Abstract:
A method of storing data includes obtaining image data, preparing sound data to be added to the obtained image data, generating image-data identifying data for identifying the obtained image data and sound-data identifying data for identifying the prepared sound data, and associating the generated image-data identifying data with the generated sound-data identifying data and storing the image-data identifying and sound-data identifying data associated with each other.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to a method of storing image data and sound data, and a method of storing and reproducing data, and relates to an image-pickup apparatus for recording image data and sound data.  
           [0003]    2. Conventional Technologies  
           [0004]    There are several conventional technologies for recording and reproducing image data and related sound data. In one conventional technology, image data obtained through a digital camera is read into a personal computer and voice data is separately acquired. The image data and voice data are subjected to an editing process to be recorded later on the same recording medium.  
           [0005]    In another conventional technology, image data is obtained through a video camera and sound data input from a microphone are recorded on a recording medium at the same time.  
           [0006]    In the reproducing mode of these conventional technologies, the image data is read out from the recording medium for display, and the sound data is simultaneously read out for sounding.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    In the above conventional technology, since the image data and an arbitrary sound data are recorded on the same recording medium, a desired voice can be added to a particular reproduced image. But complex editing operations are required to be executed on the personal computer, and therefore only such persons having knowledge or editing skills are allowed to enjoy the above, only after time consuming and difficult editing operations.  
           [0008]    Meanwhile, in the other conventional technology, the image data and the sound data are sequentially recorded in an image-pickup mode, and therefore, without using a particular editing process in the recording mode, the image data and the sound data are associated with each other and recorded in a simple manner. But since the sound data is input and recorded through the microphone, the image cannot be reproduced with desired sound added.  
           [0009]    In so called post-recording technology, after an image is taken in, sound data may be added to the image data. In any case, post-processing is required to add the sound data to the image data.  
           [0010]    The present invention has been made to overcome the problems involved in the conventional technologies. It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a method of recording data, a method of recording/reproducing data and an image-pickup apparatus, in which the image data and the sound data of desired music and sound are associated with each other for storage, and an image is reproduced with desired sound added.  
           [0011]    A method of storing data includes obtaining image data, preparing sound data to be added to the obtained image data, and generating image-data identifying data for identifying the obtained image data and sound-data identifying data for identifying the prepared sound data. The method further includes associating the generated image-data identifying data with the generated sound-data identifying data and storing the image-data identifying and sound-data identifying data associated with each other.  
           [0012]    According to the above method, since the image-data identifying data for identifying the image data and the sound-data identifying data for identifying the sound data to be added to the image data are stored in association with each other, the image data is indirectly associated with the sound data. Therefore, without the editing operation to edit the image data and the sound data, the image data and desired sound data may be stored in association with each other in a simple manner.  
           [0013]    A method of storing data according to the invention includes obtaining image data, preparing sound data to be added to the obtained image data, generating sound-data identifying data for identifying the prepared sound data, and associating the obtained image data with the generated sound-data identifying data and storing the image data and sound-data identifying data associated with each other.  
           [0014]    In the method above, by storing in association with each other the image data and the sound identifying data for identifying the sound data to be added to the image data, the image data and the sound data are indirectly associated with each other. Therefore, without editing operation to edit the image data and the sound data, the image data and desired sound data may be stored in association with each other in a simple manner.  
           [0015]    A method of storing data according to the invention includes obtaining image data, preparing sound data to be added to the obtained image data, generating image-data identifying data for identifying the obtained image data, and associating the generated image-data identifying data with the prepared sound data and storing the image-data identifying data and prepared sound data associated with each other.  
           [0016]    According to the above method since the image-data identifying data and the sound data to be added to the image data are stored in association with each other, the image data and the sound data are indirectly associated to each other. Therefore, without any operation to edit the image data and the sound data, the image data and desired sound data are stored in association with each other.  
