JP2010010809A - Picture image file editing device, picture image file editing method, program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a picture image file editing device, capable of performing processing for creating one multi-picture image file from a plurality of picture image files at high speed, even with a recording medium which has small free space. <P>SOLUTION: In a file system which records files per cluster, a cluster chain about a multi-image file in a file allocation table is created so as to include all clusters in which image data contained in each of the plurality of image files is recorded (S1102). A directory entry containing a file name of the multi-image file and the number of a head cluster in the cluster chain is created, and the file allocation table and the directory entry are recorded on the recording medium (S1105). According to this arrangement, the image file editing device can unify the plurality of image files to configure one multi-image file, without copying or moving the image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image file editing apparatus, an image file editing method, and a program for generating a multi-image file including a plurality of image data from a plurality of image files.

  In digital cameras that are currently on the market, the main method for recording images is to create JPEG image data by compressing captured image data using the JPEG method, and from information in a format that conforms to the Exif format. This is a method of recording as a JPEG file with an added JPEG header and an extension “JPG”. This JPEG file is of a standard that stores only one image (except for thumbnail images) in one file.

  On the other hand, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-252754 describes a technique for extending a JPEG file standard so that a plurality of JPEG image data can be stored in one file. When a plurality of JPEG image data is stored together in one file by the technique described in the publication, both the compression method of the image data of the storage source and the compression method of the image data of the storage destination are the same JPEG. In addition, it is possible to store JPEG image data in a JPEG file recorded as an individual file at the storage source as it is at the storage destination without changing the compression method.

By the way, when creating a single file from a plurality of files, generally, the contents of the individual files are copied to create a single file (and the original file). Are removed if they are not needed). Therefore, even when the original file is a JPEG file, in general, the JPEG image data in each individual JPEG file is copied to create a multi-image file storing a plurality of JPEG image data, and the multi-image file is It is considered that a method of deleting the JPEG file after the creation is taken.
JP 2005-252754 A

  However, in the method for creating a multi-image file as described above, reading and writing of all JPEG image data occurs, but JPEG image data has a relatively large data size, so that processing takes time. It will be. In particular, when the access speed of a recording medium for recording data is slow or when a large number of JPEG files are combined into one multi-image file, the processing time becomes very long. Also, with the above-described multi-image file creation method, processing cannot be performed unless there is a free area on the recording medium that is equal to or larger than the total size of a plurality of JPEG files to be combined into one file. There is also a problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a process of creating a single multi-image file by integrating a plurality of image files can be performed at high speed even on a recording medium having a free area smaller than the data size of the multi-image file. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image file editing apparatus, an image file editing method, and a program that can be performed on the computer.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image file editing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is divided into clusters, which are recording units of a predetermined size, and each of the image files includes image data. An image file editing apparatus for generating one multi-image file including each image data of the plurality of image files, wherein the plurality of image files from which the multi-image file is generated are recorded. A file allocation table creation unit that creates a file allocation table indicating a cluster connection order so as to include at least all of the clusters in which the image data is recorded, and a file name of the multi-image file, Regarding the multi-image file in the file allocation table A directory entry creation unit that creates a directory entry including information indicating the first cluster of the cluster chain, an image information recording unit that constitutes the multi-image file by recording the file allocation table and the directory entry, Is provided.

  Also, the image file editing method according to the second aspect of the present invention is divided and recorded in clusters which are recording units of a predetermined size, and each of the plurality of image files is recorded from a plurality of image files each including image data. An image file editing method for generating one multi-image file including each of the image data, wherein at least the cluster of the plurality of image files from which the multi-image file is generated is recorded. A file allocation table indicating the connection sequence of clusters including all of the clusters in which image data is recorded, a file name of the multi-image file, and information indicating a first cluster of a cluster chain related to the multi-image file in the file allocation table; A directory entry containing The method comprising, the method comprising the steps of forming the multi-image file by recording and the file allocation table and the directory entries.

  Furthermore, the program according to the third aspect of the present invention is divided and recorded in clusters which are recording units of a predetermined size, and each image of the plurality of image files is recorded from a plurality of image files each including image data. A program for causing a computer to execute a process of generating one multi-image file including data, the cluster in which the plurality of image files from which the multi-image file is generated is recorded, A file allocation table indicating a sequence of clusters including at least all the clusters in which the image data is recorded, a file name of the multi-image file, and a first cluster of a cluster chain related to the multi-image file in the file allocation table Directories containing information And creating an entry, and a program for executing the steps of forming the multi-image file, to the computer by recording and the file allocation table and the directory entries.

  According to the image file editing apparatus, the image file editing method, and the program of the present invention, a process of creating a single multi-image file by integrating a plurality of image files is recorded with a free space smaller than the data size of the multi-image file. It is possible to perform the operation at high speed even on a medium.

  In describing the embodiments, some of the terms used in this specification will be described first.

  The image data is data relating to any one image. JPEG image data is data obtained by JPEG compression of image data. The JPEG header is a header added to JPEG image data in order to construct a JPEG file. The JPEG file is a file including one JPEG image data and a JPEG header corresponding to the JPEG image data. The multi-image file is a file including a plurality of JPEG file data. The main image is one image representing a plurality of images included in the multi-image file. This main image includes one JPEG image data and one JPEG header. The main image header is arranged at the first position in the multi-image file, and the JPEG image data of the main image is basically arranged at a position following the main image header in the multi-image file. The sub-image is an image other than the main image among a plurality of images included in the multi-image file. This sub-image includes one JPEG image data and one JPEG header.

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

[Embodiment 1]
1 to 11 show Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital still camera as an example of an image file editing apparatus.

  This digital still camera (hereinafter simply referred to as a digital camera or the like) includes a camera body 100 and a lens 101 as shown in FIG.

  The camera body 100 includes an image sensor 102, an analog processing unit 103, an analog / digital (A / D) conversion unit 104, a bus 105, an SDRAM 106, an image processing unit 107, an AE processing unit 108, and an AF process. Unit 109, JPEG processing unit 110, memory interface (I / F) 111, recording medium 112, LCD driver 113, LCD 114, microcomputer 115, operation unit 116, and flash memory 117. ing.

  The lens 101 is an optical system that collects an optical image of a subject on the image sensor 102. An aperture mechanism and a mechanical shutter mechanism (not shown) are provided on the optical path from the lens 101 to the image sensor 102. The aperture mechanism is driven according to an instruction from the microcomputer 115 and adjusts the amount of light of an optical image of a subject formed on the image sensor 102 by the lens 101. The mechanical shutter mechanism is driven at the time of photographing in accordance with an instruction from the microcomputer 115, and controls the arrival time of the optical image that reaches the image sensor 102 from the lens 101, that is, the exposure time of the image sensor 102.

