first information correlated by the correlating device. The display information generated by the display information generation device is output to an output device such as a display.
- the information processing method inputs first information relating to the type of data, inputs second information that describes the inter-relationships (if any) between the data and correlates the first information relating to the type of data being input based on the second information.
- the method then generates display information from the information relating to the types of data that are correlated by the correlating device and outputs the display information, which is generated by the display information generation device, to a display device.
- the recording medium records a control program that correlates the first information into units based on the second information.
- the control program generates display information from the correlated first information.
- the control program then causes the output of the display information to a display device.
- information relating to the types of data and index information describing the inter-relationships between data are input to the information processing apparatus.
- Information relating to the types of data being input are then correlated, based on the index information being input.
- display information is generated from the information relating to the types of data that are correlated.
- the display information is output to a display device, enabling a speedy search and reproduction of the data recorded in the electronic camera.
- the information processing apparatus includes a designating device for designating recording units (e.g., from an electronic camera) having data that is to be deleted and for specifying which of the data in the recording unit is to be deleted.
- the apparatus also includes a deletion device for deleting the specified data contained in the recording unit.
- the information processing method inputs a designation of the recording unit for deletion, designates the type of data in the recording unit that is to be deleted, and deletes the designated data.
- the recording medium includes a control program to delete specific data contained in a designated recording unit.
- a designation of the recording unit having data that is to be deleted and the designation of the type of data to be deleted are input into the personal computer, and the designated data contained in the designated recording unit is deleted.
- specific information from all the information that are recorded in an electronic camera may be deleted using the personal computer, for example.
- the information processing apparatus includes a designation device for designating a recording unit for processing and for designating the type of data in the recording unit that is to be processed.
- the information processing apparatus also includes a reading device for reading the designated data contained in the designated recording unit from the electronic equipment into the information processing apparatus.
- the information processing method inputs the designation of the recording unit for processing and inputs a designation of the type of data to be processed, and reads the designated data contained in the recording unit.
- the recording medium records a control program which, when the recording unit for processing and the type of data are designated, reads the designated data contained in the recording unit.
- a designation of the recording unit and a designation of the type(s) of data to be processed are input, and the designated data contained in the recording unit is read from the electronic equipment (e.g., an electronic camera).
- the electronic equipment e.g., an electronic camera
- the desired data contained in the recording unit needs to be read from the electronic equipment, and may be output and recorded in a recording device.
- This enables the file size to be reduced. As a result, the recording capacity necessary for recording the file may be reduced.
- FIG. 1 is a configuration of an embodiment of an information processing apparatus of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a personal computer shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic camera shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of data that is stored in a RAM of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a configuration of data storage in the RAM of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 6 is a flow chart describing a process that is executed in the personal computer of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 7 is a display example of a table that is displayed as a result of the process of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is a flow chart describing a process in the display example of FIG. 7 in which a predetermined operation is executed;
- FIG. 9 is another display format of the table shown in FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 10 is a flow chart describing a data deletion process
- FIG. 11 is a display example of the deletion data confirmation dialogue displayed when the process of FIG. 10 is executed.
- FIG. 12 is a display example of the deletion re-confirmation dialogue displayed when the process of FIG. 10 is executed;
- FIG. 13 is a flow chart describing an example of a process that is executed when a storage button is pressed in the display example of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 14 is a display example of a storage folder that is displayed when the process of FIG. 13 is executed;
- FIG. 15 is a file format that is recorded in a hard disk drive when the process of FIG. 13 is executed;
- FIG. 16 is a flow chart describing an example of a conventional data deletion process
- FIG. 17 is a flow chart describing an example of a conventional data storage process.
- FIG. 18 is a display example of a storage folder that is displayed when the process of FIG. 17 is executed.
- FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an embodiment of an information processing apparatus.
- a personal computer 1 is connected to a plurality of peripherals (electronic equipment) to form an information system. Data are input from the peripherals, and the processed data are output to the desired peripherals.
- a cathode ray tube (CRT) display 2 or similar display device, displays the image signals that are output from the personal computer 1 .
- a keyboard 3 (one type of possible input means) or a mouse (not shown) inputs the predetermined information into the personal computer 1 .
- a printer 4 prints text data and image data, which are output from the personal computer 1 , to paper.
- An electronic camera 5 compresses data by means of a predetermined method and records the main image.
- the electronic camera 5 also compresses and stores sub images such as memos and line drawings, and sound information, for example, which serve as support or auxiliary information for the main image.
- Information recorded in the electronic camera 5 is transferred to the personal computer 1 through an input/output port.
- the electronic camera may be controlled by sending a predetermined control command from the personal computer 1 to the electronic camera 5 .
- a hard disk drive 6 is a large capacity external memory device that records information output from the personal computer 1 .
- the personal computer 1 reads the recorded information upon request.
- a speaker 7 receives the sound data (digital data), which are output from the electronic camera 5 , executes a predetermined process, and outputs a corresponding sound.
- the sound data which are supplied from the personal computer 1 , are converted to analog signals by a D/A converter (not shown) inside the speaker 7 .
- the analog signals are amplified by an amplifier (not shown), which is also installed inside the speaker 7 , with a predetermined gain, and then are output as sound.
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a detailed structure of the personal computer 1 .
- the same parts as in FIG. 1 are identified with the same symbols whose explanations are omitted for convenience.
- the personal computer 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 20 (which functions as correlating means and display information generation means), a read only memory (ROM) 21 , a random access memory (RAM) 22 , a video random access memory (VRAM) 23 (which functions as an output means), and an interface (I/F) 24 (which functions as an input means).
- CPU central processing unit
- ROM read only memory
- RAM random access memory
- VRAM video random access memory
- I/F interface
- the CPU 20 executes various procedures and performs overall control of the information processing apparatus.
- the ROM 21 stores a program such as an initial program loader (IPL).
- IPL initial program loader
- OS operating system
- the RAM 22 temporarily stores data when the CPU 20 executes an algorithm. At the same time, the RAM 22 sequentially reads and stores parts of the program stored in the hard disk drive.
- bit map data consisting of text data such as characters and texts, and graphic data such as graphics and images being overlaid are stored.
- the bit map data stored in the VRAM 23 are converted to image signals and are displayed on the CRT display 2 .
- Peripherals such as the keyboard 3 , the printer 4 , the electronic camera 5 , the hard disk drive 6 , and the speaker 7 are connected to the I/F 24 .
- the I/F 24 mutually converts the data format in each peripheral and the data format in the personal computer 1 , enabling exchange of the data.
- a plurality of input/output ports for connecting peripherals are also provided in the I/F 24 in such a manner that one peripheral is connected to one port.
- the CPU 20 exchanges information among peripherals through these input/output ports.
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example of the electronic camera 5 .
- the electronic camera 5 includes a CPU 40 , a ROM 41 , a RAM 42 , a VRAM 43 , a liquid crystal display (LCD) 44 , an I/F 45 , an input unit 46 , a microphone 47 , an A/D converter 48 , a charge coupled device (CCD) 49 , an optical system driving unit 50 and a flash lamp driving unit 51 .
- the CPU 40 executes various procedures and executes control of the electronic camera 5 .
- Various programs to be executed by the CPU 40 are stored in the ROM 41 .
- An image of the object (main image), data such as a memo (sub image) and data such as sound, are stored in the RAM 42 .
- Data used by the CPU 40 for programs are temporarily stored in the RAM 42 .
- the VRAM 43 stores bit map data consisting of text data such as characters and texts, and graphic data such as graphics and overlaid images.
- the bit map data stored in the VRAM 23 are converted to image signals and are displayed on the LCD 44 .
- the LCD 44 displays images corresponding to the bit maps stored in the VRAM 43 .
- the input unit 46 , the A/D converter 48 , the CCD 49 , the optical system driving unit 50 , the flash lamp 51 and the personal computer 1 are connected to the I/F 45 .
- the CPU 40 drives these apparatus through the I/F 45 .
- the input unit 46 includes a touch tablet to be used for inputting memo information including line drawings, for example, and a release button to be operated during shooting.
- the microphone 47 converts sounds into corresponding analog electric signals and supplies them to the A/D converter 48 .
- the A/D converter 48 converts the electric signals into digital signals and supplies them to the I/F 45 .
- the CCD 49 converts the main image entering the electronic camera 5 through an optical system (not shown) into corresponding electric signals (image signals) and outputs the resulting image signals.
- the optical system driving unit 50 is controlled by the CPU 40 and executes auto focus and auto zooming, for example, by appropriately controlling the lenses that form the optical system.
- the flash lamp driving unit 51 is also controlled by the CPU 40 and flashes a flash lamp (not shown).
- FIG. 4 outlines the storage format of the main image data, the sub image data and the sound data that are stored in the RAM 42 shown in FIG. 3 .
- Sound data that are recorded simultaneously with a predetermined main image or sub image, such as a memo are given the same index information (M0000001, for example) to provide a mutual relationship between the data.
- M0000001 the main image data on the left edge
- the sound data below the main image data, and the sub image data below the sound data are given the same index of M0000001.
- the main image data to the right of the first main image data and the sound data below the second main data are given the same index of M0000002.
- the main image data to the right of the second main image has no sound data or sub image data attached and thus includes the main image only.
- the index of M0000004 is given to the third main image data.
- the main image data to the right of the third main image data have only sound data attached and the index M0000005 is given to these data.
- the index information are generated and given to the data by the CPU 40 when the main image is shot.
- FIG. 5 shows a storage configuration when the data described above is stored in the RAM 42 shown in FIG. 3 .
- the main image data, sub image data and sound data are randomly stored in RAM 42 as shown at (A) in FIG. 5 .
- the data structure of the main image 1 is shown at (B) in FIG. 5 .
- the main image data includes header information and image information.
- the header information includes the aforementioned index information, information indicating the types of data, the shooting date and time, the starting address of the area where the data are stored, and the data length of the image data.
- index information of M0000001 is given and the type of data is a main image data.
- the shooting date and time is 6:15 a.m., Sep. 18, 1996 (1996/9/18/6:15).
- the starting address of the area where image data is stored is $0000 and the data length is $1500.
- $ indicates that the numbers following $ represents a base 16 number.
- the structure of the sub image data and sound data is the same as at (B) in FIG. 5 with the exception of the type of data.
- the control program shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the hard disk drive 6 .
- the control program may be supplied to the user, being stored beforehand in the hard disk drive 6 .
- the control program may be stored in a CD-ROM (compact disk-ROM), which may be copied onto the hard disk drive 6 .
- the control program shown in FIG. 6 is executed by the personal computer 1 .
- the CPU 20 of the personal computer 1 sends a control command to the electronic camera 5 through the I/F 24 .
- the CPU 40 of the electronic camera 5 searches the first main image data among the data being stored in the RAM 42 , the header information of which is sent to the personal computer 1 through the I/F 45 .
- the personal computer 1 obtains the header information of the main image data.
- the control program then moves to step S 2 .
- step S 2 the CPU 20 extracts the index from the header information of the main image data.
- the control program then moves to step S 3 .
- step S 3 the CPU 20 sends the control command to the electronic camera 5 through the I/F 24 .
- the CPU 40 of the electronic camera 5 searches for sound data having the same index as the main image data. Then the CPU 40 notifies the personal computer 1 whether sound data having the same index exist.
- the CPU 20 determines whether sound data having the same index number exist. If sound data having the same index exist (YES), the control program moves to step S 4 . If sound data having the same index number does not exist (NO), the control program proceeds to step S 5 .
- step S 4 the CPU 20 causes the VRAM 23 to display an icon representing sound data in a different color from the default display color on the CRT display by writing predetermined data. Then the control program proceeds to step S 6 .
- step S 5 the CPU 20 causes the VRAM 23 to display an icon representing sound data in a default display color on the CRT display by writing predetermined data. Then the control program moves to step S 6 .