           [0017]    In a method of storing data according to an embodiment of present invention, the sound data referred therein is tune data, which is used for automatic musical performance. Therefore, the image data can be associated with a desired tune data in a simple manner without any operation to edit the image data and the tune data, when these data are stored.  
           [0018]    In a method of storing data according to the invention the sound data referred therein is voice data for reproducing voice. Therefore, the image data and desired voice data are associated to each other without any operation to edit the image data and the voice data, when these data are stored.  
           [0019]    A method of storing data according to the invention in an apparatus to be operated by a user, having a first storage for storing tune codes respectively corresponding to MIDI data of plural tunes and a second storage, includes, selecting in response to a first operation by the user, a tune code from among the tune codes stored in the first storage, obtaining image data in response to a second operation by the user, creating a filename for storing the obtained image data, by using the selected tune code in response to the second operation of the user, and storing in the second storage the obtained image data with the created filename.  
           [0020]    As stated above, since the filename is created for the image file for storing the image data by using the selected tune code, an image is associated with the MIDI data of a tune through the filename of the image file.  
           [0021]    A method of storing and reproducing data according to the invention includes obtaining image data, preparing sound data to be added to the obtained image data, generating image-data identifying data for identifying the obtained image data and sound-data identifying data for identifying the prepared sound data to be added to the image data, associating the generated image-data identifying data with the generated sound-data identifying data and storing the image data identifying and sound data identify data associated with each other. The method also includes reproducing an image based on the image data identified by the stored image-data identifying data and outputting sound based on the sound data identified by the stored sound-data identifying data associated with the image-data identifying data.  
           [0022]    As described above, without any operation to edit the image data and the sound data, image data and a desired sound data are stored in association with each other, and an image is displayed based on the image data and sound is output based on the desired sound data in association with the display of the image.  
           [0023]    A method of storing and reproducing data according to the invention includes obtaining image data generating sound data to be added to the obtained image data creating sound-data identifying data for identifying the generated sound data associating the obtained image data with the sound-data identifying data and storing the image data identifying and sound-data identifying data associated with each other, and reproducing an image based on the stored image data and outputting sound based on the sound data identified by the stored sound-data identifying data associated with the stored image data.  
           [0024]    As described above, without any operation to edit the image data and the sound data, image data and a desired sound data are stored in association with each other, and an image is displayed based on the image data and sound is output based on the desired sound data in association with the display of the images.  
           [0025]    A method of storing and reproducing data according to the invention includes obtaining image data, preparing sound data to be added to the obtained image data, generating image-data identifying data for identifying the obtained image data, associating the generated image-data identifying data with the prepared sound data and storing the image data identifying and sound data identifying data associated with each other, and reproducing an image based on the image data identified by the stored image-data identifying data and outputting sound based on the stored sound data stored and associated with the stored image-data identifying data.  
           [0026]    As described above, without any operation to edit the image data and the sound data, image data and a desired sound data are stored in association with each other, and an image is displayed based on the image data and sound is output based on the desired sound data in association with the display of the image.  
           [0027]    In a method of storing and reproducing data according to the invention an image filename stored in a non-volatile memory includes, as a part of the filename, a series of letters corresponding to music data. Therefore, when the image files are browsed, a sound source section can reproduce a music signal of the music data corresponding to the image filename.  
           [0028]    In a method of storing and reproducing data according to the invention the non-volatile memory is provided with scene folders corresponding to previously selected scenes and a tune selection list in which titles of previously selected tune data are described, and when the image files are browsed, the sound source section can reproduce a tune signal based on the corresponding tune data.  
           [0029]    A method of storing and reproducing data in an apparatus to be operated by a user, having a first storage for storing MIDI data of plural tunes and tune codes representing the MIDI data, and a second storage includes selecting in response to first operation of the user a tune code from among the tune codes stored in the first storage, obtaining image data in response to second operation of the user, creating in response to the second operation of the user an image-file name for storing the obtained image data, by using the selected tune code, storing in the second storage the obtained image data with the created image-file name, selecting in response to a third operation by the user an image-file names from among the image-file names stored in the second storage, reading out from the second storage the image data represented by the selected image-file name, and reproducing an image based on the read out image data, detecting the tune code used in the image-file name selected in response to the third operation, and reading out from the first storage the MIDI data represented by the detected tune code and reproducing a tune based on the read out MIDI data.  
