JP2005184332A - File management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a file management system in which a user's erroneous operation is prevented when a file is deleted. <P>SOLUTION: The file management system comprises a file means for storing a file in a predetermined storage place, a file specifying means for accepting specification of a storage place and displaying a window capable of specifying an arbitrary file stored in a specified storage place, a means for setting a short cut entry for specifying the specified file in a window different from the window capable of specifying an arbitrary file stored in a storage place where the specified file is stored, and an arranging means for accepting a designation for deleting the specified file, altering the storage place of a file deletion of which is accepted if the short cut entry is set therein and altering the short cut entry set in that file depending on the altered storage place. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a file management device, a file management program, a file management method, an electronic album device, and a digital camera.

Conventionally, a file system capable of setting a plurality of access paths for an arbitrary file managed in a directory is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses an electronic album device that displays an original image file based on a path name included in an album file when an album file corresponding to a so-called shortcut is selected.
However, a user who misunderstands that the entity data of the shortcut file and the entity data of the original file exist separately cannot delete the original file and access the same data as the original file from the shortcut file. There is a problem that the original file is deleted accidentally without knowing.
On the other hand, if the same file is stored in a plurality of folders so that the same information can be accessed from the plurality of folders, memory resources are wasted.

Japanese Patent No. 3291479

  The present invention was created in view of the above-described problem, and can set a plurality of access paths for an arbitrary file, and prevents a user's erroneous operation when deleting a file without wasting memory resources. An object is to provide a file management device, a file management program, a file management method, an electronic album device, and a digital camera.

  In order to achieve the above object, a file management apparatus according to the present invention receives a file means for storing a file in a predetermined storage location and a specification of the storage location, and stores an arbitrary file stored in the specified storage location. Specify the specified file in a window that is different from the window that can specify any file saved in the storage location where the specified file is saved and the file designation means that displays the window that can be designated. A shortcut setting unit for setting a shortcut entry for performing the deletion, and an organizing unit for receiving an instruction to delete the designated file, and when the shortcut entry is set in the file for which the deletion instruction is received, the deletion instruction Change the storage location of the file that is accepted, and set the file It includes an organizing means for changing, the according to the location after the change the shortcut entry that is. Before the deletion instruction is issued, the file can be accessed from the window corresponding to the storage location where the file is stored and the window corresponding to the shortcut entry of the file, that is, from a plurality of access paths. it can. Further, since information accessed from a plurality of access paths is stored in one file, memory resources are not wasted. Change the storage location of the file in which the shortcut entry for which the deletion instruction has been accepted is set, and change the shortcut entry according to the storage location after the change of the file, so that the file with the shortcut entry is set Even if the user issues a deletion instruction, the user can access the file after changing the folder from the changed shortcut entry. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a user's erroneous operation when deleting a file. In addition, after the deletion instruction is issued, there is no path for accessing the file from the window corresponding to the original storage location of the file, so that the GUI appears to the user as if the file was deleted according to the deletion instruction. Change.

  Further, in the file management apparatus according to the present invention, the storage location is a folder, and the shortcut setting means stores the shortcut entry as a file in a folder different from the folder in which the designated file is stored. By saving the shortcut entry as one file, the shortcut entry is also managed as a file in the same manner as the file corresponding to the shortcut entry, so that the internal processing is easy for the user to understand.

  In order to achieve the above object, a file management apparatus according to the present invention receives a file means for storing a file in a predetermined storage location and a specification of the storage location, and stores an arbitrary file stored in the specified storage location. Specify the specified file in a window that is different from the window that can specify any file saved in the storage location where the specified file is saved and the file designation means that displays the window that can be designated. A shortcut setting unit for setting a shortcut entry for performing the deletion, and an organizing unit for receiving an instruction to delete the designated file, and when the shortcut entry is set in the file for which the deletion instruction is received, the deletion instruction Specify the file for which is accepted by the shortcut entry. Possible moved to the possible location in the window, provided with organizing means for deleting the shortcut entry of the file to which the delete instruction is accepted, the. Before the deletion instruction is issued, the file can be accessed from the window corresponding to the storage location where the file is stored and the window corresponding to the shortcut entry of the file, that is, from a plurality of access paths. it can. Further, since information accessed from a plurality of access paths is stored in one file, memory resources are not wasted. Change the storage location of the file in which the shortcut entry for which the deletion instruction is accepted is set to a storage location that can be specified in the window that can be specified by the shortcut entry, and delete the shortcut entry of the file for which the deletion instruction is accepted Thus, in the window where the specific file can be indirectly specified by the shortcut entry, the file can be directly specified. That is, even when the user issues a deletion instruction to a file in which a shortcut entry is set, the user can access the file from the window corresponding to the original shortcut entry. In addition, after the deletion instruction is issued, there is no path for accessing the file from the window corresponding to the original storage location of the file, so that the GUI appears to the user as if the file was deleted according to the deletion instruction. Change.

  Further, in the file management apparatus according to the present invention, the storage location is a folder, and the shortcut setting means stores the shortcut entry as a file in a folder different from the folder in which the designated file is stored. By saving the shortcut entry as one file, the shortcut entry is also managed as a file in the same manner as the file corresponding to the shortcut entry, so that the internal processing is easy for the user to understand.

  Further, in the file management device according to the present invention, the shortcut entry includes a thumbnail image of a specified file, and the file specifying means includes a thumbnail image included in a file stored in a specified storage location, or a specified file A thumbnail image included in a shortcut entry for accessing a file stored in a storage location different from the storage location is displayed in a window so that it can be specified. By including a thumbnail image in the shortcut entry, it is possible to increase the display speed compared to the case where the file corresponding to the shortcut entry is accessed and the thumbnail image included in the file is displayed in order to accept the designation of the shortcut entry. it can.

