JP5021546B2 - Multi-image file creation device, multi-image file creation program, and multi-image file creation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a multi-image file creation apparatus, a multi-image file creation program, and a multi-image file creation method for creating a multi-image file including main image data and one or more sub-image data.

  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.

  By the way, at present, digital still images obtained by imaging are often stored as JPEG standard JPG files, and “JPG” is used as the file extension. In order to maintain file compatibility with current image processing apparatuses and JPG applications designed to handle this JPG file, it is necessary to set the file extension to “JPG” as described above. Furthermore, the internal structure of the file needs to conform to the Exif standard, which is the de facto standard for digital cameras and the like.

  As a technique for simultaneously realizing these requirements, for example, a technique described in JP-A-2005-252754 can be cited. The technique described in this publication prevents a number of files from increasing by combining a plurality of JPEG images into one file, and further, a main image (main among a plurality of images combined in a file) at the beginning of the file. (Represented) one image) is stored in a format compliant with the Exif standard, and the extension of the file itself is “JPG”.

  Specifically, the file created by the technique described in the publication has a configuration as shown in FIG. 9 except for the extension. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an image file that can store a plurality of JPEG image data, which has been conventionally proposed. For example, one JPEG image data as a main image and n (n is an integer of 1 or more) JPEG image data as other sub-images can be stored in the image file. Yes. 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. (That is, each JPEG image data with a JPEG header has the same structure as a JPG file conforming to the Exif standard. If these JPEG image data are divided into individual image files together with the JPEG header, Each highly compatible with existing applications). In such a configuration, the image stored at the head of the image file is the main image, and the JPEG header related to the main image includes information on each sub-image stored in the same image file (for example, The total number of sub-images, the sub-image identification number (which sub-image is in the image file, etc.), the pointer to each sub-image, and the image type information of each sub-image (this image type information Information indicating the relationship between image data and one or more sub-image data at the time of image data creation (for example, at the time of shooting, etc.) Specifically, each sub-image is obtained by panoramic shooting, or Etc.) etc. are stored. Sub-images other than the main image are stored in order following the main image. In addition, in the technology described in the publication, the extension of the file name is “JPG” (however, in the example shown in FIG. 9, according to the recent standardization trend of a file capable of storing a plurality of images. The extension is “MPF” and the file name is “hogehoge.MPF”).

  By adopting a configuration that has the same structure as the existing JPEG format from the beginning of the file to the end of the main image, as described above, in the file for storing a plurality of JPEG image data , Compatibility with existing image processing apparatuses and applications that handle JPG files is maintained. Since a plurality of image data is stored in one file, there is an advantage that the number of files can be reduced and file management is facilitated. A file as shown in FIG. 9 as an example, that is, an image file storing a plurality of image data in one file is hereinafter referred to as a “multi-image file” as appropriate.

On the other hand, the current Exif standard is defined to store only one JPEG image excluding thumbnail images for one JPG file.
JP 2005-252754 A

  A file storing a plurality of images as described in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-252754 is compatible with an existing JPG file because the head main image is compatible with the existing JPG file. It can be displayed on a device or application, edited, or saved. However, when the JPG file described in the publication is edited and saved by an existing image processing apparatus or application based on the current Exif standard as described above, the main image is saved, but other than the main image. May be erased or damaged.

  Therefore, in order to reproduce, edit, or distribute an image by an existing image processing apparatus or application, a method of dividing each image in the multi-image file into individual JPG files can be considered. The multi-image file as described in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-252754 has a configuration in which a plurality of JPG files are concatenated into one file, so that such division can be easily performed. Is possible.

  However, if the multi-image file is divided, the relevance of the image group managed as one file is lost, so that it is very difficult to combine the images again into one file after that.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a multi-image file creation apparatus, a multi-image file creation program, a multi-image file creation program capable of creating a multi-image file that can be recombined after division relatively easily. The purpose is to provide an image file creation method.

