JP2002209163A - Electronic album display method, electronic camera provided with electronic album function, and electronic album system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic album display method, an electronic camera provided with an electronic album function, and an electronic album system, which efficiently extract and display desired data from vast amounts of image data preserved in an external image database. SOLUTION: A number of image data are classified into a plurality of albums and are preserved in the image database, and album representative thumbnail image data representing each album is preserved in the image database together with album name information. With respect to an electronic album, album representative thumbnail image data and album name information are received from the image database and are displayed to efficiently and quickly select the album, which desired image data belongs t, on the basis of text information and visual information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for displaying an electronic album and an electronic camera having an electronic album function, and more particularly to an electronic camera for receiving and displaying image data from an external image database or the like storing the image data. The present invention relates to a method for displaying an album, an electronic camera having the electronic album function, and an electronic album system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been remarkable development of an electronic camera which records an image signal captured by an image sensor such as a CCD as digital image data. One reason is that image transmission, storage, processing, and the like are easier than digital photography because images are digital data.

For example, when image data is transmitted between electronic cameras by communication, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 10-215397 discloses that first, thumbnail image data of image data is transmitted from an image transmitting side to an image receiving side. To display the thumbnail image data and allow the user to select the desired image data, transmit the selected image data from the image receiving side to the image transmitting side, and finally transmit the desired image data from the image transmitting side to the image receiving side. To display the image data on the image receiving side.

[0004]

Generally, image data recorded by an electronic camera is transmitted via a memory card or a public line communication, and finally on a hard disk provided in a personal computer (personal computer). It is often stored in an image database or an image database of a general data storage service provider, and the amount of image data stored in the image database increases with time.

On the other hand, there is also a strong demand to easily browse and view the image data stored in the image database as a so-called electronic album on the go. However, when extracting and displaying desired image data by communication from an external database in which an enormous amount of image data is stored, even if the above-described conventional display method is applied, the thumbnail image data becomes enormous, There is a disadvantage that it is difficult to reach desired image data. In addition, when a public line is used for communication of image data, there is a disadvantage that an increase in the amount of thumbnail image data increases a communication fee. In addition, when using a public line for image data communication, the communication speed is slow, so if the amount of thumbnail image data increases, the communication communication time also increases, and it takes a long time to reach the desired image data. there were.

In addition, image data is grouped according to the contents and formed into an album. The album is stored with a predetermined album name. When browsing an electronic album, the image data is first searched for by identifying the album name. It is conceivable to narrow the range, but when the number of albums increases, it becomes difficult to recall the contents of image data, which is an image, from text data such as an album name. As a result, desired image data is extracted and displayed. There is a disadvantage that it takes a long time to do so, and it is not possible to easily browse and appreciate the images on the electronic album.

[0007] Further, when the storage destination of the image data is plural, the extraction of the desired image data becomes more and more complicated, and it is no longer a place to browse and appreciate the image casually. Accordingly, the present invention provides an electronic album display method and an electronic album system having an electronic album function for extracting and displaying desired image data from an external database by communication, and for an electronic camera and an electronic album system provided with an electronic album function. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic album display method, an electronic camera and an electronic album system having an electronic album function capable of efficiently extracting and displaying data.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for displaying an electronic album in which a plurality of image data are classified into a plurality of albums and stored. In an electronic album display method, desired image data is transmitted from an external image database storing album information for management to an electronic album by communication, and the image data is displayed on an image display unit provided in the electronic album. Transmitting text information indicating an album name from the external image database to the electronic album and album representative thumbnail image data which is thumbnail image data of image data representing the album, and selecting a specific album from the electronic album Text information indicating the album name and an album representative Simultaneously displaying nail image data in association with each other; selecting a specific album based on text information indicating the album name and display of album representative thumbnail image data in the electronic album; Transmitting information for identifying the selected specific album to the external image database; and a thumbnail image of image data belonging to the specific album based on the information for identifying the specific album from the external image database to the electronic album. Transmitting data and information for identifying the image data; displaying the thumbnail image data to select specific image data in the electronic album; and displaying the thumbnail image in the electronic album. Identify based on data display Selecting image data; transmitting information for identifying the specific image data from the electronic album to the external image database; and identifying information for identifying the specific image data from the external image database to the electronic album. Transmitting the specific image data based on
Displaying the specific image data on the electronic album.

In the electronic album display method according to the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image data are classified and stored in a plurality of albums, and an external image database for storing album information for managing the albums is stored. Transmitting a desired image data to an electronic album by communication and displaying the image data in the electronic album, wherein the electronic album is thumbnail image data of image data stored in the external image database. Displaying the thumbnail image data in order to select specific image data in the electronic album while saving information for identifying the image data and displaying the thumbnail image data in the electronic album. Selecting specific image data based on Transmitting information identifying the specific image data from the external image database to the external image database; and transmitting the specific image data based on the information identifying the specific image data from the external image database to the electronic album. And displaying the specific image data on the electronic album.

In the electronic album display method according to the third aspect of the present invention, image data is communicated from an external image database storing image data having a rectangular image shape and top and bottom information of the image data in association with each other to the electronic album. And transmitting the image data in an electronic album. In the electronic album display method of displaying the image data in an electronic album, the electronic album includes a posture detection circuit that detects the top and bottom of the posture of the electronic album itself,
Transmitting an image data and the top and bottom information of the image data from the external image database to the electronic album, and detecting the top and bottom information and the attitude detection circuit in the electronic album. Displaying the image data on the image display unit with substantially the same image size such that the orientation of the attitude of the electronic album matches the orientation of the image data based on the orientation of the attitude of the electronic album. It is characterized by.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic album display method according to the first, second, or third aspect, the communication between the external image database and the electronic album is performed by wireless communication. It is performed on a line. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic album display method according to the first or second aspect,
The electronic album includes two independent image display units,
In the step of displaying the specific image data on the electronic album, the image data is displayed on one image display unit, and the thumbnail image data is displayed on the other image display unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic album display method according to the first aspect, prior to the step of transmitting the thumbnail image data from the external image database to the electronic album, the electronic album is displayed on the electronic album. In the step of transmitting image display specification information to an external image database and transmitting the thumbnail image data from the external image database to the electronic album, the external image database creates the thumbnail image data based on the image display specification information. Alternatively, it is processed and transmitted.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electronic album display method according to the first aspect, prior to the step of transmitting the thumbnail image data from the external image database to the electronic album, the electronic album is displayed on the electronic album. Transmitting image display specification information to an external image database, and transmitting the image data from the external image database to the electronic album,
The external image database processes the stored image data based on the image display specification information and transmits the processed image data.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic album display method according to the first aspect, a plurality of the external image databases are provided, and at least one of the external image databases is stored in the plurality of external image databases. Album management information for comprehensively managing the stored album information, the album representative thumbnail image, and album storage destination information for identifying an external image database storing the album information; In a step of transmitting text information indicating an album name and album representative thumbnail image data, which is thumbnail image data of image data representing an album, to the electronic album from the database, the album general information is transmitted from the one external image database to the electronic album. Electronic al And transmits to the arm.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic camera having the functions of the electronic album according to the first to eighth aspects, and an imaging device comprising an imaging optical system for generating image data and an imaging device. An electronic camera according to a tenth aspect of the present invention has the function of the electronic album according to the fifth aspect,
An image pickup unit comprising an image pickup optical system and an image pickup device for generating image data, and the image data read from the image database is displayed on one of the independent image display units on the front image display unit, and at the same time, the other image is displayed. The image data generated by the imaging unit is displayed on a display unit.