- FIG. 7 is an example of a table displayed on the CRT display by the process of FIG. 6 .
- a plurality of thumbnail areas (as many as the number recorded in the RAM 42 of the electronic camera 5 ), which include the thumbnail image 81 (to be explained later), are displayed in a browser window 95 denoted as “Harmony Browser”.
- Each thumbnail image 81 is a reduction of the main image by a fixed ratio.
- An icon (button) indicating the existence of data other than main image data is also displayed.
- the thumbnail area 80 includes the index (M0000025 in this example) 82 , an information button (button displaying i) 83 , a sound button (button displaying a speaker), and an overlay button (button displaying OL) 85 , as shown in the partially enlarged drawing.
- a new thumbnail area 80 is displayed in the browser window 95 , and the sound button 84 is also displayed.
- the sound button 84 indicates that sound data exist.
- the sound button 84 is displayed in a color different from that of the default display color (green, for example).
- the button is displayed in the default display color (black, for example) to indicate the absence of sound data.
- step S 6 the CPU 20 sends a control command to the electronic camera 5 , which causes the electronic camera 5 to search whether sub image data having the same index as main image data exist.
- step S 6 if the CPU 20 determines, based on the response from the electronic camera 5 , that sub image data having the same index exist (YES), then the control program moves to step S 7 . If the CPU 20 determines that the sub image data does not exist (NO), the control program proceeds to step S 8 .
- step S 7 an overlay button 85 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed in a color different from the default display color (green, for example) in order to indicate that the sub image data exist.
- the control program then proceeds to step S 9 .
- step S 8 the overlay button 85 is displayed in the default display color (black, for example), in order to indicate an absence of the sub image data.
- the control program then moves to step S 9 .
- step S 9 the CPU 20 sends a control command to have the thumbnail image transmitted from the electronic camera 5 .
- the CPU 40 of the electronic camera generates a thumbnail image by reducing, with a predetermined ratio, the main image data that are stored in the RAM 42 , and sends the thumbnail image to the personal computer 1 through the I/F 45 .
- the personal computer 1 receives the thumbnail image data sent by the electronic camera 5 .
- the control program then moves to step S 10 .
- step S 10 the CPU 20 writes the thumbnail image data to a predetermined area of the VRAM 23 .
- the thumbnail image 81 shown in FIG. 7 will be displayed on the CRT display 2 .
- the control program then moves to step S 11 .
- step S 11 the CPU 20 sends a predetermined control command to the electronic camera 5 and determines whether main image data still exist.
- the electronic camera 5 searches in RAM 42 for main image data that are not yet displayed on the CRT display 2 .
- the result of the search is sent to the personal computer 1 through the I/F 45 .
- the CPU 20 determines whether main image data still exist. If main image data still exist (YES), the control program returns to step S 1 and repeats the same process as that described above. If the main image data do not exist (NO), the process ends (END).
- buttons that are displayed at the upper left are, clockwise from the left corner: a shutter button 86 , an integration button 87 , a storage button 88 and a delete button 89 .
- the shutter button 86 activates the shutter of the electronic camera 5 .
- the electronic camera 5 shoots an object that is currently in focus.
- the integration button 87 allows display of a full size image (an image for which pixels are not thinned) from the electronic camera 5 .
- the storage button 88 is operated when the designated main image data and accompanying sub image data or sound data are to be recorded in the hard disk drive 6 shown in FIG. 2 .
- the delete button 89 is used to delete the data being displayed in the designated thumbnail area 80 from the RAM 42 of the electric camera 5 .
- the thumbnail area is sorted and displayed according to the date and the time of shooting.
- the thumbnail area is sorted and displayed according to the value of the index.
- the button 93 showing two arrows, one pointing up and the other down, which is displayed below Sort by Name, designates a normal order or a reverse order, respectively in sorting.
- Sort by Time i.e., Sort by Time is selected
- the arrow pointing down is pressed
- data from the electronic camera 5 are read in the order from the earliest recording date and time to the latest
- the thumbnail areas 80 are displayed sequentially from left to right and top to bottom. If the arrow pointing up is pressed, the thumbnail areas 80 are displayed in the reverse order of recording date and time.
- the thumbnail areas 80 are displayed sequentially from left to right and top to bottom in ascending order of the value of the index. If the arrow pointing up is pressed, the thumbnail areas 80 are displayed in the descending order of the value of the index.
- step S 20 the CPU 20 determines whether the specific thumbnail area 80 is designated by a pointing device such as the keyboard 3 or a mouse (not shown). In step S 20 , if the specific thumbnail area 80 is designated (YES), the control program moves to step S 21 . If the specific thumbnail area 80 is not designated (NO), the control program returns to step S 20 and repeats the same process. The control program then moves to step S 21 .
- step S 21 the type of data to be reproduced is established. For example, when the sound button 84 or the overlay button 85 is pressed (using the keyboard 3 or the mouse (not shown)), the display color is changed to red, for example, indicating that these data will not be reproduced. However, if sound data and sub image data are not recorded, the display color does not change when these buttons are pressed. The control program then moves to step S 22 .
- step S 22 the CPU 20 determines whether an integration button 87 , which is displayed on the upper left of the browser window 95 , was pressed. If the integration button 87 was pressed (YES), the control program moves to step S 23 . If the integration button was not pressed (NO), the control program returns to step S 22 and repeats the same process.
- step S 23 the CPU 20 reads the data designated by the button in the thumbnail area 80 from the electronic camera 5 . Then the control program moves to step S 24 .
- step S 21 the thumbnail area 80 contains both sound and sub image data, the thumbnail area 80 is designated, and only the overlay button 85 is pressed, the display color of the overlay button 85 is changed to red (indicating that reading of sub image data will not be executed).
- step S 22 determines that the decision at step S 22 is YES and in step S 23 , the CPU 20 sends predetermined commands to the electronic camera 5 , and reads main image data and sound data corresponding to the designated thumbnail area 80 (sub image data are not read because the overlay button 85 is not pressed).
- the control program then moves to step S 24 .
- step S 24 the main image data corresponding to the designated thumbnail area 80 are displayed within a window that is newly displayed on the CRT 2 , and sound is reproduced, after which the process ends (END).
- control program is structured in such a manner that when the sound button 84 is pressed, sound data are determined to be unnecessary and the reproduction of sound is stopped.
- control program may be structured in such a manner that when the sound button 84 is pressed, only sound data are read and reproduced from the electronic camera 5 .
- FIG. 9 is a display example of the browser window 95 of FIG. 7 when the square on the left of Show Thumbnails is not checked.
- every set of main image data has a unique file name.
- the parts that are the same as in FIG. 7 are denoted with the same symbols and their explanation is omitted.
- a plurality of small boxes 100 each consisting of a file name 101 , an information button 83 , a sound button 84 and an overlay button 85 are displayed in the browser window 95 .
- this display method it is not necessary to display a thumbnail image.
- the time required to read the thumbnail image data from the electronic camera 5 and to execute the reproduction process may be reduced, enabling a speedy display.
- the display area may be reduced.
- many file names may be displayed on the screen simultaneously. As a result, speedy selection of data becomes possible, particularly when many data are recorded.
- a data deletion process in which the deletion button 89 , displayed at the top of the browser window 95 , is pressed is described hereafter, with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 10 .
- the control program described by the flow chart of FIG. 10 is stored in the hard disk drive 6 .
- step S 30 the CPU 20 determines whether the specific thumbnail area 80 , which is displayed on the CRT display 2 , is designated by operation of the keyboard 3 , for example (see FIG. 7 ). If the specific thumbnail area 80 is not designated (NO), the control program returns to step S 30 and repeats the same process. If the specific thumbnail area 80 is designated (YES), the control program moves to step S 31 .
- step S 31 the CPU 20 determines whether the recording unit corresponding to the designated thumbnail area 80 includes a plurality of data. If the designated recording unit includes only main image data (NO), the control program proceeds to step S 33 . If the designated recording unit includes a plurality of data (YES), the CPU 20 moves to step S 32 .
- step S 32 the CPU 20 displays a deletion data confirmation dialogue, which is shown in FIG. 11 , by writing predetermined data in the VRAM 23 , and receives the designation for data to be deleted.
- the sub image data are to be deleted, for example, the inside of the square, which is displayed on the left of “sub image data”, is checked (by use of the keyboard 3 , for example).
- An “x” is then displayed inside the square, indicating that the sub image data are selected as the target of deletion.
- an “x” is displayed in all the squares, which indicates that all the data are the target of deletion.
- the control program moves to step S 33 .
- the “Cancel” button is pushed, the control program is interrupted and the process ends (END).
- a display for the data does not appear. For example, if sound data are not contained in the designated recording unit, a choice for “sound data” will not be displayed in the deletion data confirmation dialogue that is shown in FIG. 11 .
- step S 33 the CPU 20 shows the deletion re-confirmation dialogue of FIG. 12 on the CRT display 2 by writing the predetermined data in the VRAM 23 .
- the control program then moves to step S 34 .
- step S 34 the CPU 20 determines whether the “OK” button is pressed in the deletion confirmation dialogue. If the “OK” button was pressed (YES), the control program moves to step S 35 . However, if the “Cancel” button was pressed (NO), the process ends (END).
- step S 35 the CPU 20 compares the information input in the deletion data confirmation dialogue of FIG. 11 and determines whether main image data are deleted. In other words, the CPU 20 determines whether the square that is displayed on the left of “main image data” in the deletion confirmation dialogue is checked. If the main image data are not to be deleted (NO), the control program proceeds to step S 37 . If the main image data are to be deleted (YES), the control program moves to step S 36 .
- step S 36 all the data contained in the thumbnail area 80 designated at step S 30 are deleted from the RAM 42 of the electronic camera 5 .
- main image data is deleted, there is no reason to retain the sub image data or the sound data.
- the main image data are deleted, the sub image data and sound data are also deleted.
- the data are deleted when the CPU 20 outputs a predetermined control command to the electronic camera 5 through the I/F 24 .
- the CPU 40 of the electronic camera 5 receives the command through the I/F 45 and deletes the predetermined data recorded in the RAM 42 .
- the control program ends (END).
- step S 37 the CPU 20 determines whether the sub image data are selected as the target of deletion in the deletion confirmation dialogue. If the sub image data are selected as the target of deletion (YES), the control program moves to step S 38 . If the sub image data are not selected as the target of deletion (NO), the control program proceeds to step S 39 .
- step S 38 the CPU 20 sends a predetermined control command to the electronic camera 5 through the I/F 24 , similar to the case in which the main image data are deleted.
- the CPU 40 of the electronic camera 5 deletes the predetermined sub image data, which are recorded in the RAM 42 , according to the control command being received.
- the control program then moves to step S 39 .
- step S 39 the CPU 20 determines whether sound data are selected as the target of deletion in the deletion confirmation dialogue. If the sound data are selected as the target of deletion (YES), the control program moves to step S 40 . If the sub image data are not selected as the target of deletion (NO), the process ends (END).
- step S 40 the CPU 20 sends a predetermined control command to the electronic camera 5 through the I/F 24 , similar to the case in which main image data are deleted.
- the CPU 40 of the electronic camera 5 deletes the predetermined sound data, which are recorded in the RAM 42 , according to the control command being received. Then the process ends (END).
- the desired recording unit is designated in the thumbnail area 80 and the desired data are designated in the deletion data confirmation dialogue.
- the desired data are then deleted from the data contained in the designated recording unit. Thus, unnecessary information can be selectively deleted.
- deletion data confirmation dialogue of FIG. 11 if main image data are selected as the target of deletion (the inside of the square on the left of main image data is checked), an “x” may be automatically displayed in the squares on the left of other data being displayed in the deletion data confirmation dialogue (sub image data or sound data), indicating that other data will be deleted with the main image data. Continuously displaying an “x” in the square on the left of the sub image data or the sound data, as long as the main image data are not deleted, makes the display process even easier to understand.