  The image sensor 102 is an image sensor in which a Bayer array color filter is arranged in front of a photodiode constituting a pixel. The RGB color filter in the Bayer array includes a line in which R pixels and G (Gr) pixels are alternately arranged in the horizontal direction, a line in which G (Gb) pixels and B pixels are alternately arranged in the horizontal direction, Furthermore, these two lines are arranged alternately in the vertical direction (note that the R pixel is adjacent to the G pixel in the vertical direction and the B pixel is adjacent to the vertical direction in the vertical direction. Gr pixel). The imaging element 102 receives the light collected by the lens 101 by a photodiode constituting the pixel and performs photoelectric conversion, thereby outputting the amount of light to the analog processing unit 103 as a charge amount. Note that the image sensor 102 may be a CMOS system or a CCD system, or other systems.

  The analog processing unit 103 performs waveform shaping on the electrical signal (analog image signal) read from the image sensor 102 while reducing reset noise and the like, and further increases the gain so that the target brightness is obtained.

  The A / D conversion unit 104 converts the analog image signal output from the analog processing unit 103 into a digital image signal (hereinafter referred to as image data).

  A bus 105 is a transfer path for transferring various data generated in a certain part in the digital camera to other parts in the digital camera. The bus 105 includes an A / D conversion unit 104, an SDRAM 106, an image processing unit 107, an AE processing unit 108, an AF processing unit 109, a JPEG processing unit 110, a memory I / F 111, and an LCD driver 113. Are connected to the microcomputer 115.

  The image data obtained by the A / D conversion unit 104 is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 106 via the bus 105.

  The SDRAM 106 temporarily stores various data such as image data obtained by the A / D conversion unit 104, image data processed by the image processing unit 107, or image data processed by the JPEG processing unit 110. It is a storage unit. The SDRAM 106 is also used as a working memory by the microcomputer 115.

  The image processing unit 107 performs various types of image processing on the image data stored in the SDRAM 106. Although not shown, the image processing unit 107 functions as a white balance correction unit that performs white balance correction processing, a synchronization unit that performs synchronization processing, a color conversion processing unit that performs color conversion processing, and color reproduction processing. A color reproduction processing unit, a noise reduction processing unit that performs noise reduction processing, and the like are included. Here, the synchronization processing is based on Bayer array image data in which only one color component is obtained per pixel, and image data (RGB image) in which all three RGB color components are obtained per pixel. Data) (interpolation processing of missing color components). Thus, the RGB image data obtained by image processing by the image processing unit 107 is stored again in the SDRAM 106.

  The AE processing unit 108 calculates subject luminance using the image data obtained from the A / D conversion unit 104. Note that the data used by the AE processing unit 108 to calculate the subject brightness is not limited to data obtained from the image sensor 102. If a dedicated photometric sensor is provided separately, the output of the photometric sensor is provided. Data may be used.

  The AF processing unit 109 extracts a high-frequency component signal from the image data obtained from the A / D conversion unit 104, and acquires an in-focus evaluation value by performing AF (Auto Focus) integration processing. Note that the data used by the AF processing unit 109 to calculate the focus evaluation value is not limited to the data obtained from the image sensor 102. If a dedicated AF sensor is provided separately, the AF sensor May be output data.

  When recording image data, the JPEG processing unit 110 reads RGB image data from the SDRAM 106 and compresses the read image data according to the JPEG compression method. The image data compressed by the JPEG processing unit 110 is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 106. Further, the JPEG processing unit 110 outputs information such as a quantization table and a Huffman table stored in the JPEG header, and temporarily stores them in the SDRAM 106. Note that the JPEG processing unit 110 also performs processing for expanding JPEG-compressed image data read from the recording medium 112, as will be described later.

  The memory I / F 111 records various data including image data on the recording medium 112 and reads various data from the recording medium 112.

  The recording medium 112 is a recording medium configured as, for example, a memory card that can be attached to and detached from the camera body 100, but is not limited to this example.

  The LCD driver 113 performs control to display an image on the LCD 114. Examples of images displayed by the LCD driver 113 include image data captured by the image sensor 102 and processed by the image processing unit 107, JPEG image data already recorded on the recording medium 112, and the like. It is done. Here, when the image file recorded on the recording medium 112 is reproduced, first, the JPEG image data in the image file recorded on the recording medium 112 is read via the memory I / F 111 and stored in the SDRAM 106. Remember once. Next, the JPEG image data is decompressed by the JPEG processing unit 110 and the decompressed image data is stored in the SDRAM 106 again. The LCD driver 113 reads the decompressed image data from the SDRAM 106, converts the read image data into a video signal, and outputs the video signal to the LCD 114 to display an image.

  The microcomputer 115 has a function as a control unit, and comprehensively controls various sequences of the camera body 100. The microcomputer 115 also creates a JPEG header and further integrates it with JPEG image data to create an image file. The microcomputer 115 also serves as a file allocation table creation unit, a directory entry creation unit, and an image information recording unit. ing. That is, the microcomputer 115 further adds information in accordance with the file format to various data obtained at the time of shooting, the quantization table and the Huffman table output from the JPEG processing unit 110 and stored in the SDRAM 106. Thus, a JPEG header for managing JPEG image data is created. The JPEG header created here is temporarily stored in the SDRAM 106. Further, the microcomputer 115 reads the JPEG header and JPEG image data stored in the SDRAM 106 and records them as an image file on the recording medium 112 via the memory I / F 111. As will be described in detail later, in the present embodiment, a plurality of sets of JPEG headers and JPEG image data can be recorded in one image file. Such an image file including a plurality of sets of JPEG headers and JPEG image data as constituent elements will be referred to as a multi-image file as described above.

  Further, an operation unit 116 and a flash memory 117 are connected to the microcomputer 115.

  The operation unit 116 includes a power button for inputting an instruction to turn on / off the power of the digital camera, a release button including a two-stage press button for inputting a shooting instruction, various key input devices, and the like. It is configured. Here, the release button is configured to include a 1st release switch that is turned on by half pressing and a 2nd release switch that is turned on by full pressing.

  The flash memory 117 stores various parameters necessary for the operation of the digital camera, such as a white balance correction value and a low-pass filter coefficient, a manufacturing number for specifying the digital camera, and the like, and is executed by the microcomputer 115. It is a recording medium for storing a processing program in a nonvolatile manner.