In the electronic album system according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image data are classified into a plurality of albums and stored, and a desired image data is stored in an external image database storing album information for managing the album. In an electronic album system for transmitting image data to an electronic album by communication and displaying the image data on an image display unit provided in the electronic album, the electronic album firstly stores an album name received from the external image database. A specific album is selected by displaying text information shown and album representative thumbnail image data which is thumbnail image data of image data representative of the album, and then the selected specific album received from the external image database Thumbnail image data of image data belonging to By displaying the data to select the desired image data, and displaying the desired image data received from the last to the external image database.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic album system according to the eleventh aspect, the external image database automatically sets the album representative thumbnail image. In an electronic album system according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic album system according to the twelfth aspect, the image data includes time information on a time when the image data was generated, and the external image database includes: The album representative thumbnail image is automatically set based on the time information.

In the electronic album system according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic album system according to the twelfth aspect, the external image database stores the number of times of reading the electronic album for each image data as the number of times of access. And automatically sets the album representative thumbnail image based on the access count data.

In an electronic album system according to the present invention, an image display device capable of displaying image data, a plurality of image data classified into a plurality of albums and stored, and a management of the albums are provided. In an electronic album system for transmitting image data by communication with an external image database storing album information,
The external image database stores album representative thumbnail image data, which is thumbnail image data of image data representing an album, and text information indicating an album name, in order to specify the album to which the image data belongs on the image display device side. A set of album information is transmitted to the image display device, and the image display device transmits the album representative thumbnail image data based on the received album information in order to allow a user to select a specific album. And displaying the text information and transmitting album information on the album selected by the user to the external image database.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an electronic album system including an electronic camera having an electronic album function to which the present invention is applied and an external database for storing image data. In FIG. 1, an electronic camera 100 having an electronic album function has a wireless communication function and communicates with a wireless base station 120 via a wireless mobile phone line 110. The wireless base station 120 is connected to a personal computer 140 for storing image data, an image database A150, and an image database B160 through a wired or wireless general public telephone line 130.

In such a configuration, the electronic camera 10
The image data captured by the wireless mobile phone line 1
10, via the wireless base station 120 and the general public telephone line 130, and stored in the personal computer 140, the image database A150, and the image database B160. Conversely, the image data stored in the personal computer 140, the image database A150, and the image database B160 are stored in the general public telephone line 130, the wireless base station 120, and the wireless mobile telephone line 110.
Is sent to the electronic camera 100 and displayed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the electronic album system to which the present invention shown in FIG. 1 is applied, and shows a communication medium for transmitting image data (the wireless portable telephone line 11 shown in FIG. 1).
0, the wireless base station 120, and the general public telephone line 130) are omitted. In FIG. 2, the electronic camera 100
Stores an album A102 and thumbnail image data 103 in a built-in memory 101, and includes a photographing display editing unit 104 for photographing and displaying / editing album information and image information. Thumbnail image data 103
Is thumbnail image data of image data belonging to the album A102.

The personal computer 140 has a memory P14.
1. Album general information 142 for comprehensively managing information on albums stored in other image databases.
, Album representative thumbnail image data 143 representing the album, album B 144, album C 14
5 and the image data R146. Image data R1
46 belongs to the album B144 or the album C145.

The image database A150 has a memory A1.
51 stores an album D152, an album E153, and image data S154. The image data S154 belongs to the album D152 or the album E153.
The image database B160 stores an album F162, an album G163, and image data T16 in the memory B161.
4 is stored. The image data T164 is stored in the album F16.
2 or album G163. The memory card 170 stores an album H171 and image data U172. The image data U172 belongs to the album H171.

In the above configuration, the electronic camera 1
The image data photographed by 00 is sent to the personal computer 140, the image database A150, the image database B160, or the memory card 170, classified into any album, and stored and stored.

When the electronic camera 100 extracts and reproduces and displays image data stored externally as an electronic album, first, the photographing display editing means 1 of the electronic camera 100
04 is the album general information 142 and the album representative thumbnail image data 1 from the memory P141 of the personal computer 140.
43 and displays the information and data. The user selects an album by referring to the displayed album representative thumbnail image data. Next, photographing display editing means 104
Indicates the storage location of the selected album as album general information 1
42, and accesses the memory of the storage destination, and sends thumbnail image data of the image data belonging to the selected album from the memory of the storage destination,
The thumbnail image data is displayed. The user selects desired image data by referring to the displayed thumbnail image data. Next, the photographing display editing means 104 accesses the memory at the storage location of the selected image data, has the selected image data transmitted from the memory at the storage location, and displays the image data.

As described above, when extracting desired image data, the image data is classified into albums, and the image search range is narrowed down by selecting an album, whereby efficient image extraction can be achieved. Will be possible. In selecting an album, album identification information (text information) such as an album name and album representative thumbnail image data (image information) are used together, so that a desired album can be easily selected. If the image database in which the image data is stored is divided into a plurality of parts, and if the album information is collected by individually accessing the plurality of image databases, a communication connection procedure must be performed for each access destination. However, in the present invention, since one image database stores album management information for collectively managing album information and album representative thumbnail image data, the information collection time becomes longer. By accessing the image database, the camera 100 can obtain all the album information in one access, and the communication is required when collecting information using the wireless mobile phone line 110 having a relatively low communication speed. You can save time.

When the electronic camera 100 extracts and reproduces and displays image data belonging to the album A, the photographing display editing means 104 first reads the thumbnail image data 103 from the built-in memory 101 and displays the thumbnail image data. The user refers to the thumbnail image data and selects desired image data. Next, the photographing display editing means 104 searches for the storage destination of the selected image data based on the information added to the thumbnail image data,
The user accesses the memory at the storage destination, receives the image data selected from the memory at the storage destination, and displays the image data.

As described above, especially for frequently accessed image data, album information (eg, an album called “favorite”) and thumbnail image data belonging to the album are stored in a memory built in the electronic camera 100. This eliminates the need to select an album and to send the thumbnail image data from the image database that is the storage destination, so that the desired image data can be selected in a shorter time.

Further, by mounting the electronic album function on the electronic camera 100 as described above, the image display section can be commonly used, so that the apparatus can be downsized and portable. In addition, since the shooting function and the album playback function can be realized by one device, it is easy to use it in such a way that a friend browses the previously taken image between shootings, and the way of enjoying image data can be expanded. .

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the electronic camera 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 1 is an external view (front view and rear view) of an embodiment of 00. As shown in FIG. 3, a photographing lens 10 for forming a subject image, a strobe 11 for illuminating the subject at the time of photographing, a photometric circuit 14 for detecting the brightness of the subject, are recorded on the front of the electronic camera 100. Speaker 12 for outputting the voice information, a microphone 13 for inputting the voice information, a release button 15 for instructing the start of photographing on the upper surface, and power ON / O of the electronic camera 100.
A power switch 16 for performing FF control and a recording switch 17 for performing ON / OFF control of recording of audio information are provided on a side surface.

As shown in FIG. 4, an upper LCD 20 (liquid crystal display device) for displaying text, a right LCD 22 for displaying text and images, and a left LCD 21 for displaying text and images are arranged on the back of the electronic camera 100. Further, an upper scroll button right 25 and a lower scroll button right 26 for scrolling the display screen of the right LCD 22 up and down near the right side of the right LCD 22, and a display screen of the left LCD 21 near the left side of the left LCD 21 is scrolled up and down. Scroll button left 23 and lower scroll button left 24, and menu button 27 used for setting the operation of the camera are provided below the right LCD 22 and the left LCD 21.
The edit button 28, the OK button 29, and the speaker 12 and the microphone 13 are arranged near the upper LCD 20. A memory card slot 30 for mounting a memory card is provided on a side surface.

The menu button 27 is on the upper LCD 20, right L
It is operated when displaying a menu screen on the CD 22 and the left LCD 21. The edit button 28 is operated when editing an image or an album. The OK button 29 is operated to activate the operation of the content selected by the user. The release button 15, the recording switch 17, the upper scroll button right 25, the lower scroll button right 26, the upper scroll button left 23, the lower scroll button left 24,
Menu button 27, Edit button 28, OK button 29
Are operation keys operated by the user.