  Further, in the file management device according to the present invention, the shortcut entry includes a thumbnail image of a specified file, and the file specifying means includes a thumbnail image included in a file stored in a specified storage location, or a specified file A thumbnail image included in a shortcut entry for accessing a file stored in a storage location different from the storage location is displayed from a specified storage location in a window that can be specified, and the organizing unit has received a deletion instruction. The file is moved to the folder where the shortcut entry of the file is stored, and the file is hidden in the changed folder. When a file with a shortcut entry for which a deletion instruction has been accepted is changed to the folder in which the shortcut entry is saved, the shortcut entry and the changed file are saved in the same folder. Thus, by hiding the file, the thumbnail image included in the shortcut entry and the thumbnail image included in the changed file are not displayed repeatedly in the same window. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from being confused by overlapping display of the same thumbnail image in the window.

  Further, in the file management apparatus according to the present invention, when receiving the instruction to delete the shortcut entry of the file moved by the organizing means, the second organizing means accepting the instruction to delete the designated shortcut entry, Second arrangement means for deleting a shortcut entry for which an instruction has been accepted and a file in which the shortcut entry is set is further provided. After the deletion instruction for the file in which the shortcut entry is set is issued, the file is deleted only after the deletion instruction for the shortcut entry is issued.For the user, as if following the deletion instruction for the shortcut file, The GUI changes as if the entity file of the shortcut entry that existed independently of the file in which the shortcut entry is set is deleted.

  Furthermore, in the file management apparatus according to the present invention, when the shortcut setting unit sets a shortcut entry of the specified file, the shortcut setting unit stores link information that associates the specified file with a storage location of the shortcut entry, and The organizing means identifies the shortcut entry of the file for which the deletion instruction has been accepted based on the link information. By specifying a shortcut entry of a file for which a delete instruction has been accepted based on link information, it is possible to reduce processing related to the specification.

  Furthermore, in the file management apparatus according to the present invention, the organizing unit compares each shortcut entry with the storage location of the file for which the deletion instruction has been accepted, and identifies the shortcut entry for the file for which the deletion instruction has been accepted. By comparing each shortcut entry with the storage location of the file for which the deletion instruction has been received and specifying the shortcut entry, the shortcut entry can be searched without separately storing information that associates the storage location of the shortcut entry with the file. Can do.

  Furthermore, in the file management apparatus according to the present invention, a folder in which shortcut entries are stored is determined in advance. By limiting the search area to the folder when searching for and specifying a shortcut entry of a file for which a delete instruction has been accepted, processing related to the search can be reduced.

  In order to achieve the above object, a file management program according to the present invention allows a computer to receive a file means for saving a file in a predetermined storage location, and to specify a storage location, and to arbitrarily store a file in the specified storage location. A file specification means that displays a window that can specify a file of the specified file and a window that is different from the window that can specify an arbitrary file stored in the storage location where the specified file is stored. A shortcut setting means for setting a shortcut entry for designating, and an organizing means for accepting a deletion instruction for the designated file, and the shortcut entry is set in the file for which the deletion instruction is accepted, Change the storage location of the file for which the deletion instruction was accepted To function as organizing means for changing in accordance with the storage location after the change the shortcut entries set in the file. Before the deletion instruction is issued, the file can be accessed from the window corresponding to the storage location where the file is stored and the window corresponding to the shortcut entry of the file, that is, from a plurality of access paths. it can. Further, since information accessed from a plurality of access paths is stored in one file, memory resources are not wasted. By changing the storage location of the file for which the shortcut entry for which the deletion instruction has been accepted is set, and changing the shortcut entry according to the storage location after the change, the user can change the file for which the shortcut entry is set. Even if the deletion instruction is issued, the user can access the file after changing the storage location from the changed shortcut entry. In addition, after the deletion instruction is issued, there is no path for accessing the file from the window corresponding to the original storage location of the file, so that the GUI appears to the user as if the file was deleted according to the deletion instruction. Change.

  In order to achieve the above object, a file management program according to the present invention allows a computer to receive a file means for saving a file in a predetermined storage location, and to specify a storage location, and to arbitrarily store a file in the specified storage location. A file specification means that displays a window that can specify a file of the specified file and a window that is different from the window that can specify an arbitrary file stored in the storage location where the specified file is stored. A shortcut setting means for setting a shortcut entry for designating, and an organizing means for accepting a deletion instruction for the designated file, and the shortcut entry is set in the file for which the deletion instruction is accepted, The file for which the deletion instruction has been accepted It is moved to the possible storage locations in which can be specified window by preparative entry to function as organizing means for deleting the shortcut entry of the file to which the delete instruction is accepted. Before the deletion instruction is issued, the file can be accessed from the window corresponding to the storage location where the file is stored and the window corresponding to the shortcut entry of the file, that is, from a plurality of access paths. it can. Further, since information accessed from a plurality of access paths is stored in one file, memory resources are not wasted. Change the storage location of the file in which the shortcut entry for which the deletion instruction is accepted is set to a storage location that can be specified in the window that can be specified by the shortcut entry, and delete the shortcut entry of the file for which the deletion instruction is accepted Thus, in the window where the specific file can be indirectly specified by the shortcut entry, the file can be directly specified. That is, even when the user issues a deletion instruction to a file in which a shortcut entry is set, the user can access the file from the window corresponding to the original shortcut entry. In addition, after the deletion instruction is issued, there is no path for accessing the file from the window corresponding to the original storage location of the file, so that the GUI appears to the user as if the file was deleted according to the deletion instruction. Change.

