JP2000339344A - Image reading and storing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading and storing device capable of storing and managing a film image and digital image data for every group without needing an especially complicated operation. SOLUTION: This device 10 is applied to a dedicated image reading and storing device that can easily be used by a general user and provided with a function which groups and stores a digital image data group on the basis of specially digitized time. Then, digital image data recorded on a memory card or a film image digitized by an image scanner part 20 is inputted, and grouping processing (folder system or link system) that performs grouping is executed on the basis of the digitized time.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading and storing apparatus for reading and storing and managing images recorded on a film and digital image data recorded by a digital camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the spread of digital cameras and personal computers, it has become common to process an image obtained by photographing a subject as digital image data. A digital camera is also called an electronic camera, and converts a subject into digital image data by an electronic (digital) imaging function and records the digital image data on a recording medium such as an IC memory. Although the digital camera includes a digital video camera in addition to the electronic still camera, an electronic still camera is assumed as a specific example below.

By using a personal computer and an image scanner, an image (film image) recorded on a film can be read, converted into digital image data, and stored and managed. The film image is an image taken by a normal silver halide photographic camera or an image recorded on a slide film.

[0004]

As described above, not only digital image data recorded by a digital camera but also a film image is converted into digital image data (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as image data). It is possible to save and manage. here,
When storing a large number of image data, for example, film 1
It is also desirable to arrange the information in groups such as main units or event units in order to improve search efficiency. In personal computers, file management functions such as folders and directories are well known. Therefore, when saving digital image data using a personal computer, the user creates a folder or directory and stores desired image data (image data file) in the folder or directory (drag and drop operation). )
Will be.

[0005] However, the operation of a personal computer is not always easy for a general user. For general users, a dedicated image reading and storing device (stand-alone device) that is easy to operate is desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading and storing apparatus capable of storing and managing film images and digital image data for each group without requiring a complicated operation.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A first aspect of the present invention is as follows.
The present invention relates to a device which is applied to a dedicated image reading and storing device which can be easily operated by a general user, and particularly has a function of grouping and storing digital image data groups based on digitized time. Specifically, the apparatus includes image data capturing means for capturing digitized image data,
The image processing apparatus includes storage means for storing image data captured by the image data capturing means, and grouping means for grouping image data groups stored in the storage means based on digitized time.

[0008] In the case of digital image data photographed by a digital camera, the digitized time is photographing date and time data added to the image data. In the case of a film image, this is the reading time at which the image data capturing means reads the image with, for example, an image scanner and converts it into digital image data. The storage means adds and stores time data indicating the digitized time together with the image data when the image data is captured by the image data capturing means. Also, as a grouping method,
A folder method for automatically creating folders and directories and storing and managing image data groups, and a link method for adding link information (such as index information and file names of related files) to each image data file are used.

With such a configuration, it is possible to group image data groups whose photographing times or read times are close to each other (groups with links) and to store and manage them. Generally, when storing image data recorded by a digital camera or a silver halide photographic camera, it is convenient to handle a series of image data groups in which events are photographed in chronological order as one group. In other words, a group of image data whose shooting time is close within a predetermined time range is likely to be a group of image data related to the user. In the case of a film image, for example, an image taken in time series is often recorded on one film, for example. Therefore, by sequentially digitizing and reading each image of one film, the image data group can be grouped and stored. Thus, when searching for desired image data, it is possible to efficiently search from the grouped image data group.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to an image in which the interval between the digitization points of each image data, that is, the time interval between each successive image data recorded in time series, is within a predetermined value range. This is an image reading and storing apparatus having a function of automatically grouping data groups. In other words, in a group of continuously captured image data, for example, when the shooting time has a certain interval with respect to the shooting time of other image data, a function of excluding the image data from the group is provided. Image reading and storing apparatus provided with the image reading and storing apparatus. Specifically, the present apparatus includes an image data capturing unit that adds time data indicating a digitization time to digitized image data to capture the image data, and an image data captured by the image data capturing unit. Storage means for storing the image data, a determination means for determining an image data group in which the interval of the digitization time is within a predetermined value range among the image data groups stored in the storage means, Grouping means for grouping image data groups.

With such a configuration, the user can automatically convert the image data group in which the recording time (photographing time) is included in the predetermined range in a large number of read image data groups without performing any special operation. Can be grouped and saved. Therefore, the user instructs (link disconnect instruction)
Without executing the above, it is possible to exclude image data of a recording time apart from the recording time of each of the other image data and automatically group image data groups included in a range of a predetermined value.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a conceptual configuration (internal system) of an image reading / storing apparatus relating to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an external view of the apparatus, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an external view of an operation remote controller used in the system, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a system to which the device is applied.

(Configuration of Apparatus) As shown in FIG. 2, the image reading and storing apparatus 10 of this embodiment is assumed to be a desktop type dedicated apparatus as shown in FIG. 2 (refer to FIG. 1 for an internal conceptual configuration). ). The apparatus 10 has an image scanner section 20 for film images as a digital image data input section.
And an image data capturing unit for capturing digital image data from a recording medium. Image scanner unit 20
Is provided with a reading section 21 having an insertion opening (sleeve) 21A for a film 22 and a slide insertion opening 21B, and converts an image recorded on the film 22 or the slide into digital image data and takes it into the apparatus. In addition, film 2
2 is conveyed inside the apparatus from the insertion port 21A and is discharged from the discharge port 21C. Further, the image scanner unit 2
0 is a button 2 for adjusting the feed of the film 22.
3A and 23B, and a cover member 24 made of, for example, a transparent member. Further, the image data capturing unit is provided with various types of I / Os used particularly as recording media for digital cameras.
It has insertion slots (slots) 25A and 25B for C memory cards.

Next, the apparatus 10 has a disk drive 26 as a data storage unit for processing and storing (saving) the input image data by an internal system (see FIG. 1) described later. The disk drive 26 is a large-capacity file device such as a magneto-optical (MO) disk or a DVD (digital video disk). Further, the present apparatus may incorporate a hard disk drive (HDD), use the HDD as a buffer of an internal system, and store the image data group in the disk drive 26 of a medium exchange type after processing.

Further, the apparatus 10 is operable by an operation remote controller (see FIG. 3) which will be described later, and has a remote control light receiving section 27 for receiving an operation light signal from the operation remote controller. In addition, this apparatus includes a printer connector 28 for connecting to an external printer, a video output terminal 29 for connecting to a television receiver, and other input / output interface connectors (for example, IEEE 1
394 standard) and a DC jack 31 for connection to a DC power supply 32.

This apparatus 10 has no power switch, and the power is turned off when the DC power supply 32 is removed from the DC jack 31. In addition, the present apparatus uses not only a normal silver halide film as the film 22 but also an APS (Advanced).
Photo System) film is also applicable. However, although not shown, the image scanner unit 2
0 may require a scanner dedicated to APS film.

(Internal System) As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 10 includes a digital image data input unit 1, a grouping processing unit 2, a data storage unit 3, a link disconnection instruction unit 4, and a link disconnection processing unit 5. It has a system consisting of functional units. Specifically, this system mainly includes a microprocessor (CPU), a memory, and an input / output interface provided inside the apparatus.

The digital image data input unit 1 includes the above-described image scanner unit 20 and an image data capturing unit, and inputs a recorded image as digital image data.
This is given to the grouping processing unit 2. The grouping processing unit 2 and the link disconnection processing unit 5 are main function units of the system,
It is realized by U and software. The grouping processing unit 2 and the link disconnection processing unit 5 group (link) the digital image data groups based on the digitization time and store and manage the groups (see FIGS. 5 and 6), as described later. . The data storage unit 3 includes the disk drive 2 described above.
6 and a built-in HDD. The link disconnection instruction unit 4 is a functional unit for instructing the link disconnection processing unit 5 of image data to be excluded from a group in accordance with an instruction from an operation remote controller described later.

(Operation Remote Controller) The operation remote controller 40 has various operation buttons as shown in FIG.
Operate 0. PW button 4 as an operation button
1, a menu button 42, a media button 43, a selection button 44, a single cell (confirm) button 45, a status button 46, an all cell button 47, and a zoom button 48.

The PW button 41 generates an interrupt in the apparatus 10 and returns to a display state on the television receiver in response to an operation (to be described later). The menu button 42 shifts to the menu tag selection state by the first operation, and returns to the thumbnail selection state by the next operation. When the single cell button 45 is operated in the menu tag selection state, the screen changes to the selected tag screen.

When the media button 43 is operated, the state shifts to a media tag selection state. The next operation of the media button 43 returns to the thumbnail selection state. When the single cell button 45 is operated in the media tag selection state, the screen changes to the selected tag screen. When the status button 46 is operated, the state shifts to the status selection state.
The next operation of the status button 46 returns to the thumbnail selection state. When the single cell button 45 is operated in the status selection state, the state changes to the selected status state. Here, when the single cell button 45 is operated in a certain selection state, the selection display changes to a fixed display. The next operation of the single cell button 45 changes the display to the non-determined display.

The all cell button 47 is an all-confirmation button. With the thumbnail selected, the all-cell button 47
Is operated, all of the thumbnails change to the fixed display. By the next operation of the all cell button 47, all of the thumbnails are changed to the non-determined display. On the other hand, when the single cell button 45 is operated, the selection display can be individually changed to the non-determined display. When the zoom button 48 is operated in the thumbnail selection state, the selected frame is enlarged. The next operation of the zoom button 48 returns to the thumbnail display screen.

In addition to these buttons, a screen selection (menu selection) button 44, a print button 49 for operating a printer, a print view button 50 for displaying a print image, a copy button 51, and a link button 52 , A scan preview button 53, and a page feed (feed for each group) buttons 54A and 54B. By operating the copy button 51, image data is copied between different recording media, for example, between an MO disk and a memory card. The link button 52 is related to the operation of the grouping process or the link disconnection process of the present embodiment (described later).

(External System) As shown in FIG. 4, the apparatus 10 includes a personal computer 60, a printer 6
2 and a television receiver (TV) 64 to form an external system. The personal computer 60 is connected to the personal computer 60 through an input / output interface connector 30 by, for example, an interface 61 of the IEEE1394 standard. The printer 62 is the printer connector 28
, For example, by the interface 63 of the IEEE1284 standard. The TV 64 is connected via the video output terminal 29. The device 10
Has insertion slots (slots) 25A and 25B for various IC memory cards used as recording media for digital cameras, as described above. These IC memory cards can also be set in insertion ports (slots) 65A and 65B provided in the printer 62.

Here, the apparatus 10 displays an operation screen using the display of the TV 64. The operation screen is roughly divided into a main screen 70, a menu tag area 72, a media tag area 73, and a status window area 74 as shown in FIG. Main screen 7
Reference numeral 0 denotes a folder window for displaying the image data files input by the digital image data input unit 1 in folder (group) units, and a thumbnail display area 71.
Consists of In the upper right area of the main screen 70, a folder name (group name) 70A designated by the user with the operation remote controller 40 is displayed. By operating the image selection button 44 of the operation remote controller 40, a selection frame corresponding to the selected image data is displayed (here, the second image data is selected).

The menu tag area 72 includes an image processing area (such as color adjustment) 72A, a cropping (cutting) area 72B, and a customizing area (user selection function area).
72C. The media tag area 73 includes the device 10
Area indicating the recording media used for the storage device, such as a memory card (smart media) 73A, a memory card (compact flash) 73B, and an MO disk 73.
C and the film (negative film) 73D are shown separately. The status window area 74 includes an area 74A indicating the remaining amount of the MO disk, and an area 74 indicating the moving direction of the read image data (the moving direction between recording media).
B and a display area 74C related to the printer. The output mode of the printer-related display area 74C changes in accordance with the operation of the print button 49 of the operation remote controller 40.

Here, the film 22 is used as a recording medium.
Is set on the image scanner unit 20 and the film 2
In the case where the image recorded in No. 2 is input, FIG.
As shown in (C), it is possible to sequentially and collectively display one frame at a time on the main screen 70. That is, when the scan preview button 53 of the operation remote controller 40 is operated, the image of the first frame is displayed collectively (see FIG. 3A). Similarly, the second frame and the third frame are sequentially displayed as shown in FIGS.

(Grouping process) Hereinafter, in addition to FIGS. 1 to 3 described above, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 5 and FIG.
A grouping process at the time of reading an image according to the embodiment will be described.

First, it is assumed that image data captured by a digital camera and recorded on a memory card as a recording medium is input.

When a memory card is set in the slot 25A, for example, by the user, the digital image data input section 1 reads digital image data, which is a recorded image, from the memory card and temporarily stores it in a buffer memory or the like (step). S1). Here, the input unit 1 also reads out the acquisition time data of the recorded image from the memory card and stores it in the buffer memory (step S2). The acquisition time data is shooting date and time data recorded on a memory card together with a subject image by an internal function of the digital camera.

The grouping processing unit 2 reads out, from the buffer memory, the acquisition time data obtained by the previous input of the image data with respect to the input acquisition time data, and performs the grouping determination processing as described later. Used (step S3). Here, as described above, the present device 10
An operation screen can be displayed using the display of the V64. The user can execute the link disconnection instruction by operating the link button 52 of the operation remote controller 40 while checking each image data input on the main screen 70 (link disconnection instruction section 4).

Assuming that there is no operation of the link button 52 by the user, the grouping processing unit 2 executes the above-described grouping determination processing (N in step S4).
O). That is, the grouping processing unit 2 determines whether or not the interval of the digitization time, which is the acquisition time, is greater than a predetermined value using each acquisition time data obtained by the current and previous inputs (step S5). YES, S6). If the determination result indicates that the input image data file is smaller than the predetermined value, the grouping processing unit 2 stores the input image data file in the set folder to perform grouping on a folder basis (NO in step S7, S10). ). Of course, the image data input first is stored as the first file in the folder (that is, the newly set folder) (N in step S5).
O). When the grouping process for all the image data recorded on the memory card ends, the storage process of the device 10 ends (YES in step S11).

Specifically, the grouping processing unit 2
As shown in (A), in the input image data group (file 1 to file 10), if the interval of the digitization time (shooting date and time) of each image data is less than a predetermined value (for example, 14 days) Then, the image data files (1 to 10) are stored in the set folder (folder name 1). Thus, by storing the set folder (folder name 1) on the MO disk, a series of digital image data files photographed by the digital camera can be stored and managed as a related group. The predetermined value (for example, 14 days) can be arbitrarily set by the user using the operation remote controller 40.

On the other hand, if the digitization time interval between the image data is larger than a predetermined value, the grouping processing unit 2 creates a new folder (folder name 2) and stores the newly input image data file. Is stored (YES in step S7, S8, S9). Specifically, FIG.
As shown in (B), the image data file (file name 6) included in the group of the folder (folder name 1) has an image data file (file name) whose shooting time interval exceeds a predetermined value (14 days). The name 7) is determined to be outside the range of the group, and is distinguished into a group by a new folder (folder name 2). Similarly, for the image data file (file name 7) included in the new folder (folder name 2), the shooting time interval is set to a predetermined value (14).
Image data file (file name 8 to 1)
0) is determined to be outside the range of the group, and the group is distinguished by a new folder (folder name 3).

As described above, an MO disk or the like is used so that digital image data (image data in units of one frame) taken by a digital camera and recorded on a memory card can be read and managed for each group. The data can be stored in the data storage unit 3. In this case, based on the shooting time (at the time of digitization) of each image data,
It is possible to automatically group and save image data groups whose shooting time (date and time) is within a predetermined range. In other words, a large number of read image data groups are automatically created / created without any special operation by the user.
It is grouped by the set folder unit. Therefore,
If the user specifies a folder name, the user can access desired image data, display and output the recorded image on the display of the TV 64, and print out the image by the printer 62.

(Link disconnection processing) Next, it is assumed that an image (film image) recorded on the film 22 is input as a recording medium. In the case of the film 22, as described above, the film 22 set in the image scanner unit 20 is sent as the digital image data input unit 1, and the recorded image is read one frame at a time and converted into digital image data. And input (Step S
1). The grouping processing unit 2 calculates the digitization time when converted into digital image data by the input unit 1,
It is acquired as acquisition time data for each image data (step S2).

Hereinafter, also in the case of a film image, a grouping process is executed based on the digitization time between the respective image data, similarly to the above-mentioned image data captured by the digital camera (steps S3 to S11). Here, when the link button 52 of the operation remote controller 40 is operated by the user, the link disconnection instruction unit 4 instructs the link disconnection processing unit 5 to perform link disconnection processing (YE in step S4).
S).

As shown in FIG. 6B, the link disconnection processing unit 5 converts the image data files (file names 1 to 6) included in the folder (folder name 1) grouped by the grouping processing unit 2 On the other hand, the image data file (file name 7) for which the link disconnection has been instructed is determined to be out of the group range, and is classified into a new folder (folder name 2). Further, for the image data file (file name 7) included in the new folder (folder name 2), it is determined that the image data files (file names 8 to 10) instructed to disconnect the link are out of the group range. , A new folder (folder name 3).

As described above, even when an image recorded on the film 22 is input, an image data group included in a predetermined time range is automatically grouped based on the digitized time of the image of each frame. Can be stored in a file. In addition, in response to a link disconnection instruction from the user, another folder can be created and grouped from arbitrarily designated image data in the input image data group. Therefore, the user can arbitrarily group and store the input image data groups based on not only the input time but also the image content (confirmed on the display of the TV 64) recorded on the film 22. Even in the case of the digital image data group photographed by the digital camera described above, another folder can be created from the arbitrarily designated image data and grouped according to a link disconnection instruction from the user.

(Modification 1 of the Embodiment) FIGS. 9 to 11
Is a diagram related to Modification Example 1 of the same embodiment. This modified example realizes a grouping function that can be called a link method in comparison with the above-described folder method.

First, as an internal system of the apparatus 10, as shown in FIG.
1, digital image data selection unit 12, data storage unit 1
3, a link instructing unit 14 and a link processing unit 15 are provided. This system, like the system shown in FIG. 1, mainly includes a microprocessor (CPU), a memory, and an input / output interface provided inside the apparatus.

The digital image data display section 11 has a function of displaying digital image data read by the digital image data input section 1 on an operation screen using a display of the TV 64. The digital image data selection unit 12 has a function of selecting and specifying image data displayed on the operation screen according to the operation of the operation remote controller 40 described above. The link instructing unit 14 includes an operation remote controller 40
Is a function to instruct processing of link release and addition of link information in accordance with the operation of (1). The link processing unit 15 has a function of executing a grouping process by a link method, as described later.

Hereinafter, this modified example will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 10 and FIG.

First, image data photographed by the digital camera is read from the memory card in frame units and temporarily stored in a buffer memory or the like (steps S20 to S22). In the case of a film image, as described above, the image is converted into digital image data by the image scanner unit 20 on a frame basis and stored. At this time, the acquisition time data is read from the memory card together with the image data and stored in the buffer memory (step S21). In the case of a film image, the acquisition time data is the digitization time when converted to digital image data.

The link processing unit 15 performs a grouping process on the image data selected and designated by the digital image data selection unit 12. That is, the link processing unit 15
Reads out, from the buffer memory, the previously input acquisition time data of the image data in units of one frame, for the input acquisition time data, and uses it in the grouping determination processing as described later (step S23). . Assuming that the user does not operate the link button 52, the link processing unit 15 executes the above-described grouping determination process (NO in step S24). That is, it is determined whether or not the interval of the digitization time, which is the acquisition time, is greater than a predetermined value using each acquisition time data obtained by the current and previous inputs (YES in step S25, S26).

If the result of this determination is smaller than the predetermined value, the link processing unit 15 adds the file name of the current image data file to the header of the previously input image data file (one frame of image data). The recording is performed, and a link process for linking the image data files is executed (NO in step S27, S29). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11A, in the input image data group (file name 1 to file name 10), the interval of the digitization time (shooting date and time) of each image data is a predetermined value. If it is less than (for example, 14 days), the file name linked to the header of each file is added as link information. A series of linked image data files (1 to 10) are stored in a folder (folder name 1) that is automatically set. Therefore, the apparatus 10 saves and manages a series of linked digital image data files as related groups. The predetermined value (for example, 14 days) can be arbitrarily set by the user using the operation remote controller 40. When the link processing for all the input image data is completed, the storage processing of the device 10 ends (YES in step S31).

On the other hand, if the digitization time interval between the image data is larger than the predetermined value, the link processing unit 15 adds the link release information (END) to the header of the previously input image data file. The process of recording and releasing the link is executed (YE in step S27).
S, S28). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11B, the image data file (file name 5) whose digitization time interval exceeds a predetermined value (for example, one day) with respect to the previous image data file (file name 5). 6) Cancel the link. Therefore, the link release information (END) is additionally recorded in the header of the image data file having the file name 5.
The link processing unit 15 stores a series of linked image data file groups (1 to 5) as related groups in a folder (folder name 1) that is automatically set. Further, the image data files (file name 6) processed as another group are stored in another folder (for example, folder name 2). Further, the input image data file groups (7 to 10) are stored in a separately set folder (for example, folder name 3) as a related group by the link processing described above.

Next, the user operates the link button 52 of the operation remote controller 40 for the image data input this time.
Is operated (YE in step S24).
S). The link processing unit 5, as shown in FIG.
For the previous image data file (file name 5)
The link of the image data file (file name 6) input this time is released (step S30). Therefore, the link release information (END) is additionally recorded in the header of the image data file having the file name 5, and the image data file having the file name 6 is distinguished as another group. Then, as described above, the link processing unit 15 stores a series of linked image data file groups (1 to 5) in the folder (folder name 1) as related groups. Further, the image data file (file name 6) whose link has been released is stored in another folder (for example, folder name 2).

As described above, the image data photographed by the digital camera or the image data recorded on the film 22 is input in units of one frame, and the interval between the image data is obtained by the interval of the acquisition time (photographing or digitizing time). Alternatively, according to the link instruction, a series of linked image data files can be stored as a group in the data storage unit 13 using an MO disk or the like. in short,
This modification is a method in which link information (file name or link release information) for linking image data is recorded in the header of each image data file, so that it can be stored and managed as an associated group.

(Modification 2 of Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a diagram related to Modification 2 of the embodiment. This modification is a method of additionally recording group-specific index information in the header of each linked image data file in the linking grouping function described above.

More specifically, if the digitization time interval between the image data files is smaller than a predetermined value by the above-described grouping determination processing, the link processing unit 15 sets the header of the current image data file. Then, similarly to the previous case, the group-specific index information is additionally recorded, and a link process for linking the respective image data files is executed (NO in step S27 in FIG. 10, S
29). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, in the input image data group (file name 1 to file name 5), the interval of the digitization time (shooting date and time) of each image data is a predetermined value (for example, 1). Days)
Index information (G1) is added as link information to the header of each file. These linked series of image data files (1 to 5) are stored in a folder (folder name 1) that is automatically set.

On the other hand, when the digitizing time interval between the image data is larger than a predetermined value, the link processing unit 15 additionally records another index information in the header of the image data file input this time. , To distinguish as another group. Specifically, as shown in FIG.
For the previous image data file (file name 5)
The header of the image data file (file name 6) whose digitization time interval exceeds a predetermined value (for example, one day) includes:
Index information (G2) is added as link information. Therefore, the image data file having the file name 6 is stored in a folder (for example, folder name 2) set as another group. As described above, in response to the operation of the link button 52 by the user, as shown in FIG. 12, a series of input image data files (file names 7 to 10) are added to the header of each file. Index information (G3) may be additionally recorded as link information.

As described above, the image data photographed by the digital camera or the image data recorded on the film 22 is input in units of one frame, and the interval between the image data is the acquisition time (photographing or digitizing time). Alternatively, according to the link instruction, a series of linked image data files can be stored as a group in the data storage unit 13 using an MO disk or the like. in short,
In the present modified example, group-specific index information (here, G
1 to G3) in the header of each image data file so that they can be stored and managed as related groups.

[0055]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, digital image data photographed by a digital camera and images recorded on a film require particularly complicated operations such as operation of a personal computer. Instead, it is possible to realize an image reading and storing apparatus that stores and manages each group based on the photographing time or the digitizing time. It is also possible to realize a function of grouping and storing and managing image data files according to a user's instruction. Therefore, it is useful to apply the apparatus of the present invention to a dedicated apparatus which can be easily operated by general users, such as a digital album for storing and managing digital image data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image reading and storing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view showing the appearance of an image reading and storing apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a view showing the appearance of an operation remote controller used in the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary view showing the configuration of a system to which the image reading and storing apparatus of the embodiment is applied.

FIG. 5 is an exemplary flowchart for describing grouping processing related to the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an exemplary conceptual view showing a folder configuration for explaining a grouping process related to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary conceptual diagram for explaining an operation screen of the image reading and storing apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an operation screen in a film image reading process related to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image reading and storing apparatus according to a first modification of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a grouping process related to the first modification.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a folder structure for explaining a grouping process related to the first modification.

FIG. 12 is an exemplary conceptual diagram showing a folder configuration for explaining a grouping process related to Modification 2 of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Digital image data input part 2 ... Grouping processing part 3 ... Data storage part 4 ... Link disconnection instruction part 5 ... Link disconnection processing part 11 ... Digital image data display part 12 ... Digital image data selection part 13 ... Data storage part 14 ... Link instruction unit 15 ... Link processing unit 20 ... Image scanner unit 21 ... Reading unit 21A, 21B ... Film insertion port (sleeve) 21C ... Discharge port 22 ... Film 24 ... Cover member 25A, 25B ... IC memory card insertion slot (slot) ) 26 disk drive 27 remote control light receiving section 28 printer connector 29 video output terminal 30 input / output interface connector 31 DC jack 32 DC power supply 40 remote control

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. An image data capturing means for capturing digitized image data, a storage means for storing image data captured by the image data capturing means, and an image data group stored in the storage means. An image reading and storing apparatus, comprising: grouping means for grouping based on digitized time. 2. The image reading and storing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image data taking means comprises an image scanner and means for converting an image signal read by said image scanner into digital image data. 3. The image reading and storing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image data taking means has means for reading digital image data taken by a digital camera and recorded on a recording medium. 4. The image reading and storing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said grouping means has means for storing and managing image data groups in the same group in folder or directory units. 5. The grouping means processes the image data group as each image data file in a file unit, and adds index information indicating that the image data files are related files in the same group to each of the image data files. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:
The image reading and storing apparatus according to the above. 6. The grouping means processes the image data group as each image data file in file units, and identifies a file indicating an image data file associated with each of the image data files included in the same group. 2. The image reading and storing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for adding information. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the file identification information is a file name indicating an image data file corresponding to a time sequence next to each of the image data files related in time series within the same group. The image reading and storing device according to claim 6. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a link instruction unit for controlling said grouping unit, wherein said link instruction unit instructs the range of image data groups included in the same group by said grouping unit. 2. The image reading and storing device according to 1. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a link disconnecting unit for controlling the grouping unit, wherein the link disconnecting unit indicates image data to be excluded from the image data group grouped by the grouping unit. The image reading and storing device according to claim 1. 10. An image data fetching means for adding time data indicating a digitization time to digitized image data to fetch the image data, and storing the image data fetched by the image data fetching means. Storage means, display means for displaying and outputting each image data stored in the storage means on a screen in chronological order according to the time data, and a link for selecting and instructing the image data displayed on the screen An image reading apparatus comprising: an instruction unit; and a grouping unit that groups an image data group that temporally precedes the image data based on the image data instructed by the link instruction unit. Storage device. 11. An image data capturing means for capturing digitized image data, a storage means for storing the image data captured by the image data capturing means, and any image data stored in the storage means. Display means for displaying and outputting on the screen in time series; selecting means for selecting image data displayed on the screen; and link instructing means for indicating the image data group selected by the selecting means as the same group. And a grouping unit for grouping the image data group specified by the link specifying unit. 12. The image reading and storing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said grouping means has means for storing and managing image data groups in the same group in folder or directory units. 13. The grouping means processes the image data group as each image data file in file units, and stores, in a header portion of each image data file, index information indicating that the files are related files in the same group. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an adding unit.
1. Image reading and storage device according to 1. 14. An image data fetching means for fetching the image data by adding time data indicating the digitization time to the digitized image data, and storing the image data fetched by the image data fetching means. Storing means; determining means for determining, among the image data groups stored in the storing means, an image data group in which the interval at the time of digitization is within a range of a predetermined value; and an image determined by the determining means. An image reading and storing apparatus, comprising: a grouping means for grouping data groups. 15. The time data indicates a digitization time point at which an image signal read by an image scanner is converted into digital image data. The determination means includes: 15. The image reading and storing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein image data groups whose digitization time intervals are within a predetermined value range are determined as the same group. 16. The time data indicates a photographing time which is photographed by a digital camera and added to digital image data recorded on a recording medium. 15. The image reading and storing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the image data groups whose photographing time intervals are within a predetermined value range are determined as the same group.