- data that do not contain main image data are not allowed.
- a recording unit comprising recording data that does not include main image data may also be allowed.
- a data reading and storage process in which the storage button 88 , displayed at the top of the browser window 95 , is pressed will be described next, with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 13 .
- the control program described by the flow chart of FIG. 13 is stored in the hard disk drive 6 .
- step S 41 the CPU 20 determines whether the specific thumbnail area 80 , which is displayed on the CRT display 2 , is designated by the keyboard 3 (see FIG. 7 ). If the specific thumbnail area 80 is not designated (NO), the control program returns to step S 41 and repeats the same process. If the specific thumbnail area 80 is designated (YES), the control program moves to step S 42 .
- step S 42 the CPU 20 writes predetermined data in the VRAM 43 and causes the storage dialogue shown in FIG. 14 to be displayed.
- the control program then moves to step S 43 .
- step S 43 the CPU 20 reads from the electronic camera 5 the file name of the file corresponding to the data contained in the thumbnail area 80 , which is designated in step S 41 , and displays the file name in the storage dialogue frame.
- “Image1.jpg” main image data file
- “Image1.rlg” sub image data file
- “Image1.snd” sound data file
- step S 44 the CPU 20 determines whether a plurality of data are contained in the designated thumbnail area 80 . If a plurality of data exist (YES) in the designated thumbnail area 80 , the control program moves to step S 45 . If a plurality do not exist (NO), the control program proceeds to step S 47 .
- step S 45 a data type designation area is displayed below the storage dialogue.
- the main image data, sub image data and sound data are contained in the designated thumbnail area 80 .
- the names of these three data are displayed along with a statement “Please check the data to be stored.”
- the data type designation area is not displayed and only main image data are contained in the recording unit.
- the control program then moves to step S 46 .
- step S 46 the CPU 20 displays an “x” inside a square corresponding to the data contained in the thumbnail area 80 .
- all the data main image data, sub image data and sound data
- an “x” is displayed inside all the squares in the data type designation area.
- the control program then moves to step S 47 .
- step S 47 the new file name and the type of data to be stored are input.
- the new file name is input inside the frame that is below the display “File Name” in the storage dialogue.
- an “x” is displayed or deleted.
- the type of data to be stored may be designated by causing an “x” to be displayed inside the square corresponding to the data to be stored and by causing the square corresponding to the data that need not be stored to be left blank.
- the control program then moves to step S 48 .
- step S 48 the CPU 20 determines whether the designated data are to be stored. In other words, the CPU 20 determines whether the “storage” button was pressed in the storage dialogue of FIG. 14 . If the “storage” button was pressed (YES), the control program moves to step S 49 . If the “storage” button was not pressed, the process ends (END).”
- step S 49 the CPU 20 determines whether a plurality of data are contained in the thumbnail area 80 , which is designated in step S 41 . If a plurality of data exist (YES) in the designated thumbnail area 80 , the control program moves to step S 50 . If a plurality of data do not exist (NO) (main image only), the control program proceeds to step S 51 .
- step S 50 the CPU 20 sends a predetermined control command to the electronic camera 5 .
- the CPU 40 of the electronic camera 5 which receives the control command, compares the data type designation area of the storage dialogue shown in FIG. 14 , reads the designated data from the RAM 42 , and sends the data to the personal computer 1 through the I/F 45 .
- the CPU 20 receives the data (file) sent, changes the file name of each file to a new name designated by the storage dialogue, and outputs the new name to the hard disk drive 6 , which records the new name.
- step S 49 if the designated thumbnail area 80 does not contain a plurality of data (NO), the control program moves to step S 51 .
- step S 51 the CPU 20 , through the same process as in the previous case, reads the main image data, Image1.jpg, from the electronic camera 5 , renames it to the new file name, NewImage.jpg, and outputs the new file name to the hard disk drive 6 , which records the new name.
- the control program ends (END).
- a different file name (extension element) is given to the main image data, the sub image data and the sound data.
- the three files are then recorded in the hard disk drive 6 .
- FIG. 15 is an example of a data format in which a plurality of the data are integrated and recorded as one file.
- the data type (main image) is stored in the leading section of the file, following which the starting address ($A000) and the ending address ($AF00) of the main image data are stored.
- the data type (sub image), and the starting address ($AF01) and the ending address ($B200) of the sub image address data are stored following the data relating to the main image data.
- the data type (sound) and the starting address ($B201) and the ending address ($B400) of the sound are stored following the data relating to the sub image data.
- the main image data are stored in the area indicated by the address from $A000 to $AF00, which comprise the starting address and the ending address of the main image data.
- the sub image data are stored in the area indicated by the address from $AF01 to $B200, which comprise the starting address and the ending address-of the sub image data.
- the sound data are stored in the area indicated by the address from $B201 to $B400, which comprise the starting address and the ending address of the sound data.
- a plurality of data may be integrated and recorded as one file. Therefore, in searching a file recorded on a hard disk drive, for example, the time required for searching may be reduced. Moreover, because the area in which the file names are recorded (FAT: file allocation table) is reduced in addition to the space inserted between files being eliminated, the area needed to record the data may also be reduced.
- FAT file allocation table
- a suitably programmed general purpose computer controls data processing.
- the processing functions could also be implemented using a single special purpose integrated circuit (e.g., an ASIC) having a main or central processor section for overall, system-level control, and separate circuits dedicated to performing various specific computations, functional and other processes under control of the central processor section.
- the processing can also be implemented using a plurality of separate dedicated or programmable integrated electronic circuits or devices (e.g., hardwired electronic or logic devices).
- any device or assembly of devices on which a finite state machine capable of implementing the flow charts of FIGS. 6, 8 , 10 and 13 can be used to control data processing.
Abstract
A personal computer to which electronic equipment, such as, an electronic camera is connected reads recording units that are recorded in the electronic camera and displays a table consisting of recording information. In recording information such as a main image, a sub image and sound in the electronic camera, data within the electronic camera are inter-related by an index which indicates that the information is part of a common recording unit. The date having the same index are output and displayed in a same thumbnail area. When a recording unit for deletion is designated from the table, check boxes are displayed according to information contained in the recording unit. For example, an “x” is displayed in the check box of the information to be deleted, indicating that the information is a target of deletion. After the selection of information is completed and an “OK” button is pressed, the personal computer sends a control command to the electronic camera and deletes the designated information. Rather than deletion, the designated information can be read from the electronic camera into the personal computer.
Description
- The disclosures of the following Japanese priority applications are herein incorporated by reference: JP9-082865, filed Apr. 1, 1997; JP9-082867, filed Apr. 1, 1997; JP9-082866, filed Apr. 1, 1997; JP8-263031, filed Oct. 3, 1996; JP8-263033, filed Oct. 3, 1996; and JP8-263034; filed Oct. 3, 1996.
- 1. Field of Invention
- This invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method and a recording medium, and in particular relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method and a recording medium that execute a predetermined process on data that include main image data, sub image data and sound data, which are input from electronic equipment connected to the information processing apparatus.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- In a conventional electronic camera, the image of the object being shot is first digitized and then is data-compressed by means of a predetermined method. The compressed digital data are then recorded in a memory or a recording medium of the electronic camera or an attached personal computer, for example.
- The image recorded in such an electronic camera may be read into the personal computer. Various processes may then be executed on the image using functions that are provided in the personal computer.
- With recent technological advances, electronic cameras are being developed that are capable of simultaneously recording an image (hereafter referred to as the main image) and other information such as a memo, which is overlaid on the main image and recorded, as well as sound and other sub images, which are also added to the main image, to form a composite image. The composite image is referred to hereafter as a recording unit. However, when reading the information recorded in the memory of the electronic camera, particularly when, for example, the information is displayed as a table, a problem occurs in that a proper display method has not been established.
- Furthermore, problems arise when trying to delete some of the sub images.
FIG. 16 shows a process in which information recorded in an electronic camera is deleted by means of an operation from the personal computer that is connected to the electronic camera. - In step S61, the personal computer receives an input designating a recording unit to be deleted. The control program then proceeds to step S62.
- In step S62, the personal computer receives an input indicating whether to execute the deletion process. If in step S62, the input indicates execution of the deletion process (YES), the control program moves to step S63. If the input does not indicate execution of the deletion process (NO), the process ends (END).
- In step S63, the personal computer deletes the designated recording unit from the memory of the electronic camera, for example. If a plurality of information are contained in the recording unit, all of the information will be deleted.
- Hence, a conventional process such as that described above has the problem that selected information contained in a recording unit cannot be deleted (while other non-selected information in that recording unit is not deleted) by means of an operation from the personal computer.
- Finally, a case will be considered where information recorded in an electronic camera is read by a personal computer and is recorded on a hard disk drive connected to the personal computer.
-
FIG. 17 shows a process in which the information recorded in the electronic camera is read by the personal computer and is recorded on the hard disk drive. - In step S71, the personal computer determines whether the specific recording unit is designated. If the specific recording unit is not designated (NO), the control program returns to step S71 and repeats the same process. If the specific recording unit is designated (YES), the control program moves to step S72.
- In step S72, the personal computer displays the stored dialogue described in
FIG. 18 and displays the file name of the file contained in the recording unit designated in step S71 (the file corresponding to the data being contained in the recording unit). - In this example, three files “Image1.jpg” (main image data file), “Image1.rlg” (sub image data file) and “Image1.snd” (sound data file) are displayed in a box below “storage holder” (see
FIG. 18 ). The control program then moves to step S73. - In step S73, a new file name for recording the above data in the hard disk drive is input. For example, “NewImage”, which is shown in the box below “File Name” in the stored dialogue of
FIG. 18 , is input to the hard disk. The control program then moves to step S74. - In step S74, the personal computer determines whether to store the file being displayed in the stored dialogue. In other words, the personal computer determines whether the “store button”, which is shown to the right side of the store dialogue of
FIG. 18 , has been pressed. If the “store button” was pressed (YES), the control program moves to step S75. If the “cancel button” was pressed (NO), the process ends (END). - In step S75, the designated file is stored in the hard disk drive with a new name. In other words, three files, Image1.jpg, Image1.rlg, and Image1.snd, which are displayed in the box shown in upper section of
FIG. 18 , are renamed and recorded in the hard disk drive as NewImage.jpg, NewImage.rlg and NewImage.snd, respectively. - In the process described above, information is read by the personal computer from the electronic camera for each recording unit and is recorded in the hard disk drive. However, there is still the problem that selected information contained in the recording unit cannot be output and recorded on the hard disk drive. Instead, all the information in the recording unit is recorded on the hard disk.
- Considering the problems described above, an object of the invention is to make it possible to read information into a personal computer from an electronic camera, which is capable of recording a plurality of information besides the main image, and to display a table of the information in an easy to understand format.
- Another object of the invention is to make it possible to selectively delete, by means of the personal computer, for example, specific information out of all the information recorded in the electronic camera.
- Yet another object of the invention is to make it possible to selectively read, using the personal computer, for example, only selected or necessary information out of all the information recorded in the electronic camera, and to record the selected or necessary data in the recording medium.
- According to one aspect of the invention, the information processing apparatus comprises an input device for inputting first information relating to the types of data stored on an electronic equipment (e.g., an electronic camera) coupled to the apparatus and second information that identifies inter-relationships among the data. The information processing apparatus also includes a correlating device for correlating the first information into units based on the second information. The information processing apparatus also includes a display information generation device for generating display information from the correlated first information correlated by the correlating device. The display information generated by the display information generation device is output to an output device such as a display.
- The information processing method according to this aspect of the invention inputs first information relating to the type of data, inputs second information that describes the inter-relationships (if any) between the data and correlates the first information relating to the type of data being input based on the second information. The method then generates display information from the information relating to the types of data that are correlated by the correlating device and outputs the display information, which is generated by the display information generation device, to a display device.