  In order to achieve the above object, a file management method according to the present invention receives a file step for storing a file in a predetermined storage location and a specification of the storage location, and stores an arbitrary file stored in the specified storage location. Specify the specified file in a window that is different from the window that can specify any file saved in the storage location where the specified file is saved and the file specification step that displays the specified window. A shortcut setting step for setting a shortcut entry to be performed, and an organizing means for receiving an instruction to delete the specified file, and when the shortcut entry is set in the file for which the deletion instruction has been received, the deletion instruction Change the storage location of the file And a sort step is changed according to the location of the changed shortcut entries configured to yl. Before the deletion instruction is issued, the file may be accessed from the window corresponding to the storage location stored in the file and the window corresponding to the shortcut entry of the file, that is, from a plurality of access paths. it can. Further, since information accessed from a plurality of access paths is stored in one file, memory resources are not wasted. Change the storage location of the file in which the shortcut entry for which the deletion instruction has been accepted is set, and change the shortcut entry according to the storage location after the change of the file, so that the file with the shortcut entry is set Even if the user issues a deletion instruction, the user can access the file after changing the folder from the changed shortcut entry. In addition, after the deletion instruction is issued, there is no path for accessing the file from the window corresponding to the original storage location of the file, so that the GUI appears to the user as if the file was deleted according to the deletion instruction. Change.

  In order to achieve the above object, a file management method according to the present invention receives a file step for storing a file in a predetermined storage location and a specification of the storage location, and stores an arbitrary file stored in the specified storage location. Specify the specified file in a window that is different from the window that can specify any file saved in the storage location where the specified file is saved and the file specification step that displays the specified window. A shortcut setting step for setting a shortcut entry to be performed, and an organizing means for receiving an instruction to delete the specified file, and when the shortcut entry is set in the file for which the deletion instruction has been received, the deletion instruction The file for which the It comprises moving the Possible storage locations in which can be specified window, and organizing step of deleting the shortcut entry of the file to which the delete instruction is received, the by. Before the deletion instruction is issued, the file can be accessed from the window corresponding to the storage location where the file is stored and the window corresponding to the shortcut entry of the file, that is, from a plurality of access paths. it can. Further, since information accessed from a plurality of access paths is stored in one file, memory resources are not wasted. Change the storage location of the file in which the shortcut entry for which the deletion instruction is accepted is set to a storage location that can be specified in the window that can be specified by the shortcut entry, and delete the shortcut entry of the file for which the deletion instruction is accepted Thus, in the window where the specific file can be indirectly specified by the shortcut entry, the file can be directly specified. That is, even when the user issues a deletion instruction to a file in which a shortcut entry is set, the user can access the file from the window corresponding to the original shortcut entry. In addition, after the deletion instruction is issued, there is no path for accessing the file from the window corresponding to the original storage location of the file, so that the GUI appears to the user as if the file was deleted according to the deletion instruction. Change.

  In order to achieve the above object, an electronic album apparatus according to the present invention receives an input unit for inputting an image file, a file unit for storing the input image file in a predetermined storage location, and specification of the storage location. A file specification means that displays a window that allows you to specify any image file stored in the specified storage location, and any image file stored in the storage location where the specified image file is stored can be specified A shortcut setting means for setting a shortcut entry for designating the designated image file, a display means for displaying the designated image file, and an instruction to delete the designated image file. Is an organizing means for receiving the image, and the image file for which the deletion instruction has been received is added to the image file. Organizing means for changing the storage location of the image file for which the deletion instruction has been accepted and changing the shortcut entry set in the image file according to the storage location after the change when the shortcut entry is set; . Before the deletion instruction is issued, the image file is accessed from the window corresponding to the storage location stored in the image file and the window corresponding to the shortcut entry of the image file, that is, from a plurality of access paths. can do. Further, since information accessed from a plurality of access paths is stored in one file, memory resources are not wasted. An image for which a shortcut entry has been set by changing the storage location of the image file in which the shortcut entry for which the deletion instruction has been accepted is set, and changing the shortcut entry according to the storage location after the change of the image file Even if the user issues a deletion instruction to the file, the user can access the image file after changing the folder from the changed shortcut entry. In addition, after the deletion instruction is issued, there is no path for accessing the image file from the window corresponding to the original storage location of the image file, so that the user seems to have deleted the image file according to the deletion instruction. The GUI changes.

  In order to achieve the above object, an electronic album apparatus according to the present invention receives an input unit for inputting an image file, a file unit for storing the input image file in a predetermined storage location, and specification of the storage location. A file specification means that displays a window that allows you to specify any image file stored in the specified storage location, and any image file stored in the storage location where the specified image file is stored can be specified A shortcut setting means for setting a shortcut entry for specifying the specified image file, a display means for displaying the specified image file, and an instruction for deleting the specified file. Organizing means that accepts the short-cut file in the file for which the deletion instruction has been accepted. If a delete entry is set, the file for which the delete instruction is accepted is moved to a storage location that can be specified in a window that can be specified by the shortcut entry, and the shortcut entry of the file for which the delete instruction is accepted is deleted. And organizing means. Before the deletion instruction is issued, the image file is accessed from the window corresponding to the storage location where the image file is stored and the window corresponding to the shortcut entry of the image file, that is, from a plurality of access paths. can do. Further, since information accessed from a plurality of access paths is stored in one file, memory resources are not wasted. Change the storage location of the image file in which the shortcut entry for which the deletion instruction is accepted is set to a storage location that can be specified in the window that can be specified by the shortcut entry, and delete the shortcut entry of the image file for which the deletion instruction is accepted As a result, in a window in which a specific image file can be indirectly specified by the shortcut entry, the image file can be directly specified. That is, even if the user issues a deletion instruction for an image file in which a shortcut entry is set, the user can access the image file from the window corresponding to the original shortcut entry. In addition, after the deletion instruction is issued, there is no path for accessing the image file from the window corresponding to the original storage location of the image file, so that the user seems to have deleted the image file according to the deletion instruction. The GUI changes.