On the surfaces of the right LCD 22 and the left LCD 21, a so-called touch tablet which outputs position data corresponding to a position designated by a finger touch operation is arranged, and it is possible to select an item displayed on the screen. , For inputting text data. The touch tablet is made of a transparent material such as glass resin, and a user can observe an image or text formed inside the touch tablet through the touch tablet.

Further, the screen shapes of the right LCD 22 and the left LCD 21 are substantially square, and even if the image shape is rectangular according to the screen shape of the image sensor, the image data of the horizontal position shooting and the image data of the vertical position shooting are obtained. Can be displayed in the same image size. For example, image data taken with the electronic camera 100 in the vertical position
When playing back with the horizontal position, the image data is rotated by 90 degrees so that the top direction of the image data and the top direction of the electronic camera 100 match to make it easier to see, but the image display screen is rectangular according to the shape of the image sensor. Then, the rotated image data must be reduced. By making the screen shape substantially square as described above, even if the image data is rotated by 90 degrees, it is possible to display the same scale.

Further, as described above, the right L
By arranging the CD 22 and the left LCD 21 side by side, it is possible to shoot while reproducing and displaying the reference image data on one LCD. For example, when performing fixed-point imaging after a certain time, it is easy to perform imaging with the same composition.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal electrical configuration of the electronic camera 100 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. Each component is composed of data / control for transmitting various information data and control data. They are connected to each other via a bus 51. The CPU 50 (central processing unit) is a means for controlling the entire electronic camera 100,
The operation of the electronic camera 100 is performed according to the input information from the input device 5 and the input information from the touch tablet 66.

When the electronic camera 100 is set to the photographing mode, the light beam from the object is formed as an object image on the CCD 55 by the photographing lens 10 through the aperture 53 for adjusting the light amount. CCD 55 having a plurality of pixels
(Charge-coupled device) is a charge accumulation type image sensor for picking up a subject image.
An electric image signal corresponding to the intensity of the subject image formed above is output. The DSP 59 (digital signal processor) supplies a horizontal drive pulse to the CCD 55 and controls the CCD drive circuit 56 so that the CCD 55
A vertical drive pulse is supplied.

The image processing unit 57 is controlled by the CPU 50 to
The image signal photoelectrically converted by the CD 55 is sampled at a predetermined timing, and the sampled signal is amplified to a predetermined level. The CPU 50 controls each unit according to a control program stored in a ROM 67 (read only memory). The A / D conversion circuit 58 (analog-to-digital conversion circuit) digitizes the image signal sampled by the image processing unit 57 into image data, and supplies the image data to the DSP 59.

The DSP 59 temporarily stores the image data supplied from the A / D conversion circuit 58 in the buffer memory 60. The CPU 50 stores the image data stored in the buffer memory 60 in the frame memory 69, and
2. Display on the left LCD 21. The buffer memory 6
0 and the frame memory 69 are configured by a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

When the release button 15 is operated, the CPU 50 transfers the image data stored in the buffer memory 60 to an external image database through a wireless communication line by the wireless communication circuit 71 and stores the image data. Alternatively, the CPU 50 can transfer the image data to the memory card 170 mounted on the electronic camera 100 and store the image data. The photometric circuit 14 measures the brightness of the subject,
The photometric data as the measurement result is output to the CPU 50. The CPU 50 sets the exposure time and the sensitivity of the CCD 55 by the CCD drive circuit 56 according to the photometric data, and controls the aperture value of the aperture 53 by the aperture control circuit 54. When the subject is dark, the CPU 50 causes the strobe 11 to emit light by the strobe drive circuit 72 during shooting.

The microphone 13 inputs audio information from the subject side or the photographer side, and supplies the audio information to the A / D and D / A circuit 73 (digital analog circuit). The A / D and D / A circuit 73 digitizes the audio information into audio data and outputs it to the CPU 50. At the time of image capturing, the CPU 50 causes the wireless communication circuit 71 to transfer and store the audio data together with the image data to an external image database via a wireless communication line. Or CP
The U50 can also transfer and store the audio data together with the image data on the memory card 170 mounted on the electronic camera 100.

The GPS circuit 61 (global positioning system circuit) detects the position information of the electronic camera 100 using information from a plurality of satellites orbiting the earth and supplies it to the CPU 50. When capturing an image,
U50 transfers this position information or processed position information (such as a place name) to an external image database via a wireless communication line by a wireless communication circuit 71 together with the image data and stores it. Alternatively, the CPU 50 can transfer and store the position information together with the image data to the memory card 170 mounted on the electronic camera 100.

The attitude detecting circuit 62 is used for the electronic camera 1 at the time of photographing.
A known posture sensor and the like are provided to detect the posture of 00, and the posture information is supplied to the CPU 50. The posture information indicates which side of the screen is facing the sky at the time of shooting (vertical information). At the time of photographing an image, the CPU 50 transfers the posture information (top and bottom information) together with the image data to an external image database through a wireless communication line by the wireless communication circuit 71 and stores the same. Alternatively, the CPU 50 stores the posture information in the memory card 170 attached to the electronic camera 100.
Can be transferred together with the image data and stored.

The timer 74 has a built-in clock circuit and supplies time information corresponding to the current time to the CPU 50. At the time of image capturing, the CPU 50 transfers the time information at the time of image capturing to the external image database together with the image data through a wireless communication line and stores the information at the time of image capturing. Alternatively, the CPU 50 can transfer and store the time information together with the image data to the memory card 170 mounted on the electronic camera 100.

The CPU 50 causes the lens drive circuit 52 to automatically focus the photographing lens 10 in accordance with the focus adjustment state of the subject image detected from the contrast of the image data stored in the buffer memory 60. The photographed image data is stored in one of preset albums. When the image data is stored in an external image database or a memory card 170, the CPU 50 stores album information on the album in which the image data is stored. And save it.

In the reproduction mode for reproducing and displaying the image data and viewing the image data, the CPU 50 supplies the album name (text information) and the thumbnail image data representing the album from an external image database through the wireless communication circuit 71 via the wireless communication line. The information is processed into display data, set in the frame memory 69, and the upper LCD 20
The information is displayed on the right LCD 22 and the left LCD 21.

The CPU 50 transmits information (album name, etc.) for identifying the album selected by the touch tablet 66 to the external image database through the wireless communication line by the wireless communication circuit 71, and the image data belonging to the album is transmitted from the external image database. Have thumbnail image data supplied. The CPU 50 sets the thumbnail image data in the frame memory 69 and displays it on the right LCD 22 or the left LCD 21.

Based on the thumbnail image data selected by the touch tablet 66, the CPU 50 transmits information for identifying the corresponding image data to the external image database via the wireless communication line by the wireless communication circuit 71, and transmits the information from the external image database. The image data corresponding to the identification information is supplied. The CPU 50 sets the image data in the frame memory 69 and displays the image data on the right LCD 22 or the left LCD 21.

When reproducing and displaying the image data, the CPU 50 displays the image data on the right LCD 22 or the left LCD 21 according to the posture information stored along with the image data and the posture information detected by the posture detection circuit 62. The image data is displayed such that the top direction of the image data matches the top direction of the electronic camera 100.

When reproducing and displaying the image data, the CPU 50 outputs audio information stored along with the image data to the speaker 12 by the AD / DA conversion circuit, and the speaker 12 outputs sound to the outside. EEPROM 68
The (electrically erasable and writable ROM) is a non-volatile memory and stores information necessary for the operation of the electronic camera 100 and thumbnail image data belonging to a specific album.