  When the operation unit 116 is operated by the user, the microcomputer 115 flashes parameters necessary for executing various sequences according to the operation from the user according to the processing program stored in the flash memory 117. It reads from the memory 117, executes various sequences thereof, and issues necessary instructions to each unit in the camera body 100. For example, when a power button is pressed, the microcomputer 115 turns on or off the power of the digital camera. For example, when the release button is pressed halfway and the first release switch is turned on, the microcomputer 115 causes the AE processing unit 108 to perform AE processing and the AF processing unit 109 to perform AF processing. Run the sequence. Further, for example, when the release button is fully pressed and the 2nd release switch is turned on, the microcomputer 115 performs shooting by executing a shooting sequence.

  Next, FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing processing at the time of image file recording in the digital camera. FIG. 2 particularly shows processing when a JPEG file is recorded.

  Prior to recording the JPEG file, the microcomputer 115 performs imaging based on a series of imaging sequences (step S201). The shooting process in step S201 is basically the same as the shooting process performed in a normal digital camera, and will be described briefly here.

  That is, in step S201, when the release button of the operation unit 116 is half-pressed by the user, the microcomputer 115 executes AF processing and AE processing. In the AF process, the microcomputer 115 makes the image of the subject focused on the image sensor 102 the clearest from the focus evaluation value calculated by the AF processing unit 109 based on the image data captured from the image sensor 102. The focus of the lens 101 is adjusted so that In the AE process, the microcomputer 115 determines the subject brightness calculated by the AE processing unit 108 based on the image data captured from the image sensor 102 and the aperture value / shutter speed stored in the flash memory 117 in advance. Based on the table, the aperture value and the shutter speed are calculated. When the release button is fully pressed by the user after the AF process and the AE process are performed, the microcomputer 115 controls an aperture mechanism (not shown) based on the calculated aperture value, and not shown based on the calculated shutter speed. The mechanical shutter mechanism is controlled to perform shooting.

  After the photographing is performed, the microcomputer 115 causes the image processing unit 107 and the JPEG processing unit 110 to process the image data captured from the image sensor 102 to generate JPEG image data and store the JPEG image data in the SDRAM 106, and the JPEG header. Information necessary for creation (such as the quantization table described above) is acquired. The microcomputer 115 creates a JPEG header based on the Exif standard based on the acquired information, and stores the created JPEG header in the SDRAM 106 (step S202).

  Next, the microcomputer 115 creates a JPEG file that conforms to the Exif standard described later using the JPEG image data and the JPEG header created in step S202 (step S203).

  Further, the microcomputer 115 controls the memory I / F 111 to record the JPEG file created in step S203 on the recording medium 112 (step S204).

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the file format of the JPEG file created in step S203 of FIG.

  In the file format shown in FIG. 3, the file data starts from SOI (Start Of Image) and ends at EOI (End Of Image). Then, between the SOI and the EOI, a JPEG header in which information about image data is recorded in a format compliant with the Exif standard, and JPEG image data are sequentially recorded. Here, the information on the image data includes the width and height of the image, the format of the JPEG image data, the offset information from the top of the JPEG header to the JPEG image data in the JPEG file, the thumbnail image, the quantization table and the Huffman table described above. Etc.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of a file system configured on the recording medium 112 for managing files and data recorded in the files.

  In the file system shown in FIG. 4, the recording area of the recording medium 112 is managed by dividing it into recording units of a certain size called clusters (minimum recording units in the file system). Therefore, even when data having a size smaller than the cluster is recorded on the recording medium 112, one cluster is always used. In the following description, the data size of one cluster is called a cluster size. In addition, each cluster configured in the recording medium 112 is managed by being sequentially assigned a number starting from 1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the recording medium 112 is configured to have a file allocation table (hereinafter referred to as FAT) recording area, a directory entry recording area, and a data recording area. It is composed of one or more clusters (usually a plurality of clusters).

  First, the FAT recording area is an area for recording FAT. The FAT is a table configured to be able to record an integer in each of the same number of elements as the total number of clusters of the recording medium 112, and is a number indicating the position of each element in the table (hereinafter referred to as an index). ) And the cluster number match. That is, the element with the index n in the FAT holds information regarding the cluster number n. As the integer recorded in the element of the table, “0” is recorded when the corresponding cluster is unused, and a number other than 0 is recorded when it is used.

  Further, when the integer recorded in the table element is a number other than 0 and is a number of 1 or more, the number is the file data recorded in the cluster corresponding to this index. Indicates the number of the recorded cluster.

  Further, when the integer recorded in the table element is “−1”, it indicates that the file data ends in this cluster.

  Therefore, in the FAT, by sequentially referencing elements from a certain element indicating the start of the file until the integer recorded in the element becomes −1, the connection order of the clusters constituting the file is indicated. You can refer to the cluster chain.

  Next, the directory entry recording area is an area for recording a directory entry. In the directory entry recording area, one or more (usually a plurality of) directory entries are recorded. Here, information about one file is recorded in one directory entry. Information recorded in the directory entry includes a file name, a data size (file size), a head cluster number in which data constituting the file is recorded, and the like.

  The data recording area is an area for recording data constituting the file.

  As described above, when the data constituting the file is equal to or smaller than the cluster size, the file data is recorded using one cluster in the data recording area. On the other hand, when the data constituting the file is larger than the cluster size, the file data is recorded using a plurality of clusters in the data recording area.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, there is a JPEG file with the file name “Sample.jpg”, the file size of this JPEG file is S, and the first cluster in which recording of this JPEG file has started in the data recording area Is C. At this time, in the directory entry corresponding to the JPEG file, “Sample.jpg” is recorded as the file name, S as the data size of the entire image file is recorded as size information, and C is recorded as the first cluster number. . Further details of the FAT will be described later.

  Next, FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing when a file is written to the recording medium 112 in the file system as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, a case where the data size of a file is L will be described as an example.

  When this process is started, the microcomputer 115 first acquires the data size L of the file to be recorded, and substitutes the acquired data size L for the variable R (step S501).

  Next, the microcomputer 115 refers to the FAT to search for an index whose element value is 0, that is, an index corresponding to an empty cluster. Here, when an index having an element value of 0 is found, the index is substituted into the variable Cn (step S502).

  Subsequently, the microcomputer 115 calculates a writing size (step S503). In this process, the value of the variable R is compared with the cluster size, and the smaller one (or the smaller one if not equal) is set as the write size.

  After calculating the write size, the microcomputer 115 records data for the write size calculated in step S503 in the cluster indicated by the variable Cn (step S504).

  Thereafter, the microcomputer 115 subtracts the write size calculated in step S503 from the variable R (step S505). The value obtained by this subtraction indicates the data size of data that has not yet been written.

  Next, the microcomputer 115 determines whether or not the value of the variable R is greater than 0 (step S506).