  In order to achieve the above object, a digital camera according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that converts an optical image of a subject into image data, a file unit that stores image data in a predetermined storage location as an image file of a predetermined format, and a storage File designation means that accepts designation of the location and displays a window in which any image file saved in the designated save location can be designated, and the designated image file is saved in the save location Shortcut setting means for setting a shortcut entry for specifying the specified image file in a window different from a window where an arbitrary image file can be specified, a display means for displaying the specified image file, and specification An organizing means for accepting an instruction to delete an image file that has been received. If the shortcut entry is set in the deleted image file, the storage location of the image file for which the deletion instruction has been accepted is changed, and the shortcut entry set in the image file is changed according to the storage location after the change. Organizing means for changing. Before the deletion instruction is issued, the image file is accessed from the window corresponding to the storage location stored in the image file and the window corresponding to the shortcut entry of the image file, that is, from a plurality of access paths. can do. Further, since information accessed from a plurality of access paths is stored in one file, memory resources are not wasted. An image for which a shortcut entry has been set by changing the storage location of the image file in which the shortcut entry for which the deletion instruction has been accepted is set, and changing the shortcut entry according to the storage location after the change of the image file Even if the user issues a deletion instruction to the file, the user can access the image file after changing the folder from the changed shortcut entry. In addition, after the deletion instruction is issued, there is no path for accessing the image file from the window corresponding to the original storage location of the image file, so that the user seems to have deleted the image file according to the deletion instruction. The GUI changes.

  In order to achieve the above object, a digital camera according to the present invention includes an imaging unit that converts an optical image of a subject into image data, a file unit that stores image data in a predetermined storage location as an image file of a predetermined format, and a storage File designation means that accepts designation of the location and displays a window in which any image file saved in the designated save location can be designated, and the designated image file is saved in the save location Shortcut setting means for setting a shortcut entry for specifying the specified image file in a window different from a window where an arbitrary image file can be specified, a display means for displaying the specified image file, and specification A means for receiving an instruction to delete a file that has been deleted. If the shortcut entry is set in the specified file, the file for which the deletion instruction has been accepted is moved to a storage location that can be specified in the window that can be specified by the shortcut entry, and the deletion instruction of the file for which the deletion instruction has been accepted is moved. Organizing means for deleting shortcut entries. Before the deletion instruction is issued, the image file is accessed from the window corresponding to the storage location where the image file is stored and the window corresponding to the shortcut entry of the image file, that is, from a plurality of access paths. can do. Further, since information accessed from a plurality of access paths is stored in one file, memory resources are not wasted. Change the storage location of the image file in which the shortcut entry for which the deletion instruction is accepted is set to a storage location that can be specified in the window that can be specified by the shortcut entry, and delete the shortcut entry of the image file for which the deletion instruction is accepted As a result, in a window in which a specific image file can be indirectly specified by the shortcut entry, the image file can be directly specified. That is, even if the user issues a deletion instruction for an image file in which a shortcut entry is set, the user can access the image file from the window corresponding to the original shortcut entry. In addition, after the deletion instruction is issued, there is no path for accessing the image file from the window corresponding to the original storage location of the image file, so that the user seems to have deleted the image file according to the deletion instruction. The GUI changes.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on a plurality of examples.
(First Example)
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the electronic album apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. On the front surface of the electronic album device 1, an LCD 4, a menu button 6, a cross key 8, a determination button 10, and a cancel button 12 are arranged. A removable memory 16 is detachably connected to a memory slot 14 provided on the side surface of the electronic album device 1. The electronic album device 1 is a device that collectively copies image files stored in the removable memory 16 by a digital camera or the like to an image storage folder, which will be described later, and displays the arbitrarily copied image files on the LCD 4. Further, the electronic album device 1 can create a shortcut file corresponding to any image file that is collectively copied to the image storage folder, and also access the image file from the shortcut file that is organized and saved in the album storage folder. The image file can be displayed on the LCD 4.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the electronic album apparatus 1. The electronic album device 1 includes a control unit 18, a display unit 22, a storage unit 24, an operation unit 26, and an input unit 28, which are connected to each other via a bus 30.
The control unit 18 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like (not shown). The CPU controls each unit of the electronic album apparatus 1 by executing a program stored in a memory in the control unit 18 or a storage unit 24 described later.
The display unit 22 includes an LCD 4, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) for display control (not shown), and the like.

The storage unit 24 includes a hard disk, a hard disk controller, and the like. The storage unit 24 stores an image file, a shortcut file 40, a program for controlling the electronic album device, and the like.
The operation unit 26 includes a menu button 6, a cross key 8, an enter button 10, a cancel button 12, and the like. The menu displayed on the LCD 4 can be operated by operating the menu button 6, the cross key 8, the enter button 10, the cancel button 12, and the like.
The input unit 28 includes a memory slot 14 and a memory controller (not shown). Data stored in the removable memory 16 is stored in the storage unit 24 via the input unit 28.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the electronic album device 1.
The input unit 61 is a unit for inputting data stored in the removable memory 16.
The file unit 60 creates a subfolder for each removable memory in the image storage folder 50 of the storage unit 24, and stores the data input from the removable memory 16 in a subfolder. The file means 60 assigns to each subfolder a folder name representing the date of the day on which the data stored in the removable memory 16 is stored collectively.

  The file designating unit 62 displays the folder and image file icons in the storage unit 24 on the LCD 4 for each folder, and accepts the designation of the folder and file. In the following description, the file designating unit 62 is described as displaying one window on the LCD 4 in full screen, but a plurality of windows may be displayed simultaneously on one screen. The image storage folder, the album storage folder, the album folder, and the like correspond to the entries described in the claims.