When reproducing a specific album, the CPU 50 reads the thumbnail image data directly from the EEPROM 68, sets it in the frame memory 69, and sets the right LC
It is displayed on D22 or the left LCD 21. Based on the thumbnail image data selected by the touch tablet 66, the CPU 50 transmits information for identifying the corresponding image data to the external image database through the wireless communication line by the wireless communication circuit 71, and outputs the identification information from the external image database. To supply image data corresponding to. The CPU 50 sets the image data in the frame memory 69 and displays the image data on the right LCD 22 or the left LCD 21.

The CPU 50 can also search and display specific image data based on keyword information, position information, and time information attached to the image data. CPU5
Numeral 0 transmits search information input from the operation keys 65 or the touch tablet 66 to an external image database through a wireless communication line by a wireless communication circuit 71, and supplies thumbnail image data of the image data searched from the external image database. I will have it. The CPU 50 sets the thumbnail image data in the frame memory 69 and displays it on the right LCD 22 or the left LCD 21.

Based on the thumbnail image data selected by the touch tablet 66, the CPU 50 transmits information for identifying the corresponding image data to the external image database through the wireless communication line by the wireless communication circuit 71, and from the external image database. The image data corresponding to the identification information is supplied. The CPU 50 sets the image data in the frame memory 69 and displays the image data on the right LCD 22 or the left LCD 21.

In the editing mode for editing image data or an album, the CPU 50 exchanges information with an external image database through a wireless communication circuit by the wireless communication circuit 71, and the upper LCD 20, the right LCD 22, and the left LCD 21
The image data and the album are edited based on the information input from the operation keys 65 and the touch tablet 66 while displaying the information.

For example, it is possible to input a keyword or a comment relating to image data. In that case CPU
Reference numeral 50 transmits text information of a comment or a keyword input from the touch tablet 66 to an external image database through a wireless communication circuit by the wireless communication circuit 71 and stores the information together with the image data.

When the operation setting of the electronic camera 100 is performed, the operation setting is performed based on information input from the operation keys 65 and the touch tablet 66 while displaying the operation information on the upper LCD 20, the right LCD 22, and the left LCD 21. .
The power switch 16 is an operation member operated by a user for power control. Operation information of this switch is supplied to the CPU 50. The CPU 50 responds to the operation information by the power control circuit 64 of the electronic camera system. The ON / OFF control of the power supply 63 is performed.

FIGS. 6 to 16 show the personal computer 140 and the electronic camera 10 in the electronic album system shown in FIG.
0 shows the data configuration of the memory of 0. FIG. 6 shows a personal computer 140.
The data configuration of the memory P141 of the first embodiment includes a file arrangement table (FAT: file allocation table), album general information (ACI: album control information), an album representative thumbnail image file, an album information file, and an image file. Be composed.

FAT is a file indicating the storage start address of each file stored in the memory P141.
As shown in FIG. 7, an ACI file (ACI.dat) storage start address, an album representative thumbnail image file (image 1234.rth etc.) storage start address, an album information file (family outing.alb etc.) storage start address, Image file (image 0001.fil
) Is stored.

The ACI is an information file for comprehensively managing albums stored in a plurality of external image databases. As shown in FIG. 8, an album name (text information) and an album storage destination are stored in album units. (Indicating in which image database the album information is stored), the user of the album, and the album representative thumbnail image file name (image 1234.rth) are stored. Here, the album is set for each user. In FIG. 8, there are three users, Taro, Hanako, and default.

As shown in FIG. 9, an album name (text data) and album representative thumbnail image data are stored in the album representative thumbnail image file.
The album representative thumbnail image data is image data for facilitating album selection by displaying a representative of the album by image information at the same time as text information such as an album name when an album is selected. This is image data obtained by compressing one or a plurality of image data as thumbnail image data.

As shown in FIG. 10, the album information file includes an album name (text data), an album user, a storage destination of the album information (indicating in which image database the album information is stored), It consists of the number of image files that belong, the name of the image file belonging to the album (image 0028.fil, etc.), the number of album representative thumbnail image files, and the name of the album representative thumbnail image file (image 0105.fil, etc.).

As shown in FIG. 11, the image file includes a storage destination (indicating in which image database the image data is stored), audio information data, comment information data, keyword information data, photographing information data, and access information. It consists of frequency data, image data and the like.

As shown in FIG. 12, the photographing information data
The identification information of the electronic camera 100 that has taken the image, the identification information of the photographer, the photographing location, the photographing date and time, and other various setting information at the time of photographing are stored. Note that the individual identification information of the camera and the identification information of the photographer are added to the image data information when the image data is transferred to the image database.

In the access count data, the number of times the image data belonging to the image file is accessed from the electronic album side is updated and recorded. The external image database storing the image files can calculate the frequency (access frequency information) at which the image data is accessed from the electronic album side from the current time, the shooting date and time, and the access count data. 100 internal memory 101
The data structure of the file allocation table (FA
T), an album control program (ACI), an album information file, and a thumbnail image file. Since the storage capacity of the built-in memory 101 built in the electronic camera 100 is limited, image data is not stored.

As shown in FIG. 14, the FAT (electronic camera 1
00) is a file indicating the storage start address of each file stored in the internal memory 101, the storage start address of the ACI file (ACI.dat), the storage start address of the album information file (favorite.alb, etc.), Thumbnail image file (image 1234.thm
) Is stored. Note that when the electronic camera 100 communicates with the personal computer 140,
ACI is read from 141 and updated.

The album information file shown in FIG. 15 includes an album name (text information), an album user, a storage destination of the album information (indicating in which image database the album information is stored), and thumbnails belonging to the album. The number of image files, the thumbnail image file name of the image data belonging to the album (image 002
8. thm etc.). The built-in memory 101 of the electronic camera 100 stores only thumbnail image data of frequently accessed image data as a favorite album.

As shown in FIG. 16, the thumbnail image file includes a main image file name corresponding to the thumbnail image data, a storage destination (indicating in which image database the image data is stored), and thumbnail image data. . The operation of the electronic camera 100 and the CPU 50 of FIG. 5 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 17, the electronic camera 100 has three operation modes (photographing mode, reproduction mode, and option) set by the menu button 27, and an edit mode set by the edit button. In the shooting mode, as shown in FIG. 18, first, the setting of which album the shot image data is stored in is performed, and then the shooting method (normal shooting mode: normal shooting,
Comparison photographing mode: photographing while comparing reference image data, and camera setting: setting of camera operation) are performed.

In the reproduction mode, as shown in FIG. 19, the operation is performed by two operations of performing image reproduction by designating an album or performing image reproduction by searching for image data. In the options, as shown in FIG.
There are two major operations, a user nomination operation and a display setting. In the user nomination operation, the nomination of the currently set user (default, Hanako, Taro) and the setting operation of a new user are performed. The nomination of the specific user is set when the use of the electronic camera 100 is started, and when Taro or Hanako is set, it is necessary to input a password to ensure security. The display setting includes setting the number of display divisions (for example, 9 divisions or 4 divisions) of the thumbnail image data, switching the screen left and right, and setting the confidential image display (image data for which the confidential image display setting has been performed must be subjected to special procedures. To prevent display).

In the edit mode, as shown in FIG. 21, setting of album attributes, image operation (copy, cut, paste), setting of image attributes (keyword, comment, confidential setting, setting of album representative thumbnail), An operation for creating a new album is performed.