In order to achieve the above object, a multi-image file creation device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes main image data representing one main image representing a plurality of images and one or more other than the main image. A multi-image file creation device for creating a multi-image file including one or more sub-image data representing a sub-image, wherein a header area is provided in each of the main image data and each of the one or more sub-image data. Each of the header generation unit for generating the main image data and the header area of the main image data and the header areas of the one or more sub-image data indicate the relationship between the main image data and the one or more sub-image data. Related information for recording related information including the same group identification information for identifying that the main image data and the one or more sub-image data belong to the same multi-image file Comprising a broadcast recording portion, the related information recording unit, the relevant information recorded in the header area of the main image data, further includes a main image identification information indicating that the image data is the main image data The related information is recorded so that the

In addition, the multi-image file creation program according to the second aspect of the present invention includes one or more main image data representing one main image representing a plurality of images and one or more sub-images other than the main image. A multi-image file creation program for causing a computer to execute a process of creating a multi-image file including the sub-image data of the main image data and each of the one or more sub-image data. Relevant information indicating the relevance between the main image data and the one or more sub-image data in the header area of the main image data and each of the header areas of the one or more sub-image data. And including the same group identification information for identifying that the main image data and the one or more sub-image data belong to the same multi-image file. The communicating information is recorded, here, to the relevant information recorded in the header area of the main image data, so as to further include a main image identification information indicating that the image data is the main image data, the related information is the order of the program to perform the recording.

Furthermore, the multi-image file creation method according to the third aspect of the present invention includes one or more main image data representing one main image representing a plurality of images and one or more sub-images other than the main image. A multi-image file creation method for creating a multi-image file including a plurality of sub-image data, wherein a header region is created in each of the main image data and each of the one or more sub-image data. Relevant information indicating the relationship between the main image data and the one or more sub-image data in the header area of the image data and each header area of the one or more sub-image data, the main image data and the one or more sub-image data related information and one or more sub-image data includes the same group identification information for identifying that they belong to the same multi-image file was recorded, serial here, the header area of the main image data In the related information, as further to include main image identification information indicating that the image data is the main image data, a method for recording of the relevant information.

  According to the multi-image file creation apparatus, multi-image file creation program, and multi-image file creation method of the present invention, it is possible to create a multi-image file that can be recombined after division relatively easily.

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

[Embodiment 1]
1 to 8 show the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a multi-image file creation apparatus.

  The multi-image file creation apparatus 1 has a function of capturing an image, and is configured as a digital camera, for example.

  That is, the multi-image file creation apparatus 1 includes a lens 2, an aperture 3, an image sensor 4, an analog amplification unit 5, an A / D conversion unit 6, a bus 7, a memory 8, and an image processing unit 9. , A video encoder 10, an operation unit 11, a CPU 12, and an internal recording medium 13. The multi-image file creation device 1 is connected to the external recording medium 14 and the display unit 15.

  The lens 2 is for forming an optical image of the subject on the image sensor 4.

  The diaphragm 3 is for adjusting the brightness of the optical image to be formed by defining the passing range of the light beam reaching the image sensor 4 from the lens 2. The lens 2 and the diaphragm 3 constitute an imaging optical system.

  The image sensor 4 photoelectrically converts the formed optical image to generate and output an analog electrical image signal.

  The analog amplifying unit 5 amplifies the analog image signal output from the image sensor 4.

  The A / D conversion unit 6 converts the analog image signal amplified by the analog amplification unit 5 into a digital image.

  The digital image converted by the A / D converter 6 is stored in the memory 8 through the bus 7. Here, the bus 7 is used when each unit transmits and receives data, and is connected to the A / D conversion unit 6, the memory 8, the image processing unit 9, the video encoder 10, the CPU 12, and the internal recording medium 13. An external recording medium 14 can be connected.