The display means 63 displays the image represented by the main image data stored in the image file designated by the file designation means 62 on the LCD 4 in full screen.
When the shortcut setting unit 64 receives a shortcut setting request for the image file specified by the file specifying unit 62, the shortcut setting unit 64 stores the shortcut file including the path name of the image file 32 and the thumbnail image data of the image file 32 in the predetermined album storage folder. Save to the album folder.

  When the organizing unit 66 receives a deletion request for the image file specified by the file specifying unit 62, if the shortcut file corresponding to the specified image file 32 does not exist, the organizing unit 66 deletes the image file. If there is a shortcut file corresponding to the image file, the organizing means 66 moves the image file to the folder where the shortcut file is stored, and the path name of the image file stored in the shortcut file. Change according to the moved folder.

  When the second organizing unit 66 receives a deletion request for the shortcut file 40 of the image file 32 moved to the folder where the shortcut file is stored by the organizing unit 66, the second organizing unit 66 and the moved image file 32 are moved. And delete.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing transitions of screens displayed in the process of collectively storing the data stored in the removable memory 16 in the storage unit 24. FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams illustrating directories in the storage unit 24 and the removable memory 16 before and after the process of storing the data stored in the removable memory 16 collectively in the storage unit 24. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for collectively storing data stored in the removable memory 16 in the storage unit 24. Hereinafter, a process for collectively storing data stored in the removable memory 16 in the storage unit 24 will be described.

  When the electronic album apparatus 1 is turned on, a screen 300 representing the main menu is displayed on the LCD 4 as shown in FIG. When the enter button 10 is pressed in a state where “copy to storage” is selected by the operation of the cross key 8, as shown in FIG. 8, the file means 60 displays a folder name indicating the date of the day (for example, 2003) A card folder 52 (refer to FIG. 7) representing “November 11” (see FIG. 7) is created in the image storage folder 50 of the storage unit 24 (S10), and the image file 32 (for example, a tree) stored in the removable memory 16 is created. .Exif, face.exif, flower.exif, and sea.exif) are copied to the card folder 52 (S11). At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, a screen 302 representing the progress status is displayed for a period until copying is completed.

Next, processing for displaying the image data stored in the image storage folder 50 and setting the shortcut file 40 for the image data stored in the image storage folder 50 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing transition of screens displayed in this series of processing. 10 and 11 are schematic diagrams showing directories in the storage unit 24 and the removable memory 16 before and after the process of setting the shortcut file 40 for the image data 32 stored in the image storage folder 50. FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing for setting the shortcut file 40.

When the enter button 10 is pressed while “view photos” is selected on the screen 300 by the operation of the cross key 8, it is stored in any of the album storage folder 54, the image storage folder 50, and the removable memory 16. The file designating unit 62 displays on the LCD 4 a screen 304 for allowing the user to select whether to display an image file.
When the determination button 10 is pressed while “image storage” is selected on the screen 304 by the operation of the cross key 8, the file designating unit 62 displays the icon 100 of the card folder 52 stored in the image storage folder 50. Is displayed on the LCD 4.
When the icon 100 of the card folder 52 is selected on the screen 306 by the operation of the cross key 8 and the enter button 10 is pressed, the file specifying means 62 stores the image file stored in the card folder 52 corresponding to the selected icon 100. A screen 308 for displaying a list of the icons 102 is displayed on the LCD 4. The icon 102 of each image file is displayed based on the thumbnail image data stored in the corresponding image file, and represents an image represented by the corresponding image file.
When one of the icons 102 (for example, a face icon) is selected on the screen 308 by the operation of the cross key 8 and the determination button 10 is pressed, the image file 32 (for example, face.exif) corresponding to the selected icon 102 is stored. The image represented by the image file is displayed on the LCD 4 on the full screen based on the main image data.

When the menu button 6 is pressed on the screen 310 in which the image represented by the image file 32 is displayed on the LCD 4 in full screen, a screen 312 for selecting a command that can be requested for the image file 32 is displayed on the LCD 4. When “Register to album” is selected on the screen 312 by the operation of the cross key 8 and the determination button 10 is pressed, a shortcut setting request is accepted, and a screen 314 for selecting a folder for saving the shortcut file is displayed on the LCD 4. Is done.
When the enter button 10 is pressed while an item (for example, “Travel”) corresponding to the shortcut file storage folder is selected on the screen 314 by the operation of the cross key 8, the shortcut setting unit 64 causes the album storage folder 54 to be displayed. A shortcut file 40 (for example, face.sc) is generated in a storage folder (for example, “Travel” album folder) subordinate to the file (S20), and the path name (for example, ¥ storage unit) of the image file 32 displayed on the full screen. ¥ image storage ¥ 20031111 ¥ face.exif) is stored in the shortcut file 40 (S21), and the thumbnail image data of the image file 32 displayed on the full screen is stored in the shortcut file 40 (S22). The process of saving the shortcut file corresponds to the process of setting the shortcut entry described in the claims.

Next, a process for accessing the shortcut file stored in the album storage folder 54 and displaying the image file will be described.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a transition of screens displayed in the process of accessing the shortcut file 40 stored in the album storage folder 54 and displaying the image file 32.

When the determination button 10 is pressed while “album storage” is selected on the screen 304, the file designating unit 62 displays a list of icons 104 of the album folders 56 subordinate to the album storage folder 54. 316 is displayed on the LCD 4.
When the icon 104 of the album folder 56 is selected on the screen 316 by the operation of the cross key 8 and the determination button 10 is pressed, the file designating unit 62 causes the shortcut file 40 subordinate to the album folder 56 corresponding to the selected icon. A screen 318 that displays a list of icons 106 (for example, “Momiji.sc”, “Thu.sc”, and “Face.sc” shown in FIG. 11) is displayed on the LCD 4. Each icon 106 is displayed based on thumbnail image data stored in the corresponding shortcut file 40 and represents an image represented by an image file accessed from the shortcut file 40.
When one of the icons 106 (for example, “face”) is selected on the screen 318 by the operation of the cross key 8 and the determination button 10 is pressed, the shortcut file 40 (for example, face.sc) corresponding to the selected icon 106 is selected. The image file 32 (for example, face.exif) is opened based on the path name of the image file 32 stored in the image file 32, and the main image data of the image file 32 is displayed on the LCD 4 in full screen.

