Electronic filing apparatus

Abstract: An electronic data filing apparatus is disclosed, which comprises unit for displaying index image for retrieval of data stored on a data filing medium, the displaying unit having display areas for at least one column for displaying a plurality of index images, a selection key for selecting a display area provided for each display area column of the displaying unit, selecting unit for selecting a display area corresponding to a selection key when said selection key is depressed and shifting the selection position every time the the selection key is depressed, a decision key for deciding a display area selected by the selecting unit, and display control unit for displaying index image in a selected display area when the decision key is depressed.

Description: This invention relates to a filing method, particularly the registration of retrieval data in an electronic data filing apparatus. In the prior art memory apparatus having a data retrieval function, data retrieval is carried out using retrieval data such as data file names, keywords corresponding to stored data and code numbers provided according to a predetermined rule. The retrieval data is produced according to data designated by a keyboard or the like. When data retrieval in the prior art apparatus is carried out using a file name, each file name can only be given a limited number of characters, and it is impossible to perform various types of retrieval. Where keywords are used for retrieval, a great number of man-hours is required for the selection of keywords. In addition, it is difficult to designate an adequate keyword at the time of retrieval because there are many different words representing similar concepts. Where a code number is used for retrieval, with increase of memory items it becomes difficult to store code numbers corresponding to contents of retrieval. In practice, a code number has to be selected by using a conversion table at all times. In either case noted above, it is necessary to input file name, keyword and code number by keying operations when storing data and also when executing retrieval. This operation requires skill and time, and it is difficult to increase operational efficiency. Further, when registering image data, selection of adequate retrieval data is difficult. The present invention is provided as a remedy. A filing method in accordance with the invention is defined in the claims appended. Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 12, No. 203, JP-A-63004334 and Patent Abstracts of Japan, vol. 12, No. 156, JP-A-62272365 both describe document retrieval systems in which a reduced image of a document is generated at the time of input, but displayed only at the time of retrieval as an index image. Neither reference, however, suggests displaying possible index images at the time of document storage to enable an operator to select a suitable index image to be associated with the document. In the accompanying drawings:- Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the construction of a data filing apparatus for performing a filing method according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing memory area organisation for data retrieval in the same apparatus; Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing data arrangement on disk in the same apparatus; Fig. 4 is a front view showing a key arrangement of a keyboard in the same apparatus; Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of index addition in the same apparatus; Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of retrieval of images in an opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus in the same apparatus; Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a first modification of the data filing apparatus; Fig. 8 is a schematic view showing memory area organisation for data retrieval in this first modification; Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing an alternative memory area organisation for data retrieval; Fig. 10 is a schematic view showing specific contents in an index image identification data area; Fig. 11 is a schematic view showing a directory management system when copying data on more than one data storing medium; Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing another alternative memory area organisation for data retrieval; Fig. 13 is a schematic view showing specific contents of an index image identification data area; Fig. 14 is a schematic view showing a directory management system when copying data on more than one data storing medium; Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing an electronic data filing apparatus, to which the invention is applicable; Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing the construction of second electronic data filing apparatus; Figs. 17-1 to 17-7 are views showing examples of display on a display of the second apparatus; Fig. 18 is a flow chart illustrating a basic operation of stamp registration in the second apparatus; Fig. 19 is a flow chart illustrating a stamp candidate input operation in the second apparatus; Fig. 20 is a flow chart illustrating a stamp display area selection operation and a stamp registration operation in the second apparatus; and Fig. 21 is a flow chart illustrating a skipping operation in the second apparatus. Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described and reference will be made to the accompanying drawings of which: Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the construction of a first data filing apparatus for performing the present invention. This data filing apparatus comprises a central processor 10, a keyboard 15, an opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus 21, a liquid crystal display 23, an image reading apparatus 25 and an image printing apparatus 27. The central processor 10 includes a CPU 11 as microprocessor, a ROM 12 in which operation programs of CPU 11 are stored, and a RAM 13 providing a word area of CPU 11 and a load area for various data and programs. The central processor 10 further includes a keyboard interface circuit 14 connecting the keyboard 15 to a system bus 30, a floppy disk device interface circuit 19 connecting the floppy disk device 19 to system bus 30, an opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus interface circuit 20 connecting an opto-magnetic disk apparatus 21 to system bus 30, a liquid crystal display interface circuit 22 connecting the liquid crystal display 23 to system bus 30, an image reading apparatus interface circuit 24 connecting the image reading apparatus 25 to system bus 30, and an image printing apparatus interface circuit 26 connecting the image printing apparatus 27 to system bus 30. A clocking means 16 for counting date and time is further connected to system bus 30. In this first data filing apparatus, a communication line interface 36 connecting a communication line 37 to system bus 30 is provided to allow the storing of data received from the outside. In this apparatus, a received image read out by image reading means on a transmitter side or a retrieval image read out by image reading apparatus 25 of this apparatus is reduced to produce index image data which is then stored. In addition, relative data representing relation between index image data and data for retrieval is also produced and stored. By selecting index image data, data retrieval is executed using relative data. As shown in Fig. 2, an index data file 41, storing index image data 1-O to 1-m, and a relative data file 42, for producing and storing relative data, are provided as a stage preceding a directory 3. On actual disk, a data sequence as shown in Fig. 3 is stored. Fig. 4 illustrates the key array on keyboard 15. Keys 15-0 to 15-8 are provided around liquid crystal display 23 for displaying index images 23-0 to 23-19 thereon. Individual index images 23-0 to 23-19 can be designated one by one by combinations of keys 15-0 to 15-4 arranged horizontally and keys 15-5 to 15-8 arranged vertically. Now, a summary of operation according to this embodiment will be described. (1) Registration of index images. After closure of the power source, the operator designates a retrieval index image registration mode from keyboard 15 and designates the position of display area for index image registration thereon with a combination of keys 15-0 to 15-4 and 15-5 to 15-8. Then an original carrying the index images is set on image reading apparatus 25. CPU 11 detects through image reading apparatus interface circuit 24 that the original is set. Consequently, it provides a start signal to image reading apparatus 25 through image reading apparatus interface circuit 24 for reading of index image production image data into an image reading area of RAM 13. When storing received image data, the received image data is stored in the image reading area of RAM 13 before the registration. The index image production image data which is read into the image reading area of RAM 13 is ordinary size image data. On the other hand, it is necessary to display a plurality of (practicallv 8 to 30) index images at a time on liquid crystal display 23. The number of pixels of the read-out image data and those of liquid crystal display 23 do not coincide. To overcome this three methods are conceivable; (1) the original image is reduced for reading by limiting image area, (2) the index image data is made ordinary size image data and reduced only when displayed, and (3) ordinary size image data is reduced for each index image. In method (1), a small size original has to be produced, which is difficult. In addition, alignment at the time of reading is difficult. In method (2) the index image can be read quickly. However, its data amount is large, thus increasing the occupied area of the data filing apparatus. Besides, time for contracting process is necessary when displaying the index image. Accordingly, in this embodiment, method (3) is adopted to produce each index image. More specifically, according to a program stored in ROM 12, CPU 11 selects bits corresponding to a given reduction factor among the bits corresponding to the pixels of image data in RAM 13 and copies the image in a reduced scale in the index image area of RAM 13. This bit reduction is to produce index image by selecting one pixel for every 5 pixels in case when the reduction factor is 1/5. This is done in both vertical and horizontal directions of the image. In the above way, an index image is produced in the index image area of RAM 13. Subsequently, CPU 11 displays the index image data in RAM 13 on a designated area of liquid crystal display 23, while also storing this index image data in an index image file area of opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus 21 through opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus interface circuit 20. In this way, desired index images are registered one after another. (2) Storing of data to be registered Subsequently, the operator instructs CPU 11 to read in image data to be registered from the keyboard and sets an original on image reading apparatus 25. CPU 11 detects, through image reading apparatus interface circuit 24, that the original is set. In consequence, it starts image reading apparatus 25 through image reading apparatus interface circuit 24 for reading image data into RAM 13. In addition, for confirmation CPU 11 displays image data in RAM 13 on liquid crystal display 23. Further, CPU 11 stores image data in an empty data file area of opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus 21 through opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus interface circuit 20. (3) Addition of indices Subsequently, the operator adds indices to image data stored in opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus 21 in the following way. Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating operation when adding one or more indices. When the operator designates addition of index with keyboard 15 (step S1), CPU 11 loads subject image with index to be added thereto in RAM 13 from the data file area of opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus 21 and displays it on liquid crystal display 23 (step S2). Then, the operator selects an index image corresponding to the contents displayed on liquid crystal display 23 in terms of a combination of keys 15-0 to 15-4 and 15-5 to 15-8 (step S3). CPU 11 then sets a designated bit position in bit sequence corresponding to subject image of index addition in relative data area to "1" (step S4). The above sequence of operations is repeated (step S5), whereby relative data consisting of a combination of "0"s and "1"s is produced in the bit sequence corresponding to the called image data among bit sequences 0 to n in the relative data file. When relative data corresponding to image data is produced, the routine goes back to step S2 for index addition to next image data (step S6). The above sequence of operations is repeatedly executed for all image data to complete the index addition. The relative data is managed by CPU 11 such that data in RAM 13 and data in opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus 21 or floppy disk memory apparatus 19 are of the same contents. (4) Retrieval procedure Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating operation of retrieval of data in opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus 21. In the retrieval of data that has been subjected to index addition as described above, the operator first designates a retrieval mode from keyboard 15 (step S11) and then designates index image related to image for retrieval among a plurality of index images displayed on liquid crystal display 23 in terms of a combination of keys 15-0 to 15-4 and 15-5 to 15-8 (step S12). It is possible to designate a plurality of index images at a time. Further, when the opto-magnetic disk is set, index image is transferred therefrom to RAM13. Then, CPU 11 searches the relative data file for bit pattern of bit position specified by designated index data -for each bit sequence (step S13). When a pertaining bit pattern is found, image data corresponding to that bit sequence satisfies a retrieval condition (step S14). Thus, CPU 11 reads out corresponding image data from opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus 21 and loads it in RAM 13 (step S15). If there is no pertaining bit pattern, after searching all the bit sequences, CPU 11 displays a message indicative of absence of pertaining image, thus bringing an end to the process (step S16). If there are a plurality of image data satisfying the retrieval condition, there is no problem. In this case, sequential image display may be executed, or alternatively the number of list of pertaining images may be displayed. As has been shown, at the time of registration of index image an original of index image may be produced with a large drawing or character which can be easily drawn by the operator, and index image may be read without paying particular conditions to the reading position, thus permitting operability improvement. Further, while as described above image data for retrieval is stored prior to the storing of retrieval data, converse storing is also possible. Further, while as described above stored data is displayed for selecting index image corresponding to the displayed data, it is also possible to select an index image at the time of storing. Further, the data arrangement on the data storing medium is only a theoretical model for the sake of explanation and is by no means limitative. In addition, there is no need of storing image data, relative data and retrieval data on the same data storing medium, and these data may be stored distributedly on a plurality of media as well. Further, while as described above switches for designating rows and columns are provided for permitting selection of index image, it is also possible to use a touch panel mounted in liquid crystal display, or designation may be effected on the basis of a number input from numeric keys. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a first modification of the data filing apparatus. In this first modification, image reduction means 38 is provided between image reading apparatus 25 and image reading apparatus interface circuit 24. Image reduction means 38 effects image reduction when an index image is read out, and it includes a resistor, a counter, and an AND gate and an OR gate. Further, relative data file 200A of this modification, as shown in Fig. 8, has pointer areas, 201, 202, ... corresponding to the respective index images. In the operation of index image registration in this case, when CPU 11 detects that an original is set in image reading apparatus 25 by the operator, it renders image reduction means 38 operative and then starts image reading apparatus 25 to supply image data to image reduction means 38. Image reduction means 38 reduces input image data with a predetermined reduction factor to produce index image data, which is supplied to image reading apparatus interface circuit 24. The image reduction is effected by extracting one pixel for every five pixels in one of every five main scanning lines in case when the contraction factor is 1/5. Subsequently, an index image is displayed and stored in the same manner as described above. Furthermore, retrieval