- The recording medium records a control program that correlates the first information into units based on the second information. The control program generates display information from the correlated first information. The control program then causes the output of the display information to a display device.
- According to this aspect of the invention, information relating to the types of data and index information describing the inter-relationships between data are input to the information processing apparatus. Information relating to the types of data being input are then correlated, based on the index information being input. Next, display information is generated from the information relating to the types of data that are correlated. Finally, the display information is output to a display device, enabling a speedy search and reproduction of the data recorded in the electronic camera.
- According to another aspect of the invention, the information processing apparatus includes a designating device for designating recording units (e.g., from an electronic camera) having data that is to be deleted and for specifying which of the data in the recording unit is to be deleted. The apparatus also includes a deletion device for deleting the specified data contained in the recording unit.
- The information processing method inputs a designation of the recording unit for deletion, designates the type of data in the recording unit that is to be deleted, and deletes the designated data. The recording medium includes a control program to delete specific data contained in a designated recording unit.
- According to this aspect of the invention, a designation of the recording unit having data that is to be deleted and the designation of the type of data to be deleted are input into the personal computer, and the designated data contained in the designated recording unit is deleted. Thus, specific information from all the information that are recorded in an electronic camera may be deleted using the personal computer, for example.
- According to another aspect of the invention, the information processing apparatus includes a designation device for designating a recording unit for processing and for designating the type of data in the recording unit that is to be processed. The information processing apparatus also includes a reading device for reading the designated data contained in the designated recording unit from the electronic equipment into the information processing apparatus.
- The information processing method according to this aspect of the invention, inputs the designation of the recording unit for processing and inputs a designation of the type of data to be processed, and reads the designated data contained in the recording unit.
- The recording medium records a control program which, when the recording unit for processing and the type of data are designated, reads the designated data contained in the recording unit.
- According to this aspect of the invention, a designation of the recording unit and a designation of the type(s) of data to be processed are input, and the designated data contained in the recording unit is read from the electronic equipment (e.g., an electronic camera). Hence, only the desired data contained in the recording unit needs to be read from the electronic equipment, and may be output and recorded in a recording device. This enables the file size to be reduced. As a result, the recording capacity necessary for recording the file may be reduced.
- The invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a configuration of an embodiment of an information processing apparatus of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a personal computer shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic camera shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of data that is stored in a RAM ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a configuration of data storage in the RAM ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 is a flow chart describing a process that is executed in the personal computer ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7 is a display example of a table that is displayed as a result of the process ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a flow chart describing a process in the display example ofFIG. 7 in which a predetermined operation is executed; -
FIG. 9 is another display format of the table shown inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 10 is a flow chart describing a data deletion process; -
FIG. 11 is a display example of the deletion data confirmation dialogue displayed when the process ofFIG. 10 is executed; -
FIG. 12 is a display example of the deletion re-confirmation dialogue displayed when the process ofFIG. 10 is executed; -
FIG. 13 is a flow chart describing an example of a process that is executed when a storage button is pressed in the display example ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 14 is a display example of a storage folder that is displayed when the process ofFIG. 13 is executed; -
FIG. 15 is a file format that is recorded in a hard disk drive when the process ofFIG. 13 is executed; -
FIG. 16 is a flow chart describing an example of a conventional data deletion process; -
FIG. 17 is a flow chart describing an example of a conventional data storage process; and -
FIG. 18 is a display example of a storage folder that is displayed when the process ofFIG. 17 is executed. -
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an embodiment of an information processing apparatus. Apersonal computer 1 is connected to a plurality of peripherals (electronic equipment) to form an information system. Data are input from the peripherals, and the processed data are output to the desired peripherals. A cathode ray tube (CRT)display 2, or similar display device, displays the image signals that are output from thepersonal computer 1. - A keyboard 3 (one type of possible input means) or a mouse (not shown) inputs the predetermined information into the
personal computer 1. Aprinter 4 prints text data and image data, which are output from thepersonal computer 1, to paper. - An
electronic camera 5 compresses data by means of a predetermined method and records the main image. Theelectronic camera 5 also compresses and stores sub images such as memos and line drawings, and sound information, for example, which serve as support or auxiliary information for the main image. Information recorded in theelectronic camera 5 is transferred to thepersonal computer 1 through an input/output port. Conversely, the electronic camera may be controlled by sending a predetermined control command from thepersonal computer 1 to theelectronic camera 5. - A
hard disk drive 6 is a large capacity external memory device that records information output from thepersonal computer 1. Thepersonal computer 1 reads the recorded information upon request. - A
speaker 7 receives the sound data (digital data), which are output from theelectronic camera 5, executes a predetermined process, and outputs a corresponding sound. In other words, the sound data, which are supplied from thepersonal computer 1, are converted to analog signals by a D/A converter (not shown) inside thespeaker 7. The analog signals are amplified by an amplifier (not shown), which is also installed inside thespeaker 7, with a predetermined gain, and then are output as sound. -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a detailed structure of thepersonal computer 1. InFIG. 2 , the same parts as inFIG. 1 are identified with the same symbols whose explanations are omitted for convenience. - The
personal computer 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 20 (which functions as correlating means and display information generation means), a read only memory (ROM) 21, a random access memory (RAM) 22, a video random access memory (VRAM) 23 (which functions as an output means), and an interface (I/F) 24 (which functions as an input means). - The
CPU 20 executes various procedures and performs overall control of the information processing apparatus. TheROM 21 stores a program such as an initial program loader (IPL). When thepersonal computer 1 is turned on, theCPU 20 executes the IPL, and programs such as an operating system (OS) are loaded from thehard disk drive 6, for example. - The
RAM 22 temporarily stores data when theCPU 20 executes an algorithm. At the same time, theRAM 22 sequentially reads and stores parts of the program stored in the hard disk drive. - In the
VRAM 23, bit map data consisting of text data such as characters and texts, and graphic data such as graphics and images being overlaid are stored. The bit map data stored in theVRAM 23 are converted to image signals and are displayed on theCRT display 2. - Peripherals such as the
keyboard 3, theprinter 4, theelectronic camera 5, thehard disk drive 6, and thespeaker 7 are connected to the I/F 24. The I/F 24 mutually converts the data format in each peripheral and the data format in thepersonal computer 1, enabling exchange of the data. - A plurality of input/output ports for connecting peripherals are also provided in the I/
F 24 in such a manner that one peripheral is connected to one port. TheCPU 20 exchanges information among peripherals through these input/output ports. -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example of theelectronic camera 5. Theelectronic camera 5 includes aCPU 40, a ROM 41, aRAM 42, aVRAM 43, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 44, an I/F 45, aninput unit 46, amicrophone 47, an A/D converter 48, a charge coupled device (CCD) 49, an opticalsystem driving unit 50 and a flashlamp driving unit 51. - The
CPU 40 executes various procedures and executes control of theelectronic camera 5. Various programs to be executed by theCPU 40 are stored in the ROM 41. - An image of the object (main image), data such as a memo (sub image) and data such as sound, are stored in the
RAM 42. Data used by theCPU 40 for programs are temporarily stored in theRAM 42. - The
VRAM 43 stores bit map data consisting of text data such as characters and texts, and graphic data such as graphics and overlaid images. The bit map data stored in theVRAM 23 are converted to image signals and are displayed on theLCD 44. TheLCD 44 displays images corresponding to the bit maps stored in theVRAM 43. - The
input unit 46, the A/D converter 48, theCCD 49, the opticalsystem driving unit 50, theflash lamp 51 and thepersonal computer 1 are connected to the I/F 45. TheCPU 40 drives these apparatus through the I/F 45. - The
input unit 46 includes a touch tablet to be used for inputting memo information including line drawings, for example, and a release button to be operated during shooting. - The
microphone 47 converts sounds into corresponding analog electric signals and supplies them to the A/D converter 48. The A/D converter 48 converts the electric signals into digital signals and supplies them to the I/F 45. - The
CCD 49 converts the main image entering theelectronic camera 5 through an optical system (not shown) into corresponding electric signals (image signals) and outputs the resulting image signals. - The optical
system driving unit 50 is controlled by theCPU 40 and executes auto focus and auto zooming, for example, by appropriately controlling the lenses that form the optical system. - The flash
lamp driving unit 51 is also controlled by theCPU 40 and flashes a flash lamp (not shown). -
FIG. 4 outlines the storage format of the main image data, the sub image data and the sound data that are stored in theRAM 42 shown inFIG. 3 . - Sound data that are recorded simultaneously with a predetermined main image or sub image, such as a memo, are given the same index information (M0000001, for example) to provide a mutual relationship between the data. For example, the main image data on the left edge, the sound data below the main image data, and the sub image data below the sound data are given the same index of M0000001. The main image data to the right of the first main image data and the sound data below the second main data are given the same index of M0000002.
