JP2009225162A - Image editing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image editing method for deleting a main image from a multi-image file so as to be restorable. <P>SOLUTION: This image editing method contains: the step of replacing main image data with one sub-image data to which a concealed attribute in one or more sub-images is not added when deleting a main image of the multi-image file which contains one main image data, one or more sub-image data, and a sub-image header which can individually add the concealed attribute to each sub-image data, to form the sub-image after replacement as a new main image and to form the main image after replacement as a new sub-image; and the step of correcting the sub-image header so as to add the concealed attribute concerning the new sub-image after replacement. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image editing method for editing a multi-image file including main image data, sub image data, and sub image management information.

  When shooting an image, one shot may be taken for each scene, but predetermined shooting such as continuous shooting, panoramic shooting, auto bracket shooting, and multi-viewpoint shooting (so-called stereoscopic image shooting). A plurality of images may be taken by a sequence. In particular, recent digital cameras have improved continuous shooting performance, so the number of continuous shots tends to increase dramatically. However, if each image obtained by continuous shooting is recorded as a separate file, Management is likely to be very cumbersome.

  Therefore, it is highly convenient in terms of file operation and file management by treating a group of highly related images obtained by such a predetermined shooting sequence as a single file instead of handling each as a separate file. Techniques have been proposed for obtaining the characteristics.

  As such a technique, for example, a technique described in JP-A-2005-252754 is cited. The technique described in the publication stores a main image (one main (representative) image among a plurality of images grouped in a file) at the beginning of a file, and a plurality of subsequent images. This is a technique for storing sub-images. Here, a header conforming to the Exif standard is added to each of the main image and the sub-image. In particular, the header of the main image is included in the same file in addition to a portion for recording information about the main image itself. A portion for recording information about one or more stored sub-images is also provided.

  A file as shown in this example, that is, an image file that stores a plurality of image data in one file will be referred to as a “multi-image file” as appropriate below.

With regard to such a multi-image file, a mechanism has been proposed in which when sub-images included in the file are deleted, the actual data of the sub-image is left as it is and the surface is not visible. Specifically, information indicating that there is no corresponding sub-image (so-called flag information (hidden attribute) indicating whether or not the sub-image exists) is recorded in a portion of the header of the main image where information on the sub-image (sub-image management information) is recorded. Such processing is realized by adding)). If such processing is performed, there is an advantage that when it is desired to restore the sub-image, it can be restored relatively easily.
JP 2005-252754 A

  However, since such a mechanism is not particularly proposed for the deletion of the main image, it is currently difficult to restore the main image when the main image is deleted (that is, the main image). Since it is considered that all data of all multi-image files including sub-images will be deleted, whether restoration is possible or the degree of difficulty of restoration depends on the file system etc. Will end up).

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an image editing method capable of deleting a main image from a multi-image file so as to be restored.

  In order to achieve the above object, the image editing method according to the first invention is a sub-image that can individually add a hidden attribute to each of one main image data, one or more sub-image data, and the sub-image data. An image editing method for editing a multi-image file including management information, wherein the hidden attribute is not added to the main image data and the one or more sub-image data when the main image is deleted. Replacing the two sub-image data with the new sub-image as the main image after the replacement, and adding a hidden attribute with respect to the new sub-image after the replacement. Modifying the sub-image management information.

  An image editing method according to a second invention is the image editing method according to the first invention, wherein the hidden attribute inversion is performed to invert presence / absence of addition of the hidden attribute to all the sub-images included in the multi-image file. And one or more sub-images to which the hidden attribute is not actually added among all the sub-images included in the multi-image file processed in the step and the hidden attribute inversion step are selected as restoration targets. A sub-image restoration step of inverting again the presence / absence of addition of the hidden attribute of all other sub-images while maintaining the presence / absence of addition of the hidden attribute of the selected sub-image.

  Furthermore, the image editing method according to the third invention is the image editing method according to the second invention, wherein the hidden attribute in all the sub-images included in the multi-image file processed by the hidden attribute inversion step is used. A display step of displaying a sub-image to which is not actually added.

  According to the image editing method of the present invention, a main image can be deleted from a multi-image file so that it can be restored.

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

[Embodiment 1]
1 to 13 show Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image file processing apparatus.