data is stored in the same manner as described above. In the index addition operation of this embodiment, when an index image of a retrieval image is designated by a combination of keys 15-0 to 15-4 and 15-5 to 15-8, CPU 11 sets a pointer of the image to the directory in a pointer area of relative data file 200A corresponding to the designated index image. The retrieval is carried out in the same manner as described above. In this embodiment, the index image may be any data such as a file name of the selected information, provided that it identifies the information uniquely. Fig. 9 is a schematic view showing an alternative memory area organisation for data retrieval. In this data filing apparatus, index data identification data area 6 is provided between index image data file 41 and relative data file 42 shown in Fig. 2. For the rest, this data filing apparatus is the same as that shown in Fig. 1. Meanwhile, this apparatus is provided with the same keyboard as shown in Fig. 4. When registering an index image with this data filing apparatus, the index image is stored in an index image file area of opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus 21 by the same procedure as described before in connection with Fig. 2. When reading this index data, CPU 11 receives date and time data from clocking means 16, and it stores this data as index image identification data in an address of index image identification data area 6 of opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus 21 that corresponds to the index image stored this time. Fig. 10 is a schematic view showing a specific example of index image identification data area 6. The storing of retrieval data, addition of index and retrieval are performed in the same manner as described above. In the copying of data on more than one data storing medium, index data is managed as follows. Referring to Fig. 11, directories 107 and 207 are for opto-magnetic disk data storing media 100a and 200a carrying stored data. When copying the data on these two media on a common opto-magnetic disk medium, image identification data are synthesised after copying and managed on directory 307. This directory 307 is provided with its own unique image identification codes. Fig. 12 is a schematic view showing another alternative memory area organisation for data retrieval. In this data filing apparatus, relative data file 9 having pointer areas 91, 92 ... corresponding to the respective index data identification data is provided in lieu of relative data file 41 shown in Fig. 9. For the rest, this data filing apparatus is the same as that shown in Fig. 1. Meanwhile, again this data filing apparatus is provided with the same keyboard as shown in Fig. 4. In this data filing apparatus, registration of index data, storing of retrieval data and retrieval are performed in the same manner as described above. Further, in the index addition operation, when the index image of the retrieval image is designated by keys 15-0 to 15-8, CPU 11 sets a pointer of the image to the directory in a pointer area of relative data file 9 that corresponds to the designated index image. Fig. 13 is a schematic view showing a specific example of index image identification data area 6. In the copying of data on more than one data storing medium, index data is managed as follows. Referring to Fig. 14, directories 117 and 217 are for opto-magnetic disk data storing media 110a and 210a carrying stored data. When copying the data on these two media on a common opto-magnetic disk medium, image identification data are synthesised after copying and managed on directory 317. This directory 317 has its own image identification codes. As has been shown, it is possible to obtain designation of a character of retrieval data based on an image, and thus retrieval operation can be executed easily by the operator. In addition, the operator can easily register index data, thus facilitating the management of the retrieval apparatus and permitting a retrieval system based on the operator's creative sense to be readily built. Further, it is possible to reduce memory for storing the relation between index data and retrieval data, thereby greatly improving retrieval speed. Now, operation at the time of stamp registration will be described. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing an electronic filing apparatus. This apparatus comprises a keyboard 52 for providing operation commands to control electronic data filing apparatus 1 and receiving character and numeral data, a signal line 52a connecting electronic data filing apparatus 1 and keyboard 52, a panel display 54 such as an electroluminescence, plasma or fluorescent display panel, a key group 55, side plates 56a and 56b provided on an original table 57 for transversal displacement relative thereto to restrict original 53 in transversal directions, a switch knob 58 for switching between automatic feeding of a plurality of originals 53 and one-by-one manual feeding of originals, a tray 59 for supporting originals 53 and a discharging tray 50. One side of the electronic data filing apparatus 1 is provided with means 21a for receiving an opto-magnetic disk. Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing mainly the inner construction of electronic filing apparatus 1. Electronic filing apparatus 1 includes a CPU 11 for controlling entire electronic filing apparatus 1, ROM 12 in which programs for the flow charts shown in Figs. 18 to 21 are stored, RAM 13 used as work memory or the like keyboard interface 14 for keyboard 52, clocking means 16 for counting data and time, key interface 18 for key group 55, opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus 21 for storing image data or the like on an opto-magnetic disk, opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus interface 20, a LCD as an example of display 54, LCD interface 22, image reading apparatus 25, image reading apparatus interface 24 and printing apparatus interface 26. Electronic filing apparatus 1 is connected to keyboard 52 and image printing apparatus 27. Now, operation will be described. Figs. 17-1 to 17-6 are views showing examples of various states of display 54. After closure of the power source of electronic data filing apparatus 1, by confirming the present date displayed on display 54 and inserting the disk, an initial display is provided. By selecting a stamp registration mode in the initial display, a display as shown in Fig. 17-1 is produced to be ready for selection of the kind of input stamp. In this description, the "stamp" means a retrieval image representing retrieval data, and it is possible to provide a plurality of stamps as retrieval data for one image. The stamp may be a car mark, a mountain mark, book mark, pencil mark, etc. A kind of stamp among character stamps constituted by sole characters, drawing stamps constituted by sole drawings and compound stamps constituted by combinations of characters and drawings, is selected by using keys K1 to K3. Fig. 17-2 shows a state, which is provided by selecting drawing stamp in the display of Fig. 17-1 with key K2, and in which an example of drawing stamp candidate is displayed in finder 541 of display 54. In this Figure, a stamp is displayed only in stamp display area K(3,2) and nothing is displayed in the other stamp display areas. On display 54, stamp display areas K(1,1) to K(4,5) are set in a matrix form. For displaying a stamp in a stamp display area, one of stamp display areas K(1, 1) to K(4, 5) has to be selected by depressing a corresponding one of keys K1 to K5. Fig. 17 -3 shows a state with stamp display area K(1, 2) selected by depressing key K2 once. This stamp display area K(1, 2) is inverted (the inverted display state being shown shaded in Fig. 17-3. By depressing decision key K6 in the state of Fig. 17-3, the selected stamp display area K(1, 2) is decided, and the stamp candidate displayed in finder 541 is displayed in this decided stamp display area K(1, 2). This state is shown in Fig. 17-4. Then, by depressing key K2 in the state with stamp display area K(4, 2) selected, the stamp selection state of this column is cancelled. Now, a specific operation will be described. Fig. 18 is a flow chart illustrating an operation of newly registering a stamp. First a stamp candidate original is set in image reading apparatus 25, or a stamp candidate is input as key input from keyboard 52 (step S1). The input stamp candidate is displayed in equal or reduced scale in finder 541 of display 54 (step S2). Then a stamp display area displaying the stamp candidate is selected with keys K1 to K5, and the stamp candidate is registered in the selected stamp display area (step S3). By repeating this operation, stamps are displayed in all or part of stamp display areas K(1, 1) to K(4, 5) shown in Fig. 17-2. Fig. 19 is a flow chart illustrating an example of stamp candidate input operation. Three different stamps can be registered. There are three different kinds of stamps, i.e., character stamps consisting of characters only, drawing stamps consisting of drawings only, and combination stamps consisting of combinations of characters and drawings. When a character stamp is selected with key Kl in Fig. 17-1 (step S11), a desired character or character row is input (step S12). When drawing stamp is selected with key K1 in Fig. 17-1, a picture of a given original is taken with image reading apparatus 25 (step S13). This picture (i.e., image) is used as stamp. When a combination stamp is selected with key K3 in Fig. 3-1, a picture of original is taken by image reading apparatus 25 (step S14), and a desired character is input from keyboard 52 (step S15). CPU 11 synthesizes character and drawing (step S16). Finder 541 of display 54, as shown in Fig. 17-5, has drawing display area 542 and character display area 543. In drawing display area 542 a drawing (or image) taken by image reading apparatus 25 is displayed, and in character display area 543 a character input from keyboard 52 is displayed. When a drawing/character synthesis mode for synthesizing drawing and character is selected (step S11), a picture of a given original is taken by image reading apparatus 25, and this drawing (i.e., image thereof) is displayed on drawing display area 542. Together with the drawing, cursor 544 is displayed under finder 541. By displaying cursor 544 in a predetermined portion and depressing the space key on keyboard 52, a blank in Fig. 17-5 (shown by dashed rectangle) is provided. This blank portion is used as character display area 543. By inputting character to the blank portion from keyboard 52, the input character, for instance "ABC" as shown in Fig.17-6 is displayed in character display area 543. In this way, a desired drawing/character synthesis stamp is displayed in finder 541. In the drawing/character synthesis mode, the input character, such as "ABC", is stored in terms of codes in RAM 13. When a character is displayed in finder 541 or stamp display areas K(1, 1) to K(4, 5), its code is displayed after conversion to a character font by a font memory provided in ROM 12. Where characters are stored in terms of codes in this way, these characters may be used in the same way as other retrieval data. Where drawing and character are stored as an image, stamp management can be facilitated, and there is no need of providing any font memory for stamps. A stamp which is prepared in the above way is displayed as stamp candidate in finder 541 of display 54. If such a stamp candidate is desirable (i.e., if it is thought by the operator to be