Next, processing for deleting the image file 32 stored in the image storage folder 50 will be described.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a transition of screens displayed in the process of deleting the image file 32 stored in the image storage folder 50. FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic diagrams showing directories in the storage unit 24 and the removable memory 16 before and after the process of deleting the image file 32. FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for deleting the image file 32.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the menu button 6 is pressed on the screen 322 in which the main image data of the image file 32 stored in the image storage folder 50 is displayed on the full screen, the image file can be requested. A screen 312 for selecting an appropriate command is displayed on the LCD 4. When the determination button 10 is pressed in a state where “delete” is selected on the screen 312 by the operation of the cross key 8, as shown in FIG. 1, the organizing unit 66 displays the path name (for example, “¥” Storage unit \ image storage \ 20031111 \ flower.exif ") and the path name stored in the shortcut file 40 stored in the album folder 56 are compared one by one, thereby displaying the image file 32 (full screen displayed) ( For example, it is determined whether or not the shortcut file 40 (eg, flower.sc) corresponding to flower.exif) is stored in the album storage folder 54 (S30). Since the storage location of the shortcut file 40 is limited to the album storage folder 54, the amount of processing required for this determination is suppressed.
As shown in FIG. 21A, a list 90 indicating the shortcut file 40 corresponding to each image file 32 stored in the image storage folder 50 is managed, and images displayed on the full screen are displayed. Whether or not the shortcut file 40 corresponding to the file 32 is stored in the album storage folder 54 may be determined based on the list 90. 21B, the path name of the corresponding shortcut file 40 is stored in each image file 32, and the shortcut file 40 is stored in the album storage folder 54 based on the path name stored in the image file 32. It may be determined whether or not it is stored.
When the corresponding shortcut file 40 is stored in the album storage folder 54, the organizing unit 66 moves the image file to the album folder 56 (for example, the “travel” album folder) in which the shortcut file 40 is stored. (S31). Next, the organizing unit 66 changes the moved image file 32 to the non-display attribute. Specifically, for example, the extension of the file is changed to “.tmp” (for example, “\ storage unit \ album storage \ travel \ flower.tmp”) that is an extension of a file that is not displayed by the file specifying means 62. (S32). Next, the path name included in the shortcut file 40 is changed to the moved image file 32 (S33).
It should be noted that the non-display attribute may be represented by specific characters or numbers added to the head of the file name of the image file 32, or non-display attribute information may be recorded in the header of the image file 32 or the like.
On the other hand, when the corresponding shortcut file 40 is not stored in the album storage folder 54, the organizing means 66 deletes the image file 32 (for example, sea.exif) displayed on the full screen (S34).

Next, processing for deleting the shortcut file 40 will be described.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating transition of screens displayed in the process of deleting the shortcut file 40. FIGS. 18 and 19 are schematic diagrams showing directories in the storage unit 24 and the removable memory 16 before and after the process of deleting the shortcut file 40. FIG. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for deleting the shortcut file 40.

When a screen 312 (see FIG. 17) for selecting a command that can be requested for the image file 32 in which the main image data is displayed on the LCD 4 on the full screen is displayed on the LCD 4, the screen 312 is operated by operating the cross key 8. When “Delete” is selected and the OK button 10 is pressed, the second organizing unit 68 determines whether or not a direct deletion instruction has been received for the image file 32 in the past, as shown in FIG. . Specifically, for example, the determination is made based on whether or not the image file 32 is stored in the album storage folder 54. (S40).
When the corresponding shortcut file 40 has already been deleted, the second organizing unit 68 deletes the shortcut file 40 (for example, flower.sc) and the image file 32 (for example, flower.tmp) (S41, S42). . Even if a deletion instruction is directly received for the image file 32 in the past, referring to the correspondence table 90 described above, when there are a plurality of shortcut files 40 corresponding to the image file 32, It is desirable to delete only the shortcut file 40.
On the other hand, if the corresponding shortcut file has not been deleted, the second organizing means 68 deletes the shortcut file 40 (for example, tree.sc) corresponding to the image file 32 (for example, tree.exif) displayed on the full screen. (S43).

According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, when the shortcut file 40 of the image file 32 is stored in the album folder 56, the screen showing that the file 32 stored in the image storage folder 54 can be selected, and the album One image file 32 can be accessed from a screen showing that files stored in the storage folder 54 can be selected, that is, from a plurality of access paths. Further, since the same image file 32 is not redundantly stored in the image storage folder 50 and the album storage folder 54, the capacity of the storage unit is not wasted. Further, when an instruction to delete the image file 32 in which the shortcut file 40 is set is received, the GUI changes for the user as if the file was deleted according to the deletion instruction, while the deletion instruction is issued from the shortcut file 40. The accepted image file 32 can still be accessed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a user's erroneous operation when the image file 32 is deleted.
Furthermore, since information for accessing one image file from a plurality of paths is managed by a file (shortcut file) from a plurality of access paths, information for accessing one image file 32 from a plurality of paths is managed. This makes it easier for the user to understand the internal processing for doing this. Specifically, for example, when the electronic album apparatus 1 is connected to another computer system and functions as a network storage, it becomes easy to access data in the electronic album apparatus 1 from another computer system.

Further, by displaying the thumbnail image data stored in the shortcut file 40 on the LCD 4, the image file 32 stored in the album storage 54 can be displayed on the LCD 4 at a high speed.
Further, when the image file 32 is moved into the album storage folder 54, the image file 32 is hidden, so that the same thumbnail image is displayed repeatedly on the screen showing a list of files accessible from the album storage folder 54. This prevents the user from being confused.

(Second embodiment)
The electronic album apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the process when the direct deletion of the image file 32 stored in the image storage folder 50 is accepted.
FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing directories in the storage unit 24 and the removable memory 16 immediately after a direct deletion instruction is received for the image file 32 “flower.exif” in the state shown in FIG. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for deleting the shortcut file 40. Components corresponding to those of the first embodiment will be described using the same reference numerals.

When the organizing unit 66 receives a deletion request for the image file 32 specified by the file specifying unit 62, the organizing unit 66 receives a shortcut file 40 (for example, flower.exif) corresponding to the image file 32 (for example, flower.exif). It is determined whether or not sc) is stored in the album storage folder 54 (S50).
When the corresponding shortcut file 40 is stored in the album storage folder 54, the organizing unit 66 moves the image file 32 to the album folder 56 (for example, the “travel” album folder) in which the shortcut file 40 is stored. Next, the shortcut file 40 is deleted (S52).
On the other hand, when the shortcut file 40 is not stored in the album storage folder 54, the organizing unit 66 deletes the image file 32 (for example, sea.exif) displayed on the full screen (S53).

  According to the second embodiment of the present invention, for the user, the GUI changes as if the file was deleted according to the deletion instruction, while the deletion instruction was accepted from the folder in which the shortcut file 40 was stored. The image file 32 can still be accessed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a user's erroneous operation when the image file 32 is deleted.

  In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, the example in which the shortcut entry of the image file 32 is set by saving the shortcut file 40 has been described. However, the shortcut entry indicates an additional access path of the image file. The file format is not limited to one-to-one management, but may be managed in a database format in which additional access paths are managed in record units. Specifically, for example, when a shortcut setting request is received, the path name and thumbnail image data of the image file 32 are stored in the database file 200 stored in the designated album folder 56 as shown in FIG. When an instruction for the album folder 56 is accepted, a list of icons is displayed based on the thumbnail image data stored in the database file 200 stored in the album folder 56. Furthermore, when one of these icons is selected, the image file may be opened based on the path name of the same record, and the main image data of the image file may be displayed on the LCD 4 in full screen.

In the first and second embodiments, the electronic album apparatus has been described as an example. However, the present invention may be applied to a file management apparatus such as a personal computer, a portable information terminal such as a mobile phone.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 25, the present invention may be applied to a digital camera provided with an imaging unit 19 that includes a lens, a CCD area image sensor, an A / D converter, an image processing ASIC, and the like. In the digital camera according to the embodiment of the present invention, the optical image of the subject is converted into image data by the imaging unit 19, and the converted image data is stored in the removable memory 16 in a predetermined file format such as JPEG and stored in the removable memory 16. The stored image file is processed according to the first and second embodiments described above.

The flowchart which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The perspective view which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. 1 is a block diagram according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The flowchart which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The flowchart which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The flowchart which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The flowchart which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The schematic diagram which concerns on the 1st Example of this invention. The block diagram which concerns on one Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 electronic album device (file management device), 40 shortcut file (shortcut entry), 60 file means, 62 file specifying means, 64 shortcut setting means, 66 organizing means, 68 second organizing means

Claims (18)

A file means for storing the file in a predetermined storage location;
A file specification means for accepting specification of a storage location and displaying a window in which any file stored in the specified storage location can be specified;
Shortcut setting means for setting a shortcut entry for specifying the specified file in a window different from a window in which an arbitrary file stored in the storage location where the specified file is stored can be specified ,
When the shortcut entry is set in the file for which the deletion instruction is received, the organizing unit that receives the deletion instruction for the specified file, changes the storage location of the file for which the deletion instruction is received, and Organizing means to change the shortcut entry set in the file according to the storage location after change,
A file management apparatus comprising: The storage location is a folder,
The file management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shortcut setting unit stores the shortcut entry as a file in a folder different from a folder in which the designated file is stored. A file means for storing the file in a predetermined storage location;
A file specification means for accepting specification of a storage location and displaying a window in which any file stored in the specified storage location can be specified;
Shortcut setting means for setting a shortcut entry for specifying the specified file in a window different from a window in which an arbitrary file stored in the storage location where the specified file is stored can be specified ,
An organizing unit that receives a deletion instruction for a specified file, and when the shortcut entry is set in a file for which the deletion instruction has been received, the file for which the deletion instruction has been received can be specified by the shortcut entry Organizing means to move to a storage location that can be specified in the window and delete the shortcut entry of the file for which the deletion instruction has been accepted,
A file management apparatus comprising: The storage location is a folder,
4. The file management apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the shortcut setting unit stores the shortcut entry as a file in a folder different from a folder in which the designated file is stored. The shortcut entry has a thumbnail image of the specified file,
The file specifying means includes a thumbnail image included in a file stored in a specified storage location, or a shortcut entry for accessing a file stored in a storage location different from the storage location from the specified storage location. 5. The file management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thumbnail image is displayed in a window so as to be specified. The shortcut entry has a thumbnail image of the specified file,
The file specifying means includes a thumbnail image included in a file stored in a specified storage location, or a shortcut entry for accessing a file stored in a storage location different from the storage location from the specified storage location. The thumbnail image you have is displayed in a window that you can specify,
3. The organizing unit moves a file for which a deletion instruction has been accepted to a folder in which the shortcut entry of the file is stored, and hides the file in the changed folder. The file management device described.   A second organizing unit that receives an instruction to delete a specified shortcut entry, and when the instruction to delete the shortcut entry of the file moved by the organizing unit is received, the shortcut entry in which the deletion instruction is received and the shortcut 7. The file management apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second organizing unit that deletes the file in which the entry is set. When the shortcut setting unit sets a shortcut entry of the specified file, the shortcut setting unit stores link information that associates the specified file with a storage location of the shortcut entry,
5. The file management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the organizing unit identifies a shortcut entry of a file for which the deletion instruction is accepted based on the link information.   5. The organizing unit compares each shortcut entry with a storage location of a file for which the deletion instruction is accepted, and specifies a shortcut entry for the file for which the deletion instruction is accepted. The file management device described.   The file management apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a folder in which the shortcut entry is stored is predetermined. Computer
A file means for storing the file in a predetermined storage location;
A file specification means for accepting specification of a storage location and displaying a window in which any file stored in the specified storage location can be specified;
Shortcut setting means for setting a shortcut entry for specifying the specified file in a window different from a window in which an arbitrary file stored in the storage location where the specified file is stored can be specified ,
When the shortcut entry is set in the file for which the deletion instruction is received, the organizing unit that receives the deletion instruction for the specified file, changes the storage location of the file for which the deletion instruction is received, and A file management program which functions as an organizing means for changing a shortcut entry set in a file according to a storage location after the change. Computer
A file means for storing the file in a predetermined storage location;
A file specification means for accepting specification of a storage location and displaying a window in which any file stored in the specified storage location can be specified;
Shortcut setting means for setting a shortcut entry for specifying the specified file in a window different from a window in which an arbitrary file stored in the storage location where the specified file is stored can be specified ,
An organizing unit that receives a deletion instruction for a specified file, and when the shortcut entry is set in a file for which the deletion instruction has been received, the file for which the deletion instruction has been received can be specified by the shortcut entry A file management program that moves to a storage location that can be specified in a window and functions as an organizing unit that deletes a shortcut entry of a file for which the deletion instruction has been accepted. A file step for saving the file in a predetermined storage location;
A file specification step that accepts specification of a storage location and displays a window in which any file stored in the specified storage location can be specified;
A shortcut setting step for setting a shortcut entry for specifying the specified file in a window different from a window in which an arbitrary file stored in the storage location in which the specified file is stored can be specified; ,
When the shortcut entry is set in the file for which the deletion instruction is received, the organizing unit that receives the deletion instruction for the specified file, changes the storage location of the file for which the deletion instruction is received, and Organize steps to change the shortcut entry set in the file according to the storage location after the change,
A file management method comprising: A file step for saving the file in a predetermined storage location;
A file specification step that accepts specification of a storage location and displays a window in which any file stored in the specified storage location can be specified;
A shortcut setting step for setting a shortcut entry for specifying the specified file in a window different from a window in which an arbitrary file stored in the storage location in which the specified file is stored can be specified; ,
An organizing unit that receives a deletion instruction for a specified file, and when the shortcut entry is set in a file for which the deletion instruction has been received, the file for which the deletion instruction has been received can be specified by the shortcut entry Organize step to move to a storage location that can be specified in the window and delete the shortcut entry of the file for which the deletion instruction is accepted,
A file management method comprising: An input means for inputting an image file;
File means for storing the input image file in a predetermined storage location;
A file specification means for accepting specification of a storage location and displaying a window in which any image file stored in the specified storage location can be specified;
Shortcut that sets a shortcut entry to specify the specified image file in a window that is different from the window that can specify any image file stored in the storage location where the specified image file is stored Setting means;
Display means for displaying a specified image file;
When the shortcut entry is set in the image file for which the deletion instruction is accepted, the storage location of the image file for which the deletion instruction is accepted is changed. And organizing means for changing the shortcut entry set in the image file according to the storage location after the change,
An electronic album device comprising: An input means for inputting an image file;
File means for storing the input image file in a predetermined storage location;
A file specification means for accepting specification of a storage location and displaying a window in which any image file stored in the specified storage location can be specified;
Shortcut that sets a shortcut entry to specify the specified image file in a window that is different from the window that can specify any image file stored in the storage location where the specified image file is stored Setting means;
Display means for displaying a specified image file;
An organizing unit that receives a deletion instruction for a specified file, and when the shortcut entry is set in a file for which the deletion instruction has been received, the file for which the deletion instruction has been received can be specified by the shortcut entry Organizing means to move to a storage location that can be specified in the window and delete the shortcut entry of the file for which the deletion instruction has been accepted,
An electronic album device comprising: Imaging means for converting an optical image of a subject into image data;
File means for storing image data in a predetermined storage location as an image file of a predetermined format;
A file specification means for accepting specification of a storage location and displaying a window in which any image file stored in the specified storage location can be specified;
Shortcut that sets a shortcut entry to specify the specified image file in a window that is different from the window that can specify any image file stored in the storage location where the specified image file is stored Setting means;
Display means for displaying a specified image file;
When the shortcut entry is set in an image file for which the deletion instruction is accepted, the storage location of the image file for which the deletion instruction is accepted is changed. , Organizing means for changing the shortcut entry set in the image file according to the storage location after the change,
A digital camera comprising: Imaging means for converting an optical image of a subject into image data;
File means for storing image data in a predetermined storage location as an image file of a predetermined format;
A file specification means for accepting specification of a storage location and displaying a window in which any image file stored in the specified storage location can be specified;
Shortcut that sets a shortcut entry to specify the specified image file in a window that is different from the window that can specify any image file stored in the storage location where the specified image file is stored Setting means;
Display means for displaying a specified image file;
An organizing unit that receives a deletion instruction for a specified file, and when the shortcut entry is set in a file for which the deletion instruction has been received, the file for which the deletion instruction has been received can be specified by the shortcut entry Organizing means to move to a storage location that can be specified in the window and delete the shortcut entry of the file for which the deletion instruction has been accepted,
A digital camera comprising:

Images