- The main image data to the right of the second main image has no sound data or sub image data attached and thus includes the main image only. The index of M0000004 is given to the third main image data. The main image data to the right of the third main image data have only sound data attached and the index M0000005 is given to these data. In this instance, the index information are generated and given to the data by the
CPU 40 when the main image is shot. -
FIG. 5 shows a storage configuration when the data described above is stored in theRAM 42 shown inFIG. 3 . The main image data, sub image data and sound data are randomly stored inRAM 42 as shown at (A) inFIG. 5 . - The data structure of the
main image 1 is shown at (B) inFIG. 5 . The main image data includes header information and image information. The header information includes the aforementioned index information, information indicating the types of data, the shooting date and time, the starting address of the area where the data are stored, and the data length of the image data. - In this example, index information of M0000001 is given and the type of data is a main image data. The shooting date and time is 6:15 a.m., Sep. 18, 1996 (1996/9/18/6:15). The starting address of the area where image data is stored is $0000 and the data length is $1500. Here $ indicates that the numbers following $ represents a base 16 number. The structure of the sub image data and sound data is the same as at (B) in
FIG. 5 with the exception of the type of data. - The operation of the configuration of the embodiment described in
FIGS. 2 and 3 is explained hereafter, with reference to the flow chart shown inFIG. 6 . The control program shown inFIG. 6 is stored in thehard disk drive 6. The control program may be supplied to the user, being stored beforehand in thehard disk drive 6. Alternatively, the control program may be stored in a CD-ROM (compact disk-ROM), which may be copied onto thehard disk drive 6. - The control program shown in
FIG. 6 is executed by thepersonal computer 1. In step S1, theCPU 20 of thepersonal computer 1 sends a control command to theelectronic camera 5 through the I/F 24. As a result, theCPU 40 of theelectronic camera 5 searches the first main image data among the data being stored in theRAM 42, the header information of which is sent to thepersonal computer 1 through the I/F 45. As a result, thepersonal computer 1 obtains the header information of the main image data. The control program then moves to step S2. - In step S2, the
CPU 20 extracts the index from the header information of the main image data. The control program then moves to step S3. - In step S3, the
CPU 20 sends the control command to theelectronic camera 5 through the I/F 24. Based on the control command that is received, theCPU 40 of theelectronic camera 5 searches for sound data having the same index as the main image data. Then theCPU 40 notifies thepersonal computer 1 whether sound data having the same index exist. - Upon receiving the signals from the
electronic camera 5, theCPU 20 determines whether sound data having the same index number exist. If sound data having the same index exist (YES), the control program moves to step S4. If sound data having the same index number does not exist (NO), the control program proceeds to step S5. - In step S4, the
CPU 20 causes theVRAM 23 to display an icon representing sound data in a different color from the default display color on the CRT display by writing predetermined data. Then the control program proceeds to step S6. - In step S5, the
CPU 20 causes theVRAM 23 to display an icon representing sound data in a default display color on the CRT display by writing predetermined data. Then the control program moves to step S6. -
FIG. 7 is an example of a table displayed on the CRT display by the process ofFIG. 6 . In this example, a plurality of thumbnail areas (as many as the number recorded in theRAM 42 of the electronic camera 5), which include the thumbnail image 81 (to be explained later), are displayed in abrowser window 95 denoted as “Harmony Browser”. Eachthumbnail image 81 is a reduction of the main image by a fixed ratio. An icon (button) indicating the existence of data other than main image data is also displayed. - In addition to the
thumbnail image 81, thethumbnail area 80 includes the index (M0000025 in this example) 82, an information button (button displaying i) 83, a sound button (button displaying a speaker), and an overlay button (button displaying OL) 85, as shown in the partially enlarged drawing. - Upon the execution of steps S4 or S5, a
new thumbnail area 80 is displayed in thebrowser window 95, and thesound button 84 is also displayed. In the process of step S4, thesound button 84 indicates that sound data exist. In this case, thesound button 84 is displayed in a color different from that of the default display color (green, for example). In the process of step S5, the button is displayed in the default display color (black, for example) to indicate the absence of sound data. The function of the button of thethumbnail area 80 and the button on the upper left corner of thebrowser window 95 will be explained later. - Returning to
FIG. 6 , in step S6, theCPU 20 sends a control command to theelectronic camera 5, which causes theelectronic camera 5 to search whether sub image data having the same index as main image data exist. - In step S6, if the
CPU 20 determines, based on the response from theelectronic camera 5, that sub image data having the same index exist (YES), then the control program moves to step S7. If theCPU 20 determines that the sub image data does not exist (NO), the control program proceeds to step S8. - In step S7, an
overlay button 85 shown inFIG. 7 is displayed in a color different from the default display color (green, for example) in order to indicate that the sub image data exist. The control program then proceeds to step S9. In step S8, theoverlay button 85 is displayed in the default display color (black, for example), in order to indicate an absence of the sub image data. The control program then moves to step S9. - In step S9, the
CPU 20 sends a control command to have the thumbnail image transmitted from theelectronic camera 5. As a result, theCPU 40 of the electronic camera generates a thumbnail image by reducing, with a predetermined ratio, the main image data that are stored in theRAM 42, and sends the thumbnail image to thepersonal computer 1 through the I/F 45. Thepersonal computer 1 receives the thumbnail image data sent by theelectronic camera 5. The control program then moves to step S10. - In step S10, the
CPU 20 writes the thumbnail image data to a predetermined area of theVRAM 23. As a result, thethumbnail image 81 shown inFIG. 7 will be displayed on theCRT display 2. The control program then moves to step S11. - In step S11, the
CPU 20 sends a predetermined control command to theelectronic camera 5 and determines whether main image data still exist. In other words, theelectronic camera 5 searches inRAM 42 for main image data that are not yet displayed on theCRT display 2. The result of the search is sent to thepersonal computer 1 through the I/F 45. - Upon receiving the search result, the
CPU 20 determines whether main image data still exist. If main image data still exist (YES), the control program returns to step S1 and repeats the same process as that described above. If the main image data do not exist (NO), the process ends (END). - Through the process described above, data having the same index are mutually related and are displayed in a table on the screen as shown in
FIG. 7 . Thus, a user may be able to intuitively grasp the data recorded in theelectronic camera 5. - A brief description of the functions of the various buttons provided in the
browser window 95 follows. - In
FIG. 7 , the four buttons that are displayed at the upper left are, clockwise from the left corner: ashutter button 86, anintegration button 87, astorage button 88 and adelete button 89. - The
shutter button 86 activates the shutter of theelectronic camera 5. When theshutter button 86 is pressed, theelectronic camera 5 shoots an object that is currently in focus. - The
integration button 87 allows display of a full size image (an image for which pixels are not thinned) from theelectronic camera 5. - The
storage button 88 is operated when the designated main image data and accompanying sub image data or sound data are to be recorded in thehard disk drive 6 shown inFIG. 2 . - The
delete button 89 is used to delete the data being displayed in the designatedthumbnail area 80 from theRAM 42 of theelectric camera 5. - When the square that is displayed on the left side of Show Thumbnails (displayed under the delete button 89) is checked, the thumbnail area containing the
thumbnail image 81 appears. However, if the square is not checked, onlybuttons 83 through 85 and theindex 82 are displayed. - When the inside of the circle displayed on the left of Sort by Time (displayed below the Show Thumbnails) is checked, the thumbnail area is sorted and displayed according to the date and the time of shooting.
- When the inside of the circle displayed on the left of Sort by Name (displayed below the Show Thumbnails) is checked, the thumbnail area is sorted and displayed according to the value of the index.
- The
button 93 showing two arrows, one pointing up and the other down, which is displayed below Sort by Name, designates a normal order or a reverse order, respectively in sorting. In other words, if the circle on the left of Sort by Time is checked (i.e., Sort by Time is selected), and the arrow pointing down is pressed, then data from theelectronic camera 5 are read in the order from the earliest recording date and time to the latest, and thethumbnail areas 80 are displayed sequentially from left to right and top to bottom. If the arrow pointing up is pressed, thethumbnail areas 80 are displayed in the reverse order of recording date and time. - When Sort by Name is selected and the arrow pointing down is pressed, the
thumbnail areas 80 are displayed sequentially from left to right and top to bottom in ascending order of the value of the index. If the arrow pointing up is pressed, thethumbnail areas 80 are displayed in the descending order of the value of the index. - Next, a process in which various buttons being displayed at the top of the
thumbnail area 80 are pressed is described, with reference to the flow chart inFIG. 8 . The control program described by the flow chart ofFIG. 8 is stored in thehard disk drive 6. - In step S20, the
CPU 20 determines whether thespecific thumbnail area 80 is designated by a pointing device such as thekeyboard 3 or a mouse (not shown). In step S20, if thespecific thumbnail area 80 is designated (YES), the control program moves to step S21. If thespecific thumbnail area 80 is not designated (NO), the control program returns to step S20 and repeats the same process. The control program then moves to step S21. - In step S21, the type of data to be reproduced is established. For example, when the
sound button 84 or theoverlay button 85 is pressed (using thekeyboard 3 or the mouse (not shown)), the display color is changed to red, for example, indicating that these data will not be reproduced. However, if sound data and sub image data are not recorded, the display color does not change when these buttons are pressed. The control program then moves to step S22. - In step S22, the
CPU 20 determines whether anintegration button 87, which is displayed on the upper left of thebrowser window 95, was pressed. If theintegration button 87 was pressed (YES), the control program moves to step S23. If the integration button was not pressed (NO), the control program returns to step S22 and repeats the same process. - In step S23, the
CPU 20 reads the data designated by the button in thethumbnail area 80 from theelectronic camera 5. Then the control program moves to step S24. - If in step S21, the
thumbnail area 80 contains both sound and sub image data, thethumbnail area 80 is designated, and only theoverlay button 85 is pressed, the display color of theoverlay button 85 is changed to red (indicating that reading of sub image data will not be executed). - Then, when the
integration button 87 is pressed, theCPU 20 determines that the decision at step S22 is YES and in step S23, theCPU 20 sends predetermined commands to theelectronic camera 5, and reads main image data and sound data corresponding to the designated thumbnail area 80 (sub image data are not read because theoverlay button 85 is not pressed). The control program then moves to step S24. - In step S24, the main image data corresponding to the designated
thumbnail area 80 are displayed within a window that is newly displayed on theCRT 2, and sound is reproduced, after which the process ends (END). - In the process described above, it becomes possible to select and reproduce only necessary data out of all the data recorded in the
electronic camera 5. Hence, time spent reproducing unwanted data is eliminated. - In the example of the above-described embodiment, the control program is structured in such a manner that when the
sound button 84 is pressed, sound data are determined to be unnecessary and the reproduction of sound is stopped. However, the control program may be structured in such a manner that when thesound button 84 is pressed, only sound data are read and reproduced from theelectronic camera 5. -
FIG. 9 is a display example of thebrowser window 95 ofFIG. 7 when the square on the left of Show Thumbnails is not checked. In this example, every set of main image data has a unique file name. Also in this example, the parts that are the same as inFIG. 7 are denoted with the same symbols and their explanation is omitted. - As shown in
FIG. 9 , a plurality ofsmall boxes 100, each consisting of afile name 101, aninformation button 83, asound button 84 and anoverlay button 85 are displayed in thebrowser window 95. With this display method, it is not necessary to display a thumbnail image. Thus, the time required to read the thumbnail image data from theelectronic camera 5 and to execute the reproduction process may be reduced, enabling a speedy display. Moreover, in contrast to the example ofFIG. 7 , by not displaying the thumbnail image, the display area may be reduced. Thus, many file names may be displayed on the screen simultaneously. As a result, speedy selection of data becomes possible, particularly when many data are recorded. - A data deletion process in which the
deletion button 89, displayed at the top of thebrowser window 95, is pressed is described hereafter, with reference to the flow chart inFIG. 10 . The control program described by the flow chart ofFIG. 10 is stored in thehard disk drive 6. - In step S30, the
CPU 20 determines whether thespecific thumbnail area 80, which is displayed on theCRT display 2, is designated by operation of thekeyboard 3, for example (seeFIG. 7 ). If thespecific thumbnail area 80 is not designated (NO), the control program returns to step S30 and repeats the same process. If thespecific thumbnail area 80 is designated (YES), the control program moves to step S31. - In step S31, the
CPU 20 determines whether the recording unit corresponding to the designatedthumbnail area 80 includes a plurality of data. If the designated recording unit includes only main image data (NO), the control program proceeds to step S33. If the designated recording unit includes a plurality of data (YES), theCPU 20 moves to step S32. - In step S32, the
CPU 20 displays a deletion data confirmation dialogue, which is shown inFIG. 11 , by writing predetermined data in theVRAM 23, and receives the designation for data to be deleted. InFIG. 11 , if the sub image data are to be deleted, for example, the inside of the square, which is displayed on the left of “sub image data”, is checked (by use of thekeyboard 3, for example). An “x” is then displayed inside the square, indicating that the sub image data are selected as the target of deletion. In this display example, an “x” is displayed in all the squares, which indicates that all the data are the target of deletion. Then, when the “OK” button is pressed in the dialogue, the control program moves to step S33. However, if in step S32, the “Cancel” button is pushed, the control program is interrupted and the process ends (END). - If sub image data or sound data are not contained in the designated recording unit, a display for the data does not appear. For example, if sound data are not contained in the designated recording unit, a choice for “sound data” will not be displayed in the deletion data confirmation dialogue that is shown in
FIG. 11 . - In step S33, the
CPU 20 shows the deletion re-confirmation dialogue ofFIG. 12 on theCRT display 2 by writing the predetermined data in theVRAM 23. The control program then moves to step S34. - In step S34, the
CPU 20 determines whether the “OK” button is pressed in the deletion confirmation dialogue. If the “OK” button was pressed (YES), the control program moves to step S35. However, if the “Cancel” button was pressed (NO), the process ends (END). - In step S35, the
CPU 20 compares the information input in the deletion data confirmation dialogue ofFIG. 11 and determines whether main image data are deleted. In other words, theCPU 20 determines whether the square that is displayed on the left of “main image data” in the deletion confirmation dialogue is checked. If the main image data are not to be deleted (NO), the control program proceeds to step S37. If the main image data are to be deleted (YES), the control program moves to step S36. - In step S36, all the data contained in the
thumbnail area 80 designated at step S30 are deleted from theRAM 42 of theelectronic camera 5. In other words, if main image data is deleted, there is no reason to retain the sub image data or the sound data. Hence, if the main image data are deleted, the sub image data and sound data are also deleted. The data are deleted when theCPU 20 outputs a predetermined control command to theelectronic camera 5 through the I/F 24. TheCPU 40 of theelectronic camera 5 receives the command through the I/F 45 and deletes the predetermined data recorded in theRAM 42. The control program then ends (END). - In step S37, the
CPU 20 determines whether the sub image data are selected as the target of deletion in the deletion confirmation dialogue. If the sub image data are selected as the target of deletion (YES), the control program moves to step S38. If the sub image data are not selected as the target of deletion (NO), the control program proceeds to step S39. - In step S38, the
CPU 20 sends a predetermined control command to theelectronic camera 5 through the I/F 24, similar to the case in which the main image data are deleted. As a result, theCPU 40 of theelectronic camera 5 deletes the predetermined sub image data, which are recorded in theRAM 42, according to the control command being received. The control program then moves to step S39. - In step S39, the
CPU 20 determines whether sound data are selected as the target of deletion in the deletion confirmation dialogue. If the sound data are selected as the target of deletion (YES), the control program moves to step S40. If the sub image data are not selected as the target of deletion (NO), the process ends (END). - In step S40, the
CPU 20 sends a predetermined control command to theelectronic camera 5 through the I/F 24, similar to the case in which main image data are deleted. As a result, theCPU 40 of theelectronic camera 5 deletes the predetermined sound data, which are recorded in theRAM 42, according to the control command being received. Then the process ends (END). - In the process described above, the desired recording unit is designated in the
thumbnail area 80 and the desired data are designated in the deletion data confirmation dialogue. The desired data are then deleted from the data contained in the designated recording unit. Thus, unnecessary information can be selectively deleted. - In the deletion data confirmation dialogue of
FIG. 11 , if main image data are selected as the target of deletion (the inside of the square on the left of main image data is checked), an “x” may be automatically displayed in the squares on the left of other data being displayed in the deletion data confirmation dialogue (sub image data or sound data), indicating that other data will be deleted with the main image data. Continuously displaying an “x” in the square on the left of the sub image data or the sound data, as long as the main image data are not deleted, makes the display process even easier to understand. - In the configuration of the embodiment described above, data that do not contain main image data (data comprising only sub image or sound data) are not allowed. However, a recording unit comprising recording data that does not include main image data (sub image data or sound data) may also be allowed.