satisfactory), step S3 for stamp display area selection and stamp registration is executed. If the stamp candidate is unsatisfactory, the routine goes back to stamp candidate input step S1 for preparing stamp candidate afresh. Since the prepared stamp candidate is displayed once in finder 541 before it is displayed in an actual stamp display area, the prepared stamp candidate can be readily altered, and a desired stamp can be readily produced. Fig. 20 is a flow chart illustrating an example of operations of stamp display area selection and stamp candidate registration (step S3). First, it is assumed that a stamp candidate finder display screen shown in Fig. 17-2 is produced on display 54, and a stamp candidate consisting of three triangles is displayed. In this case, variables m, n ... are initialized to zero (step S31). Then, if display area selection key K1 is depressed (step S33), variable m is incremented, and stamp display area is selected and displayed with inversion display of only stamp display area K(m, 1) (step S36). If decision key K6 is depressed at this time (step S32), the selected stamp display area is decided, and the stamp candidate shown in finder 54 is displayed in the decided stamp display area (step S57) and registered in the stamp display area. This stamp image is recorded in the retrieval data memory area by opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus 21 (step S58). Skipping process (step S35) will be described later. When display area selection key K2 is depressed (step S43), variable n is incremented by one (step S44), and stamp display area K(n, 2) is inverted (step S46). Fig. 17-3 is a view showing a state with stamp display area K(1, 2) selected by depressing display area selection key K2 once. When stamp display area K(1, 2) is selected, it is inverted (as shown shaded in Fig. 17-3). When decision key K6 is depressed (step S32), the selected stamp display area is decided, and the stamp candidate is displayed in the decided stamp display area (step S57). Fig. 17-4 is a view showing an example of display of the stamp candidate in stamp display area K(1, 2). Variables m, n show rows in the stamp display area matrix shown in Figs. 17-2 to 17-4. Represented by p, q and r are variables representing rows of matrix corresponding to display area selection keys K3 to K5. Display area selection keys K3 to K5 are the same as described above, and whether they are depressed is checked (steps S47 to S49). If they are depressed, variables p, q and r representing rows are each incremented by one, and selection display of stamp display areas belonging to the respective display area keys is shifted down by one row. If decision key K6 is depressed, stamp is displayed in the selected position. With the provision of display area selection keys for one row, it is possible to ensure reliable display area selection key selection, and thus it is possible to reduce the number of display area selection keys and facilitate the stamp area selection operation. Fig. 21 is a flow chart showing an example of operation of skipping stamp display area selection. When selecting a stamp display area, whenever a display area selection key is depressed once, a selection display of the stamp display area is shifted down by one row. If stamp is already registered (i.e., displayed) in the stamp display area determined as a result of the display shift (step S35a), this display area is skipped. That is, variable m is incremented by one further (step S35b), thereby selectively displaying next but one stamp display area. If display area selection key K2 is depressed once with stamp display area K(2, 2) in selection display, the next stamp display area is K(3, 2). In this area a spade stamp has already been registered (i.e., displayed) as is seen with reference to the index area of RAM 13, and thus next display area K(4, 2) is displayed as selection display. If the next but one stamp is displayed, the next but two stamp display area is selected for selection display. When variable m becomes 5 greater than its maximum number (step S35c), it is initialized to zero (step S35d), and the routine returns to step S32. While Fig. 21 illustrates a skipping process mainly with respect to stamp display areas K(1,1) to K(4, 1), the same operation applies to stamp display areas K(1, 2) to K(4, 2) as well. That is, skipping step S45 is the same as step S35 except for that variable n is used instead of variable m in step S35. An operation when stamp display area selection keys K3 to K5 is depressed is the same as in the case of Fig. 21. It is possible to omit operation of stamp candidate display in finder 541 (step S2). The registered stamp is provided as index to image data in the manner as described before. Now, an operation of retrieval of given image with use of stamp will be described. Fig. 17-7 shows a retrieval mode display with a plurality of stamps displayed. A desired one of these stamps is selected. These stamps are transferred from opto-magnetic disk to RAM 13 when the disk is set. For the selection, one of keys K1 to K5 is depressed. As a result, one of stamps belonging to the depressed key (i.e., four stamps displayed above the depressed key) is turned by one-third turn to be tentatively selected. Every time the same key is depressed once, the one-third turn display position of the stamps belonging to that key is shifted down by one row. When decision key K6 is depressed in this process, the stamp having been turned by one-third turn is selected and completely turned. Image corresponding to the selected stamp is retrieved and read out from opto-magnetic disk by opto-magnetic disk memory apparatus 21 to be displayed on display 54 and also be printed by image printing apparatus 27 under control of a printing command.