The albums are broadly classified by user (in FIG. 22, three defaults, Taro and Hanako), and cannot be accessed by different users. FIG. 23 is a main operation flowchart of the CPU 50, and the operation starts when the power is turned on.
In S1, the upper LCD 20 and the right LCD 2 as shown in FIG.
2. Display a menu screen on the left LCD 21 and allow the touch tablet 66 to select an operation mode. According to the selection result, the program is executed in the shooting mode subroutine of S2, S3
And a branch to an optional subroutine of S4. Also, as shown in FIG.
An interrupt is entered by the operation of 8, and the edit mode subroutine of S5 is executed. When the execution is completed, the process returns to S6. When an interruption by operating the menu button 27 is entered as shown in FIG. 26, the process jumps to S1.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of the photographing mode subroutine. In S21, an album in which photographed image data is stored is specified. First, as shown in FIG.
The book shelf information (album, memory card, unorganized) of the album is displayed on the CD 22, and the book shelf of the album is selected by the touch tablet 66. Here, the bookshelf of the album is a broader classification of the album. Next, when an album is selected in FIG. 28, the album name (text data) and the left LCD are displayed on the right LCD 22 as shown in FIG.
21 displays the album representative thumbnail image data. FIG. 29 is a display when the family outing album is selected with the touch tablet 66. The album name (family outing) is highlighted on the right LCD 22, and the left LCD 21 is displayed.
The album representative thumbnail image data of the selected album is displayed. If the album name cannot be displayed on the right LCD 22, it is possible to scroll and display the album name by operating the upper scroll button right 25 and the lower scroll button right 26. A desired album can be selected while referring to the album representative thumbnail image data displayed on the left LCD 21. By operating the OK button 29, an album to be saved can be determined. When there are a plurality of album representative thumbnails, the left LCD 21 can be divided into a plurality of pieces and displayed.

The album name (text data) is displayed on the left LCD 21 as shown in FIG. 30, the album representative thumbnail image data representing each album is divided and displayed on the right LCD 22, and the album representative thumbnail image is displayed on the touch tablet 66. By selecting data, it is also possible to select a desired album. In this case, by operating the upper scroll button right 25 and the lower scroll button right 26, it is possible to scroll and display the album representative thumbnail image data.

If an album is specified in S21, then in S2
In FIG. 31, a screen as shown in FIG. 31 appears, and the photographing method is set.
In FIG. 31, items of the photographing method of the album are displayed on the right LCD 22 (camera setting, normal photographing mode, comparative photographing mode)
Is displayed, and the item of the shooting method is selected by the touch tablet 66.

When the photographing method is selected in S22, next, in S2
At 3, the photographing operation according to the photographing method is executed. FIG. 32 shows a display when the normal shooting mode is selected.
The shooting information set in D22 is displayed. Left LC
The screen imaged by the CCD 55 is displayed on D21 in real time. When the release button is operated, the image data captured by the CCD 55 at that moment and various information accompanying the data are wirelessly transmitted to and stored in the external database by the wireless communication circuit.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation of the electronic camera 100 and the operation of the image database when transmitting image information in the photographing mode. The electronic camera side is C1 and includes camera information, user information, photographing information, and image data. The album information, the audio information, the time information, the position information, the attitude information, and the image data relating to the album to be stored are transmitted to the image database in which the album is stored. The image database that stores the specified album receives the information at D1, creates and stores an image file, and updates the album information and FAT information.

FIG. 34 shows a display when the comparison photographing mode is selected in S23. The image data to be compared and referenced on the right LCD 22 is displayed on the left LCD 21 in real time on the screen imaged by the CCD 55. The user refers to the image data on the right LCD 22 while referring to the image data on the left LCD 21.
Can be determined. At this time, the upper LCD 20
By displaying photographing information (for example, focal length, aperture value) when the reference image data was photographed, the user can set the same photographing conditions in the electronic camera 100 and photograph. Note that the reference image data is the image data last selected in the reproduction mode described later.

The photographing operation in S23 is continued until the operation mode is switched by operating the menu button 27. FIG. 35 is a flowchart of the reproduction mode subroutine. In S31, two playback modes (album designation mode and image search mode) are displayed on the right LCD 22 as shown in FIG.
The playback mode is selected by the touch tablet 66.

If the selected reproduction mode is the album designation mode, the operation enters the album designation mode from S32. In S33, the book shelf information (album, Internet, favorite, memory card, unorganized) of the album is displayed on the right LCD 22, as shown in FIG. 37, and the book shelf of the album is selected by the touch tablet 66 as shown in FIG. If the user selects the Internet here, the user can access a general image database or a homepage and download and display desired image data.

Next, when an album is selected in FIG. 37, the album name (text data) is displayed on the right LCD 22, and the album representative thumbnail image data is displayed on the left LCD 21, as shown in FIG. FIG. 38 shows a display when a family outing album is selected with the touch tablet 66.
The album name (going out with family) is highlighted on the right LCD 22, and the album representative thumbnail image data of the selected album is displayed on the left LCD 21. If the album name cannot be displayed on the right LCD 22, it is possible to scroll and display the album name by operating the upper scroll button right 25 and the lower scroll button right 26. A desired album can be selected while referring to the album representative thumbnail image data displayed on the left LCD 21. By operating the OK button 29, the album to be viewed can be determined. When there are a plurality of album representative thumbnails, the left LCD 21 can be divided into a plurality of pieces and displayed.

As shown in FIG. 39, the album name (text data) is displayed on the left LCD 21, the album representative thumbnail image data representing each album is divided and displayed on the right LCD 22, and the album representative thumbnail image is displayed on the touch tablet 66. By selecting data, it is also possible to select a desired album. In this case, by operating the upper scroll button right 25 and the lower scroll button right 26, it is possible to scroll and display the album representative thumbnail image data.

When an album is designated in S33, then in S3
4 shows the thumbnail image data of the album selected in FIG.
0 is displayed on the right LCD 22. FIG. 40 shows a display when a family outing is specified as an album.
In S35, the user selects the displayed thumbnail image data with the touch tablet 66 to specify desired image data. In this case, the upper scroll button right 25,
By operating the right scroll button 26, the thumbnail image data can be scroll-displayed. In S36, the image data specified by the thumbnail image data is displayed. FIG. 40 shows a case in which the center thumbnail image data is selected from among the thumbnail image data of 9 divided into 3 × 3, and the main image data corresponding to the left LCD 21 is displayed. The reproduction display operation from S34 to S36 is continued until the operation mode is switched by operating the menu button 27.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation of the electronic camera 100 and the operation of the image database at the time of playing back an album. First, at C11, the electronic camera side first obtains camera information (including camera identification information), user information, and thumbnails. A request for the number of divisions, image display specification information, and album information is transmitted to an image database (personal computer 140 in FIG. 2) in which album general information is stored.

Here, the number of thumbnail divisions is, for example, 3
This is information indicating whether to display in × 3 or 2 × 2. The image display specification information is the right LCD 2 for image display.
2 and the resolution of the left LCD 21 (for example, 360 × 24
Information corresponding to 0), image storage formats that can be supported by the electronic camera (for example, JPEG format, TIFF format)
Information related to the display specification of an image such as information. This 2
Based on the two pieces of information, the image transmitting side can compress the image information in an optimal format to the minimum necessary capacity, and can efficiently transmit image data.

At D11, the personal computer 140 receives the above information and transmits the representative thumbnail image data to the electronic camera 10.
The data is processed into an optimal format and capacity to be displayed as 0, and transmitted to the electronic camera along with album management information (ACI) of an album belonging to the user of the electronic camera 100. The album management information (ACI) also includes text information of an album name for identifying the album.

At C12, the electronic camera receives the information, displays text information such as the album name and the album representative thumbnail image data at the same time, and performs a process of selecting an album. Also, the received album general information (AC
I), the album management information (AC
Update I). When an album is selected by a user's operation, album information (information such as an album name for identifying the album) relating to the selected album is included in the album information along with camera information, user information, the number of thumbnail divisions, and image display specification information. Is sent to the image database where is stored.