- A data reading and storage process in which the
storage button 88, displayed at the top of thebrowser window 95, is pressed will be described next, with reference to the flow chart inFIG. 13 . The control program described by the flow chart ofFIG. 13 is stored in thehard disk drive 6. - In step S41, the
CPU 20 determines whether thespecific thumbnail area 80, which is displayed on theCRT display 2, is designated by the keyboard 3 (seeFIG. 7 ). If thespecific thumbnail area 80 is not designated (NO), the control program returns to step S41 and repeats the same process. If thespecific thumbnail area 80 is designated (YES), the control program moves to step S42. - In step S42, the
CPU 20 writes predetermined data in theVRAM 43 and causes the storage dialogue shown inFIG. 14 to be displayed. The control program then moves to step S43. - In step S43, the
CPU 20 reads from theelectronic camera 5 the file name of the file corresponding to the data contained in thethumbnail area 80, which is designated in step S41, and displays the file name in the storage dialogue frame. In this display example, “Image1.jpg” (main image data file), “Image1.rlg” (sub image data file), “Image1.snd” (sound data file) are displayed. The control program then moves to step S44. - In step S44, the
CPU 20 determines whether a plurality of data are contained in the designatedthumbnail area 80. If a plurality of data exist (YES) in the designatedthumbnail area 80, the control program moves to step S45. If a plurality do not exist (NO), the control program proceeds to step S47. - In step S45, a data type designation area is displayed below the storage dialogue. In the present example, the main image data, sub image data and sound data are contained in the designated
thumbnail area 80. Thus, the names of these three data are displayed along with a statement “Please check the data to be stored.” The data type designation area is not displayed and only main image data are contained in the recording unit. The control program then moves to step S46. - In step S46, the
CPU 20 displays an “x” inside a square corresponding to the data contained in thethumbnail area 80. In the present example, all the data (main image data, sub image data and sound data) are contained in thethumbnail area 80. Thus, an “x” is displayed inside all the squares in the data type designation area. The control program then moves to step S47. - In step S47, the new file name and the type of data to be stored are input. In other words, the new file name is input inside the frame that is below the display “File Name” in the storage dialogue. Moreover, when the square in the data type designation area is checked, an “x” is displayed or deleted. Thus, the type of data to be stored may be designated by causing an “x” to be displayed inside the square corresponding to the data to be stored and by causing the square corresponding to the data that need not be stored to be left blank. The control program then moves to step S48.
- In step S48, the
CPU 20 determines whether the designated data are to be stored. In other words, theCPU 20 determines whether the “storage” button was pressed in the storage dialogue ofFIG. 14 . If the “storage” button was pressed (YES), the control program moves to step S49. If the “storage” button was not pressed, the process ends (END).” - In step S49, the
CPU 20 determines whether a plurality of data are contained in thethumbnail area 80, which is designated in step S41. If a plurality of data exist (YES) in the designatedthumbnail area 80, the control program moves to step S50. If a plurality of data do not exist (NO) (main image only), the control program proceeds to step S51. - In step S50, the
CPU 20 sends a predetermined control command to theelectronic camera 5. As a result, theCPU 40 of theelectronic camera 5, which receives the control command, compares the data type designation area of the storage dialogue shown inFIG. 14 , reads the designated data from theRAM 42, and sends the data to thepersonal computer 1 through the I/F 45. TheCPU 20 receives the data (file) sent, changes the file name of each file to a new name designated by the storage dialogue, and outputs the new name to thehard disk drive 6, which records the new name. - In the example of the storage dialogue shown in
FIG. 14 , three file names, Image1.jpg, Image1.rlg and Image1.snd are read from the electronic camera, are renamed, respectively, NewImage.jpg, NewImage.rlg and NewImage.snd, and are output to and recorded in thehard disk drive 6. The control program then ends (END). - In step S49, if the designated
thumbnail area 80 does not contain a plurality of data (NO), the control program moves to step S51. In step S51, theCPU 20, through the same process as in the previous case, reads the main image data, Image1.jpg, from theelectronic camera 5, renames it to the new file name, NewImage.jpg, and outputs the new file name to thehard disk drive 6, which records the new name. The control program then ends (END). - In the process described above, it becomes possible to read only desired data from the data recorded for each recording unit in the
electronic camera 5 to thepersonal computer 1. Then, only the desired data are given a new file name and output to and recorded in thehard disk drive 6. - In the embodiment described above, a different file name (extension element) is given to the main image data, the sub image data and the sound data. The three files are then recorded in the
hard disk drive 6. However, it is also possible to integrate and record these data as one file. -
FIG. 15 is an example of a data format in which a plurality of the data are integrated and recorded as one file. - In this example, the data type (main image) is stored in the leading section of the file, following which the starting address ($A000) and the ending address ($AF00) of the main image data are stored. The data type (sub image), and the starting address ($AF01) and the ending address ($B200) of the sub image address data are stored following the data relating to the main image data. Next, the data type (sound) and the starting address ($B201) and the ending address ($B400) of the sound are stored following the data relating to the sub image data.
- The main image data are stored in the area indicated by the address from $A000 to $AF00, which comprise the starting address and the ending address of the main image data. Next, the sub image data are stored in the area indicated by the address from $AF01 to $B200, which comprise the starting address and the ending address-of the sub image data. Finally, the sound data are stored in the area indicated by the address from $B201 to $B400, which comprise the starting address and the ending address of the sound data.
- In the configuration of the embodiment described above, a plurality of data may be integrated and recorded as one file. Therefore, in searching a file recorded on a hard disk drive, for example, the time required for searching may be reduced. Moreover, because the area in which the file names are recorded (FAT: file allocation table) is reduced in addition to the space inserted between files being eliminated, the area needed to record the data may also be reduced.
- In the illustrated embodiment, a suitably programmed general purpose computer controls data processing. However, the processing functions could also be implemented using a single special purpose integrated circuit (e.g., an ASIC) having a main or central processor section for overall, system-level control, and separate circuits dedicated to performing various specific computations, functional and other processes under control of the central processor section. The processing can also be implemented using a plurality of separate dedicated or programmable integrated electronic circuits or devices (e.g., hardwired electronic or logic devices). In general, any device or assembly of devices on which a finite state machine capable of implementing the flow charts of
FIGS. 6, 8 , 10 and 13 can be used to control data processing. - The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, which are illustrative and not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
Claims (14)
1. An information processing apparatus that is electronically connectable to electronic equipment, the electronic equipment stores at least main image data, sub image data and sound data, each of the data having information including first information relating to types of said data and identical second information that identifies inter-relationships among said data, the apparatus executing a predetermined process for the main image data, the sub image data and the sound data stored in said electronic equipment, the apparatus comprising:
input means for inputting said information for each of the main image data, the sub image data and the sound data from the electronic equipment;
correlating means for correlating said first information into units based on said identical second information;
display information generation means for generating display information from the correlated first information which are correlated by said correlating means; and
output means for outputting the display information generated by said display information generation means for display on a display device.
2. The information processing apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said electronic equipment is an electronic camera that stores recording units that include at least the main image data, the sub image data and the sound data, each of the data that is in the same recording unit having the identical second information.
3. The information processing apparatus of claim 2 , wherein said display information is generated for each said recording unit and comprises at least one first icon whose display format is changed based on the existence of each of the main image data, the sub image data and the sound data included in said recording unit.
4. The information processing apparatus of claim 3 , further comprising:
designation means for designating a second icon which is displayed on said display device; and
reading means for reading data from said electronic equipment corresponding to the data associated with the second icon when the second icon is designated by said designation means.
5. The information processing apparatus of claim 4 , wherein said second icon contains a thumbnail image of the main image data associated with the second icon, the thumbnail image being a reduction of said main image data by a predetermined ratio.
6. The information processing apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising:
designation means for designating one of the recording units and for designating one or more types of data to be deleted from the designated recording unit; and
deletion means for deleting the designated data from the designated recording unit.
7. The information processing apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising:
designation means for designating one of the recording units and for designating one or more types of data to be read from the designated recording unit; and
reading means for reading the designated data from the designated recording unit into the information processing apparatus.
8. An information processing apparatus that is connectable to electronic equipment, the electronic equipment stores at least main image data, sub image data and sound data, each of the data having information including first information relating to types of said data and identical second information that identifies inter-relationships among said data, to execute data processing operations on the main image data, the sub image and the sound data stored in the electronic equipment, the apparatus comprising:
an interface through which said information for each of the main image data, the sub image data and the sound data from the electronic equipment is input to the apparatus; and
a controller that correlates the first information into units based on the identical second information and generates display information from the correlated first information for output to a display device.
9. An information processing method, executed in an information processing apparatus when connected to electronic equipment, the electronic equipment stores at least main image data, sub image data and sound data, each of the data having information including first information relating to types of said data and identical second information that identifies inter-relationships among said data, the method executing a predetermined process for data including the main image data, the sub image data and the sound data stored in said electronic equipment, the method comprising the steps of:
inputting said information for each of the main image data, the sub image data and the sound data from the electronic equipment into the apparatus;
correlating said first information into units based on said identical second information;
generating display information from said correlated first information; and
outputting the display information for display on a display device.
10. A recording medium that stores a control program to be used by an information processing apparatus that is connectable to electronic equipment the electronic equipment stores at least main image data, sub image data and sound data, each of the data having information including first information relating to types of said data and identical second information that identifies inter-relationships among said data, and which executes a predetermined process for data including the main image data, the sub image data and the sound data stored in said electronic equipment, said control program including:
an input routine for inputting said information for each of the main image data, the sub image data and the sound data from the electronic equipment to the information processing apparatus;
a correlation routine for correlating said first information into units based on said identical second information; and
a display information generation routine for generating display information from the correlated first information, the display information for output to a display device.