  The memory 8 is configured as a storage unit that can be accessed at a relatively high speed, such as a DRAM, for example, and the image from the A / D conversion unit 6, the image processed by the image processing unit 9, the internal recording medium 13 or In addition to being used as a buffer for storing an image read from the external recording medium 14, it is also used as a work area by the CPU 12.

  The image processing unit 9 performs image processing on the digital image stored in the memory 8 to generate image data for recording (JPEG data is assumed in the present embodiment), and writes it back to the memory 8 again. Is. Further, the image processing unit 9 generates display image data as necessary and stores it in the memory 8.

  The image data for recording generated by the image processing unit 9 is added with a header or the like by the CPU 12, and a plurality of image data to which the header is further added is combined to generate a multi-image file as described later. It has become so.

  The internal recording medium 13 records generated image files (including multi-image files) in a non-volatile manner under the control of the CPU 12, and is configured by, for example, a flash memory. Here, the internal recording medium 13 is built in the multi-image file creation apparatus 1.

  On the other hand, the external recording medium 14 is configured as an external recording medium such as a CF card or an SD card, and can be detachably connected to the multi-image file creation apparatus 1. The external recording medium 14 is also, for example, a flash memory that records generated image files (including multi-image files) in a nonvolatile manner under the control of the CPU 12.

  The video encoder 10 reads display image data stored in the memory 8, converts it into a video signal or the like, and outputs it to the outside. The video encoder 10 is connected to a display unit 15 as an external device such as a liquid crystal display device (LCD) or a television device (TV), and displays an image on the display unit 15. .

  The operation unit 11 is used by the user to input various operations to the multi-image file creation apparatus 1. Operations that can be performed by the operation unit 11 include, for example, a power on / off operation, a release operation for instructing start of image shooting, a continuous shooting mode, a panoramic shooting mode, a multi-view shooting mode, an auto bracket shooting mode, and the like. Examples include a mode selection operation for selecting a shooting mode, a main image selection operation for selecting a main image from a plurality of captured images, and the like.

  The CPU 12 is a control unit that integrally controls each unit in the multi-image file creation apparatus 1. Further, as described above, the CPU 12 creates a header, adds it to the image data for recording, and further generates a multi-image file by collecting a plurality of image data to which the header is added, or the generated multi-image. Control such as recording an image file such as a file on the internal recording medium 13 or the external recording medium 14 is also performed, which also serves as a related information recording unit, a header creation unit, and a multi-image file reconstruction unit. Yes. In addition, the CPU 12 also performs processing for selecting a main image from among a plurality of images by automatic processing or in response to manual operation.

  In the present embodiment, shooting is performed when a shooting mode in which a plurality of highly relevant images are acquired, such as a continuous shooting mode, a panoramic shooting mode, a multiple viewpoint shooting mode, and an auto bracket shooting mode, is set. It is assumed that the series of image groups thus recorded is recorded as a multi-image file on one or both of the internal recording medium 13 and the external recording medium 14. In the following description, it is assumed that the multi-image file is recorded on the external recording medium 14, for example.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a multi-image file, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a more detailed configuration of the multi-image file.

  The configuration of the multi-image file that is shot in the shooting mode described above and recorded in the external recording medium 14 is as shown in FIG. The configuration of the multi-image file shown in FIG. 2 is basically the same as the configuration of the multi-image file described with reference to FIG.

  That is, the multi-image file stores one JPEG image data as a main image at the head, and subsequently stores n (n is an integer of 1 or more) JPEG image data as sub-images. A JPEG header is added to each JPEG image data. A set of JPEG header and JPEG image data is sandwiched between an image start marker SOI and an image end marker EOI.

  In a multi-image file having such a configuration, information on each sub-image stored in the same file is stored in the JPEG header related to the main image stored at the head of the file. The sub-image information includes the total number of sub-images, the sub-image identification number (which sub-image is in the multi-image file, etc.), a pointer to each sub-image, and the type of each sub-image (each Some examples include, for example, which of the above-described shooting modes the sub-image is obtained from. Also in this embodiment, the extension of the file name of the multi-image file is “MPF” (in the example shown, the file name is “hogehoge.MPF”). However, this extension name is merely an example, and other extensions may of course be used. In this embodiment, since it is assumed that a multi-image file is divided into a plurality of JPG files, the divided JPG file is processed by a conventional device or software that does not support multi-image files. It is possible. Therefore, since it is not necessary to set the extension of the multi-image file to “JPG” in order to maintain compatibility with the conventional JPG file, a unique extension indicating a multi-image file is added here. Yes.

  However, the multi-image file shown in FIG. 2 of the present embodiment is different from the multi-image file shown in FIG. 9 in that main image related information is added to the main image JPEG header and sub image related information is added to the sub image JPEG header. It has been made. These pieces of related information are information necessary for reconstructing a multi-image file by dividing the multi-image file into a plurality of JPG files, performing, for example, editing processing, and then combining them.

  That is, as an example of information recorded as main image related information in the main image JPEG header, an identifier for identifying an image constituting a file of a multi-image file format (FIG. 4 and a diagram to be described later). In the example shown in FIG. 5, an identifier “MPFD” (however, this identifier is merely an example) and an image identification number “0” (main image identification information indicating that the corresponding image data is main image data) ( Since the identification numbers of the sub-images are 1,..., N, etc., the identification number “0” indicating the order of the main images in the multi-image file is used here as the main image identification information. Since the identification information need only be information that can identify the main image, other information, for example, the initial “m” of the main picture may be recorded. Or other information may be recorded), and main image file information (for example, a unique ID or this main image file) for the sub-image after division to identify the main image after division. (This file name is the same group identification information for identifying that the main image data and one or more sub-image data belong to the same multi-image file) .

  On the other hand, the sub-image related information in the sub-image kJPEG header of the sub-image k (k = 1,..., N) is referred to the sub-image k information recorded in the main image JPEG header. Basically copied and recorded (The reason why recording by copying is basically required is to record main image data when reconstructing a multi-image file from the divided image group later. This is because only the main image JPEG header can be restored even if the JPG file does not exist, but it is not necessary to copy information that does not make sense for copying, for example, a sub image. The pointer to was necessary in the multi-image file, but in the divided JPG file, it is recorded in the other part of the JPEG header, so there is no need to copy it. And the like.). Here, examples of the sub-image k information to be copied and recorded include the total number of sub-images, the sub-image identification number (such as which sub-image in the multi-image file), and the type of each sub-image. (Each sub-image is obtained by any one of the above-described photographing modes).

  Further, this sub-image related information includes an identifier (identifier “MPFD” in the example shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6 to be described later) for identifying an image constituting a multi-image file. And the same identifier as that attached to the main image as shown in FIG. 5), and main image file information for identifying the divided main image by the divided sub-image (this main image file information is described above). In this way, the same group identification information and a unique ID given to the main image or the file name of the main image file itself are recorded as exemplified above.

  Next, FIG. 3 shows a flow of creating a multi-image file from a plurality of images, then dividing and editing the images included in the multi-image file, and further combining them to reconstruct the multi-image file. FIG.

  In the multi-image file creation apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. 1, for example, when the continuous shooting mode is set, and a plurality of highly relevant images are captured and stored in the memory 8, the CPU 12 has the plurality of images. A multi-image file (in this example, the file name “hogehoge.MPF”) as shown in FIG. 2 is created and stored in the external recording medium 14, for example. In the multi-image file created at this time, as shown in FIG. 2, main image related information is recorded in the main image JPEG header, and sub image k related information is recorded in the sub image kJPEG header. .

  Next, the external recording medium 14 is connected to an arbitrary device that supports multi-images (of course, the multi-image file creation device 1 may be used), and the multi-image file is divided into a plurality of JPG files. . In the example shown in FIG. 3, since the multi-image file includes one main image and four sub-images, five JPG files are created by this division.

  Of the plurality of JPG files obtained by dividing in this way, for example, the JPG file of the sub-image 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 3, the file name “hogehoge_2.JPG”) is executed on, for example, a personal computer (PC). Edited by an image editing processing program that edits an existing JPG file (that is, non-compatible with multi-image files) (of course, it may be edited by a dedicated image editing device other than a computer, a digital camera, etc. Editing may be performed using the image editing function provided in the above, that is, the device for performing image editing is not limited. Here, even after this editing process, it is assumed that sub-image related information remains in the JPEG header of sub-image 2 (and the file name after editing is “new_hogehoge_2.JPG”). . Here, the editing process is performed by a device or program that does not support multi-image files, but it goes without saying that the editing process may be performed by a device or program that supports multi-image files. The edited JPG file of the sub-image 2 and the unedited main image JPG file and sub-images 1, 3 to 4 JPG file are recorded on the external recording medium 14 again.

  Next, the external recording medium 14 is connected again to the multi-image file creation apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. Then, the multi-image file creation apparatus 1 performs image recombination processing so that the sub-image 2 before editing is replaced with the sub-image 2 after editing (in this example, the file name “new_hogehoge.MPF )).

  Next, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing in detail the structure of the main image JPEG header of the multi-image file, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing in detail the structure of the sub-image JPEG header of the multi-image file.

  The main image JPEG header and the sub-image JPEG header are compliant with the Exif standard and include an APP1 marker area and an APP2 marker area. In the APP1 marker area, Exif data recorded in the header of a normal JPG file (that is, a JPG file including a single image) is recorded. In the APP2 marker area, information related to division (a plurality of divided pieces of information) is recorded. Information necessary for reconstructing an image file of a multi-image format from a JPG file of the above-mentioned JPG file] is recorded.

  Here, the APP1 marker area is enlarged as shown on the right side of FIGS. 5 and 6, and the APP1 marker, APP1Length, Exif header, TIFF header, 0thIFD, ExifIFD, 1stIFD, thumbnail image data. And. Further, when the image file is a main image file, sub-image information IFD is further included at a position between, for example, Exif IFD and 1st IFD in the APP1 marker area.

  Here, by referring to APP1Length, it is possible to calculate the head position of an APP2 marker area described later.

  The 0th IFD includes a pointer to the Exif IFD and a pointer to the 1st IFD.

  ExifIFD includes ExifIFD tag data. Further, the Exif IFD of the JPEG header of the main image further includes a pointer to the sub image information IFD. The sub-image 1 information to the sub-image n information as described above are recorded at positions in the JPEG header of the main image pointed to by the pointer to the sub-image information IFD.

  Next, the division related information includes APP2 marker, APP2Length, image related information (main image related information in the case of the main image JPEG header, sub image related information in the case of the sub image JPEG header), And is recorded in a format conforming to the Exif standard.

  As described above, the position of the APP2 marker is calculated by referring to APP1Length.

  Further, referring to APP2Length, it is possible to calculate the leading position of the JPEG image data body.

  When the image related information is main image related information, as described above, the identifier “MPFD”, the image identification number “0” as the main image identification information, and the main image file information are recorded. Yes.

  If the image-related information is sub-image related information, as described above, the identifier “MPFD” and the image identification number “k” (sub-image k (k = 1,..., N) ), Image type information, the total number of sub-images, and main image file information.

  Next, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing for creating a multi-image file. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 7 may be processing performed in the multi-image file creation apparatus 1, and is performed by executing a multi-image file creation program corresponding to creation of a multi-image file on a computer. It may be processing.

  Prior to the start of this process, a series of images have already been taken (or a group of highly relevant images is created by executing image software on a computer or the like), and a plurality of images constituting a multi-image have already been obtained. Assume that it is stored in the memory 8.

  When this process is started in such a state, sub-image k information (k = 1,..., N, where n is the total number of sub-images) is recorded in the main image JPEG header (step S1). Such main image related information is recorded (step S2).

  Next, the sub-image total number n is obtained from the main image JPEG header (step S3), and the variable i is reset to 0 (step S4).

  Then, after the variable i is increased by 1 (step S5), the sub-image i information recorded in the main image JPEG header is referred to (step S6), and the necessary information in the referenced information is as described above. The sub-image related information is recorded in the sub-image iJPEG header (step S7).

  Further, the main image file information and the identifier are recorded in the sub image related information of the sub image iJPEG header (step S8).

  Thereafter, it is determined whether i is less than n (step S9). If it is less than n, the process returns to step S5 to repeat the above-described processing for the next sub-image, while n If it has reached, the multi-image file is generated in the internal recording medium 13 or the external recording medium 14 (step S10), and this process ends.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing when a JPG file group obtained by dividing a multi-image file is combined to reconstruct the multi-image file. Note that the processing shown in FIG. 8 may be processing performed in the multi-image file creation apparatus 1, and is performed by executing a multi-image file creation program corresponding to the combination of multi-image files on a computer. It may be processing.

  When this processing is started, a target image file group to be recombined (assuming this is an image file group consisting of m JPG files) is selected in accordance with, for example, a user operation via the operation unit 11 (Step S21).

  Next, an identifier “MPFD” is recorded in the header of each JPG file, indicating whether or not all the JPG files included in the selected image file group are JPG files obtained by dividing from the multi-image file. It is determined based on whether or not (step S22).

  Here, if at least one JPG file that is not divided from the multi-image file is included in the selected image file group, the process returns to step S21 and the selection of the image file group is performed again.

  If it is determined in step S22 that all JPG files included in the image file group are JPG files obtained by dividing the multi-image file, the variable i is reset to 0 (step S23). ).

  Then, after increasing the variable i by 1 (step S24), the related information (main image related information or sub image related information) recorded in the header of the selected i-th JPG file is acquired (step S25). ).

  Subsequently, based on the main image file information, whether the currently processed JPG file is a JPG file divided from the same multi-image file as the JPG file for which the related information has already been acquired (the related information Is determined based on whether or not it is the same as the main image file information of the acquired JPG file (step S26).

  Here, if it is determined that the JPG files are not divided from the same multi-image file, the process returns to step S21 to reselect the image file group.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the files are JPG files divided from the same multi-image file, it is determined whether i is less than m (step S27). If it is less than m, step S24 is performed. The process as described above is repeated for the next image.

  If i has reached m, it is determined whether or not the main image JPG file is included in the selected image file group (step S28).

  If it is determined that the main image JPG file is not included in the selected image file group, it is recorded in the header area of at least one JPG file in the selected image file group. Based on the main image file information, the main image JPG file is searched from the external recording medium 14 (step S29).

  As a result, it is determined whether a JPG file of the main image has been found (step S30). Here, if it is determined that the JPG file of the main image is not found, all the JPG files included in the selected image file group are JPG files of the sub-image, and therefore all the selected JPG files are included. The sub-image related information recorded in the JPEG header of the sub-image JPG file is browsed (step S31), and the sub-image related information is copied and used to create the main image header of the multi-image file. (Step S32).

  Then, in the actual data part of the main image, an image that can be recognized as a main image lacking multi-image (for example, an image including character information such as “multi-image but main image is missing”) is stored as data. (Step S33).

  If it is determined that the main image JPG file is included in the selected image file group in step S28, or if it is determined in step S30 that the main image JPG file has been found as a result of the search, or When the main image is created by performing the processes of steps S31 to S33, the sub-image total number n is acquired from the main image JPEG header (step S34), and the variable i is reset to 0 (step S35).

  Subsequently, after the variable i is incremented by 1 (step S36), the sub-image i information recorded in the main image JPEG header is referred to (step S37), and among the image file group selected in step S21. It is determined whether or not there is any that matches the identification number of the sub-image i information (step S38).

  If it is determined that there is a match, the matching selected image is added to the multi-image file (however, when i = 1, it is not the “multi-image file” but the “main image file”). Therefore, when it is determined that there is no match, the image type in the sub-image i information is changed to “no image”. (Step S40).

  After the process of step S39 or step S40 is performed, it is determined whether i is less than n (step S41), and if it is less than n, the process returns to step S36 and is as described above with respect to the next sub-image. The process is repeated. On the other hand, if n has been reached, this process ends.

  In the process shown in FIG. 8, the user selects the image file group to be reconstructed from the multi-image file. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the user designates only one JPG file for reconstructing a multi-image file, the header information of each JPG file in the external recording medium 14 is searched thereafter, and the same as the designated JPG file. It is also possible to automatically search for a JPG file divided from the multi-image file and reconstruct the original multi-image file. Alternatively, multi-image files that can be reconstructed in the external recording medium 14 can be reconstructed in a batch by a fully automatic process.

  According to the first embodiment, when a multi-image file including a plurality of image data is created, the multi-image file is reconstructed after being divided into headers of each image data included in the created multi-image file. Since related information necessary for recording is recorded, it is possible to relatively easily combine and reconstruct the multi-image files having the original configuration even if the image is divided.

  The divided image file can be displayed, edited, or distributed by software that does not support multi-images. At this time, since the JPEG header of each image data included in the multi-image file has a de facto standard format conforming to the Exif standard, the JPG file obtained by dividing the image is compatible with a conventional JPEG compatible device. This increases the versatility and convenience.

  If the multi-image file is reconstructed based on the edited JPG file after editing the divided JPG file, the file management can be facilitated again.

  In addition, since the total number of sub-images is recorded as related information, and information obtained by referring to sub-image information recorded in the header area of the main image is recorded as sub-image related information. Even if the main image is missing in the image file group for which the image file is to be reconstructed, the header of the main image can be created and the format as a multi-image file can be arranged. When the header of the main image is created, the data area corresponding to the total number of sub-images × (one sub-image information area) can be secured at a time, so that the header can be constructed at a higher speed. It becomes possible.

  In addition, since the image identification number is recorded as the related information, the order of the images in the multi-image file can be restored. And even if there are missing images in the reconstructed multi-image file, it is possible to leave the image number part blank and add the missing images at a later desired time Become.

  Since the image type information is recorded as the related information, there is an advantage that the function held by the original multi-image file is not impaired even when the multi-image file is reconstructed. is there.

  Furthermore, since the main image file information is recorded as the related information, it is possible to identify whether the divided JPG file is divided from the same multi-image file, and to reconstruct it. It can be used for automatic selection of image files to be reconstructed, or for automatic retrieval when the main image is not included in the image file group to be reconstructed.

  Further, since the identifier is recorded as the related information, it is possible to easily identify whether or not the file is an image file divided from the multi-image file only by determining the identifier. .

  In the above description, the multi-image file creation apparatus is mainly described. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the multi-image file creation program is executed on the computer. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. A multi-image file creation method for executing similar processing may be used.

  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 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 illustrating a configuration example of a multi-image file creation device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a multi-image file in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a flow of creating a multi-image file from a plurality of images, then dividing and editing the image included in the multi-image file, and then combining them to reconstruct the multi-image file is shown. Figure. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a more detailed configuration of a multi-image file in the first embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the main image JPEG header of the multi-image file in the said Embodiment 1 in detail. The figure which shows the structure of the sub image JPEG header of the multi-image file in the said Embodiment 1 in detail. 5 is a flowchart showing processing for creating a multi-image file in the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing processing when a multi-image file is reconstructed by combining JPG file groups obtained by dividing a multi-image file in the first embodiment. The figure which shows the structural example of the image file which can store several JPEG image data conventionally proposed.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Multi-image file creation apparatus 2 ... Lens 3 ... Aperture 4 ... Image sensor 5 ... Analog amplification part 6 ... A / D conversion part 7 ... Bus 8 ... Memory 9 ... Image processing part 10 ... Video encoder 11 ... Operation part 12 ... CPU (related information recording unit, header creation unit, multi-image file reconstruction unit)
13 ... Internal recording medium 14 ... External recording medium 15 ... Display unit

Claims (9)

To create a multi-image file including main image data representing one main image representing a plurality of images and one or more sub-image data representing one or more sub-images other than the main image. A multi-image file creation device of
A header creation unit that creates a header area for each of the main image data and each of the one or more sub-image data;
In the header area of the main image data and each header area of the one or more sub-image data, related information indicating the relevance between the main image data and the one or more sub-image data, A related information recording unit for recording related information including the same group identification information for identifying that main image data and the one or more sub-image data belong to the same multi-image file;
Equipped with,
The related information recording unit records the related information so that the related information recorded in the header area of the main image data further includes main image identification information indicating that the image data is main image data. multiple image file creation device, characterized in that it performs. The related information recording unit includes the related information recorded in the header area of the sub-image data so as to further include a sub-image identification number indicating which sub-image data the image data is. The multi-image file creation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein information is recorded. The related information recording unit records the related information so that the related information recorded in the header area of the sub-image data further includes information on the total number of the sub-images included in the multi-image file. The multi-image file creation device according to claim 2 , wherein:   The related information recording unit further includes, in the related information recorded in the header area of the sub-image data, image type information indicating a relationship at the time of image data creation between the main image data and the one or more sub-image data. The multi-image file creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the related information is recorded so as to be included. The header creation unit records the sub-image information related to each of the one or more sub-image data included in the multi-image file in a header area of the main image data separately from the related information. Creates the header area of the main image data,
The related information recording unit refers to sub-image information relating to each of the one or more sub-image data recorded in the header area of the main image data, and each header area of the one or more sub-image data 2. The multi-image file creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the related information to be recorded is generated and recorded.   The header creation unit creates each header area so that information is included in a format conforming to the Exif standard in the header area of the main image data and each header area of the one or more sub-image data. The multi-image file creation device according to claim 1, wherein It is determined whether or not a plurality of image files are image files obtained by dividing from the same multi-image file based on the same group identification information, and the plurality of image files are divided from the same multi-image file. If the plurality of image files are determined based on the related information recorded in the header areas of the plurality of image files, the plurality of image files are concatenated. The multi-image file according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising a multi-image file reconstruction unit that reconstructs a multi-image file including a plurality of image data related to each file. Creation device. Processing for creating a multi-image file including main image data representing one main image representing a plurality of images and one or more sub-image data representing one or more sub-images other than the main image Is a multi-image file creation program for causing a computer to execute
Creating a header area for each of the main image data and each of the one or more sub-image data;
In the header area of the main image data and each header area of the one or more sub-image data, related information indicating the relevance between the main image data and the one or more sub-image data, Recording related information including the same group identification information for identifying that the main image data and the one or more sub-image data belong to the same multi-image file ;
Here, in the above related information recorded in the header area of the main image data, so as to further include a main image identification information indicating that the image data is the main image data, Ru to perform the recording of the relevant information Multi image file creation program. To create a multi-image file including main image data representing one main image representing a plurality of images and one or more sub-image data representing one or more sub-images other than the main image. A multi-image file creation method of
Creating a header area for each of the main image data and each of the one or more sub-image data;
In the header area of the main image data and each header area of the one or more sub-image data, related information indicating the relevance between the main image data and the one or more sub-image data, Recording related information including the same group identification information for identifying that the main image data and the one or more sub-image data belong to the same multi-image file ;
The related information is recorded so that the related information recorded in the header area of the main image data further includes main image identification information indicating that the image data is main image data. A feature of creating a multi-image file.

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