The image database in which the album selected in D12 is stored receives the above information, and the optimum format and capacity for displaying on the electronic camera 100 the thumbnail image data of the image data belonging to the selected album. And sends it to the electronic camera along with information (image file name, etc.) for identifying the image data.

At C13, the electronic camera receives the information, displays thumbnail image data, and performs processing for selecting image data. When the image data is selected by a user operation, information (image file name or the like) for identifying the selected image data is transmitted to an image database in which the image data is stored.

The image database storing the image data selected in D13 receives the above information and sets the image data (main image data) to the optimum format and capacity for displaying on the electronic camera 100. After processing, the image data and information (voice information, comment information, keyword information, shooting information) accompanying the image data are transmitted to the electronic camera.

At C14, the electronic camera receives the information, displays the main image data, and performs sound reproduction and text information display. Based on the received shooting information,
If the operation settings of the electronic camera 100 are automatically switched, setting of the photographing operation in the above-described comparative photographing mode becomes easy.

When the image data selected from the image database is transmitted, if there is sufficient storage capacity on the electronic camera side, the electronic camera corresponds to the thumbnail image data displayed before and after the selected thumbnail image data. The image data may be transmitted simultaneously or sequentially to the electronic camera. With this configuration, when the thumbnail image data before and after the currently selected thumbnail image data is selected, it is necessary to transmit and receive the image data between the electronic camera 100 and the image database after selecting the thumbnail image data. And the image can be browsed without the stress of waiting for display.

FIG. 42 shows the relationship between the operation of the electronic camera 100 and the operation of the image database when a favorite is selected as the album bookshelf in the album specification of S33 in FIG.
Shown in In C21, the electronic camera side first enters the built-in memory 101.
, The thumbnail image data of the favorite album is read out and displayed, and the image data is selected. When image data is selected by a user's operation, the image data is stored with information (image file name and the like) for identifying the selected image data, together with camera information, user information, the number of thumbnail divisions, and image display specification information. Send to image database.

The image database storing the image data selected in D 21 receives the above information and sets the image data (main image data) to the optimum format and capacity for displaying on the electronic camera 100. After processing, the image data and information (voice information, comment information, keyword information, shooting information) accompanying the image data are transmitted to the electronic camera.

At C22, the electronic camera receives the information, displays the main image data, and performs sound reproduction and text information display. By registering the frequently played image data in the favorite album as described above and storing the thumbnail image data in the electronic camera, the number of accesses to the image database is reduced, and the images can be browsed without stress. Will be possible.

If the reproduction mode selected in S31 of FIG. 35 is the image search mode, the operation enters the image search mode from S37. In S38, three search items (keyword, shooting location, shooting date and time) are displayed on the right LCD 22 as shown in FIG. Next, the search data is input by the touch tablet 66 in S39. FIG. 44 is a display screen for inputting a place name when a photographing place is selected as a search item. Text data is input to the right LCD 22 with a finger. On the screen of the right LCD 22, a button icon (DELETE) for performing text editing is displayed.
TE, BACK SPACE, conversion, ENTER, etc.) are displayed, and the search data is edited and input by these operations. The left screen displays the input text data.

When search data is input in S39,
The thumbnail image data of the image data searched for at 40 is displayed on the right LCD 22 as shown in FIG. In step S41, the displayed thumbnail image data is
The user selects the desired image data by making the selection in step 6. In S42, the image data specified by the thumbnail image data is displayed. FIG. 45 shows a case where the center thumbnail image data is selected from among the thumbnail image data displayed in 9 divided into 3 × 3, and the main image data corresponding to the left LCD 21 is displayed. The reproduction display operation from S40 to S42 is continued until the operation mode is switched by operating the menu button 27.

FIG. 46 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation of the electronic camera 100 and the operation of the image database at the time of reproducing a search image. Then, the search condition information input together with the camera information, the user information, the number of thumbnail divisions, and the image display specification information is transmitted to all the image databases in which the image data is stored.

At D31, the image database receives the above information, searches the image data belonging to the user for information stored along with the image data, finds the image data corresponding to the search data, and searches the image data. Create result information. In addition, the thumbnail image data of the searched image data is created in a format and capacity optimal for display on the electronic camera 100, and the search result information and the information for identifying the image (image file name, (Identification information of the image database).

At C32, the electronic camera receives the information from all the image databases, displays search result information and thumbnail image data of the search result, and performs a process of selecting image data. When image data is selected by a user operation, information on the selected image data is transmitted to an image database in which the image data is stored.

The image database in which the image data selected in D32 is stored receives the above information, and the selected image data (main image data) is converted to an optimal format and capacity for displaying on the electronic camera 100. After processing, the image data and information (voice information, comment information, keyword information, shooting information) accompanying the image data are transmitted to the electronic camera.

At C33, the electronic camera receives the information, displays the main image data, and performs sound reproduction and text information display. FIG. 47 is a flowchart of the option subroutine. In S51, in order to set optional items, as shown in FIG.
Display two items (user nomination, display setting), and allow the touch tablet 66 to select an item. The user designation is an item set at the start of use of the electronic camera 100, and defines an album for storing image data shot by the set user and an album for image reproduction.

When the user designation item is selected, the user designation process is started from S52, and S53 is executed.
49, the user name (default, Taro, Hanako, new user) is displayed on the right LCD 22, and the user is selected by the touch tablet 66. Next, the password is confirmed on the screen display shown in FIG. 50 according to the user selected in S54. The input of the password is performed by the touch tablet 66 of the right LCD 22. In the case of setting a new user, a new user name and a new password are input. In the default case, the password setting is not confirmed.

If the display setting is selected in S51,
The display setting process is started from S55, and the screen shown in FIG.
2, three display setting items (the number of thumbnail divisions, screen left / right switching, and confidential image display) are displayed, and the display setting items are selected by the touch tablet 66. Next, display setting is performed according to the display setting item selected in S57.
FIG. 52 shows a screen displayed when screen left / right switching is selected as a display setting item. The right screen is input to the right LCD 22 (a touch tablet selection screen such as thumbnail image data is displayed on the right LCD 22) and the left screen is displayed. An input (a touch tablet selection screen for thumbnail image data or the like is displayed on the left LCD 21) is displayed, and the touch tablet 66 is used for selection. As described above, the position of the screen selected mainly by the finger can be switched left and right, so that the right-handed person and the left-handed person can use the touch tablet 66 without stress.
Can be selected and input. Note that, in this specification, the description is made assuming that the above setting is set to the right screen input.

FIG. 53 is a flowchart of a subroutine of the edit mode. In S61, the screen shown in FIG. 54 is displayed, and editing items are set. In FIG. 54, the right LCD 2
2, four editing items (album attribute setting, image operation, image attribute setting, new album setting) are displayed, and the editing item is selected by the touch tablet 66. When the edit button 28 is operated during the reproduction mode to enter the edit mode, the reproduced image data is displayed on the left LCD 21 and this image data is to be edited.

If the edit item selected in S61 is an image operation, the screen shown in FIG. 55 is displayed in S62, and image operation processing such as copying, cutting, and pasting of image data is performed. In FIG. 55, image operation items (copy, cut, and paste) are shown on the right LCD 22, and by selecting this with the touch tablet 66, a desired image operation is performed on the image data displayed on the left LCD 21. Will be By performing this image operation, image data can be moved and copied between albums.

If the edit item selected in S61 is an image attribute setting, the screen of FIG. 56 is displayed in S64 and the right LC
Four setting items (keyword, comment, confidentiality setting, representative thumbnail setting) are displayed in D22, and are selected by the touch tablet 66. If the editing item selected in S61 is the image attribute setting, the screen of FIG. 56 is displayed in S64, and the four setting items (keyword,
Comments, confidentiality settings, representative thumbnail settings) are displayed and selected by the touch tablet 66. Touch tablet 66 when a keyword or comment is selected
Input text information. When the confidential setting selection is selected, the confidential O
N / OFF and a password are set, and a password must be input to display and display confidential ON image data. When the representative thumbnail setting is selected, the screen shown in FIG. 57 is displayed, a selection item as to whether or not to use the representative thumbnail is displayed on the right LCD 22, and the selection is made by the touch tablet 66. If “representative thumbnail” is selected, the image data displayed on the left LCD 21 is used as the representative thumbnail of the currently opened album.