  Here, if it is determined that the value of the variable R is greater than 0, the data to be written still remains. At this time, the microcomputer 115 searches for an index other than the index Cn from the FAT and an element having a value of 0, that is, an empty cluster different from the empty cluster in which the data was recorded in step S504, as in the process of step S502. To do. Then, the retrieved index is recorded in the element of the index Cn in the FAT and then substituted into the variable Cn (step S507). Further, the microcomputer 115 returns to step S503 and executes the above-described processing again.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S506 that the value of the variable R is 0 or less, no data to be written remains. In this case, the microcomputer 115 records “−1” indicating the cluster in which the data at the end of the file is recorded in the element of the index Cn in the FAT (step S508).

  Next, the microcomputer 115 acquires a file name (step S509). The acquisition of the file name is performed based on automatic file name assignment based on the shooting date and time, the shooting order, or the like, or input of a file name from the user via the operation unit 116.

  After acquiring the file name, the microcomputer 115 obtains the acquired file name, the data size L acquired in step S501, the index searched in step S502, that is, the number indicating the cluster in which the top data of the file is recorded. Are recorded in the directory entry recording area as a directory entry corresponding to the recorded file (step S510).

  Thereafter, the microcomputer 115 ends the processing shown in FIG.

  Next, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the data constituting the JPEG file and each cluster in which this data is recorded, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing FAT data corresponding to the cluster configuration shown in FIG. . 6 and 7 show an example in which four JPEG files from JPEG1 to JPEG4 are recorded according to the processing shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the data constituting the JPEG file is recorded using one or more clusters (usually a plurality of clusters) in the data recording area. Here, data recording is not necessarily performed using continuous clusters. For example, when a continuous cluster is already used for recording other data, another unused cluster is used for recording.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, the top data of a JPEG1 file is recorded in cluster m, and the subsequent data is recorded in cluster m + 1. In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, m + 1, which is the number of the cluster in which data is recorded, is recorded in the element of the FAT index m, as shown in FIG. In the illustrated example, the end of the JPEG1 file is recorded in the middle of the cluster m + 7. That is, since the JPEG1 data ends with the cluster m + 7, an integer “−1” indicating the end is recorded in the FAT index m + 7.

  In the JPEG2 file recording example in FIG. 6, data cannot be recorded continuously after cluster m + 9, and data following data recorded in cluster m + 9 is not continuous with cluster m + 9. It is an example recorded in cluster n. In this case, the integer “n” is recorded in the element of the FAT index m + 9.

  Here, when data is recorded in the cluster as shown in FIG. 6, the directory entries of the files corresponding to the four JPEG files JPEG1 to JPEG4 in the directory entry recording area include m, m + 8, and n + 5. , P are recorded respectively.

  Next, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing when data is read from a file recorded using the file system shown in FIG.

  First, the microcomputer 115 acquires the file name of the file to be read (step S801).

  The microcomputer 115 then searches the directory entry recorded in the directory entry recording area for a directory entry whose file name matches the file name acquired in step S801 (step S802).

  Thereafter, the microcomputer 115 determines whether a directory entry corresponding to the acquired file name has been found (step S803). If it is determined in step S803 that no directory entry corresponding to the acquired file name is found, the microcomputer 115 ends the processing shown in FIG. In this case, data reading has failed. Note that the user may be notified that the data reading has failed, for example, by displaying an error message or the like before or after the process is completed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S803 that a directory entry corresponding to the acquired file name is found, the microcomputer 115 refers to the directory entry, reads the file size of the file to be read, and sets the read file size. Substitute into variable R (step S804).

  Further, the microcomputer 115 obtains the number of the cluster in which the head data of the file to be read is recorded from the directory entry found by the search in step S802, and substitutes the value for the variable Cn (step S805).

  Next, the microcomputer 115 determines whether or not the value of the variable Cn is greater than 0 (step S806). As described above, a number starting from 1 is assigned to the clusters configured on the recording medium 112. Therefore, the value of the variable Cn to which the number of the cluster in which the head data is recorded (the value of the first variable Cn) cannot be 0 or less. If it is determined in step S805 that the value of the variable Cn is 0 or less, it is determined that some kind of error has occurred, and the microcomputer 115 ends the process shown in FIG. As described above, the user may be notified that an error has occurred before or after the process shown in FIG. 8 is ended. In the second and subsequent determinations in step S805, the value of the variable Cn may be -1. In this case as well, the processing shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S806 that the value of the variable Cn is greater than 0, the microcomputer 115 calculates a read size (step S807). Here, the value of the variable R and the cluster size are compared, and the smaller one (or the smaller one if not equal) is set as the read size.

  Next, the microcomputer 115 reads data corresponding to the read size calculated in step S807 from the cluster indicated by the variable Cn (step S808).

  Further, the microcomputer 115 subtracts the read size value from the variable R (step S809).

  Then, the microcomputer 115 determines whether or not the value of the variable R is greater than 0 (step S810).

  If it is determined in step S810 that the value of the variable R is greater than 0, the data has not yet been read. Therefore, the microcomputer 115 reads the value of the element of the index Cn from the FAT, and substitutes the read value into the variable Cn (step S811). Thereafter, the microcomputer 115 returns to step S806 and performs the above-described processing again.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S810 that the value of the variable R becomes 0 or less, the microcomputer 115 ends the processing shown in FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a file format of a multi-image file.

  In the file format shown in FIG. 9, an image recorded at the beginning of a multi-image file is called a main image, and an image recorded after the main image is called a sub image. As with the JPEG file format shown in FIG. 3, the main image and sub-image recorded in the multi-image file both start with SOI (Start Of Image) and end with EOI (End Of Image). To do. Then, between the SOI and the EOI, a JPEG header in which information about image data is recorded in a format compliant with the Exif standard, and JPEG image data are sequentially recorded. That is, the multi-image file can be considered as a set of JPEG files.

  In the format shown in FIG. 9, offset information for each sub-image recorded in the same multi-image file is further recorded in the JPEG header of the main image. The offset information as the sub-image position information is, for example, the distance from a certain reference position (for example, the head position) in the main image to the SOI of each sub-image (for example, the number of bytes as described in step S1103 in FIG. 11 described later) (Distance along the cluster chain). The number of recorded offset information is the number of sub-images recorded in the multi-image file. By recording such offset information in the JPEG header of the main image, any sub-image can be accessed.

  Here, by appropriately setting the offset information, in the multi-image file, an arbitrary blank area is provided between the main image and the sub image, or an arbitrary blank area is provided between the sub image and the sub image. It can also be provided.

  Next, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a FAT structure of a multi-image file created by combining JPEG files as shown in FIG. 6 having a FAT as shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 11 is a multi-image file created. It is a flowchart which shows the process to perform. The process shown in FIG. 11 is a process for creating a multi-image file as shown in FIG. 9 from a JPEG file as shown in FIG. 3 recorded according to the process as shown in FIG. It is a thing.

