System to manage digital camera images

• US 6,784,925 B1
• Filed: 03/24/1998
• Issued: 08/31/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/24/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Canon Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha (Canon Inc.)
• Inventors: Wickramaratne, Manjula Geethani, Tomat, Andrew Hunter, Lavendel, Laurence Andrew
• Primary Examiner(s): Garber, Wendy R.
• Assistant Examiner(s): WHIPKEY, JASON T
• Application Number:
  US09/046,601
• Time in Patent Office: 2,352 Days
• Field of Search: 348/552, 348/333.05, 348/211-9-2, 348/207.11, 345/716, 345/838, 345/853, 707/104.1
• US Class Current: 348/207.11
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/54 Browsing; Visualisation therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0482 Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0486 Drag-and-drop
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00161 Viewing or previewing
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00204 with a digital computer or a digital computer system, e.g. an internet server programmed control between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device H04N1/32561
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00432 using tabs
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00442 Simultaneous viewing of a plurality of images, e.g. using a mosaic display arrangement of thumbnails
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00453 arranged in a two dimensional array
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00461 marking or otherwise tagging one or more displayed image, e.g. for selective reproduction
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00477 Indicating status, e.g. of a job for control or supervision between transmitter and receiver or between image input and image output device H04N2201/3219
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00482 outputting a plurality of job set-up options, e.g. number of copies, paper size or resolution
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00503 Customising to a particular machine or model, machine function or application
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0084 Digital still camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/66 Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/80 Camera processing pipelines; Components thereof

Abstract

A system for managing files stored on a digital camera includes detection of the digital camera, automatic reception of thumbnail image files stored in the camera, and storage of the received thumbnail image files in a memory.

The system also includes a user interface for a windowing application for viewing system objects which includes a first area for displaying a hierarchical tree of system objects, a second area for displaying a thumbnail image corresponding to a system object selected in the first area, a third area adjacent to the second area for displaying a second icon indicating that a sound file is associated with the displayed thumbnail image, and a fourth area which surrounds the second area and the third area, wherein the fourth area may be selected and dragged to an icon representing a storage device in order to copy the displayed thumbnail image, a full-resolution image file associated with the displayed thumbnail image, and any associated sound files to the storage device. The second area may be selected and dragged to the icon representing the storage device in order to copy the full-resolution image file to the storage device, and the sound icon may be selected and dragged to the icon representing the storage device in order to copy any sound files associated with the displayed thumbnail image to the storage device.

Claims

1. A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable process steps to monitor a computer system for connection to a digital camera, the process steps comprising:

a detecting step to automatically detect, in the computer system, a digital camera connected to the computer system;

a receiving step to receive, in response to an automatic detection of a connected digital camera, thumbnail image files stored in the digital camera automatically after the digital camera is detected;

a storing step to store the received thumbnail image files in a memory;

a receiving step to receive full-resolution image files from the digital camera after the thumbnail image files stored in the digital camera are received;

a receiving step to receive sound files after the thumbnail image files stored in the digital camera are received.

2. A computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein all sound files are received from the digital camera after all full-resolution image files stored in the digital camera are received.

3. A computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein a sound file is received from the digital camera immediately after a full-resolution image file associated with the sound file is received.

4. A computer-readable medium according to claim 2, wherein the receiving step to receive full-resolution image files comprises a step to receive a selected full-resolution image file immediately after reception of a current full-resolution image file in a case that a thumbnail image file corresponding to the selected full-resolution image file receives focus during reception of the current full-resolution image file.

5. A computer-readable medium according to claim 3, wherein the receiving step to receive full-resolution image files comprises a step to receive a selected full-resolution image file immediately after reception of a current full-resolution image file in a case that a thumbnail image file corresponding to the selected full-resolution image file receives focus during reception of the current full-resolution image file.

6. A computer-readable medium according to claim 1, wherein the process steps further comprise a displaying step to display an icon representing the digital camera while the digital camera is connected to the computer system.

7. A computer-readable medium according to claim 6, the process steps further comprising:

a displaying step to display a toolbox window to control camera settings in a case that the icon is selected;

a viewing step to view all thumbnail image files stored in the camera;

a downloading step to download all full-resolution image files stored in the camera;

a printing step to print at least one contact sheet of all thumbnail image files stored in the camera; and

an uploading step to upload all full-resolution image files stored in the camera to an internet service provider.

8. A computer-readable medium according to claim 7, wherein the toolbox window also provides control of downloading and uploading parameters.

9. A computer-readable medium according to claim 7, wherein the downloading step comprises a downloading step to download all thumbnail image files stored in the camera.

10. A computer-readable medium according to claim 7, wherein the downloading step comprises a downloading step to download all sound files stored in the camera.

11. A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable process steps to manage files stored on a digital camera in a windowing environment, the process steps comprising:

a displaying step to display an icon representing a digital camera as a system object in a system object directory;

a displaying step to display an icon representing a film canister within the digital camera as a sub-folder of the digital camera in the system object directory; and

a displaying step to display each thumbnail image file located in the film canister in response to selection of the film canister.

12. A computer-readable medium according to claim 11, wherein a film canister includes a plurality of photo groups of associated thumbnail image files, full-resolution image files and sound files.

13. A computer-readable medium according to claim 11, the process steps further comprising:

a determining step to determine whether a displayed thumbnail image file is associated with a sound file in the selected film canister; and

a displaying step to display an indicator adjacent to the displayed thumbnail image file in a case it is determined that the displayed thumbnail image file is associated with a sound file in the selected film canister.

14. A user interface for an application for viewing system objects, comprising:

a first area for displaying a hierarchical tree of system objects, wherein the tree of system objects includes a digital camera object and at least one other system object that corresponds to a storage device, a file system element or an output device of the system; and

a second area for displaying information corresponding to a system object selected in the first area,

wherein upon selection of the digital camera object in the first area the second area displays a thumbnail of an image stored on the digital camera;

a third area adjacent to the second area for displaying a sound icon indicating that a sound file is associated with the displayed thumbnail image; and

a fourth area which surrounds the second area and the third area;

wherein the fourth area may be selected and dragged to an icon representing a storage device in order to copy the displayed thumbnail image an associated full-resolution image file and all associated sound files to the storage device.

15. A user interface according to claim 14, wherein the second area may be selected and dragged to an icon representing a storage device in order to copy a full-resolution image file associated with the displayed thumbnail image to the storage device.

16. A user interface according to claim 14, wherein the second area may be selected and dragged to an application or to an icon representing the application in order to open a full-resolution image file associated with the displayed thumbnail image in the application.

17. A user interface according to claim 14, wherein the sound icon may be selected and dragged to an application or to an icon representing the application in order to open all sound files associated with the displayed thumbnail image file in the application.

18. A user interface according to claim 14, wherein the fourth area may be selected and dragged to an application or to an icon representing the application in order to open an associated full-resolution image file in the application.

19. A user interface according to claim 14, wherein the fourth area may be selected and dragged to an application or to an icon representing the application in order to open an associated full-resolution image file in the application.

20. A computer-readable medium storing computer-executable process steps to monitor a computer system for connection to an image data storage device, the process steps comprising:

a detecting step to automatically detect, in the computer system an image data storage device connected to the computer system;

a receiving step to receive, in response to an automatic detection of a connected image data storage device, thumbnail image files stored in the image data storage device automatically after the image data storage device is detected;

a storing step to store the received thumbnail image files in a memory;

a receiving step to receive full-resolution image files from the image data storage device after the thumbnail image files stored in the image data storage device are received; and

a receiving step to receive sound files after the thumbnail image files stored in the image data storage device are received.

21. A method of monitoring a computer system for connection to an image data storage device, the process comprising the steps of:

automatically detecting an image data storage device connected to the computer system;

receiving, in response to an automatic detection, in the computer system, of a connected image data storage device, thumbnail image files stored in the image data storage device automatically after the image data storage device is detected;

storing the received thumbnail image files in a memory;

receiving full-resolution image files from the image data storage device after the thumbnail image files stored in the image data storage device are received; and

receiving sound files after the thumbnail image files stored in the image data storage device are received.

22. Computer-executable program code stored on a computer-readable medium, said computer-executable program code for monitoring a computer system for connection to an image data storage device, said computer-executable program code comprising:

code to automatically detect, in the computer system, an image storage device connected to the computer system;

code to receive, in response to an automatic detection of a connected image data storage device, thumbnail image files stored in the image data storage device automatically after the image data storage device is detected;

code to store the received thumbnail image files in a memory;

code to receive full-resolution image files from the image data storage device after the thumbnail image files stored in the image data storage device are received; and

code to receive sound files after the thumbnail image files stored in the image data storage device are received.

23. An apparatus comprising:

a program memory for storing process steps executable to (1) automatically detect, in the computer system, an image storage device connected to the computer system;

(2) receive, in response to an automatic detection of a connected image data storage device, thumbnail image files stored in the image data storage device automatically after the image data storage device is detected;

(3) store the received thumbnail image files in a memory;

(4) receive full-resolution image files from the image data storage device after the thumbnail image files stored in the image data storage device are received;

(5) receive sound files after the thumbnail image files stored in the image data storage device are received; and

a processor for executing the process steps stored in said program memory.