  In this embodiment, an image editing method (including an image restoration method) is applied to an image file processing apparatus. However, this image file processing apparatus is an example, and an object to which the image editing method is applied may be an imaging apparatus such as a digital camera or an image display apparatus for viewing images. Various other devices capable of handling images may be used.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image file processing apparatus includes a recording medium 101, a display unit 102, an operation unit 103, a medium control unit 104, a RAM 105, a ROM 106, a display control unit 107, and an operation input interface. (Operation input I / F) 108, a data bus (abbreviated as a bus in the figure) 109, a control unit 110, and an image processing unit 111 are provided.

  The recording medium 101 is for recording an image file.

  The display unit 102 is for displaying an image read from the recording medium 101 and displaying the operation content for the image file processing apparatus, and is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD).

  The operation unit 103 is for performing various operation inputs such as an operation for selecting an image or an operation for deleting the selected image, and includes an operation button, an operation switch, and the like.

  The medium control unit 104 performs processing for reading an image file recorded on the recording medium 101 or recording an image file on the recording medium 101 based on the control of the control unit 110.

The RAM 105 is a volatile memory for temporarily storing the image file read from the recording medium 101 or temporarily storing the image data processed by the image processing unit 111. It is a non-volatile memory that stores a file control program executed by the unit 110.

  Based on the control of the control unit 110, the display control unit 107 outputs display data created by the image processing unit 111 and stored in the RAM 105 to the display unit 102 so that the display unit 102 performs display. To control.

  An operation input interface (operation input I / F) 108 is an interface for receiving a signal from the operation unit 103. A signal input from the operation unit 103 is input to the control unit 110 via the operation input interface 108 and the data bus 109.

  A data bus (simply referred to as “bus” in FIG. 1) 109 is for mediating data of each part in the image file processing apparatus. The data bus 109 is connected to a medium control unit 104, a RAM 105, a ROM 106, a display control unit 107, an operation input interface 108, a control unit 110, and an image processing unit 111.

  The control unit 110 performs various types of control related to the image file processing apparatus based on the file control program stored in the ROM 106 described above, and further performs arithmetic processing on various types of data including image data as necessary. For example, an MPU is used.

  The image processing unit 111 is for performing image processing such as processing for creating a thumbnail image from image data, processing for generating image data for display to be output from the image data to the display unit 102, and the like. It is comprised by ASIC etc.

  Next, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of a JPG file.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, an image file configured as a JPG file is configured by sandwiching one JPEG header and one JPEG image data between an image start marker SOI and an image end marker EOI. . The JPEG header is used to record various types of information related to JPEG image data, and information is recorded in the format of Exif data conforming to the Exif standard.

  The Exif data includes an APP1 marker area as shown in FIG. The APP1 marker area includes an APP1 marker, an Exif header, a TIFF header, a 0th IFD, an Exif IFD, a manufacturer note IFD, and a 1st IFD.

  The 0th IFD includes a pointer to the Exif IFD, a pointer to the 1st IFD, and an offset that is access information to the image data.

  The Exif IFD includes a pointer to the manufacturer note IFD and Exif IFD tag data.

  The manufacturer note IFD includes manufacturer note data. The manufacturer note data and the Exif IFD tag data described above include attribute information regarding image data such as shooting conditions.

  The 1st IFD includes a thumbnail image.

  Next, FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a multi-image file.

  A multi-image file is composed of one JPEG image data that is a main image (one main (representative) image among a plurality of images stored in one multi-image file) and other sub-images. N (n is an integer of 1 or more) JPEG image data can be stored. Each JPEG image data has a JPEG header added thereto, and one set of the JPEG header and JPEG image data is sandwiched between an image start marker SOI and an image end marker EOI. . In such a configuration, the first image stored in the image file is the main image, and not only the JPEG header but also a sub-image header is added to the main image. ing. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the file name extension is “MPF” (in the example shown, the file name is “MPFFILE.MPF”) (however, this extension is merely an example). Of course, it is not limited to this).

  As shown in FIG. 3B, the JPEG header of the main image is configured as an APP1 marker area in the same manner as the JPG file shown in FIG. 2 (that is, compatible with the JPG file shown in FIG. 2). As described above, main image attribute information, main image access information, and main image thumbnail information are included.

  A sub-image header provided in addition to the main image is for recording sub-image management information, and is configured as an APP2 marker region at a position sandwiched between the APP1 marker region and the main image JPEG image data. Has been.