If the editing item selected in S61 is to create a new album, the input of a new album name and the input of information on the image database in which the album is stored are performed by text input using the touch tablet 66 in S65. . When the processing in the edit mode ends, the process automatically returns to the original operation (the operation when the edit button 28 is operated). The operation may return by operating the edit button 28 again.

FIG. 58 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation of the electronic camera 100 and the operation of the image database when setting the album representative thumbnail image data in the edit mode. Display thumbnail image data or main image data. Next, C42
After selecting the image data, the edit button 28 is operated to enter the edit mode, and the representative thumbnail setting and ON / OFF (set / cancel the setting) are set as the edit processing contents.
Then, the editing command corresponding to the contents of the editing process and the information on the selected image data are transmitted to the image database storing the album general information and the image database storing the image data.

In D41, the image database receives the information, updates the album representative thumbnail image data, and updates the album information and FAT. FIG. 59 is a diagram showing the relationship between the operation of the electronic camera 100 and the operation of the image data database when a new album is created in the edit mode. Then, the new album information input together with the user information is transmitted to the image database in which the album general information is stored and the image database in which the album is to be stored.

At D 51, the image database receives the information, creates album information, updates album control information (ACI) and FAT, and transmits the updated album control information to the electronic camera 100. At C52, the electronic camera receives the information and updates the album general information held in the built-in memory 101.

(Explanation of Modifications) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes can be made. In the above embodiment, the electronic camera 100
Does not store image data in the internal memory 101, but image data belonging to a favorite album may be stored. In this way, since the access to the external database is not required for the reproduction display of the favorite album, the reproduction display of the image data can be performed more easily.

In the above embodiment, when an album is selected, the electronic camera 100 accesses the image database storing the album management information to receive and display the album management information and the album representative thumbnail image data. The electronic camera 100 periodically communicates with the image database storing the album management information, and the electronic camera 100 updates and stores the latest album management information and album representative thumbnail image data in the built-in memory 101, The album selection processing may be performed based on this information. This eliminates the need to access an external database that stores album management information when selecting an album, so that image data can be reproduced and displayed in a shorter time.

In the above embodiment, the album information and the image data belonging to the album have been described as being stored in the same image database, but they need not necessarily be stored in the same image database. In the above embodiment, the album is manually edited. However, the album may be automatically created according to the time information and the position information. Further, image data having a high reproduction frequency may be automatically added to the favorite album. In this way, the user's effort for editing the album can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, the album representative thumbnail image data is manually set. However, the album representative thumbnail image data may be automatically set based on time information or access frequency information. For example, album representative thumbnail image data is set corresponding to the image data having the oldest shooting date and time information among the image data belonging to the album. Alternatively, the image database stores the number of times of external access for each image data, and stores the album representative thumbnail image corresponding to the most frequently accessed or frequently accessed image data among the image data belonging to the same album. Set the data. If you do this,
It is possible to reduce the effort that the user spends on setting the album representative thumbnail image.

In the above embodiment, selection of image data,
Although the input of text information is performed by the touch tablet 66, other input methods may be used. In the above embodiment, the upper LCD 20, the right LCD 22, the left L
Although three display units of the CD 21 are provided, one large-screen display unit may be divided to perform similar display.
By doing so, it is possible to display image data using the entire large screen as needed, so that higher-quality image display is possible.

In the above embodiment, the image data is selected one by one from the thumbnail image data display screen on the electronic camera side. However, a plurality of image data are simultaneously selected, and the plurality of image data selected from the image database are selected. May be read and stored in the memory of the electronic camera, and the image data may be sequentially displayed. If you do this,
Since the number of accesses from the electronic camera 100 to the image database is reduced, the time required for communication can be shortened, and images can be browsed more comfortably. Also, if the display operation of the transferred image data and the transfer operation of the untransferred image data are performed in parallel, the image can be browsed without waiting for the end of the transfer of all image data, and the image can be browsed without stress. It can be performed. Also, by displaying two image data at the same time using two display screens, it is possible to create a more album-viewing atmosphere.

In the above embodiment, the image database stores the image data in the form of an album in the form of an album.
The image data file may be managed as a folder according to a hierarchical folder format used in the file management system.

In the above embodiment, album representative thumbnail image data and image data are transmitted between the image database and the electronic camera. However, any device other than the electronic camera can be used as long as it can display images. I do not care. For example, an electronic album display device dedicated to image reproduction may be used.

[0120]

As described above, in the electronic camera and the electronic album system having the electronic album display method and the electronic album function according to the present invention, when the desired image data is reproduced and displayed, the album name and the album name are first displayed. By displaying the album representative thumbnail image data, the search range of the desired image data can be easily narrowed, so that the desired image data can be efficiently reproduced and displayed from the vast amount of image data. . As a result, the time for searching for image data is reduced, and the user can browse the image data without stress.

Since the album is selected with reference to the album representative thumbnail image data when the album is selected, a desired album can be easily selected even if the number of albums becomes large and the album name is forgotten. For image data that is frequently accessed, the thumbnail image data is stored in the electronic album in association with the storage destination information of the image data, and the desired image data is selected by displaying the thumbnail image data. As a result, the frequency of access to an external image database storing image data can be reduced, and images can be browsed more comfortably.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external view (front view) of an embodiment of the electronic camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an external view (a rear view) of an embodiment of the electronic camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of an embodiment of the electronic camera according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a memory P of the personal computer.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a FAT of a memory P;

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of an ACI of a memory P;

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of an album representative thumbnail image file.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of an album information file.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an image file.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram of photographing information data.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a built-in memory of the electronic camera.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram of a FAT of a built-in memory.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of an album information file.

FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of a thumbnail image file.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of an operation mode.

FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram of a shooting mode.

FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of a reproduction mode.

FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of an option.

FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram of album editing.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of an album configuration.

FIG. 23 is a main operation flowchart of a CPU.

FIG. 24 is a display screen of a main menu.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of an editing interrupt.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of a menu interruption.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of a shooting mode.

FIG. 28 is a display screen of a shooting mode.

FIG. 29 is a display screen of a shooting mode.

FIG. 30 is a display screen of a shooting mode.

FIG. 31 is a display screen of a shooting mode.

FIG. 32 is a display screen of a shooting mode.

FIG. 33 is an operation-related diagram of a shooting mode.

FIG. 34 is a display screen of a shooting mode.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart of a playback mode.

FIG. 36 is a display screen in a reproduction mode.

FIG. 37 is a display screen of a reproduction mode.

FIG. 38 is a display screen in a playback mode.

FIG. 39 is a display screen in a playback mode.

FIG. 40 is a display screen in a playback mode.

FIG. 41 is an operation-related diagram of a reproduction mode.

FIG. 42 is an operation-related diagram in a reproduction mode.

FIG. 43 is a display screen in a playback mode.

FIG. 44 is a display screen of a reproduction mode.

FIG. 45 is a display screen in a playback mode.

FIG. 46 is an operation-related diagram of a reproduction mode.

FIG. 47 is an optional flowchart.

FIG. 48 is an option display screen.

FIG. 49 is a display screen of an option.

FIG. 50 is a display screen of an option.

FIG. 51 is an option display screen.

FIG. 52 is an option display screen.

FIG. 53 is a flowchart of an edit mode.

FIG. 54 is a display screen for album editing.

FIG. 55 is a display screen for album editing.

FIG. 56 is a display screen for album editing.

FIG. 57 is a display screen for album editing.

FIG. 58 is an operation-related diagram in the edit mode.

FIG. 59 is an operation-related diagram in the edit mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 shooting lens 20 upper LCD 21 left LCD 22 right LCD 50 CPU 51 data / control bus 55 CCD 59 DSP 60 buffer memory 65 operation key 66 touch tablet 67 ROM 68 EEPROM 69 frame memory 71 wireless communication circuit 100 electronic camera 101 built-in memory 110 Wireless mobile phone line 120 Wireless base station 130 Public telephone line 140 Personal computer 141 Memory P 150 Image database A 151 Memory A 160 Image database B 161 Memory B 170 Memory card

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G06F 17/30 380 G06F 17/30 380F 5C053 G06T 1/00 200 G06T 1/00 200E H04N 5/225 H04N 5 / 225 F 5/91 101: 00 // H04N 101: 00 5/91 NF term (reference) 5B050 AA09 BA10 BA15 CA07 CA08 DA04 EA12 EA19 FA02 FA09 FA12 FA13 FA19 GA08 5B075 KK03 KK07 ND08 ND35 NK02 PP13 PQ02 PQ46 PR04 5B082 GC03 GC05 HA08 5C022 AA13 AC01 AC31 AC42 AC69 5C052 AB03 AB04 AC08 DD02 DD04 DD08 EE03 5C053 FA06 FA08 FA14 HA29 LA01 LA06 LA14

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An external image database for storing a plurality of image data into a plurality of albums by classifying them into a plurality of albums and storing album information for managing the albums.
In a method of displaying an electronic album in which desired image data is transmitted to an electronic album by communication and the image data is displayed on an image display unit provided in the electronic album, an album name is indicated from the external image database to the electronic album. Transmitting text information and album representative thumbnail image data which is thumbnail image data of image data representing the album; and text information indicating the album name and album representative for selecting a specific album in the electronic album. Displaying simultaneously the thumbnail image data in association with each other; selecting a specific album based on the text information indicating the album name and displaying the album representative thumbnail image data in the electronic album; External image database Transmitting information for identifying the selected specific album; and thumbnail image data of the image data belonging to the specific album and the image based on the information for identifying the specific album from the external image database to the electronic album. Transmitting information for identifying data, displaying the thumbnail image data in order to select specific image data in the electronic album, and displaying the thumbnail image data in the electronic album. Selecting specific image data based on the information, transmitting information identifying the specific image data from the electronic album to the external image database, and transmitting the specific image data from the external image database to the electronic album. The specific image data based on the identifying information. Steps and, a step of displaying the particular image data in the electronic album, a display method of an electronic album, comprising the to send. 2. An external image database which stores a plurality of image data into a plurality of albums by classifying them into a plurality of albums and stores album information for managing the albums.
In the electronic album display method of transmitting desired image data to an electronic album by communication and displaying the image data in the electronic album, the electronic album includes thumbnail image data of image data stored in the external image database. Displaying the thumbnail image data so as to store information for identifying the image data and selecting specific image data in the electronic album; and displaying the thumbnail image data in the electronic album. Selecting specific image data based on the information, transmitting information identifying the specific image data from the electronic album to the external image database, and transmitting the specific image data from the external image database to the electronic album. The specific image data is transmitted based on the identification information. Steps and, a step of displaying the particular image data in the electronic album, a display method of an electronic album, comprising the to be. 3. An image data is transmitted from an external image database, which stores image data having a rectangular image shape in association with top-and-bottom information of the image data to an electronic album by communication, and the image data is transferred to the electronic album. In the method of displaying an electronic album to be displayed, the electronic album includes a posture detection circuit for detecting the top and bottom of the posture of the electronic album itself, and a substantially square image display unit, and stores image data from the external image database into the electronic album. Transmitting the top and bottom information of the image data, and the top and bottom of the posture of the electronic album and the image data based on the top and bottom information of the electronic album and the top and bottom of the posture of the electronic album detected by the posture detection circuit. Displaying the image data on the image display unit with substantially the same image size so that the top and bottom coincide. And displaying the electronic album. 4. The first, second and third aspects of the present invention.
3. The method for displaying an electronic album according to claim 1, wherein the communication between the external image database and the electronic album is performed by a wireless communication line. 5. The electronic album display method according to claim 1, wherein the electronic album includes two independent image display units, and the specific image data is displayed on the electronic album. In the electronic album display method, image data is displayed on one image display unit and thumbnail image data is displayed on the other image display unit. 6. The electronic album display method according to claim 1, wherein prior to the step of transmitting the thumbnail image data from the external image database to the electronic album, image display specifications from the electronic album to the external image database. Transmitting information and transmitting the thumbnail image data from the external image database to the electronic album, wherein the external image database creates or processes the thumbnail image data based on the image display specification information and transmits the thumbnail image data. An electronic album display method characterized by the following. 7. The electronic album display method according to claim 1, wherein prior to the step of transmitting the thumbnail image data from the external image database to the electronic album, image display specifications from the electronic album to the external image database. In the step of transmitting information and transmitting the image data from the external image database to the electronic album, the external image database may process and transmit the stored image data based on the image display specification information. How to display the featured electronic album. 8. The electronic album display method according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of the external image databases, wherein at least one of the external image databases includes the album information stored in the plurality of external image databases. Album management information for managing the album representative thumbnail image data and album storage destination information for identifying an external image database storing the album information is stored, and from the external image database to the electronic album. In transmitting the text information indicating the album name and the album representative thumbnail image data which is the thumbnail image data of the image data representing the album, transmitting the album general information from the one external image database to the electronic album. To How to display the featured electronic album. 9. An electronic camera comprising the functions of the electronic album according to claim 1 and further comprising an image pickup unit comprising an image pickup optical system for generating image data and an image pickup device. 10. An electronic album having the function of the electronic album according to claim 5, further comprising an image pickup unit including an image pickup optical system for generating image data and an image pickup device, and a front image display of one of the independent display units. An electronic camera, wherein the image data read from the image database is displayed on the image display unit, and the image data generated by the imaging unit is displayed on the other image display unit. 11. A plurality of image data are classified and stored in a plurality of albums, and desired image data is transmitted to an electronic album by communication from an external image database storing album information for managing the album. In the electronic album system that displays the image data on an image display unit provided in the electronic album, the electronic album first includes text information indicating an album name received from the external image database and image data representing the album. A specific album is selected by displaying album representative thumbnail image data as thumbnail image data, and then thumbnail image data of image data belonging to the selected specific album received from the external image database is displayed. Select the desired image data An electronic album system for displaying desired image data received from the external image database later. 12. The electronic album system according to claim 11, wherein said external image database automatically sets said album representative thumbnail image. 13. The electronic album system according to claim 12, wherein the image data includes time information on a time at which the image data was generated, and the external image database stores the album representative based on the time information. An electronic album system wherein thumbnail images are automatically set. 14. The electronic album system according to claim 12, wherein the external image database stores the number of times of reading the electronic album for each image data as access number data, and based on the access number data. An electronic album system, wherein the album representative thumbnail image is automatically set. 15. An image display device capable of displaying image data, and an external image database that stores a plurality of image data classified into a plurality of albums and stores album information for managing the albums. In an electronic album system that transmits image data by communication at
The external image database stores album representative thumbnail image data, which is thumbnail image data of image data representing an album, and text information indicating an album name, in order to specify the album to which the image data belongs on the image display device side. A set of album information is transmitted to the image display device, and the image display device transmits the album representative thumbnail image data based on the received album information in order to allow a user to select a specific album. And displaying the text information and transmitting album information relating to the album selected by the user to the external image database.