24. A method of monitoring a computer system for connection to a digital camera, the method comprising:

automatically detecting, in the computer system, a digital camera connected to the computer system;

receiving, in response to an automatic detection of a connected digital camera, thumbnail image files stored in the digital camera automatically after the digital camera is detected;

storing the received thumbnail image files in a memory;

receiving full-resolution image files from the digital camera after the thumbnail image files stored in the digital camera are received; and

receiving sound files after the thumbnail image files stored in the digital camera are received.

25. A method according to claim 24, wherein all sound files are received from the digital camera after all full-resolution image files stored in the digital camera are received.

26. A method according to claim 24, wherein a sound file is received from the digital camera immediately after a full-resolution image file associated with the sound file is received.

27. A method according to claim 25, wherein the step of receiving full-resolution image files comprises a step of receiving a selected full-resolution image file immediately after reception of a current full-resolution image file in a case that a thumbnail image file corresponding to the selected full-resolution image file receives focus during reception of the current full-resolution image file.

28. A method according to claim 26, wherein the step of receiving full-resolution image files comprises a step of receiving a selected full-resolution image file immediately after reception of a current full-resolution image file in a case that a thumbnail image file corresponding to the selected full-resolution image file receives focus during reception of the current full-resolution image file.

29. A method according to claim 24, wherein the method further comprises a step of displaying an icon representing the digital camera while the digital camera is connected to the computer system.

30. A method according to claim 29, the method further comprising:

displaying a toolbox window to control camera settings in a case that the icon is selected;

viewing all thumbnail image files stored in the camera;

downloading all full-resolution image files stored in the camera;

printing at least one contact sheet of all thumbnail image files stored in the camera; and

uploading all full-resolution image files stored in the camera to an internet service provider.

31. A method according to claim 30, wherein the toolbox window also provides control of downloading and uploading parameters.

32. A method according to claim 30, wherein the step of downloading comprises downloading all thumbnail image files stored in the camera.

33. A method according to claim 30, wherein the step of downloading comprises a downloading step to download all sound files stored in the camera.

34. A method to manage files stored on a digital camera in a windowing environment, the method comprising:

displaying an icon representing a digital camera as a system object in a system object directory;

displaying an icon representing a film canister within the digital camera as a sub-folder of the digital camera in the system object directory; and

displaying each thumbnail image file located in the film canister in response to selection of the film canister.

35. A method according to claim 34, wherein a film canister includes a plurality of photo groups of associated thumbnail image files, full-resolution image files and sound files.

36. A method according to claim 34, the method comprising:

determining whether a displayed thumbnail image file is associated with a sound file in the selected film canister; and

displaying an indicator adjacent to the displayed thumbnail image file in a case it is determined that the displayed thumbnail image file is associated with a sound file in the selected film canister.

37. An apparatus comprising:

a program memory for storing process steps executable to;

automatically detect, in the computer system, an digital camera connected to the computer system, receive, in response to an automatic detection of a connected digital camera, thumbnail image files stored in the digital camera automatically after the digital camera is detected, store the received thumbnail image files in a memory, receive full-resolution image files from the digital camera after the thumbnail image files stored in the digital camera are received, and receive sound files after the thumbnail image files stored in the digital camera are received; and

a processor for executing the process steps stored in said program memory.

38. Computer-executable program code according to claim 37, the computer-executable program code further comprising program code to:

receive full-resolution image files from the digital camera after all thumbnail image files stored in the digital camera are received, and receive sound files from the digital camera after all full-resolution image file stored in the digital camera are received.

39. Computer-executable program code according to claim 37, the computer-executable program code further comprising program code to:

receive full-resolution image files from the digital camera after all thumbnail image files stored in the camera are received, and receive a sound file from the digital camera immediately after a full-resolution image file associated with the sound file is received.

40. Computer-executable program code according to claim 38, wherein the computer-executable program code to receive full-resolution image files comprises program code to receive a selected full-resolution image file immediately after reception of a current full-resolution image file in a case that a thumbnail image file corresponding to the selected full-resolution file receives focus during reception of the current full-resolution image file.

41. Computer-executable program code according to claim 39, wherein the computer-executable program code to receive full-resolution image files comprises program code to receive a selected full-resolution image file immediately after reception of a current full-resolution image file in a case that a thumbnail image file corresponding to the selected full-resolution image file receives focus during reception of the current full-resolution image file.

42. Computer-executable program code according to claim 37, wherein the computer-executable program code further comprises program code to display an icon representing the digital camera while the digital camera is connected to the computer system.

43. Computer-executable program code according to claim 42, wherein the computer-executable program code further comprises program code to:

display a toolbox window to control camera settings in a case that the icon is selected, view all thumbnail image files stored in the camera, download all full-resolution image files stored in the camera;

print at least one contact sheet of all thumbnail image files store in the camera, and upload all full-resolution image files stored in the camera to an internet service provider.

44. Computer-executable program code according to claim 43, wherein the toolbox window also provides control of downloading and uploading parameters.

45. Computer-executable program code according to claim 43, wherein the computer-executable program code to download comprises program code to download all thumbnail image files stored in the camera.

46. Computer-executable program code according to claim 43, wherein the computer-executable program code to download further comprises program code to download all sound files stored in the camera.

47. An apparatus comprising:

a program memory for storing process steps executable to;

display an icon representing a digital camera as a system object in a system object directory, display an icon representing a film canister within the digital camera as a sub-folder of the digital camera in the system object directory, and display each thumbnail image file located in the film canister in response to selection of the film canister; and

a processor for executing the process steps stored in said program memory.

48. Computer-executable program code according to claim 47, wherein the film canister includes a plurality of photo groups of associated thumbnail image files, full-resolution image files and sound files.

49. Computer-executable program code according to claim 47, wherein the computer-executable program code further comprises program code to:

determine whether a displayed thumbnail image file is associated with a sound file in the selected film canister, and display an indicator adjacent to the displayed thumbnail image file in a case it is determined that the displayed thumbnail image file is associated with a sound file in the selected film canister.

50. Computer-executable program code stored on a computer-readable medium, said computer-executable program code to monitor a computer system for connection to a digital camera, said computer-executable program code comprising program code executable to:

automatically detect, in the computer system, an digital camera connected to the computer system, receive, in response to an automatic detection of a connected digital camera, thumbnail image files stored in the digital camera automatically after the digital camera is detected, store the received thumbnail image files in a memory, receive full-resolution image files from the digital camera after the thumbnail image files stored in the digital camera are received, and receive sound files after the thumbnail image files stored in the digital camera are received.

51. An apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the computer-executable program code to:

receive full-resolution image files from the digital camera after all thumbnail image files stored in the digital camera are received, and receive sound files from the digital camera after all full-resolution image file stored in the digital camera are received.

52. An apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the computer-executable program code further comprises program code to:

receive full-resolution image files from the digital camera after all thumbnail image files stored in the camera are received, and receive a sound file from the digital camera immediately after a full-resolution image file associated with the sound file is received.

53. An apparatus according to claim 51, wherein the computer-executable program code to receive full-resolution image files comprises program code to receive a selected full-resolution image file immediately after reception of a current full-resolution image file in a case that a thumbnail image file corresponding to the selected full-resolution file receives focus during reception of the current full-resolution image file.

54. An apparatus according to claim 52, wherein the computer-executable program code to receive full-resolution image files comprises program code to receive a selected full-resolution image file immediately after reception of a current full-resolution image file in a case that a thumbnail image file corresponding to the selected full-resolution image file receives focus during reception of the current full-resolution file.

55. An apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the computer-executable program code further comprises program code to display an icon representing the digital camera while the digital camera is connected to the computer system.

56. An apparatus according to claim 55, wherein the computer-executable program code further comprises program code to:

display a toolbox window to control camera settings in a case that the icon is selected, view all thumbnail image files stored in the camera, download all full-resolution image files stored in the camera;

print at least one contact sheet of all thumbnail image files stored in the camera, and upload all full-resolution image files stored in the camera to an internet service provider.

57. An apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the toolbox window also provides control of downloading and uploading parameters.

58. An apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the computer-executable program code to download comprises program code to download all thumbnail image files stored in the camera.

59. An apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the computer-executable program code to download further comprises program code to download all sound files stored in the camera.

60. Computer-executable program code stored on a computer-readable medium, said computer-executable program code to manage files stored on a digital camera in a windowing environment, said computer-executable program code comprising program code to:

display an icon representing a digital camera as a system object in a system object directory, display an icon representing a film canister within the digital camera as a sub-folder of the digital camera in the system object directory, and display each thumbnail image file located in the film canister in response to selection of the film canister.

61. An apparatus according to claim 60, wherein the film canister includes a plurality of photo groups of associated thumbnail image files, full-resolution image files and sound files.

62. An apparatus according to claim 60, wherein the computer-executable program code further comprises program code to:

determine whether a displayed thumbnail image file is associated with a sound file in the selected film canister, and display an indicator adjacent to the displayed thumbnail image file in a case it is determined that the displayed thumbnail image file is associated with a sound file in the selected film canister.