Claims: A filing method used in an image filing apparatus comprising the steps of: (a) inputting image information to be stored in a storage medium (21), by input means (25), and (b) storing the input image information in said storage medium (21), characterised by indexing steps of: (c) reading out index image data, for a plurality of index images from an index image storage means (41), (d) displaying concurrently respective index images represented by said index image data, on display means (23;54) at a plurality of respective display locations (K(1,1) - K(4,5)), each of said index images being an image representative of index information for retrieving input image information stored in said storage medium (21) and capable of being used as index information for a plurality of input image information; (e) selecting, by operator selection, at least one index image for a respective input image represented by respective input image information; (f) filing in a relative data file area (42) of said storage medium (21) relative data (o-n), indicative of the at least one selection made by the operator for a respective input image represented by respective input image information, to relate said at least one selection made by the operator to the area of said storage medium (21) at which said respective input image information is stored. A method according to claim 1, wherein said index image storage means (41) is provided in a predetermined area of said storage medium (21). A method according to claim 1, wherein said inputting of image information is performed by using an image reader (25) to read an original. A method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of storing a formed index file in said storage medium (21). A method according to claim 1, further comprising steps of: setting an index image registration mode for registering an index image, inputting an image for forming the index image, and forming the index image by using the input image. A method according to claim 5, further comprising steps of: selecting a display location at which the formed index image is to be displayed on said display means (23;54), and displaying the index image formed at the selected display location. A method according to claim 5, wherein the index image is formed by reducing the input image. A method according to claim 6, wherein in the display location selecting step, selection of the display location at which an index image has been displayed already, is inhibited. An image filing apparatus comprising: input means (25) for inputting image information; a storage medium (21), co-operative with said input means (25), for storing said image information; selection means (15) to enable an operator to select an index image from among a plurality of index images displayed by a display means (23) at a plurality of respective display locations (23-0 to 23-19); index image storage means (41) for storing index information for displaying said plurality of index images; and control means (11,12) for controlling retrieval of said image information in response to selection by the operator of one or more of said index images; which apparatus is characterised in that: said control means (11,12) includes, and is adapted to execute, instructions for performing an indexing mode of operation, and said apparatus further comprises: means for reading out index image data, for a plurality of index images from an index image storage means (41), means for displaying concurrently respective index images represented by said index image data, on display means (23;54) at a plurality of respective display locations (K(1,1) - K(4,5)), each of said index images being an image representative of index information for retrieving input image information stored in said storage medium (21) and capable of being used as index information for a plurality of input image information; means for selecting, by operator selection, at least one index image for indexing a respective input image represented by respective input image information; means for filing in a relative data file area (42) of said storage medium (21) relative data (o-n), indicative of the at least one selection made by the operator; and means to relate said at least one selection made by the operator to the area of said storage medium (21) at which said respective input image information is stored. An image filing apparatus according to claim 9, including the display means (23; 54) for displaying an image represented by said image information and for displaying index images. An image filing apparatus according to either of claims 9 and 10, wherein said index image storage means (41) is provided in a predetermined area of said storage medium (21). An image filing apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein said input means (25) comprises an image reader (25) to read an original and to input image information representing said original. An image filing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein said storage medium (21) has an index file stored in said predetermined area thereof. An image filing apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein said control means (11, 12) includes, and is adapted to execute, instructions for performing an index image registration mode of operation for registering an index image; and said image filing apparatus incudes means (25, 38) of inputting an image and forming an index image therefrom. An image filing apparatus according to claim 14, including location selection means (15) to enable an operator to select a display location at which the formed index image is to be displayed on said display means (23; 54). An image filing apparatus according to claim 15, including inhibition means to inhibit operator selection of a display location already selected for a preceding index image. An image filing apparatus according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein said means (25, 38) of inputting an image and forming an index image includes image reduction means (38) to reduce the input image for forming the index image and thus form the index image from the input image.

Inventors: HASUO KAMON, HASUO, KAMON
Applicants: CANON KK, CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
Application year: 1990
Main classification: G06F17
IPC codes: G06F17