  When the processing shown in FIG. 11 is started, the microcomputer 115 first displays the image of the JPEG file recorded on the recording medium 112 on the LCD 114 by controlling the JPEG processing unit 110, the LCD driver 113, and the like. . Then, the user operates the operation unit 116 while viewing the displayed image, thereby selecting a JPEG file to be stored in the multi-image file (step S1101). Here, as an example, it is assumed that the first selected JPEG file is the main image, and the other selected JPEG files are stored as sub-images in the multi-image file in the order of selection.

  Next, the microcomputer 115 corrects the FAT so that the JPEG file selected in step S1101 becomes one multi-image file (step S1102).

  Here, as described above, since the offset information for each sub-image is included in the JPEG header of the main image in the multi-image file, the data size of the JPEG header in the original JPEG file to be converted into the main image. Instead, the JPEG header size of the main image when it is converted into a multi-image file becomes larger.

Therefore, when the difference between the JPEG header size of the JPEG file corresponding to the main image and the JPEG header size of the main image is Δ, the number of clusters to be added is n, and the cluster size is c,
c × n ≧ Δ
The minimum n satisfying the above is obtained, and n free clusters are added to the head of the cluster chain of the JPEG file as the main image.

  In the case of adding a cluster, when the cluster numbers to be added are k and k + 1, for example, k + 1 is used as the element of index k in the FAT, and the first cluster number of the JPEG file corresponding to the main image (element of index k + 1) ( By recording m) in the examples shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 10, clusters k and k + 1 can be added to the head of the JPEG file as the main image. If the same processing is performed, a larger number of clusters can be added to the head.

  Then, the FAT element is changed so that the cluster chain of the JPEG file selected in step S1101 is connected to the end of the cluster chain of the JPEG file as the main image. In the example shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 10, m + 8 that is the first cluster number of the second JPEG file is stored in the index m + 7 in which the element value “−1” was stored. Similarly, the FAT elements are changed so that the cluster chains of all the JPEG files selected in step S1101 are sequentially connected. FIG. 10 shows the state of the FAT thus changed.

  Next, the microcomputer 115 calculates an offset for each sub-image from the top of the main image (step S1103). The data of all the JPEG files selected in step S1101 are recorded from the first cluster number in the directory entry corresponding to each JPEG file. Therefore, the offset from the top of the multi-image file for each sub-image is calculated by counting the number of clusters up to just before the top cluster number while sequentially scanning the cluster chain corresponding to the multi-image file created in step S1102 from the top. The count value can be multiplied by the cluster size.

  Then, the microcomputer 115 creates and records a JPEG header of the main image (step S1104). Here, the microcomputer 115 once reads the SOI and JPEG header of the JPEG file corresponding to the main image into the SDRAM 106, and adds the offset value calculated in step S1103 by the number of sub-images. Further, since the start position of the JPEG image data of the main image is behind the start position in the JPEG file corresponding to the main image by the amount of the cluster added in step S1102, the microcomputer 115 indicates the position. In addition, the offset information to the JPEG image data in the JPEG header read into the SDRAM 106 is corrected. Then, the JPEG header stored in the SDRAM 106 is recorded on the recording medium 112 so that the SOI and the JPEG header are sequentially recorded from the top cluster in the cluster added in step S1102.

  Finally, the microcomputer 115 adds and deletes a directory entry in the directory entry recording area (step S1105). Here, the top cluster in the multi-image file to be created, that is, the top cluster (cluster number k in the example shown in FIG. 10) added in step S1102, the multi-image file name, and the total data size of the multi-image file are set. Based on this, a directory entry for the multi-image file is created. Here, the total data size is a size obtained by multiplying the total cluster number of the created multi-image file, that is, the total cluster number of the cluster chain created in step S1102 by the cluster size. Further, the microcomputer 115 deletes all directory entries corresponding to the JPEG file selected in step S1101.

  In the above description, the example of deleting all the directory entries of the JPEG file that is the source of the multi-image file has been shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the directory entry of the JPEG file may be left. In other words, the present invention does not prevent a configuration in which the same JPEG image data can be referred to as image data in a multi-image file and can also be referred to as image data in a JPEG file. .

  According to the first embodiment, the FAT is changed, the header information of the main image is changed, and the directory entry recording area is changed. However, the JPEG image data itself is not copied or moved, and a plurality of JPEG files are changed. Can be integrated to create one multi-image file. Since the total size of the data changed at this time is generally very small compared to the total size of the JPEG image data, a multi-image file can be created very quickly. Furthermore, since a copy of JPEG image data is not created on the recording medium, there is an advantage that processing can be performed even if the free area of the recording medium is smaller than the data size of the multi-image file. .

  Further, in the above description, the example in which all the JPEG files that are the source of the multi-image file exist in the same recording medium has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. With a recording medium that exists as described above, the creation of a multi-image file can be further accelerated. That is, a plurality of JPEG files to be converted into multi-image files exist in several recording media, and a multi-image file is stored in any one of these recording media (hereinafter referred to as a target recording medium). In the case of creating, first, all the JPEG files recorded on a recording medium other than the target recording medium among a plurality of JPEG files to be converted into a multi-image file are copied or moved to the target recording medium. Thereafter, the same processing as described above may be performed. Even in this case, since the JPEG image data of the JPEG file originally recorded on the target recording medium is neither copied nor moved, the processing speed can be increased.

[Embodiment 2]
12 to 15 show the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the file format of a multi-image file. In the second embodiment, parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted, and only differences are mainly described.

  In this embodiment, the configuration of the digital camera to which the image file editing apparatus is applied is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment, and the processing at the time of shooting is the same as that shown in FIG. The configuration of the JPEG file is the same as that shown in FIG.

  Next, the file format of the multi-image file in this embodiment is as shown in FIG. The file format shown in FIG. 12 is basically the same as the file format shown in FIG. 9 of the first embodiment, but a multi-image including the main image and the sub image in the JPEG header of the main image and the sub image. The difference is that information for identifying an image file (multi-image file identification information) is added. This multi-image file identification information can identify the multi-image file that is the creation source of this JPEG file when another JPEG file is created based on the JPEG image data included in the multi-image file. It is information to make. The multi-image file identification information is, for example, a non-overlapping number obtained by combining the manufacturing number recorded in the flash memory 117 and the date and time when the multi-image file is generated.

  Next, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing for creating a multi-image file. The process shown in FIG. 13 shows a process for creating a multi-image file as shown in FIG. 12 from a JPEG file as shown in FIG. 3 recorded according to the process as shown in FIG. It is. In FIG. 13, parts that perform the same processes as those in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  After the processing in step S1101 as described above is performed, the microcomputer 115 corrects the FAT so that the JPEG file selected in step S1101 becomes one multi-image file (step S1302).

  Here, first, a process of adding a cluster to the head of the cluster chain is performed on the JPEG file corresponding to the main image, as in step S1102 described above. The addition of clusters as necessary accompanying the increase in header information at this time is the same as described in step S1102.

  Next, in this embodiment, multi-image file identification information that does not exist in the JPEG header of the JPEG file corresponding to the sub-image is added to the JPEG header of the sub-image. For this reason, the JPEG header size for the sub-image also increases. Therefore, by performing processing similar to that performed on the main image, processing for adding an empty cluster to the head of the cluster chain is performed on the JPEG file corresponding to the sub-image.

  Then, the FAT element is changed so that the cluster chain of the JPEG file selected in step S1101 is connected to the end of the cluster chain of the JPEG file as the main image. Similarly, the FAT elements are changed so that the cluster chains of all the JPEG files selected in step S1101 are sequentially connected.

  After performing the process of step S1303, the microcomputer 115 calculates an offset for each sub-image from the top of the main image while correcting the JPEG header of each sub-image (step S1303). Details of the processing in step S1303 are as follows.

  That is, the microcomputer 115 first reads the SOI and JPEG header of the sub image into the SDRAM 106.

  Next, the microcomputer 115 adds the multi-image file identification information in the JPEG header, and corrects the offset information to the JPEG image data so as to point backward by the added data size.

  Subsequently, the microcomputer 115 records the SOI and JPEG header on the recording medium 112 from the front position in the multi-image file by the added data size.

  Finally, the microcomputer 115 calculates an offset from the top of the multi-image file indicating the position where the JPEG header is recorded. The JPEG file corresponding to the sub-image for which the offset is calculated is recorded from the first cluster number in the corresponding directory entry. Therefore, by sequentially scanning the cluster chain corresponding to the multi-image file created in step S1302 from the top, counting the number of clusters up to immediately before the top cluster number, and multiplying the count value by the cluster size, The offset before correction of the JPEG header is obtained. Then, an offset for the sub-image can be calculated by subtracting from the offset by the added data size.

  In the processing of step S1303, the microcomputer 115 performs the above-described processing on all the sub-images in order from the first sub-image.

  Next, the microcomputer 115 creates and records a JPEG header of the main image (step S1304). This step S1304 differs from the above-described step S1104 in that multi-image file identification information is further added to the JPEG header.

  Thereafter, the process of step S1105 described above is performed, and this process ends.

  Here, referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the change in the JPEG header and the change in the cluster chain of the JPEG file corresponding to the sub-image and the sub-image when the JPEG file is incorporated in the multi-image file. Explain the situation.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a JPEG file corresponding to a certain sub-image and a cluster in which the JPEG file is recorded. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the JPEG file is recorded in seven consecutive clusters from cluster m to cluster m + 6.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state of the cluster chain when the JPEG file shown in FIG. 14 is incorporated as a sub-image in the multi-image file. In the example shown in FIG. 15, one cluster (cluster with cluster number n) is added to the top in step S1302, and the JPEG header is modified in step S1303 to add multi-image file identification information. ing. Since the JPEG header has been extended in this way, the SOI of this sub-image is recorded from the middle of the cluster of cluster number n, which is the leading cluster (not from the beginning).

  According to the second embodiment, the FAT is changed, the header information of the main image and each sub-image is changed, and the directory entry recording area is changed. However, the JPEG image data itself is not copied or moved. A multi-image file can be created by integrating a plurality of JPEG files and forming a header necessary for the multi-image file. Since the total size of the data changed at this time is generally very small compared to the total size of the JPEG image data, a multi-image file can be created very quickly. Furthermore, since a copy of JPEG image data is not created on the recording medium, there is an advantage that processing can be performed even if the free area of the recording medium is smaller than the data size of the multi-image file. . In addition, when a separate JPEG file is created from the JPEG image data included in the multi-image file, the multi-image file identification information is included in the JPEG header, so that the original multi-image file can be identified. it can.

[Embodiment 3]
FIGS. 16 to 18 show Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a file format of a JPEG file. In the third embodiment, parts that are the same as those in the first and second embodiments are given the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only differences are mainly described.

  In this embodiment, the configuration of the digital camera to which the image file editing apparatus is applied is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment, and the processing at the time of shooting is the same as that shown in FIG. The system is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

  However, the configuration of the JPEG file from which the multi-image file is created in the present embodiment is different from that shown in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment.

  An example of the file format of the JPEG file in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This JPEG file is created by the process of step S203 in FIG.

  In the file format shown in FIG. 16, the file data starts from SOI (Start Of Image) and ends at EOI (End Of Image). Then, between the SOI and the EOI, information related to image data (see the description of the first embodiment) is recorded in order, a JPEG header in which the information conforms to the Exif standard, blank information, and JPEG image data are recorded. Is done.

  Among these, the blank information is, for example, information padded with zeros. By setting the offset information to the JPEG image data in the JPEG header to point further to the back of the file than the final data of the JPEG header, and recording the JPEG image data from that position, the JPEG header and the JPEG image data This blank information can be provided between them.

Although this blank information is, when the maximum data size of the JPEG header of the main image is M, the maximum data size of the JPEG header of the sub image is S, and the JPEG header size in the JPEG file is J,
max [M, S] -J
Is the size calculated by. Here, the symbol max [x, y] indicates that it takes the value of the smaller one of x and y (if x ≠ y, the larger of x and y). In other words, if specifically written, it indicates that M−J when M> S, and S−J when M ≦ S.

  Here, since the number of offset information changes according to the number of sub-images included in the multi-image file, the JPEG header size of the main image varies. For example, sub-images that can be included in the multi-image file If the maximum number is determined as a standard or the like in advance, the maximum JPEG header size can be determined in advance.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a file format of a multi-image file in the present embodiment.

  The file format shown in FIG. 17 is basically the same as the file format shown in FIG. 12 of the second embodiment, except that the main image and the sub-image include blank information (however, When the JPEG header takes a theoretical maximum value, blank information may not be included). The blank information is smaller in data size than the blank information included in the JPEG file in the format described with reference to FIG. 16 by the amount of information newly added to the JPEG header for storage in the multi-image file. Blank information.

  Next, FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing processing for creating a multi-image file. The process shown in FIG. 18 shows a process for creating a multi-image file as shown in FIG. 17 from a JPEG file as shown in FIG. 16 recorded according to the process as shown in FIG. is there. In FIG. 18, the same reference numerals are given to portions that perform the same processes as those in FIGS. 11 and 13, and description thereof is omitted.