  The sub-image management information recorded in the APP2 marker area includes attribute information for each of the n sub-images and access information (offset) for each of the n sub-image data. The attribute information of the sub-images among these is information meaning the type of each sub-image (for example, each sub-image is obtained by bracketing or obtained by panoramic photography). In addition, information (hidden attribute) “no image” can be added as the attribute information. Here, although the sub-image with the hidden attribute is not deleted on the playback device side, the JPEG image data itself is not deleted (that is, the hidden attribute is reproduced according to a predetermined standard). Is provided to determine whether or not). Therefore, from the viewpoint of reproduction processing, an image to which a hidden attribute is added is treated as not existing.

  Next, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a change in the file structure of the multi-image file when the main image is deleted. 4A shows the configuration of the multi-image file before deleting the main image, and FIG. 4B shows the configuration of the multi-image file after deleting the main image.

  First, the multi-image file shown in FIG. 4A includes one main image and four sub-images, and none of the images has been deleted.

  It is assumed that an operation for deleting the main image is performed on the multi-image file having the configuration as shown in FIG. Then, the following file structure changes are performed.

  First, in one or more sub-images, sub-images to which the “no image” hidden attribute is not added are searched in order from the smallest image number (from sub-image 1 to sub-image n). Then, the JPEG image data and JPEG header of the first discovered sub-image (that is, the sub-image with the smallest image number among the sub-images to which the hidden attribute is not added) are replaced with the JPEG image data and JPEG header of the main image. And replace each.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, since the hidden attribute is not added to the sub-image 1, the JPEG image data of the sub-image 1 (referred to as image data B for easy discrimination) and the JPEG header are set as the main image. The JPEG image data of the image (for the same reason, image data A) and the JPEG header are replaced. Along with the replacement of the JPEG header, the thumbnail image included in each JPEG header is also replaced.

  As a result of this replacement, the original sub-image 1 is positioned at the beginning of the multi-image file, so that the original sub-image 1 becomes a new main image after the replacement. Similarly, since it is the original main image that is located at the location of the sub-image 1, this original main image becomes the new sub-image 1 after the replacement.

  Since the deletion operation is performed on the original main image shown in FIG. 4A, the hidden attribute “no image” is added to the sub-image 1 shown in FIG. . The addition of the hidden attribute is performed by setting the sub-image 1 type recorded in the sub-image header to “no image”.

  By performing such processing, the original main image does not exist in the reproduction processing, and appears to have been deleted. However, since the image data A of the original main image itself remains in the multi-image file as the sub-image 1 JPEG image data A, it can be easily restored by performing restoration processing as described later.

  In addition, when the file structure is changed as described above, for example, when the offset of each image data in the file is changed, the information that needs to be corrected is naturally corrected. Become.

  In the above description, the JPEG image data and the JPEG header are exchanged to make necessary corrections for the JPEG header. However, only the JPEG image data is exchanged, and the JPEG header is newly created. I do not care. In this case, thumbnail images are also recreated as necessary.

  The file configuration change is not limited to the above-described order, but may be performed in an appropriate order or simultaneously.

  Next, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a change in the file structure of the multi-image file when the main image is restored. 5A shows the structure of the multi-image file before restoring the main image, FIG. 5B shows the structure of the temporary multi-image file during the restoration of the main image, and FIG. 5C shows the main image. Each shows the structure of a multi-image file after restoring the image.

  First, the multi-image file shown in FIG. 5A includes one main image and four sub-images. Of these, sub-image 1 and sub-image 4 have “no image”. It is assumed that the hidden attribute is added and deleted. At this time, each sub-image is an image obtained by bracket shooting. In the following, assuming that the image that was the main image when the multi-image was created is the sub image 1 in FIG. 5A, the sub image 1 that was the original main image is restored. The procedure to do is demonstrated. However, the sub-image restoration procedure described below is the same regardless of whether the sub-image to be restored is the original main image or the original sub-image.

  With respect to a multi-image file having a configuration as shown in FIG. 5A (that is, with some hidden images added and deleted), the original sub-image 1 is restored. It is assumed that an operation has been performed. Then, the following file structure changes are performed.

  When the restoration process for the sub-image 1 is started, first, a process for inverting the types of all sub-images recorded in the sub-image header is performed. That is, before the restoration shown in FIG. 5A, the sub image 1 type is “no image”, the sub image 2 type is “bracket image”, the sub image 3 type is “bracket image”, and the sub image 4 type is “ No image ". As shown in FIG. 5B, the sub-image 1 type is “bracket image”, the sub-image 2 type is “no image”, the sub-image 3 type is “no image”, and the sub-image 4 is temporarily displayed. The type is “bracket image”. Here, even if the sub-image type is any of “bracket image”, “panoramic image”, “continuous shot image”, etc., it is assumed that all are “no image” after inversion, and further inversion is performed again. And return to the original sub-image type.