11. The recording medium of claim 10 , wherein said electronic equipment is an electronic camera that stores recording units that include at least the main image data, the sub image data and the sound data, each of the data that is in the same recording unit having the identical second information.
12. The recording medium of claim 11 , wherein said display information is generated for each said recording unit and comprises at least one first icon having a display format that is changed based on the existence of each of the main image data, the sub image data and the sound data included in said recording unit.
13. The recording medium of claim 12 , wherein said control program further includes a routine for reading data form said electronic equipment corresponding to the data associated with a second icon when the second icon is designated.
14. The recording medium of claim 13 , wherein said second icon contains a thumbnail image of the main image data associated with the second icon, the thumbnail image being a reduction of said main image data by a predetermined ratio.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/036,371 US20050158015A1 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 2005-01-18 | Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium for electronic equipment including an electronic camera |
US12/213,648 US20080266420A1 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 2008-06-23 | Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium for electronic equipment including an electronic camera |
US12/801,753 US20100265338A1 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 2010-06-23 | Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium for electronic equipment including an electronic camera |
US13/067,527 US8743243B2 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 2011-06-07 | Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium for electronic equipment including an electronic camera |
Applications Claiming Priority (14)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP08-263034 | 1996-10-03 | ||
JP08-263033 | 1996-10-03 | ||
JP26303196 | 1996-10-03 | ||
JP26303496 | 1996-10-03 | ||
JP26303396 | 1996-10-03 | ||
JP08-263031 | 1996-10-03 | ||
JP9082867A JPH10164486A (en) | 1996-10-03 | 1997-04-01 | Device for processing information and method therefor and recording medium |
JP09-082867 | 1997-04-01 | ||
JP08286597A JP4476368B2 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 1997-04-01 | Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium |
JP09-082866 | 1997-04-01 | ||
JP08286697A JP4476369B2 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 1997-04-01 | Information processing device |
JP09-082865 | 1997-04-01 | ||
US94370597A | 1997-10-03 | 1997-10-03 | |
US11/036,371 US20050158015A1 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 2005-01-18 | Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium for electronic equipment including an electronic camera |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US94370597A Continuation | 1996-10-03 | 1997-10-03 |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/213,648 Continuation US20080266420A1 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 2008-06-23 | Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium for electronic equipment including an electronic camera |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050158015A1 true US20050158015A1 (en) | 2005-07-21 |
Family
ID=46303735
Family Applications (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/036,371 Abandoned US20050158015A1 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 2005-01-18 | Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium for electronic equipment including an electronic camera |
US12/213,648 Abandoned US20080266420A1 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 2008-06-23 | Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium for electronic equipment including an electronic camera |
US12/801,753 Abandoned US20100265338A1 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 2010-06-23 | Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium for electronic equipment including an electronic camera |
US13/067,527 Expired - Fee Related US8743243B2 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 2011-06-07 | Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium for electronic equipment including an electronic camera |
Family Applications After (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/213,648 Abandoned US20080266420A1 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 2008-06-23 | Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium for electronic equipment including an electronic camera |
US12/801,753 Abandoned US20100265338A1 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 2010-06-23 | Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium for electronic equipment including an electronic camera |
US13/067,527 Expired - Fee Related US8743243B2 (en) | 1996-10-03 | 2011-06-07 | Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium for electronic equipment including an electronic camera |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (4) | US20050158015A1 (en) |
Cited By (39)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030095196A1 (en) * | 2001-11-21 | 2003-05-22 | Takeshi Misawa | Camera system |
US20040051784A1 (en) * | 2001-07-13 | 2004-03-18 | Satoshi Ejima | Electronic camera |
US20050200963A1 (en) * | 2004-03-12 | 2005-09-15 | Hoke Donald G. | System and method for enabling a person to view images of the person wearing an accessory before purchasing the accessory |
US20060274163A1 (en) * | 2005-06-02 | 2006-12-07 | Searete Llc. | Saved-image management |
US20070100860A1 (en) * | 2005-10-31 | 2007-05-03 | Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware | Preservation and/or degradation of a video/audio data stream |
US20070100533A1 (en) * | 2005-10-31 | 2007-05-03 | Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of State Of Delaware | Preservation and/or degradation of a video/audio data stream |
US20070120980A1 (en) * | 2005-10-31 | 2007-05-31 | Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware | Preservation/degradation of video/audio aspects of a data stream |
US20080088713A1 (en) * | 2005-03-30 | 2008-04-17 | Searete LLC, a liability corporation of the State of Delaware | Image transformation estimator of an imaging device |
US7782365B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2010-08-24 | Searete Llc | Enhanced video/still image correlation |
US7876357B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2011-01-25 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Estimating shared image device operational capabilities or resources |
US7920169B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2011-04-05 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Proximity of shared image devices |
US20110199322A1 (en) * | 2010-02-15 | 2011-08-18 | Research In Motion Limited | Graphical user interfaces for devices that present media content |
US8253821B2 (en) | 2005-10-31 | 2012-08-28 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Degradation/preservation management of captured data |
US8350946B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2013-01-08 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Viewfinder for shared image device |
US8606383B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2013-12-10 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Audio sharing |
US8681225B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2014-03-25 | Royce A. Levien | Storage access technique for captured data |
US8902320B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2014-12-02 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Shared image device synchronization or designation |
US8964054B2 (en) | 2006-08-18 | 2015-02-24 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Capturing selected image objects |
US8988537B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2015-03-24 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Shared image devices |
US9001215B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2015-04-07 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Estimating shared image device operational capabilities or resources |
US9041826B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2015-05-26 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Capturing selected image objects |
US9076208B2 (en) | 2006-02-28 | 2015-07-07 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Imagery processing |
US9082456B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2015-07-14 | The Invention Science Fund I Llc | Shared image device designation |
US9093121B2 (en) | 2006-02-28 | 2015-07-28 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Data management of an audio data stream |
US20150215573A1 (en) * | 2014-01-28 | 2015-07-30 | Nokia Corporation | Automatic Image Deletion |
US9124729B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2015-09-01 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Shared image device synchronization or designation |
US9167195B2 (en) | 2005-10-31 | 2015-10-20 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Preservation/degradation of video/audio aspects of a data stream |
US9191611B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2015-11-17 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Conditional alteration of a saved image |
US20150365587A1 (en) * | 2014-06-17 | 2015-12-17 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof |
US9325781B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2016-04-26 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Audio sharing |
US9451200B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2016-09-20 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Storage access technique for captured data |
US9489717B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2016-11-08 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Shared image device |
US9621749B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2017-04-11 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Capturing selected image objects |
US9819490B2 (en) | 2005-05-04 | 2017-11-14 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Regional proximity for shared image device(s) |
US9910341B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2018-03-06 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Shared image device designation |
US9942511B2 (en) | 2005-10-31 | 2018-04-10 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Preservation/degradation of video/audio aspects of a data stream |
US10003762B2 (en) | 2005-04-26 | 2018-06-19 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Shared image devices |
US10097756B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2018-10-09 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Enhanced video/still image correlation |
US10175868B2 (en) * | 2008-05-28 | 2019-01-08 | Kyocera Corporation | Mobile communication terminal and terminal operation method |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2017010481A (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2017-01-12 | シャープ株式会社 | Content display device and program |
Citations (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5528293A (en) * | 1994-03-31 | 1996-06-18 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Digital electronic still camera and method of recording image data in memory card |
US5706457A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1998-01-06 | Hughes Electronics | Image display and archiving system and method |
US5724579A (en) * | 1994-03-04 | 1998-03-03 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Subordinate image processing apparatus |
US5754227A (en) * | 1994-09-28 | 1998-05-19 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Digital electronic camera having an external input/output interface through which the camera is monitored and controlled |
US5760917A (en) * | 1996-09-16 | 1998-06-02 | Eastman Kodak Company | Image distribution method and system |
US5796428A (en) * | 1993-10-21 | 1998-08-18 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Electronic photography system |
US5806072A (en) * | 1991-12-20 | 1998-09-08 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic imaging apparatus having hierarchical image data storage structure for computer-compatible image data management |
US5845046A (en) * | 1995-06-15 | 1998-12-01 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Multi-scene recording medium and apparatus for producing data therefrom |
US5852438A (en) * | 1995-09-21 | 1998-12-22 | Roland Kabushiki Kaisha | Video editor |
US5877819A (en) * | 1993-03-31 | 1999-03-02 | Branson; Philip J. | Managing information in an endoscopy system |
US5877781A (en) * | 1995-11-29 | 1999-03-02 | Roland Kabushiki Kaisha | Memory control device for video editor |
US5917488A (en) * | 1996-08-21 | 1999-06-29 | Apple Computer, Inc. | System and method for displaying and manipulating image data sets |
US5926208A (en) * | 1992-02-19 | 1999-07-20 | Noonen; Michael | Video compression and decompression arrangement having reconfigurable camera and low-bandwidth transmission capability |
US5966122A (en) * | 1996-03-08 | 1999-10-12 | Nikon Corporation | Electronic camera |
US5974386A (en) * | 1995-09-22 | 1999-10-26 | Nikon Corporation | Timeline display of sound characteristics with thumbnail video |
US5973731A (en) * | 1994-03-03 | 1999-10-26 | Schwab; Barry H. | Secure identification system |
US6014170A (en) * | 1997-06-20 | 2000-01-11 | Nikon Corporation | Information processing apparatus and method |
US6026232A (en) * | 1995-07-13 | 2000-02-15 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Method and system to replace sections of an encoded video bitstream |
US6169575B1 (en) * | 1996-09-26 | 2001-01-02 | Flashpoint Technology, Inc. | Method and system for controlled time-based image group formation |
US6192191B1 (en) * | 1995-10-03 | 2001-02-20 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Data storage based on serial numbers |
US20020054212A1 (en) * | 1994-09-28 | 2002-05-09 | Hiroki Fukuoka | Digital electronic still camera which receives an input/output control program through a detachable communication interface card |
Family Cites Families (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5900870A (en) * | 1989-06-30 | 1999-05-04 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Object-oriented computer user interface |
JP2979486B2 (en) | 1990-10-19 | 1999-11-15 | 株式会社日立製作所 | camera |
US5708829A (en) * | 1991-02-01 | 1998-01-13 | Wang Laboratories, Inc. | Text indexing system |
JP3293156B2 (en) | 1992-03-11 | 2002-06-17 | キヤノン株式会社 | Image recording / reproducing system and control method thereof |
US5515496A (en) * | 1992-12-24 | 1996-05-07 | Apple Computer, Inc. | Computer system with direct manipulation interface and method of operating same |
JP3097014B2 (en) * | 1993-07-08 | 2000-10-10 | 株式会社リコー | Electronic still camera |
US5551021A (en) * | 1993-07-30 | 1996-08-27 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Image storing managing apparatus and method for retreiving and displaying merchandise and customer specific sales information |
JPH06225194A (en) | 1993-11-16 | 1994-08-12 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Camera |
JP3337798B2 (en) * | 1993-12-24 | 2002-10-21 | キヤノン株式会社 | Apparatus for processing image data and audio data, data processing apparatus, and data processing method |
JP3504990B2 (en) | 1995-01-11 | 2004-03-08 | コニカミノルタホールディングス株式会社 | Camera with information recording function |