  After the processing in step S1101 as described above is performed, the microcomputer 115 corrects the FAT so that the JPEG file selected in step S1101 becomes one multi-image file (step S1802).

  Here, since blank information of an appropriate size is recorded in advance between the JPEG header of the JPEG file and the JPEG image data, the JPEG header of the main image or the sub image corresponding to the JPEG file in the multi-image file and The JPEG data size does not exceed the original JPEG file size. Therefore, in this process, the FAT element is changed so that the cluster chain of the JPEG file selected in step S1101 is connected to the end of the cluster chain of the JPEG file corresponding to the main image. It is sufficient to change the FAT elements so that the cluster chains of all the JPEG files selected in step S1101 are sequentially connected.

  Next, the microcomputer 115 calculates an offset for each sub-image from the top of the main image while correcting the JPEG header of each sub-image (step S1803).

  That is, the microcomputer 115 first reads the JPEG header of the sub image into the SDRAM 106.

  Next, the microcomputer 115 adds the multi-image file identification information in the JPEG header.

  Subsequently, the microcomputer 115 records the JPEG header so as to overwrite from the position originally recorded in the multi-image file.

  Finally, the microcomputer 115 calculates an offset from the top of the multi-image file indicating the position where the JPEG header is recorded. The JPEG file corresponding to the sub-image for which the offset is calculated is recorded from the first cluster number in the corresponding directory entry. Therefore, by sequentially scanning the cluster chain corresponding to the multi-image file created in step S1802 from the top, counting the number of clusters up to immediately before the top cluster number, and multiplying the count value by the cluster size, An offset can be determined.

  In the process of step S1803, the microcomputer 115 performs the above-described process on all the sub-images in order from the first sub-image.

  Thereafter, the processes in steps S1304 and S1105 as described above are performed, and this process ends.

  According to the third embodiment, since the blank information of an appropriate size is included in advance when the JPEG file is recorded, the change of the FAT, the change of the header information of the main image and each sub image, and the directory entry recording The JPEG image data itself is not copied or moved, and multiple JPEG files can be integrated to create a multi-image file while constructing the necessary headers for the multi-image file. it can. Since the total size of the data changed at this time is generally very small compared to the total size of the JPEG image data, a multi-image file can be created very quickly. Furthermore, a copy of JPEG image data is not created on a recording medium, the file size of the created multi-image file is not larger than the total file size of the original JPEG file, and the JPEG header Is recorded by overwriting, so that there is an advantage that processing can be performed even when the recording medium has no free space.

[Embodiment 4]
FIG. 19 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention and is a flowchart showing a process for creating a multi-image file. In the fourth embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different points will be mainly described.

  In this embodiment, the configuration of the digital camera to which the image file editing apparatus is applied is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment, and the processing at the time of shooting is the same as that shown in FIG. The configuration of the JPEG file is the same as that shown in FIG.

  Next, a process for creating a multi-image file will be described with reference to FIG. The process shown in FIG. 19 is a multi-image in which blank information exists between a JPEG header and JPEG image data from a JPEG file shown in FIG. 3 recorded according to the process shown in FIG. FIG. 18 shows processing when creating a file (for example, a multi-image file as shown in FIG. 17). Note that, in FIG. 19, portions that perform the same processing as the processing in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  After the processing in step S1101 as described above is performed, the microcomputer 115 selects a JPEG file (processing target JPEG file) to be processed from the selected JPEG file (step S1902). . Here, it is assumed that the microcomputer 115 selects the processing target JPEG file in the order selected by the user in step S1101.

  Next, a JPEG header is created (step S1903).

  In this processing, the SOI and JPEG header are read into the SDRAM 106 from the processing target JPEG file selected in step S1902.

  If the processing target JPEG file is the file first selected in step S1101, a JPEG header for the main image is created, and if not, a JPEG header for the sub image is created. Here, when creating the header of the main image, since the offset for each sub-image is still unknown at this point, an area for writing offset information as many as the number of sub-images is secured, and the offset information itself Is recorded with arbitrary information (for example, 0).

In this process, offset information to JPEG image data is also changed. Here, when the start position of the JPEG image data in the processing target JPEG file obtained from the offset information recorded in the processing target JPEG file is p, the cluster size is c, and the total size of the SOI and the created JPEG header is s. In addition,
p ≧ c × n
The largest integer n satisfying
s ≦ c × m
Find the smallest integer m that satisfies
p−c × n + c × m
The offset information indicates the position obtained by the above calculation.

  This offset information is obtained by releasing all the clusters in which information other than JPEG image data in the processing target JPEG file is recorded from the top of the cluster chain, and clustering the clusters for recording JPEG headers for SOI and multi-image files. This is the same as the offset information to the JPEG image data in the file that can be added to the head of the chain. When the offset information is created in this way, a blank area may be included between the JPEG header and the JPEG image data because of the header size and the like (both p and s are just the cluster size). Except for special cases where the integer multiple is used, a blank area is usually included.) (For the configuration of a multi-image file including a blank area, see, for example, FIG. 17).

  Next, the FAT is changed (step S1904). First, using n obtained in step S1903, the first cluster to n clusters in the cluster chain corresponding to the processing target JPEG file are released. This release is performed by changing the element in the FAT having the same index number as the cluster number to be released to 0. Then, using m obtained in step S1903, m free clusters are added to the head of the cluster chain, and the head cluster of the added cluster chain is stored. Next, if the cluster JPEG file created by the processing so far is the JPEG file to be processed first selected in step S1101 (that is, the JPEG file corresponding to the main image), a multi-image file is created. If the processing target JPEG file is the second or later selected file in step S1101, it is added to the end of the cluster chain of the multi-image file.

  Subsequently, the SOI and JPEG header (the JPEG header created in step S1903) stored in the SDRAM 106 are recorded using m clusters from the beginning of the top cluster stored in step S1904 (step S1905).

  Then, an offset to the first cluster stored in step S1904 is calculated (step S1906).

  Further, it is checked whether or not there is an unprocessed JPEG file in the JPEG file selected in step S1101 (step S1907). If there is still an unprocessed JPEG file, the process returns to step S1902. After selecting an unprocessed JPEG file as a processing target JPEG file, the above-described processing is repeated.

  On the other hand, if there is no unprocessed JPEG file in step S1907, it means that all the JPEG files selected in step S1101 have been combined. Therefore, each offset calculated corresponding to each sub-image in step S1906 is recorded in the main image JPEG header as offset information for that sub-image (step S1908). Here, since the area for recording the offset information for the sub-image in the main image JPEG header is reserved in advance in step S1903 and any information is recorded, the offset information is recorded by overwriting this arbitrary information. Is done.

  Thereafter, the microcomputer 115 adds and deletes the directory entry in the directory entry recording area by the processing in step S1105 described above.

  As described above, the multi-image file created by such processing may or may not include a blank area depending on the JPEG header size in the JPEG file and the JPEG header size in the main image and the sub-image. is there.

  According to the fourth embodiment, a JPEG image data that occupies most of the data size in a JPEG file can be created by integrating a plurality of JPEG files without copying or moving. In addition, extremely high-speed processing can be performed. Further, when the JPEG header in the JPEG file includes a blank area as shown in FIG. 16 of the third embodiment, for example, the blank area can be reduced, and further, from the JPEG header size of the JPEG file. In some cases, it is possible to make the corresponding JPEG header size smaller in a multi-image file. In this case, the file size of the multi-image file can be reduced by using the recording area more effectively than in the third embodiment. It can be made smaller. In addition, according to the present embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of Embodiments 1 to 3 described above can be achieved.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements 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 some components 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 a digital camera as an example of an image file editing device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 5 is a flowchart showing processing at the time of recording an image file in the digital camera in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a file format of a JPEG file created in step S203 of FIG. 2 in the first embodiment. The figure which shows the outline | summary of the file system for managing the data recorded on the file and file comprised in the recording medium in the said Embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing when a file is written on a recording medium in the file system as shown in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. The figure which shows the relationship between the data which comprise a JPEG file, and each cluster in which this data is recorded in the said Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which shows the data of FAT applicable to the cluster structure shown in FIG. 6 of the said Embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing when data is read from a file recorded using the file system as shown in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a file format of a multi-image file in the first embodiment. The figure which shows FAT structure of the multi-image file created by combining the JPEG file as shown in FIG. 6 provided with the FAT as shown in FIG. 7 of the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing processing for creating a multi-image file in the first embodiment. The figure which shows the example of the file format of the multi image file in Embodiment 2 of this invention. 9 is a flowchart showing processing for creating a multi-image file in the second embodiment. The figure which shows the relationship between the JPEG file corresponding to a certain subimage, and the cluster in which this JPEG file is recorded in the said Embodiment 2. FIG. The figure which shows the mode of a cluster chain when the JPEG file shown in FIG. 14 of the said Embodiment 2 is integrated as a subimage in a multi-image file. The figure which shows the example of the file format of the JPEG file in Embodiment 3 of this invention. The figure which shows the example of the file format of the multi image file in the said Embodiment 3. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing for creating a multi-image file in the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing processing for creating a multi-image file in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Camera body 101 ... Lens 102 ... Imaging element 103 ... Analog processing part 104 ... A / D conversion part 105 ... Bus 106 ... SDRAM
107 ... Image processing unit 108 ... AE processing unit 109 ... AF processing unit 110 ... JPEG processing unit 111 ... Memory I / F
112 ... Recording medium 113 ... LCD driver 114 ... LCD
115... Microcomputer (file allocation table creation unit, directory entry creation unit, image information recording unit)
116: Operation unit 117 ... Flash memory

Claims (10)

An image file which is divided and recorded in clusters, which are recording units of a predetermined size, and generates a single multi-image file including each image data of the plurality of image files from a plurality of image files each including image data An editing device,
A file indicating the sequence of clusters so as to include at least all of the clusters in which the image data is recorded among the clusters in which the plurality of image files from which the multi-image file is generated are recorded. A file allocation table creation section for creating an allocation table;
A directory entry creation unit for creating a directory entry including a file name of the multi-image file and information indicating a first cluster of a cluster chain related to the multi-image file in the file allocation table;
By recording the file allocation table and the directory entry, an image information recording unit constituting the multi-image file,
An image file editing apparatus comprising: The multi-image file is configured to include additional information for at least one of the plurality of image files.
2. The image file according to claim 1, wherein the file allocation table creation unit further creates a file allocation table indicating a sequence of clusters including clusters for recording the new information. 3. Editing device. The multi-image file includes image data included in one image file among the plurality of image files as a main image and image data included in an image file other than the main image as sub-images. And
The image file editing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the new information includes offset information indicating positions of the plurality of sub-images in the multi-image file.   4. The image file editing according to claim 3, wherein the new information further includes identification information for identifying that the main image and the sub-image belong to the same multi-image file. apparatus. The multi-image file is configured to include additional information for at least one of the plurality of image files.
2. The image file editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an arbitrary image file of the plurality of image files has an area for adding the new information as blank information in advance. Each of the plurality of image files includes the image data, header information including information related to the image data, and the blank information.
In the multi-image file, image data included in one image file of the plurality of image files is a main image, and image data included in an image file other than the main image is a sub-image, respectively. And the header information of the main image, the sub-image, and the header information of the sub-image, and further, if necessary, any of the blank information related to the main image and the blank information related to the sub-image Or more than one,
Each of the plurality of image files is configured such that a total data size of the header information and the blank information in each of the image files is equal to or greater than a maximum data size that can be defined as the header information of the sub-image. The image file editing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the image file editing apparatus is an image file editing apparatus.   Each of the plurality of image files is such that the total data size of the header information and the blank information in each of the image files is equal to or greater than a maximum data size that can be defined as the header information of the main image. 7. The image file editing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image file editing apparatus is configured as follows.   8. The blank information according to claim 5, wherein the blank information is arranged in front of the image data included in each of the plurality of image files in a direction indicated by the cluster connection order. The image file editing device according to any one of the above. An image file which is divided and recorded in clusters, which are recording units of a predetermined size, and generates a single multi-image file including each image data of the plurality of image files from a plurality of image files each including image data Editing method,
A file allocation table indicating a sequence of clusters including at least all of the clusters in which the image data is recorded among the clusters in which the plurality of image files from which the multi-image file is generated is recorded; Creating a directory entry including a file name of the multi-image file and information indicating a first cluster of a cluster chain related to the multi-image file in the file allocation table;
Configuring the multi-image file by recording the file allocation table and the directory entry;
An image file editing method comprising: A process of generating one multi-image file including each image data of the plurality of image files from a plurality of image files each recorded in a cluster which is a recording unit of a predetermined size and each including image data. A program for causing a computer to execute,
A file allocation table indicating a sequence of clusters including at least all of the clusters in which the image data is recorded among the clusters in which the plurality of image files from which the multi-image file is generated is recorded; Creating a directory entry including a file name of the multi-image file and information indicating a first cluster of a cluster chain related to the multi-image file in the file allocation table;
Configuring the multi-image file by recording the file allocation table and the directory entry;
A program that causes a computer to execute.

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