  Then, the multi-image file in the state shown in FIG. Then, only the main image, the sub image 1 and the sub image 4 are reproduced, and the sub image 2 and the sub image 3 are not reproduced. That is, this reproduction process is a process that is performed in order for the user to select which of the deleted images is to be restored.

  Here, it is assumed that the user who has viewed the reproduced image has selected that the sub-image 1 is to be restored.

  Then, while maintaining the selected sub-image type as it is (that is, “bracket image” in this example), all the other sub-image types are reversed again. More specifically, this process is performed as follows.

  That is, in the temporary multi-image file shown in FIG. 5B, the sub-image 1 type temporarily recorded in the sub-image header is first changed from “bracket image” to “no image”. Thus, the sub image 1 type is “no image”, the sub image 2 type is “no image”, the sub image 3 type is “no image”, and the sub image 4 type is “bracket image”.

  Further, when other images among the deleted images are selected as restoration targets, the same processing is performed on the images.

  In this way, when the user finishes selecting the image to be restored, processing for inverting the types of all the sub-images recorded in the sub-image header is performed thereafter. As a result, as shown in FIG. 5C, the sub image 1 type is “bracket image”, the sub image 2 type is “bracket image”, the sub image 3 type is “bracket image”, and the sub image 4 type is “image”. None ”.

  Thus, the sub-image 1 that was the original main image is restored as the sub-image 1.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 9, the state of the operation screen when performing image reproduction or deleting / restoring image data in a multi-image file will be described. First, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of image data recorded on the recording medium 101.

  In FIG. 6, the first format file indicates a JPG file as shown in FIG. The second format file indicates a multi-image file as shown in FIG.

  It is assumed that an image is recorded on the recording medium 101 by one or both of the first format file and the second format file. In such recording, for example, an image is captured and recorded on the recording medium 101 by a digital camera or the like that can be set in three recording modes of JPG recording mode, JPG + MPF simultaneous recording mode, and MPF recording mode. Sometimes done. That is, when an image is recorded in the JPG recording mode, only the JPG file is recorded. When an image is recorded in the JPG + MPF simultaneous recording mode, both the JPG file and the MPF file are recorded, and the image is recorded in the MPF recording mode. Sometimes only MPF files are recorded.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the file names are set so that the two file types recorded in the JPG + MPF simultaneous recording mode have the same file name excluding the extension.

  That is, in the example shown in FIG. 6, “P1010001.JPG”, “P1010004.JPG”, “P1010005.JPG” are JPG files (first format file), “P1010002.JPG”, and “P1010002.JPG” recorded in the JPG recording mode. “P1010002.MPF” is recorded in JPG + MPF simultaneous recording mode. JPG file (first format file) and multi-image file (second format file), “P1010003.MPF”, “P1010006.MPF” are recorded in MPF recording mode. Multi-image file (second format file).

  Next, FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state of an operation screen when an image of a JPG file or a multi-image file is reproduced or a JPG file is deleted.

  This image file processing apparatus can be set to a single image reproduction mode for reproducing only a JPG file, a link image reproduction mode for reproducing only a multi-image file, and an image restoration mode for restoring an image. Has been.

  When the reproduction process of the image recorded in the recording medium 101 is started, the image file processing apparatus is first automatically set to the single image reproduction mode, and the JPG recorded in the recording medium 101 is first recorded. Images of the file (first format file with the extension JPG) are displayed as a list on the display unit 102, for example (not limited to the list display, but may be displayed one image at a time). FIG. 7A shows a state in which a list of JPG file images is displayed on the display unit 102 in the single image playback mode. In the example shown in FIG. 7A, a single image playback tab 201 is displayed to indicate that the playback mode is the single image playback mode. In each displayed image, the file name excluding the extension is also displayed.

  By operating the operation unit 103, the single image playback mode can be switched to the link image playback mode. When the image file processing apparatus is set to the link image playback mode, the main images of the multi-image file (second format file with extension MPF) recorded in the recording medium 101 are displayed as a list on the display unit 102, for example. (In the same manner as described above, the display is not limited to the list display, and the images may be displayed one by one. The same applies hereinafter.) FIG. 7B shows a state in which the main images of the multi-image file are displayed as a list on the display unit 102 in the link image reproduction mode. In the example shown in FIG. 7B, a link image playback tab 202 is displayed to indicate that the playback mode is the link image playback mode. Each displayed main image also displays the file name excluding the extension of the multi-image file including the main image. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 7B, a clip icon 203 is displayed on each display image in order to clearly indicate that the sub-image related to the main image being displayed is included in the file. ing.

  Next, on the display screen in the single image playback mode as shown in FIG. 7A, if the operation unit 103 selects and deletes an image “P1010002”, for example, the file “P1010002” is recorded from the recording medium 101. .JPG "is deleted.

  With the deletion of the JPG file, as shown in FIG. 7C, the image “P1010002” becomes invisible from the display in the single image reproduction mode.

  However, the deletion operation in the single image playback mode does not delete the multi-image file “P1010002.MPF” having the same file name except the extension.

  Therefore, when the single image playback mode in the state shown in FIG. 7C is switched to the link image playback mode, the main image of the multi-image file “P1010002.MPF” is displayed.

  As described above, the playback mode is basically set to the single image playback mode, and the user must intentionally switch to the link image playback mode when editing a multi-image file. Further, it is possible to prevent the multi-image file from being deleted unintentionally.

  Next, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a state of an operation screen when a multi-image file is selected and its main image is deleted in the link image playback mode.

  FIG. 8A shows a state where a list of main images of a multi-image file is displayed on the display unit 102 in the link image playback mode.

  When the operation unit 103 selects and reproduces an image “P1010002” on the display screen in the link image reproduction mode, the multi-image file “P1010002.MPF” is displayed as shown in FIG. The main images and sub-images to which no hidden attribute is added are displayed in a list.

  In the display screen as shown in FIG. 8B, if an operation for selecting and deleting a main image is further performed, a multi-image file “P1010002.MPF” recorded on the recording medium 101 is displayed. The main image deletion process described with reference to FIG. 4 is performed.

  With the deletion of the main image, as shown in FIG. 8C, the original main image becomes invisible from the display of the image included in the multi-image file “P1010002.MPF” in the link image playback mode, The original sub-image 1 is displayed as a new main image instead of the original main image.

  However, as described with reference to FIG. 4, since the image data of the original main image itself exists in the file, the image data can be easily restored by the restoration process described later. is there.

  Next, FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state of the operation screen when the image is restored in the image restoration mode.

  For example, when the image file processing apparatus is set to the link image reproduction mode and the image file processing apparatus is changed to the image restoration mode, the hidden attribute in the multi-image file recorded in the recording medium 101 is changed. A main image of a multi-image file including an image to which is added (that is, a multi-image file including a recoverable image) is displayed as a list on the display unit 102, for example. FIG. 9A shows a state in which main images of multi-image files that can be restored are displayed in a list on the display unit 102 in the image restoration mode. In the example shown in FIG. 9A, an image restoration tab 204 is displayed to indicate that the mode of the image file processing apparatus is the image restoration mode.

  On the display screen in the image restoration mode as shown in FIG. 9A, when an operation for selecting and determining an image of “P1010011”, for example, is performed by the operation unit 103, multiple images are displayed as shown in FIG. 9B. A list of main images included in the image file “P1010011.MPF” and sub-images with a hidden attribute (that is, sub-images that can be restored) are displayed in a list. Such display is realized by temporarily inverting the types of all the sub-images recorded in the sub-image header as described with reference to FIG.

  In this way, when selecting an image to be restored, an image that is not subject to restoration (image that was originally visible) is not displayed, and an image that is subject to restoration (image that has been deleted and was not seen) Since only the information is displayed, there is an advantage that the selection operation can be easily performed. Therefore, it is possible to perform image restoration simply and efficiently.

  In FIG. 9B, the image displayed at the left end (image displaying the file name excluding the extension) is the current main image, and the current main image is not deleted ( In other words, as described above, even if the main image is deleted, any sub-image becomes a new main image), so that selection is impossible.

  It is assumed that the first sub-image of the two sub-images that can be restored is selected and determined on the display screen as shown in FIG. 9B.

  Then, after the image restoration process as described with reference to FIG. 5 is performed, the screen automatically returns to the display screen in the link image reproduction mode. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9C, the main image included in the multi-image file “P1010011.MPF” and the sub-image to which the hidden attribute is not added are displayed. A sub-image is also displayed.

  Next, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing image reproduction processing in the image file processing apparatus.

  When this process is started, as described with reference to FIG. 7, first, the single image reproduction mode is set (step S1).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a reproduction mode switching operation has been performed (step S2). Here, when it is determined that the switching operation has been performed, the mode is shifted from the single image reproduction mode to the link image reproduction mode (step S3).

  Then, it is determined whether any of the multi-image files represented by the main image displayed in the link image reproduction mode has been selected (step S4). If no selection has been made, the process returns to step S3 to continue displaying images in the link image playback mode.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the multi-image file has been selected, the main image included in the selected multi-image file and the sub-image to which the hidden attribute is not added are displayed as an index (list display), for example. (See FIGS. 7B, 7D, etc.) (step S5).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the change to the single image reproduction mode has been performed (step S6).

  If it is determined that the single image playback mode has been changed, the process returns to step S1 described above.

  If it is determined in step S6 that the change to the single image reproduction mode has not been made, the process waits for the user to select an image included in the multi-image file. When an image is selected (step S7), the selected image is reproduced and displayed (step S8).

  Then, it is determined whether or not a frame advance operation has been performed (step S9). If it is determined that a frame advance operation has been performed, the process returns to step S8 to return to the next image included in the multi-image file. Play and display the image.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S9 that no frame advance operation has been performed, it is determined whether or not a switching operation from single frame playback to index display has been performed (step S10). Here, when it is determined that the switching operation has not been performed, the process returns to step S8 and the single-frame reproduction is continuously performed.

  If it is determined in step S10 that the switching operation to the index display has been performed, the process returns to step S5 to display the index of the image included in the multi-image file.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the reproduction mode switching operation has not been performed, it is determined whether or not an operation for ending the image reproduction process has been performed (step S11).

  Here, when it is determined that the operation for ending the image reproduction process is not performed, the process returns to step S1 to perform the image reproduction in the single image reproduction mode, and when it is determined that the operation for ending is performed. This processing is finished.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing image deletion processing when the image file processing apparatus is set to the single image reproduction mode.

  When this process is started, the index display of the image in the single image reproduction mode is performed as shown in FIG. 7A (step S21).

  Next, it is determined whether or not an operation for ending the image reproduction process has been performed (step S22).

  If it is determined that the operation for ending the image reproduction process has not been performed, the process waits for the user to select a JPG file. When a JPG file is selected (step S23), it is determined whether an operation for further deletion has been performed on the selected JPG file (step S24).

  If it is determined that an operation for deleting the selected JPG file has been performed, the selected JPG file is deleted from the recording medium 101 (step S25).

  If it is determined that the process in step S25 is completed or that the JPG file selected in step S24 has not been deleted, the process returns to step S22.

  If an operation for ending the image reproduction process is performed in step S22, the process ends.

  Next, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing image deletion processing when the image file processing apparatus is set to the link image reproduction mode.

  When this processing is started, as shown in FIG. 8A, the index display of the main image of each multi-image file recorded on the recording medium 101 in the link image reproduction mode is performed (step S31).

  Subsequently, it waits for any of the multi-image files represented by the main image displayed in the link image reproduction mode to be selected. When the multi-image file is selected (step S32), the main image included in the selected multi-image file and the sub-image to which the hidden attribute is not added are displayed as an index (see, for example, FIG. 8B). (Step S33).

  Then, it waits for any of the images in the multi-image file displayed as an index to be selected. If any image is selected (step S34), it is determined whether or not an operation for further deletion has been performed on the selected image (step S35). Here, if it is determined that an operation to delete is not performed, the process returns to step S33 and the above-described processing is performed.

  If it is determined that an operation for deleting the selected image has been performed, it is further determined whether or not the image to be selected and deleted is the main image (step S36).

  If it is determined that the image is a main image, as described with reference to FIG. 4, the JPEG image data of the main image and the JPEG header, and the JPEG image data of the sub image (for example, sub image 1). Then, the JPEG header is replaced with each other, and a process of adding a hidden attribute of “no image” to the original main image after replacement (that is, sub-image 1 after replacement, for example) is performed (step S37).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S36 that the image is not the main image, a process of adding a hidden attribute “no image” to the type of the sub image selected as the deletion target recorded in the sub image header is performed. (Step S38).

  When the process of step S37 or step S38 is performed, it is determined whether or not an operation for ending the link image reproduction process has been performed (step S39).

  Here, when it is determined that the operation to end is not performed, the process returns to step S33 to perform the above-described processing, and when it is determined that the operation to end is performed, this processing is ended. To do.

  Next, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing image restoration processing in the image file processing apparatus.

  This process is started by shifting to the image restoration mode (step S51).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9A, a list of main images of the multi-image file that can be restored is displayed (step S52).

  Next, it waits for any of the multi-image files represented by the main image to be selected. When a multi-image file is selected (step S53), the selected multi-image file is temporarily inverted by inverting all sub-image types recorded in the sub-image header of the selected multi-image file. As shown in FIG. 9B, for example, the main image included in the sub image and the sub image to which the hidden attribute was originally added are displayed as an index (step S54).

  Then, it waits for any of the displayed sub-images (restorable sub-images) to be selected. Here, when one or more sub-images are selected and no further selection is made (step S55), all the other sub-images are maintained while maintaining the type of the selected sub-image. The type of the image is reversed again (that is, returned to the state before restoration editing) (step S56), and this process is terminated.

  According to the first embodiment, since the positions of the main image and the sub-image are exchanged, and the hidden attribute is added to the original main image type after the exchange, it can be easily restored. The main image data can be deleted.

  Then, list only the multi-image files that contain recoverable images and have the user select them, and then display the main images of the selected multi-image file and the sub-images that can be recovered and select them by the user Since the selected sub-image is restored after being received, the image once deleted can be restored by a simple operation. At this time, if the selected main image includes the original main image in which the multi-image file is created, the main image is restored as the sub image.

  In the above description, the image file processing apparatus has been mainly described. However, as described above, an image editing method for deleting a main image so that it can be easily restored, or an image deleted by this image editing method. It may be an image restoration method, or may be an image editing program for performing processing similar to the image editing method, an image restoration program for performing processing similar to the image restoration method, or the like.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiment. For example, you may delete a some component from all the components shown by embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined. Thus, it goes without saying that various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image file processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The figure which shows the structure of the JPG file in the said Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a multi-image file in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a change in the file structure of a multi-image file when deleting a main image in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a change in the file structure of a multi-image file when restoring a main image in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of image data recorded on a recording medium in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state of an operation screen when playing back an image of a JPG file or a multi-image file or deleting a JPG file in the first embodiment. The figure which shows the mode of the operation screen when selecting a multi image file and deleting the main image in the link image reproduction mode of the said Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which shows the mode of the operation screen when restoring an image in the image restoration mode of the said Embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing image reproduction processing in the image file processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing image deletion processing when the image file processing apparatus is set to a single image reproduction mode in the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart showing image deletion processing when the image file processing apparatus is set to a link image reproduction mode in the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing image restoration processing in the image file processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Recording medium 102 ... Display part 103 ... Operation part 104 ... Medium control part 105 ... RAM
106 ... ROM
107: Display control unit 108: Operation input interface (operation input I / F)
109: Data bus 110 ... Control unit 111 ... Image processing unit 201 ... Single image playback tab 202 ... Link image playback tab 203 ... Clip icon 204 ... Image restoration tab

Claims (3)

Image editing method for editing a multi-image file including one main image data, one or more sub-image data, and sub-image management information capable of individually adding a hidden attribute to each of the sub-image data Because
When deleting the main image, the main image data is replaced with one sub-image data to which the hidden attribute is not added in the one or more sub-image data, and a new sub-image is newly replaced. A main image, and the step of replacing the main image after replacement with a new sub-image;
Modifying the sub-image management information to add a hidden attribute for the new sub-image after the replacement;
An image editing method comprising: A hidden attribute inversion step for inverting the presence or absence of the addition of the hidden attribute for all the sub-images included in the multi-image file;
When one or more sub-images to which the hidden attribute is not actually added among all the sub-images included in the multi-image file processed by the hidden attribute inversion step are selected as restoration targets, A sub-image restoration step for inverting again the presence / absence of the addition of the hidden attribute of all other sub-images while maintaining the presence / absence of the addition of the hidden attribute of the selected sub-image;
The image editing method according to claim 1, further comprising:   The method further comprises a display step of displaying a sub-image to which the hidden attribute is not actually added among all the sub-images included in the multi-image file processed by the hidden attribute inversion step. 2. The image editing method according to 2.

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