US5913078A (en) * | 1994-11-01 | 1999-06-15 | Konica Corporation | Camera utilizing a satellite positioning system |
US6181837B1 (en) * | 1994-11-18 | 2001-01-30 | The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A. | Electronic check image storage and retrieval system |
JPH08147952A (en) | 1994-11-22 | 1996-06-07 | Canon Inc | Recording and reproducing device |
US5819261A (en) * | 1995-03-28 | 1998-10-06 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Method and apparatus for extracting a keyword from scheduling data using the keyword for searching the schedule data file |
JPH08314954A (en) | 1995-05-16 | 1996-11-29 | Canon Inc | Method and device for processing information |
JP3338585B2 (en) * | 1995-05-16 | 2002-10-28 | 富士通株式会社 | Apparatus and method for converting presentation data |
US5760767A (en) * | 1995-10-26 | 1998-06-02 | Sony Corporation | Method and apparatus for displaying in and out points during video editing |
US5706097A (en) * | 1995-11-13 | 1998-01-06 | Eastman Kodak Company | Index print with a digital recording medium containing still images, motion sequences, and sound sequences |
US6092067A (en) * | 1996-05-30 | 2000-07-18 | Microsoft Corporation | Desktop information manager for recording and viewing important events data structure |
US5877761A (en) * | 1996-07-12 | 1999-03-02 | Sofmap Future Design, Inc. | Method for smooth scrolling of text using window |
US5923208A (en) * | 1996-09-12 | 1999-07-13 | Telecom Semiconductor, Inc. | Low voltage temperature-to-voltage converter |
US5903309A (en) * | 1996-09-19 | 1999-05-11 | Flashpoint Technology, Inc. | Method and system for displaying images and associated multimedia types in the interface of a digital camera |
JP2005020351A (en) | 2003-06-26 | 2005-01-20 | Victor Co Of Japan Ltd | Video reproducing device with thumb nail picture creation function and thumb nail picture recording medium |
-
2005
- 2005-01-18 US US11/036,371 patent/US20050158015A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2008
- 2008-06-23 US US12/213,648 patent/US20080266420A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2010
- 2010-06-23 US US12/801,753 patent/US20100265338A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2011
- 2011-06-07 US US13/067,527 patent/US8743243B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5806072A (en) * | 1991-12-20 | 1998-09-08 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic imaging apparatus having hierarchical image data storage structure for computer-compatible image data management |
US5926208A (en) * | 1992-02-19 | 1999-07-20 | Noonen; Michael | Video compression and decompression arrangement having reconfigurable camera and low-bandwidth transmission capability |
US5877819A (en) * | 1993-03-31 | 1999-03-02 | Branson; Philip J. | Managing information in an endoscopy system |
US5796428A (en) * | 1993-10-21 | 1998-08-18 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Electronic photography system |
US5973731A (en) * | 1994-03-03 | 1999-10-26 | Schwab; Barry H. | Secure identification system |
US5724579A (en) * | 1994-03-04 | 1998-03-03 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Subordinate image processing apparatus |
US5528293A (en) * | 1994-03-31 | 1996-06-18 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Digital electronic still camera and method of recording image data in memory card |
US5754227A (en) * | 1994-09-28 | 1998-05-19 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Digital electronic camera having an external input/output interface through which the camera is monitored and controlled |
US20020054212A1 (en) * | 1994-09-28 | 2002-05-09 | Hiroki Fukuoka | Digital electronic still camera which receives an input/output control program through a detachable communication interface card |
US5706457A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1998-01-06 | Hughes Electronics | Image display and archiving system and method |
US5845046A (en) * | 1995-06-15 | 1998-12-01 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Multi-scene recording medium and apparatus for producing data therefrom |
US6026232A (en) * | 1995-07-13 | 2000-02-15 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Method and system to replace sections of an encoded video bitstream |
US5852438A (en) * | 1995-09-21 | 1998-12-22 | Roland Kabushiki Kaisha | Video editor |
US5974386A (en) * | 1995-09-22 | 1999-10-26 | Nikon Corporation | Timeline display of sound characteristics with thumbnail video |
US6192191B1 (en) * | 1995-10-03 | 2001-02-20 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Data storage based on serial numbers |
US5877781A (en) * | 1995-11-29 | 1999-03-02 | Roland Kabushiki Kaisha | Memory control device for video editor |
US5966122A (en) * | 1996-03-08 | 1999-10-12 | Nikon Corporation | Electronic camera |
US5917488A (en) * | 1996-08-21 | 1999-06-29 | Apple Computer, Inc. | System and method for displaying and manipulating image data sets |
US5760917A (en) * | 1996-09-16 | 1998-06-02 | Eastman Kodak Company | Image distribution method and system |
US6169575B1 (en) * | 1996-09-26 | 2001-01-02 | Flashpoint Technology, Inc. | Method and system for controlled time-based image group formation |
US6014170A (en) * | 1997-06-20 | 2000-01-11 | Nikon Corporation | Information processing apparatus and method |
Cited By (54)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090009629A1 (en) * | 2001-07-13 | 2009-01-08 | Nikon Corporation | Electronic camera |
US8547469B2 (en) | 2001-07-13 | 2013-10-01 | Nikon Corporation | Electronic camera |
EP1429553A4 (en) * | 2001-07-13 | 2007-03-28 | Nikon Corp | Electronic camera |
US20040051784A1 (en) * | 2001-07-13 | 2004-03-18 | Satoshi Ejima | Electronic camera |
EP1429553A1 (en) * | 2001-07-13 | 2004-06-16 | Nikon Corporation | Electronic camera |
US7405753B2 (en) * | 2001-11-21 | 2008-07-29 | Fujifilm Corporation | Data storage management system for camera and camera system |
US20030095196A1 (en) * | 2001-11-21 | 2003-05-22 | Takeshi Misawa | Camera system |
US20050200963A1 (en) * | 2004-03-12 | 2005-09-15 | Hoke Donald G. | System and method for enabling a person to view images of the person wearing an accessory before purchasing the accessory |
US7154529B2 (en) * | 2004-03-12 | 2006-12-26 | Hoke Donald G | System and method for enabling a person to view images of the person wearing an accessory before purchasing the accessory |
US9019383B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2015-04-28 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Shared image devices |
US9325781B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2016-04-26 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Audio sharing |
US9489717B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2016-11-08 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Shared image device |
US8606383B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2013-12-10 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Audio sharing |
US8350946B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2013-01-08 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Viewfinder for shared image device |
US9910341B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2018-03-06 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Shared image device designation |
US9124729B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2015-09-01 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Shared image device synchronization or designation |
US7876357B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2011-01-25 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Estimating shared image device operational capabilities or resources |
US7920169B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2011-04-05 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Proximity of shared image devices |
US9082456B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2015-07-14 | The Invention Science Fund I Llc | Shared image device designation |
US8902320B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2014-12-02 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Shared image device synchronization or designation |
US8988537B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2015-03-24 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Shared image devices |
US20080088713A1 (en) * | 2005-03-30 | 2008-04-17 | Searete LLC, a liability corporation of the State of Delaware | Image transformation estimator of an imaging device |
US20090027546A1 (en) * | 2005-03-30 | 2009-01-29 | Searete Llc,A Limited Liability Corporation | Image transformation estimator of an imaging device |
US10003762B2 (en) | 2005-04-26 | 2018-06-19 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Shared image devices |
US9819490B2 (en) | 2005-05-04 | 2017-11-14 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Regional proximity for shared image device(s) |
US8681225B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2014-03-25 | Royce A. Levien | Storage access technique for captured data |
US20060274163A1 (en) * | 2005-06-02 | 2006-12-07 | Searete Llc. | Saved-image management |
US9451200B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2016-09-20 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Storage access technique for captured data |
US10097756B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2018-10-09 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Enhanced video/still image correlation |
US7782365B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2010-08-24 | Searete Llc | Enhanced video/still image correlation |
US9001215B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2015-04-07 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Estimating shared image device operational capabilities or resources |
US9191611B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2015-11-17 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Conditional alteration of a saved image |
US9041826B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2015-05-26 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Capturing selected image objects |
US7872675B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2011-01-18 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Saved-image management |
US9621749B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2017-04-11 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Capturing selected image objects |
US9967424B2 (en) | 2005-06-02 | 2018-05-08 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Data storage usage protocol |
US9942511B2 (en) | 2005-10-31 | 2018-04-10 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Preservation/degradation of video/audio aspects of a data stream |
US8804033B2 (en) | 2005-10-31 | 2014-08-12 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Preservation/degradation of video/audio aspects of a data stream |
US9167195B2 (en) | 2005-10-31 | 2015-10-20 | Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Preservation/degradation of video/audio aspects of a data stream |
US8072501B2 (en) | 2005-10-31 | 2011-12-06 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Preservation and/or degradation of a video/audio data stream |
US20070100860A1 (en) * | 2005-10-31 | 2007-05-03 | Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware | Preservation and/or degradation of a video/audio data stream |
US8233042B2 (en) | 2005-10-31 | 2012-07-31 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Preservation and/or degradation of a video/audio data stream |
US20070100533A1 (en) * | 2005-10-31 | 2007-05-03 | Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of State Of Delaware | Preservation and/or degradation of a video/audio data stream |
US8253821B2 (en) | 2005-10-31 | 2012-08-28 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Degradation/preservation management of captured data |
US20070120980A1 (en) * | 2005-10-31 | 2007-05-31 | Searete Llc, A Limited Liability Corporation Of The State Of Delaware | Preservation/degradation of video/audio aspects of a data stream |
US9076208B2 (en) | 2006-02-28 | 2015-07-07 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Imagery processing |
US9093121B2 (en) | 2006-02-28 | 2015-07-28 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Data management of an audio data stream |
US8964054B2 (en) | 2006-08-18 | 2015-02-24 | The Invention Science Fund I, Llc | Capturing selected image objects |
US10175868B2 (en) * | 2008-05-28 | 2019-01-08 | Kyocera Corporation | Mobile communication terminal and terminal operation method |
US20110199322A1 (en) * | 2010-02-15 | 2011-08-18 | Research In Motion Limited | Graphical user interfaces for devices that present media content |
US9420222B2 (en) * | 2014-01-28 | 2016-08-16 | Nokia Technologies Oy | Automatic image deletion |
US20150215573A1 (en) * | 2014-01-28 | 2015-07-30 | Nokia Corporation | Automatic Image Deletion |
US20150365587A1 (en) * | 2014-06-17 | 2015-12-17 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof |
US10091411B2 (en) * | 2014-06-17 | 2018-10-02 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Mobile terminal and controlling method thereof for continuously tracking object included in video |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20080266420A1 (en) | 2008-10-30 |
US8743243B2 (en) | 2014-06-03 |
US20110228107A1 (en) | 2011-09-22 |
US20100265338A1 (en) | 2010-10-21 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8743243B2 (en) | Information processing apparatus, information processing method and recording medium for electronic equipment including an electronic camera | |
US6014170A (en) | Information processing apparatus and method | |
US4885704A (en) | Electronic document filing apparatus with icon selection | |
US7567276B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for managing categorized images in a digital camera | |
US5903309A (en) | Method and system for displaying images and associated multimedia types in the interface of a digital camera | |
US6590608B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for managing a plurality of images by classifying them into groups | |
US20120054208A1 (en) | File management apparatus, method for controlling file management apparatus, computer program, and storage medium | |
JP2000155788A (en) | Medical image reproducing device | |
WO2003007599A1 (en) | Electronic camera | |
US6300949B1 (en) | Information processor | |
US6038365A (en) | Image retrieval-oriented processing apparatus which generates and displays search image data that is used as index | |
JP4717299B2 (en) | Image management apparatus, image management apparatus control method, and computer program | |
US20050134708A1 (en) | Control method of digital camera | |
JP2001148004A (en) | Device and method for information processing and computer-readable memory | |
JP2002024060A (en) | File storage device | |
JP2005244614A (en) | Electronic camera device and recording medium | |
JP4476368B2 (en) | Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium | |
JP4164772B2 (en) | Information processing apparatus and recording medium | |
JP2000083221A (en) | Image display device | |
WO1998017052A1 (en) | A method and system for expanding the media types supported in a digital camera | |
JPH05108732A (en) | Electronic picture album device | |
JP3728338B2 (en) | camera | |
JPH10164498A (en) | Image-recording controller and recording medium | |
JP4476369B2 (en) | Information processing device | |
JP4198144B2 (en) | Digital image editing device |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |