JP4967383B2 - Information management system, photographing method, image display device, and image display method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention is an information recording and reproducing apparatus such as a digital camera to a plurality of recording viewing data of the image data and various information management system including an information processing apparatus for transmitting and receiving the information recording and reproducing apparatus and information, shooting method The present invention relates to an image display device and an image display method.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a digital camera that captures a subject and stores the image as image data is known. In this digital camera, a memory card is used to store image data.
The image data is stored in a digital image management device such as a personal computer in order to be printed or output from a display device such as a TV. At present, the use of memory cards is the mainstream even when transferring image data between the two.

Since the memory card has a predetermined recording capacity, when the amount of image data increases due to shooting, the remaining capacity may become insufficient.
In view of this, a method has been proposed in which image data recorded in a digital camera is backed up to a personal computer and then deleted to ensure a recording capacity (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-2005-50192

Incidentally, in recent years, large screen monitors have been mounted on digital cameras. Such a large screen monitor is very convenient for confirming a photographed image and is well received by consumers. However, if the large screen monitor is used only for taking pictures, the value may be halved.
Therefore, the digital camera is always carried and can be used for the purpose of enjoying an image like a photo frame or viewing and enjoying TV recording data and music data.

  In recent portable digital audio players, a built-in memory such as an inexpensive and large-capacity flash memory is being used instead of a memory card for data storage. In view of such trends, digital cameras also use built-in memory in place of memory cards for image data storage, etc., and exchange image data by directly connecting to personal computers and digital image display devices regardless of wired wireless communication. May come to do.

However, unlike a digital audio player, a digital camera has a function of not only simply storing and using various data but also acquiring image data by new shooting, so that the recording means such as a built-in memory has a large capacity. Even so, I'm worried about its capacity.
In other words, since image data, TV recording data, music data, and the like are normally stored for viewing, when the image data is accumulated in the recording means by photographing the subject image, the recording capacity of the image data is ensured. It becomes impossible to do enough.
Here, it is considered that the recording capacity of the recording means can be ensured by performing backup of the image data as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 or the like, but usually the backup is performed only at a home where a personal computer or the like exists. Since it cannot be performed, there is a possibility that the shooting timing of the subject may be missed when going out.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to secure a recording capacity of image information of a recording means provided in the information recording / reproducing apparatus, even in an information recording / reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing image information and various viewing information. information management system can be appropriately performed, shooting method is to provide an image display apparatus and image display method.

The invention described in claim 1
And imaging means for obtaining image information by capturing an image, recording means and said plurality of images recorded in the recording means to said image information obtained by the imaging means, and various multiple records for viewing information An information recording / reproducing apparatus having information and reproducing means for reproducing various viewing information;
An information management system comprising: the information recording / reproducing device; and an information processing device that transmits and receives information ,
The information recording / reproducing apparatus comprises:
Information deleting means for deleting at least one of the plurality of viewing information recorded in the recording means;
Specific information storage means for storing deletion target specific information relating to whether each of the plurality of image information and various viewing information recorded in the recording means is a deletion target by the information deletion means;
When a photographing mode capable of photographing an image by the photographing unit is designated, the remaining recording capacity of the recording unit records a predetermined number of pieces of image information acquired by continuously photographing images by the photographing unit. Recording capacity determining means for determining whether or not the recording capacity is sufficient,
With
The information deleting unit secures a recording capacity for recording the predetermined number of pieces of image information acquired by the photographing unit when the recording capacity determining unit determines that the recording capacity is not sufficient. A deletion target is specified and deleted from the plurality of image information and various viewing information based on the deletion target specification information of the specific information storage means.

The invention described in claim 6
Photographing means for photographing an image and obtaining image information;
Recording means for recording a plurality of the image information acquired by the photographing means;
Information deleting means for deleting at least one of the plurality of image information recorded in the recording means;
Image information transmitting means for transmitting the image information to the outside;
Specific information storage means for storing deletion target specific information related to whether each of the image information recorded in the recording means is a deletion target by the information deletion means;
When a photographing mode capable of photographing an image by the photographing unit is designated, the remaining recording capacity of the recording unit records a predetermined number of pieces of image information acquired by continuously photographing images by the photographing unit. Recording capacity determining means for determining whether or not the recording capacity is sufficient,
An imaging method implemented by a CPU built in an imaging apparatus equipped with
The information deleting unit secures a recording capacity for recording the predetermined number of pieces of image information acquired by the photographing unit when the recording capacity determining unit determines that the recording capacity is not sufficient. The deletion target is specified and deleted from the plurality of image information based on the deletion target specification information of the specific information storage means.

An image display device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention provides:
Recording means for recording a plurality of image information;
Display means for displaying the image information;
Information deleting means for deleting at least one of the plurality of image information recorded in the recording means;
Viewing information receiving means for receiving viewable viewing information from outside and recording it in the recording means;
Specific information storage means for storing deletion target specific information related to whether each of the image information recorded in the recording means is a deletion target by the information deletion means;
Whether the remaining recording capacity of the recording means is sufficient to record the viewing information received by the viewing information receiving means when receiving the viewing information by the viewing information receiving means Recording capacity determination means for determining whether or not,
With
The information deleting unit secures a recording capacity for recording the viewing information received by the viewing information receiving unit when the recording capacity determining unit determines that the recording capacity is not sufficient. In addition, a deletion target is specified and deleted from the plurality of image information based on the deletion target specification information of the specific information storage means.

The invention according to claim 10 is:
Recording means for recording a plurality of image information;
Display means for displaying the image information;
Information deleting means for deleting at least one of the plurality of image information recorded in the recording means;
Viewing information receiving means for receiving viewable viewing information from outside and recording it in the recording means;
Specific information storage means for storing deletion target specific information related to whether each of the image information recorded in the recording means is a deletion target by the information deletion means;
Whether the remaining recording capacity of the recording means is sufficient to record the viewing information received by the viewing information receiving means when receiving the viewing information by the viewing information receiving means Recording capacity determination means for determining whether or not,
An image display method implemented by a CPU built in an image display device comprising:
The information deleting unit secures a recording capacity for recording the viewing information received by the viewing information receiving unit when the recording capacity determining unit determines that the recording capacity is not sufficient. In addition, a deletion target is specified and deleted from the plurality of image information based on the deletion target specification information of the specific information storage means.

  According to the present invention, even an information recording / reproducing apparatus capable of reproducing image information and various types of viewing information can appropriately ensure the recording capacity of image information in the recording means.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an image display system 100 exemplified as a preferred embodiment of an information management system to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 schematically shows a data flow in the image display system 100. It is the figure shown in.

  An image display system (information management system) 100 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, a digital camera 1 that records a plurality of image data and various types of viewing data on a memory card M, as shown in FIGS. An image management apparatus 2 that is connected to the digital camera 1 and manages the plurality of data recorded on the memory card M, and is connected to the image management apparatus 2 to relate to the plurality of image data and various viewing data. A display device 3 for displaying images and the like is provided.

The image management apparatus 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the image management apparatus 2.
Here, the image management apparatus 2 is composed of, for example, a personal computer or the like, and forms the core in the exchange of various data with the digital camera 1 (see FIG. 2). That is, for example, the image management apparatus 2 acquires image data from the digital camera 1 or acquires data from the Internet, various media (recording media) 4 or the like, while publishing data on the Internet or recording it on a recording medium. It is supposed to be recorded. Further, the image management device 2 outputs the acquired data to the display device 3 for deletion of the acquired data and viewing of various data, for example.
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the image management apparatus 2 includes a data transfer unit 21, a data reading device 22, a storage device 23, an input device 24, a control unit 25, and the like. Has been.

The data transfer unit 21 includes an external input / output terminal 21 a such as a USB terminal connected to the digital camera 1 via a USB cable (not shown), for example, and transfers various data to and from the digital camera 1. Is.
That is, the data transfer unit 21 receives image data transmitted from the digital camera 1, for example. Specifically, the data transfer unit 21 receives, for example, image data that has not yet been backed up by the image management apparatus 2. Here, the data transfer unit 21 constitutes information receiving means.

  In addition, the data transfer unit 21 transmits various types of viewing data (described later) read by the data reader 22. Here, the data transfer unit 21 constitutes viewing information transmitting means.

The data reader 22 is composed of, for example, a PC card reader to which a predetermined memory card 22a or the like is connected, and reads various types of information recorded on the memory card 22a, specifically various types of viewing data. It is.
The memory card 22a may be mounted on the digital camera 1 or may be mounted on an external device such as another digital camera, a digital video recorder, or an IC recorder.

  Here, as the viewing data, for example, various kinds of data recognized by vision and hearing such as moving image data, still image data, music data, and the like can be cited.

The storage device 23 includes, for example, a hard disk, various nonvolatile memories, and the like. Under the control of the control unit 25, the image data acquired through the data transfer unit 21 and various types of data read by the data reading device 22 are stored. The viewing data is stored.
That is, the storage device 23 performs backup of each of image data and viewing data recorded on the memory card M of the digital camera 1 as backup means. Specifically, the storage device 23 includes viewing data acquired via the Internet or the like, image data captured by the digital camera 1 and transferred via the data transfer unit 16, and automatic deletion processing of the digital camera 1. Thus, backup of predetermined image data that has been excluded from the deletion target and has not yet been backed up is performed.

  The input device 24 includes, for example, data input keys for inputting numerical values, characters, and the like, up / down / left / right movement keys for selecting image data and viewing data, feeding operations, and various function keys. A keyboard, a mouse, and the like are provided, and an operation signal of a key operated by a user is output to the control unit 25.

  The control unit 25 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and the like (all not shown). Then, for example, the CPU reads various programs stored in the ROM on the basis of a predetermined timing or a pressing signal output from the input device 24 and is input to the work area of the RAM. Various processes are executed according to the above.

  The display device 3 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a CRT, or the like, and displays an input screen for inputting image data and various information based on a display control signal output from the image management device 2 and input. It is supposed to be displayed.

Next, the digital camera 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of the digital camera 1.
The digital camera 1, for example, captures a subject and records the image as image data. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a photographing unit 11, a display unit 12, a sound generation unit 13, and the like. , An input unit 14, a card I / F 15, a memory card M, a data transfer unit 16, a DRAM 17, a built-in memory 18, a DSP / CPU 19 and the like.
The DRAM 17, the built-in memory 18, the card I / F 15, the data transfer unit 16, and the DSP / CPU 19 are connected via an address / data bus B.

  The photographing unit 11 includes, for example, a lens driving unit 11a, a CCD 11b, a unit circuit 11c composed of CDS / AGC / AD, a TG 11d, and the like.

  For example, the lens drive unit 11a moves an optical lens (not shown) that forms an optical image of a subject in the optical axis direction under the control of the DSP / CPU 19. Specifically, the lens driving unit 11a is, for example, a stepping motor (not shown) serving as a driving source for moving the optical lens, or a motor driver connected to the stepping motor and driven according to a control signal output from the DSP / CPU 19. (Not shown) and the like.

The TG (Timing Generator) 11d outputs, for example, a predetermined timing signal under the control of the DSP / CPU 19, and controls the driving of the CCD 11b and the unit circuit 11c.
The CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 11b converts, for example, a subject image that has passed through an optical lens into two-dimensional image data.
The unit circuit 11c receives, for example, image data output from the CCD 11b, samples and holds the image data by CDS (Correlated Double Sampling), and amplifies the amplified image by AGC (Automatic Gain Control). Data is converted into digital image data by an AD (Analog to Digital) converter. The digital image data is output to the DSP / CPU 19.

The display unit 12 includes, for example, a liquid crystal monitor that displays a predetermined image based on image data input as appropriate under the control of the DSP / CPU 19.
The sound generation unit 13 includes, for example, a speaker that emits a predetermined sound based on sound data input as appropriate under the control of the DSP / CPU 19.
Here, the display unit 12 and the sound generation unit 13 constitute a reproducing unit that reproduces a plurality of data such as image data recorded on the memory card M and various types of viewing data.

  The input unit 14 includes a plurality of keys such as a power key, a shutter button, a mode selection key, and a cross key, for example, and outputs an operation signal of a key operated by the user to the DSP / CPU 19.

The data transfer unit 16 includes, for example, an input / output terminal 16 a such as a USB terminal connected to the image management apparatus 2, and transfers various data to and from the image management apparatus 2.
Specifically, the data transfer unit 16 is configured to transmit image data captured and acquired by the imaging unit 11 to the image management apparatus 2. In particular, the data transfer unit 16 transmits data that has not been backed up by the image management apparatus 2 to the image management apparatus 2, for example, as information transmission means.

For example, the memory card M is detachably provided via the card I / F 15, and the image data acquired by the imaging unit 11 and various viewings transmitted from the image management apparatus 2 and received via the data transfer unit 16. It records data for use.
The plurality of pieces of image data and various types of viewing data are recorded in association with, for example, backed-up specific information related to whether or not backup is performed in the image management apparatus 2. Specifically, the backup specific information (deletion target specific information) is, for example, whether image data and various viewing data are to be deleted in an automatic deletion process (described later) under the control of the DSP / CPU 19. It is for specifying.
The backed-up specific information is given information indicating that it has been backed up under the control of the DSP / CPU 19, for example, when the digital camera 1 and the image management apparatus 2 are connected and backup processing is performed. It has come to be.
Here, the memory card M stores specific information for storing deletion target specifying information related to whether or not each of a plurality of image data and various viewing data is to be deleted by automatic deletion processing under the control of the DSP / CPU 19. It constitutes storage means.

  The DSP / CPU 19 has, for example, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) function, and reads various programs stored in the built-in memory 18 based on operation signals input from the input unit 14 at a predetermined timing. Are expanded in the work area of the DRAM 17 and various processes are executed in accordance with the program.

  The DRAM (Dynamic RAM) 17 constitutes, for example, a buffer for temporarily storing image data and the like, and constitutes a work area for the DSP / CPU 19 and a storage area for various data.

  The built-in memory 18 stores, for example, various operation programs of the DSP / CPU 19 and various data relating to control of each unit. Specifically, the internal memory 18 stores an information deletion program, a recording capacity determination program, a notification program (all not shown), and the like.

The information deletion program causes the DSP / CPU 19 to function as information deletion means. That is, the information deletion program is an automatic deletion process for deleting at least one of a plurality of image data and various types of viewing data recorded on the memory card M, specifically, shooting on the memory card M. Based on the backed-up specific information of the plurality of data recorded on the memory card M from among the plurality of data, the image management apparatus 2 is provided with the recording capacity for recording the image data acquired by the unit 11. This is a program for causing the DSP / CPU 19 to realize a function relating to automatic deletion processing for specifying and deleting data that has already been backed up as data to be deleted. More specifically, the information deletion program is for deleting predetermined data recorded on the memory card M by the DSP / CPU 19 in the shooting operation process and the image transfer operation process.
For data that has not yet been backed up by the image management device 2, when the digital camera 1 and the image management device 2 are connected and backed up by the image management device 2, the DSP / CPU 19 performs the backup. The data of can be deleted.

  The recording capacity determination program causes the DSP / CPU 19 to function as recording capacity determination means. That is, the recording capacity determination program is a program for causing the DSP / CPU 19 to realize a function related to the recording capacity determination process for determining whether or not the memory card M has a sufficient recording capacity for image data.

When the recording capacity determination process determines that the recording capacity is not sufficient, the notification program provides the DSP / CPU 19 with a function related to the notification process that notifies the display unit 12 and the sound generation unit 13 that the recording capacity is not sufficient. It is a program for realizing. Here, the DSP / CPU 19 constitutes a notification unit in cooperation with the display unit 12 and the sound generation unit 13 by executing a notification program.
Thus, the display unit 12 and the sound generation unit 13 can notify the user that the recording capacity of the image data in the memory card M is not sufficient, and allow the user to recognize it appropriately.

  Next, photographing operation processing and image transfer operation processing in the image display system 100 will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, photographing operation processing by the digital camera 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to a shooting operation process by the digital camera 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the automatic deletion process, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to the manual deletion process.

The shooting operation process is a process executed when, for example, a shooting mode is selected and designated by a user's operation of turning on the power key of the input unit 14 or a mode setting key.
In the following description, when the shooting mode is selected, when no image data is recorded on the memory card M (when not backed up), and when a backed up image data is recorded in a predetermined amount. This will be explained separately for each case.

<When no image data is recorded>
When no image data is recorded, as shown in FIG. 5, first, under the control of the DSP / CPU 19, the image data is necessary based on the execution of a predetermined program read from the built-in memory 18. The free space is calculated (step S1).
Here, the necessary free capacity is, for example, a capacity necessary for one-time shooting in the continuous shooting mode or a capacity capable of shooting for the number of sheets designated by the user. In the latter case, it is obtained by adding the designated number of shots to a predetermined shot image size.

Next, the DSP / CPU 19 determines whether or not the remaining capacity of the memory card M is equal to or larger than the necessary free capacity based on execution of a predetermined program read from the built-in memory 18 (step S2).
Here, since no image data is recorded on the memory card M, the DSP / CPU 19 determines that the remaining capacity of the memory card M is equal to or larger than the necessary free capacity (step S2; YES), and then the DSP / The CPU 19 proceeds to step S3 and executes and controls the subsequent processing.

In step S3, the DSP / CPU 19 subtracts the captured image size of one image from the remaining capacity of the memory card M based on the execution of a predetermined program read from the built-in memory 18. It is determined whether or not the above is true (whether the remaining capacity of the memory card M is equal to or larger than the captured image size of one image).
Here, since no image data is recorded on the memory card M, the DSP / CPU 19 determines that the value obtained by subtracting the captured image size of one image from the remaining capacity of the memory card M is 0 or more ( Step S3; YES), then, the DSP / CPU 19 proceeds to Step S4, and executes and controls the subsequent processing.

  In step S4, when a shooting instruction is input according to the operation of the shutter button by the user (step S4; YES), the DSP / CPU 19 controls the shooting unit 11 to take a picture (step S5). Image data relating to the image is recorded (saved) in the memory card M (step S6).

Thereafter, until the power is turned off by the user, the DSP / CPU 19 proceeds to step S3 and executes and controls the subsequent processing.
Here, when a plurality of image data is recorded by photographing a plurality of images and the remaining capacity of the memory card M is insufficient, that is, in step S3, the captured image size of one image is determined from the remaining capacity of the memory card M. If it is determined that the value obtained by subtracting 0 is less than 0 (step S3; NO), the DSP / CPU 19 proceeds to step S7 and executes and controls automatic deletion processing.

In the automatic deletion process, as shown in FIG. 6, the DSP / CPU 19 determines whether there is image data that can be deleted from the memory card M based on the execution of the information deletion program (step S71). .
Here, since the plurality of image data recorded in the memory card M has not been backed up by the image management apparatus 2 yet, it is determined that there is no backed up image data that can be deleted (step S71; NO). The DSP / CPU 19 excludes the image data that has not been backed up from the deletion target, and ends the automatic deletion process.

Next, the DSP / CPU 19 determines whether or not the value obtained by subtracting the captured image size of one image from the remaining capacity of the memory card M is 0 or more based on the execution of the recording capacity determination program (step S8). ).
Here, since the image data is not deleted by the automatic deletion process, it is determined that the value obtained by subtracting the captured image size of one image from the remaining capacity of the memory card M is less than 0 (step S8; NO). The DSP / CPU 19 proceeds to step S9 and controls the manual deletion process.

In the manual deletion process, the DSP / CPU 19 controls the display unit 12 based on the execution of the notification program, such as “The remaining capacity is low. Do you want to delete the data manually?” After displaying the confirmation screen (warning screen) (step S91), an unnecessary image such as an image missed by the user or an image with an old shooting date and time is selected as a deletion target, and the image data is deleted (step S92). ).
If no image data is deleted in the manual deletion process, the DSP / CPU 19 displays a predetermined confirmation screen such as “Finish the shooting operation process” on the display unit 12. Then, the process is terminated.

  Then, after executing the manual deletion process or when it is determined in step S3 or step S8 that the value obtained by subtracting the captured image size of one image from the remaining capacity of the memory card M is 0 or more (step S3). And step S8; YES), DSP / CPU19 transfers to step S4, and performs execution control after it.

  Note that each of the above processes is sequentially executed until the reproduction mode is selected and instructed by the user by turning off the power key of the input unit 14 or by the mode setting key.

<When backed up image data is recorded>
First, backup processing of image data taken by the digital camera 1 is performed by connecting the digital camera 1 to the image management apparatus 2.
By executing this backup processing, under the control of the DSP / CPU 19, information indicating that the backup has been completed is given to the backed-up specific information of the memory card M.

Then, in the shooting operation process in the case where the backed up image data is recorded, as shown in FIG. 5, the DSP / CPU 19 calculates the free space necessary for image shooting in step S1. In step S2, it is determined whether or not the remaining capacity of the memory card M is equal to or greater than the necessary free capacity.
Here, if it is determined that the remaining capacity of the memory card M is equal to or greater than the necessary free capacity (step S2; YES), the DSP / CPU 19 proceeds to step S3 and executes and controls the subsequent processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the remaining capacity of the memory card M is less than the necessary free capacity (step S2; NO), the DSP / CPU 19 proceeds to step S10 and executes automatic deletion processing. Control.

In the automatic deletion process, as shown in FIG. 6, the DSP / CPU 19 executes the information deletion program, and the deleteable image data backed up by the image management apparatus 2 is based on the backup specific information. It is determined whether or not there is (step S71).
Here, if it is determined that there is image data that has been backed up (step S71; YES), the DSP / CPU 19 controls the display unit 12, and “the remaining capacity is low. A confirmation screen (warning screen) is displayed (step S101). After that, when an instruction to delete predetermined image data “OK” is input (step S102; YES), the image data is stored in the memory card. Delete from M (step S103).
Further, the DSP / CPU 19 excludes image data that has not been backed up from the deletion target, and ends the automatic deletion process.

Next, the DSP / CPU 19 determines whether or not the remaining capacity of the memory card M is greater than or equal to the necessary free capacity based on the execution of the recording capacity determination program (step S11).
Here, when it is determined that the remaining capacity of the memory card M is equal to or larger than the necessary free capacity, that is, when a necessary and sufficient amount of backed-up image data is deleted by the automatic deletion process (step S11; YES). The DSP / CPU 19 proceeds to step S3 and executes and controls the subsequent processing.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the remaining capacity of the memory card M is less than the necessary free capacity, that is, the necessary and sufficient amount of backed-up image data has not been deleted even if the automatic deletion process is performed. In the case (step S11; NO), the DSP / CPU 19 proceeds to step S12 and executes and controls manual deletion processing.

In the manual deletion process, as in the process performed in step S9, the DSP / CPU 19 controls the display unit 12 to display a confirmation screen based on the execution of the notification program (step S91). ), An unnecessary image is selected as a deletion target by the user, and the image data is deleted (step S92).
Thereby, the DSP / CPU 19 ends the manual deletion process.

And after execution of a manual deletion process, or when it determines with the remaining capacity of the memory card M being more than a required free capacity in step S11 (step S11; YES), DSP / CPU19 transfers to step S3 Then, execution control of the subsequent processing is performed.
The processing after step S3 is substantially the same as the processing in the case where no image data is recorded, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Next, image transfer operation processing by the image display system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to an image transfer operation process by the image display system 100.

The image transfer operation process is, for example, a process of transferring a predetermined number of image data from the image management apparatus 2 to the digital camera 1 so that the digital camera 1 functions as an image viewer.
In the following description, it is assumed that a predetermined amount of image data backed up by the image management apparatus 2 after shooting is recorded in the memory card M of the digital camera 1.

  First, as shown in FIG. 8, under the control of the DSP / CPU 19, based on the execution of a predetermined program read from the built-in memory 18, the free space necessary for image shooting is calculated (step S201).

Next, when a predetermined number of images transferred from the image management apparatus 2 are designated (step S202), the DSP / CPU 19 performs memory card M based on execution of a predetermined program read from the built-in memory 18. It is determined whether or not a value obtained by subtracting the total data amount (transfer image total capacity) of a predetermined number of images transferred from the remaining capacity is equal to or greater than the necessary free capacity (step S203).
If it is determined that the value obtained by subtracting the total transfer image capacity from the remaining capacity of the memory card M is less than the required free capacity (step S203; NO), the DSP / CPU 19 proceeds to step S204, Controls execution of automatic deletion processing.
This automatic deletion process is substantially the same as the automatic deletion process in the photographing operation process, and a predetermined number of backed up image data is deleted from the memory card M under the control of the DSP / CPU 19 (see FIG. 6). ).

After completion of the automatic deletion processing, the DSP / CPU 19 obtains a value obtained by subtracting the total transfer image capacity from the remaining capacity of the memory card M based on the execution of a predetermined program read from the built-in memory 18 above the necessary free capacity. It is determined whether or not (step S205).
Here, if it is determined that the value obtained by subtracting the total transfer image capacity from the remaining capacity of the memory card M is less than the required free capacity, that is, a necessary and sufficient amount of backed-up images even if the automatic deletion process is performed. If the data has not been deleted (step S205; NO), the DSP / CPU 19 proceeds to step S206 and executes and controls manual deletion processing.
This manual deletion process is substantially the same as the manual deletion process in the photographing operation process. Under the control of the DSP / CPU 19, an unnecessary image is selected as a deletion target by the user and the image data is deleted. (See FIG. 7).

After execution of the manual deletion process, the DSP / CPU 19 obtains a value obtained by subtracting the total transfer image capacity from the remaining capacity of the memory card M based on the execution of a predetermined program read from the built-in memory 18 above the necessary free capacity. Is determined (step S207).
Here, if it is determined that the value obtained by subtracting the total transfer image capacity from the remaining capacity of the memory card M is less than the required free capacity, that is, a necessary and sufficient amount of backed-up images even if manual deletion processing is performed. If the data has not been deleted (step S207; NO), the DSP / CPU 19 controls the display unit 12 to display a warning screen such as “Too much image to transfer. Please select again.” After the display (step S208), the process proceeds to step S202, and the subsequent processing is controlled. That is, after the transfer image is designated again (step S202), the free space necessary for image shooting is determined (step S203). Depending on the determination result, an automatic deletion process (step S204) or the like is performed. Will be executed again.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S203, step S205, or step S207 that the value obtained by subtracting the total transfer image capacity from the remaining capacity of the memory card M is equal to or greater than the necessary free capacity (step S203, step S205, and step S207; YES), the designated predetermined number of image data is transferred to the digital camera 1 under the control of the DSP / CPU 19 (step S209).
Thereby, the image transfer operation process is completed.

As described above, according to the image display system 100 of the present embodiment, a plurality of image data recorded on the memory card M is backed up based on the backed-up specific information of each of the plurality of image data. Image data can be specified as data to be deleted. As a result, it is possible to delete the backed up image data and prevent the deletion of necessary data that has not been backed up. Therefore, even with the digital camera 1 that can reproduce image data and various types of viewing data, it is possible to appropriately ensure the recording capacity of the image data in the memory card M.
Further, unnecessary image data can be automatically deleted by automatic deletion processing, so that it is not necessary for the user to delete the image data while confirming the contents of the image data, and the recording capacity of the image data in the memory card M can be reduced. Securement can be performed easily.

  Further, even if the image data is excluded from the deletion target because the backup is not performed, the image management apparatus 2 can perform the backup of the image data as the deletion target. Since the recording capacity of image data in M can be ensured appropriately, a more attractive image display system 100 can be provided.

  Further, a plurality of images recorded in the memory card M during image transfer operation processing for transmitting various image data from the image management apparatus 2 to the digital camera 1 or shooting operation processing for shooting an image by the shooting unit 11. Therefore, unnecessary image data can be deleted, and newly acquired image data can be properly transmitted to the digital camera 1.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and design changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the process (image transfer operation process) of transferring predetermined image data recorded (saved) in the image management apparatus 2 to the digital camera 1 has been described as an example. Instead, the data transferred to the digital camera 1 is not limited to image data, and may be any data such as music data as long as it can be viewed by the user.

  In the automatic deletion process of the above embodiment, when a plurality of backed up image data are recorded in the memory card M, all of these image data may be deleted at once or deleted individually. You may do it.

  In addition, in the automatic deletion process and the manual deletion process of the above-described embodiment, a predetermined warning screen (confirmation screen) is displayed when deleting image data. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Whether or not to display the warning screen can be changed as appropriate. That is, in the image display system 100 of the above-described embodiment, for example, a configuration that does not display a warning screen may be adopted.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the memory card M that is detachable from the digital camera 1 is exemplified as the recording means for the image data and various viewing data. The memory 18 may be used. In this case, even if the recording capacity is insufficient, it cannot be replaced with another memory card M like the memory card M. Therefore, it is more effective to apply the present invention, and the image display system 100 is more attractive. Can be provided.

  In addition, in the above embodiment, the memory card M is exemplified as the specific information storage unit that stores the deletion target specific information. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the built-in memory 18 or the like may be applied.

  In the above embodiment, the deletion target data is specified according to whether or not the image data is backed up. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, reproduction (use of each image data) ) The deletion target data may be specified based on the number of times, the latest reproduction date and time, a preset importance level, or the like. Alternatively, the order of deletion of each data may be set based on the importance level, and the deletion may be performed according to this order. For example, you may make it delete from the thing with low importance.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the memory card 22a mounted on the external device is connected to the data reader 22 to read various viewing data in the memory card 22a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the above-mentioned external device may be directly connected to the image management apparatus 2 and viewing data may be acquired directly from these external devices.

In the above embodiment, the digital camera 1 and the image management apparatus 2 are preferentially connected via a USB cable or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, but via a predetermined communication line such as a wireless LAN. Wireless connection may be used.
Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the digital camera 1 is exemplified as the information recording / reproducing apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of an image display system exemplified as a preferred embodiment of an information management system to which the present invention is applied. It is the figure which showed typically the flow of the data in the image display system of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the image management apparatus which comprises the image display system of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the digital camera which comprises the image display system of FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to a shooting operation process by the digital camera of FIG. 3. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to an automatic deletion process in the shooting operation process of FIG. 5. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to a manual deletion process in the shooting operation process of FIG. 5. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to an image transfer operation process by the image display system of FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

100 Image display system (information management system)
1 Digital camera (information recording device)
11 Shooting unit (shooting means)
12 Display unit (reproduction means, notification means)
13 Sound generator (reproduction means, notification means)
16 Data transfer unit (information transmission means)
19 DSP / CPU (information deletion means, recording capacity determination means, notification means)
2 Image management device (management device)
21 Data transfer unit (viewing information transmitting means, information receiving means)
23 Storage device (backup means)
M memory card (recording means, specific information storage means)

Claims (11)

An imaging unit that captures an image by capturing an image, a recording unit that records a plurality of the image information acquired by the imaging unit, and various types of viewing information, and the plurality of images recorded in the recording unit An information recording / reproducing apparatus having information and reproducing means for reproducing various viewing information;
An information processing device for transmitting / receiving information to / from the information recording / reproducing device;
An information management system comprising:
The information recording / reproducing apparatus comprises:
Information deleting means for deleting at least one of the plurality of image information and various viewing information recorded in the recording means;
Specific information storage means for storing deletion target specific information relating to whether each of the plurality of image information and various viewing information recorded in the recording means is a deletion target by the information deletion means;
When a photographing mode capable of photographing an image by the photographing unit is designated, the remaining recording capacity of the recording unit records a predetermined number of pieces of image information acquired by continuously photographing images by the photographing unit. Recording capacity determining means for determining whether or not the recording capacity is sufficient,
With
The information deleting unit secures a recording capacity for recording the predetermined number of pieces of image information acquired by the photographing unit when the recording capacity determining unit determines that the recording capacity is not sufficient. An information management system, wherein a deletion target is specified and deleted from the plurality of image information and various viewing information based on the deletion target specification information of the specific information storage means. The information processing apparatus includes:
Viewing information transmitting means for transmitting viewing information to be recorded in the recording means of the information recording / reproducing apparatus to the information recording / reproducing apparatus,
The information deleting unit of the information recording / reproducing apparatus further deletes the deletion target recorded in the recording unit when transmitting the viewing information from the viewing information transmitting unit. The information management system according to claim 1. The information recording / reproducing apparatus comprises:
The information management system according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit that notifies that the recording capacity is not sufficient when the recording capacity determining unit determines that the recording capacity is not sufficient. The information processing apparatus includes:
Backup means for backing up each of the plurality of image information and various viewing information recorded in the recording means;
The specific information storage means stores, as the deletion target specific information, backed-up specific information related to whether or not the backup has already been performed by the backup means,
The information deletion means further specifies, as the deletion target, information that has already been backed up based on the backed-up specific information from the plurality of image information and various viewing information. The information management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The information recording / reproducing apparatus comprises:
Among the plurality of image information, comprising: an information transmission unit that transmits image information that has not yet been backed up by the backup unit to the information processing apparatus;
The information processing apparatus includes:
Comprising information receiving means for receiving image information transmitted from the information transmitting means;
The information management system according to claim 4, wherein the backup unit further backs up image information received by the information reception unit. Photographing means for photographing an image and obtaining image information;
Recording means for recording a plurality of the image information acquired by the photographing means;
Information deleting means for deleting at least one of the plurality of image information recorded in the recording means;
Image information transmitting means for transmitting the image information to the outside;
Specific information storage means for storing deletion target specific information related to whether each of the image information recorded in the recording means is a deletion target by the information deletion means;
When a photographing mode capable of photographing an image by the photographing unit is designated, the remaining recording capacity of the recording unit records a predetermined number of pieces of image information acquired by continuously photographing images by the photographing unit. Recording capacity determining means for determining whether or not the recording capacity is sufficient,
An imaging method implemented by a CPU built in an imaging apparatus equipped with
The information deleting unit secures a recording capacity for recording the predetermined number of pieces of image information acquired by the photographing unit when the recording capacity determining unit determines that the recording capacity is not sufficient. A deletion method that specifies and deletes a deletion target based on the deletion target specification information of the specific information storage unit from among the plurality of image information. The photographing method according to claim 6 , wherein the deletion target specifying information specifies image information that has already been backed up by an external information recording device as a deletion target by the information deleting unit. Recording means for recording a plurality of image information;
Display means for displaying the image information;
Information deleting means for deleting at least one of the plurality of image information recorded in the recording means;
Viewing information receiving means for receiving viewable viewing information from outside and recording it in the recording means;
Specific information storage means for storing deletion target specific information related to whether each of the image information recorded in the recording means is a deletion target by the information deletion means;
Whether the remaining recording capacity of the recording means is sufficient to record the viewing information received by the viewing information receiving means when receiving the viewing information by the viewing information receiving means Recording capacity determination means for determining whether or not,
With
The information deleting unit secures a recording capacity for recording the viewing information received by the viewing information receiving unit when the recording capacity determining unit determines that the recording capacity is not sufficient. In addition, the deletion target is specified and deleted from the plurality of pieces of image information based on the deletion target specification information of the specific information storage unit. The specific information storage means stores, as the deletion target specific information, backed-up specific information related to whether or not a backup has already been performed by an external information recording device,
The information deleting means further from the plurality of image information, in claim 8, wherein the backup identifying the image information for deletion already performed based on the backed specifying information The image display device described. Recording means for recording a plurality of image information;
Display means for displaying the image information;
Information deleting means for deleting at least one of the plurality of image information recorded in the recording means;
Viewing information receiving means for receiving viewable viewing information from outside and recording it in the recording means;
Specific information storage means for storing deletion target specific information related to whether each of the image information recorded in the recording means is a deletion target by the information deletion means;
Whether the remaining recording capacity of the recording means is sufficient to record the viewing information received by the viewing information receiving means when receiving the viewing information by the viewing information receiving means Recording capacity determination means for determining whether or not,
An image display method implemented by a CPU built in an image display device comprising:
The information deleting unit secures a recording capacity for recording the viewing information received by the viewing information receiving unit when the recording capacity determining unit determines that the recording capacity is not sufficient. Further, the deletion target is specified and deleted from the plurality of pieces of image information based on the deletion target specification information of the specific information storage means. The image display method according to claim 10 , wherein the deletion target specifying information specifies image information that has already been backed up by an external information recording device as a deletion target by the information deletion unit.

Images