           [0030]    As described above, since the name of image file where the image data is contained is created using the selected tune code, the image and the MIDI data are associated with each other through the name of image file, and in the reproducing mode the image and the tune are reproduced which are associated with each other by the name of image file.  
           [0031]    An image-pickup apparatus according to the invention includes an image-pickup means for taking a picture of an object to obtain image data of the object, image-data storing means for storing the image data of the object obtained by the image-pickup means, sound-data storing means for storing sound data to be added to the image data obtained by the image-pickup means, identifying-data generating means for generating image-data identifying data for identifying the image data stored in the image-data storing means and sound-data identifying data for identifying the sound data stored in the sound-data storing means, identifying-data storing means for associating the image-data identifying data generated by the identifying-data generating means with the sound-data identifying data generated by the identifying-data generating means, and for storing the image-data identifying data and sound-data identifying data associated to each other, and reproducing means for reproducing an image based on the image data identified by the image-data identifying data stored in the identifying-data storing means and for outputting sound based on the sound data identified by the sound-data identifying data stored in the identifying-data storing means.  
           [0032]    As described above, since the image-data identifying data for identifying the image data and the sound-data identifying data for identifying the sound data to be added to the image data are connected to each other and stored in the identifying data storing means, the image data and the sound data are indirectly connected to each other. Therefore, without any process to edit the image data and the sound data, the image data and the sound data are connected and stored through a simple process. Further, the reproducing means displays the image based on the image data and outputs related sounds based on the sound data connected to the image data.  
           [0033]    An image-pickup apparatus according to the invention includes an image-pickup means for taking a picture of an object to obtain image data of the object, sound-data storing means for storing sound data to be added to the image data obtained by the image-pickup means, identifying-data generating means for generating sound-data identifying data for identifying the sound data stored in the sound-data storing means, identifying-data storing means for associating the image data obtained by the image-pickup means with the sound-data identifying data generated by the identifying-data generating means, and for storing the image data and the sound-data identifying data associated with the image data; and reproducing means for reproducing an image based on the image data stored in the identifying-data storing means and for outputting sound based on the sound data identified by the sound-data identifying data associated with the image data and stored in the identifying-data storing means.  
           [0034]    As described above, since the image data and the sound-data identifying data for identifying the sound data to be added to the image data are connected to each other and stored in the identifying-data storing means, the image data and the sound data are indirectly connected to each other. Therefore, without any process to edit the image data and the sound data, the image data and the desired sound data are connected and stored through a simple process. Further, the image can be displayed based on the image data and related sound can be output based on the sound data connected to the image data by the reproducing means.  
           [0035]    An image-pickup apparatus according to the invention includes image-pickup means for taking a picture of an object to obtain image data of the object, image-data storing means for storing the image data of the object obtained by the image-pickup means, sound-data storing means for storing sound data to be added to the image data obtained by the image-pickup means, identifying-data generating means for generating image-data identifying data for identifying the image data stored in the image-data storing means, identifying-data storing means for associating the image-data identifying data generated by the identifying-data generating means with the sound data stored in the sound-data storing means, and for storing the image-data identifying data and the sound data associated with the image-data identifying data, and reproducing means for reproducing an image based on the image data identified by the image-data identifying data stored in the identifying-data storing means and for outputting sound based on the sound data stored in the identifying-data storing means.  
           [0036]    As described above, since the image-data identifying data for identifying the image data and the sound data to be added to the image-data identifying data are connected to each other and stored in the identifying-data storing means, the image data and the sound data are indirectly connected to each other. Therefore, without any process to edit the image data and the sound data, the image data and the desired sound data are connected to each other and stored through a simple process. Further, the image can be displayed based on the image data and related sound can be output based on the sound data connected to the image data by the reproducing means.  
           [0037]    An image pickup apparatus according to the invention includes a first storing means for storing MIDI data of plural tunes and tune codes representing the MIDI data respectively, first selecting means for selecting in response to first selecting operation by the user a tune code from among the tune codes stored in the first storing means, a shutter key, image-pickup means for taking a picture of an object in response to operation by the user of the shutter key to obtain image data of an object, filename preparing means for creating in response to the operation by the user of the shutter key an image-file name for storing the image data of the object obtained by the image-pickup means by using the tune code selected by the first selecting means, second storing means for storing the image data with the image-file name prepared by the filename preparing means; second selecting means for selecting in response to second selecting operation by the user an image-file name from among the image-file names stored in the second storing means, image-reproducing means for reading out from the second storing means the image data represented by the image-file name selected by the second selecting means, and for reproducing an image based on the read out image data, detecting means for detecting a tune code used in the image filename selected by the second selecting means, and tune-reproducing means for reading out from the first storing means the MIDI data of the tune represented by the tune code detected by the detecting means, and reproducing the tune based on the read out MIDI data.  
           [0038]    As described above, since the image-file name for storing the image data is created by using the selected tune data, an image and the MIDI data are connected through the image-file name. Therefore, in the reproducing mode the image and the tune, which are connected to each other through the image-file name, are reproduced simultaneously.  
           [0039]    An image pickup apparatus according to the invention includes a camera section, a sound source section, and a control section. The camera section includes an imaging device for obtaining image data of an object. The sound source section includes a first storage for storing at least one musical-sound data, a converter for generating a digital musical signal from the musical-sound data stored in the first storage and for converting the digital musical signal into an analog signal, whereby it outputs an audio signal corresponding to the musical-sound data. The control section includes a second storage for storing the image data obtained by the camera section, an non-volatile memory cooperative with the second storage for reading and writing the image data obtained by the camera section, for storing the image data in a file format, a display device for displaying an image based on the image data stored in the second storage and an operation switch. The image data stored in the file format on the non-volatile memory has an image-file name which includes a tune code corresponding to the musical-sound data which is selected from musical-sound data previously stored in the first storage by the operation of the operation switch, and when the image file is browsed, the sound source section outputs a musical sound signal based on the musical-sound data corresponding to the image-file name of the browsed image file.  
           [0040]    As described above, since the tune code for the tune previously selected is included in the image-file name for storing the image data, the image and the music data are connected to each other through the image-file name, and when the image file is browsed, the audio signal is output based on the music data for the tune code corresponding to the image-file name.  
           [0041]    The image pickup apparatus according to the invention described above has the sound source section including at least one electronic music data stored in the first storage and a performance circuit for converting the electronic music data into a digital audio signal.  
           [0042]    A method of storing image data according to the invention includes selecting a piece of sound information from a first storage together with sound-information identifying information, obtaining image data, creating a filename for storing the obtained image data, and storing the obtained image data in a second storage with the created filename. The first storage stores plural pieces of sound information. A piece of sound information is selected from the plural pieces of sound information stored in the first storage in response to a selecting operation of a user. The image data is operated in response to an obtaining information by the user. The filename for storing the obtained image data is created by using the sound-information identifying information for identifying the selected sound information.  
           [0043]    According to the above method, since the image data is created by using the sound-information identifying information for identifying the selected sound information, the image data is indirectly associated with the sound information. Therefore, the image data and desired sound information may be stored in association with each other in a simple manner.  
           [0044]    A method of storing image data according to the invention includes selecting a piece of sound information from a first storage together with sound-information identifying information, obtaining image data, selecting a folder from plural folders, and storing in the selected folder sound-information identifying information and the obtained image data. The first storage stores plural pieces of sound information, and a piece of sound information is selected from the plural pieces of sound information in the first storage in response to a selecting operation of a user. The image data is operated in response to an obtaining information by the user. The sound-information identifying information, which identifies the selected sound information, is stored in the file selected from plural folders together with the obtained image data.  
           [0045]    According to the above method, the image data and sound-information identifying information are stored in the same selected folder, the image data is indirectly associated with the sound information. Therefore, the image data and desired sound information may be stored in association with each other in a simple manner.  
           [0046]    In a method of storing data according to an embodiment of present invention, the sound information referred therein is tune data, and the sound-information identifying information may be made of a tune code representing tune data. Therefore, the image data and desired tune data may be stored in association with each other in a simple manner.  
           [0047]    In a method of storing data according to an embodiment of present invention, the tune data referred therein is MIDI data of the tune. Therefore, the image data and desired MIDI data of the tune data may be stored in association with each other in a simple manner.  
           [0048]    In a method of storing data according to an embodiment of present invention, the obtained image data of the method of storing image data could be obtained by taking a picture of an object. Therefore, the image data obtained by taking a picture of an object and desired sound information may be stored in association with each other in a simple manner.  
           [0049]    A method of storing image data according to the present invention includes displaying plural scenes for selection, selecting a scene from the plural displayed scenes, selecting a scene folder corresponding to the selected scene, displaying a list of sound information belonging to the selected scene, selecting a piece of sound information from the displayed list of sound information, storing in the selected scene folder sound-information identifying information for identifying the selected sound information, obtaining image data by taking a picture of an object, and storing the obtained image data in the scene folder where the sound-information identifying information has been stored.  
           [0050]    According to the above method of storing image data, the image data obtained by taking a picture of an object and the sound-information identifying information are stored in the same scene folder. Therefore, the image data and sound information are indirectly associated with one another in a simple manner when they are stored.  
           [0051]    A method of reproducing recorded data according to the invention includes selecting a reproducing mode, then in response to the selection of the reproducing mode, displaying a scene folder where image data for each scene and sound-information identifying information for identifying sound information are previously stored, selecting the sound-information identifying information stored in the scene folder, reading out from a storage the sound information identified by the selected sound-information identifying information to perform a sounding process, and displaying an image based on the image data which is stored in the scene folder together with the sound-information identifying information.  
           [0052]    According to the above method of reproducing recorded data, since the image data is stored together with the sound-information identifying information in the same scene folder, the image data and desired sound information are indirectly associated with each other. Therefore, without any operation to edit the image data or the sound data, the desired sound information is read out, while the image associated with the desired sound information is displayed.  
           [0053]    A method of storing and reproducing image data of the invention includes selecting, in response to a selecting operation of a user, a piece of sound information together with sound-information identifying information from a first storage, obtaining image data in response to the user&#39;s obtaining operation, using the sound-information identifying information, creating a filename for storing the obtained image data, and storing the obtained image data with the created filename in a second storage. The sound-information identifying information identifies the selected sound information. The first storage stores plural pieces of sound information. The method further includes selecting an image filename from the image filenames stored in the second storage, reading out from the second storage image data represented by the selected image filename and reproducing an image based on the read out image data, detecting the sound-information identifying information used in the selected image filename, reading out from the first storage sound information identified by the detected sound-information identifying information, and reproducing sound based on the read out sound information.  
           [0054]    According to the above method of storing and reproducing recorded data, since the image data is stored together with the sound-information identifying information in the same storage, the image data and desired sound information are indirectly associated with each other. Therefore, without any operation to edit the image data or the sound data, the desired image is reproduced based on the image data read out from the folder, while the sound is reproduced based on the sound information read out from the storage.  
           [0055]    In a method of storing and reproducing image data according to an embodiment of present invention, the sound information referred therein includes tune data, and the sound-information identifying information includes a tune code representing tune data. Therefore, without any operation to edit the image data or the sound data, the desired image is reproduced based on the image data read out from the folder, while the tune data is reproduced based on the sound information read out from the storage.  
           [0056]    In a method of storing and reproducing image data according to an embodiment of present invention, the tune data referred therein includes MIDI data of the tune. Therefore, without any operation to edit the image data or the MIDI data of the tune data, the desired image is reproduced based on the image data read out from the folder, while the desired MIDI data of tune data is reproduced based on the sound information read out from the storage.  
           [0057]    In a method of storing and reproducing image data according to an embodiment of present invention, the obtained image data of the method of storing image data could be obtained by taking a picture of an object. Therefore, without any operation to edit the image data or the sound information, the desired image obtained by taking a picture of an object is reproduced based on the image data read out from the folder, while the desired sound is reproduced based on the sound information read out from the storage.  
           [0058]    An image-pickup apparatus according to the invention includes a sound source section and a camera section. The sound source section includes a sound-information storage for storing plural pieces of sound information and plural pieces of sound-information identifying information for identifying the plural pieces of sound information respectively. The camera section includes an image pickup for taking a picture of an object to obtain an image data of the object, image-filename creator for creating an image filename using previously selected sound source information, storage for storing the image data of the object obtained by the image pickup in the image filename created by the image-filename creator, and image reproducer for reading out from the storage in a reproducing mode the image data represented by a previously selected image filename to reproduce an image based on the read out image data. The sound source section further comprises sound reproducer for reproducing sound based on the sound information identified by the sound-information identifying information used in the previously selected image filename.  
           [0059]    In the above image-pick up apparatus according to the invention, since the image data and the sound-data identifying data for identifying the sound data are associated with each other and stored in the storage, the image data and the sound data are indirectly associate with each other. Therefore, without any editing of the image data or the sound data, the image data and the desired sound data are stored through a simple process. Further, the image can be reproduced based on the image data by the image reproducer and related sound can be reproduced based on the sound data connected to the image data by the sound reproducer.  
           [0060]    An image-pickup apparatus according to the invention includes a sound source section and a camera section. The sound source section includes sound-information storing means for storing plural pieces of sound information and plural pieces of sound-information identifying information for identifying the plural pieces of sound information respectively. The camera section includes an image pickup for taking a picture of an object to obtain in image data of the object, storage for associating the image data of the object obtained by the image pickup means with a previously selected sound-information identifying information, and for storing the image data and the sound-information identifying information associated with each other, and image reproducer for reading out from the storing means in a reproducing mode previously selected image data, and for reproducing an image based on the read out image data. The sound source section further includes sound reproducer for reproducing sound based on the sound information identified by the sound-information identifying information associated with the previously selected image data.  
           [0061]    In the above image-pick up apparatus according to the invention, since the image data and the sound-data identifying data for identifying the sound data are associated with each other and stored in the storage, the image data and the sound data are indirectly associate with each other. Therefore, without any editing of the image data or the sound data, the image data and the desired sound data are stored through a simple process. Further, the image can be reproduced based on the image data by the image reproducer and related sound can be reproduced based on the sound data connected to the image data by the sound reproducer.  
           [0062]    In the image-pickup apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, the storage referred therein stores the image data obtained by the image pickup means in a scene folder previously selected form plural scene folders which correspond to scenes respectively with by associate, whereby associating the image data with the scene folder.  
           [0063]    In the image-pickup apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention, the sound information referred therein includes tune data, and the sound-information identifying information includes a tune code representing tune data. The tune data referred in the above image pick-up apparatus may further include MIDI data of tune.  
           [0064]    An image pickup apparatus according to the invention includes a camera section having an image pickup element, first storage, sound source section, second storage, non-volatile memory, display device, and control section. The image pickup element obtains image data. The first storage stores at least one music data. A sound source section includes a converter for converting a digital music signal to an analog signal, the digital music signal being composed of the music data. The sound source then outputs an audio signal based on a selected music data. The second storage stores the image data obtained by the camera section. The non-volatile memory, cooperative with the second storage for reading and writing the image data obtained by the camera section, stores the image data in a file format. The display device displays an image based on the image data stored in the second storage. The control section has an operation switch. The filename stored in the non-volatile memory contains as a part of the name the tune code corresponding to the music data previously selected from music data stored in the first storage by the operation switch, and the sound source section outputs an audio signal based on the music data of the tune code corresponding to the image filename, when the image files are referred.  
           [0065]    As described above, since the tune code for the tune previously selected is a part of the name of the image filename for storing the image data, the image and the music data are connected to each other through the image filename, and when the image file is browsed, the audio signal is output based on the music data for the tune code corresponding to the image filename.  
           [0066]    An image pickup apparatus according to the invention includes a first storage, first selector, image pickup, filename creator, second storage, second selector, image reproducer, detector, and tune reproducer. The first storage stores MIDI data for plural tunes and tune codes each representing MIDI data for a tune. The first selector selects in response to a selecting operation by a user a tune code from the plural tune codes stored in the first storage. The image pickup takes a picture of an object in response to a shutter-key operation by a user to obtain image data of the object. The filename creator creates an image filename using the tune code which is selected in response to the selecting operation by the first selector. The second storage stores the image data with the image filename created by the filename creator. The second selector selects in response to a selecting operation in a reproducing mode, an image filename from the image filenames stored in the second storage. The image reproducer reads out from the second storage the image data represented by the image filename selected by the second selector, and reproduces an image based on the read out image data. The detector detects a tune code used in the image filename selected by the second selector. The tune reproducer reads out from the first storage MIDI data represented by the tune code detected by the detector, and reproduces a tune based on the read out MIDI data.  
           [0067]    As described above, since the image filename for storing the image data is created by using the selected tune data, an image and the MIDI data are associated with each other through the image filename. Therefore, in the reproducing mode, the image and the tune, which are connected to each other through the image filename, are reproduced together.  
           [0068]    The image pickup apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention, the sound source section has at least an electronic music data stored in the first storage, and includes a performance circuit for converting the electronic music data to a digital audio signal. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0069]    [0069]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of circuitry of the digital camera according to the first embodiment of the invention;  
         [0070]    [0070]FIG. 2 is a representation of a conception showing a tune-data list stored in the first ROM;  
         [0071]    [0071]FIG. 3 is a representation of a conception showing a sound-data list stored in the second ROM;  
         [0072]    [0072]FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processes executed by the control section of the first embodiment in the image-pickup mode;  
         [0073]    [0073]FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processes executed by the sound source section;  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processes executed by the camera section;  
         [0075]    [0075]FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processes executed by the control section of the first embodiment in the reproducing mode;  
         [0076]    [0076]FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processes executed by the control section of the second embodiment in the image-pickup mode;  
         [0077]    [0077]FIG. 9 is a drawing showing an example of the selection chart;  
         [0078]    [0078]FIG. 10 is a representation of a conception showing how data are stored in the flash memory;  
         [0079]    [0079]FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processes executed by the control section of the second embodiment in the reproducing mode;  
         [0080]    [0080]FIG. 12 is a representation of a conception showing how data are associated with each other in other embodiment of the invention;  
         [0081]    [0081]FIG. 13 is a representation of a conception showing how data are associated with each other in another embodiment of the invention;  
         [0082]    [0082]FIG. 14 is a representation of a conception showing how data are associated with each other in still other embodiment of the invention  
         [0083]    [0083]FIG. 15 is a representation of a conception showing how data are associated with each other in further other embodiment of the invention;  
         [0084]    [0084]FIG. 16 is a representation of a conception showing how data are associated with each other in still another embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0085]    The preferred embodiments of the invention will be described hereafter with reference to the drawings.  
         [0086]    (1) First Embodiment.  
         [0087]    [0087]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of circuitry of a digital camera  1  included in the first embodiment of the invention. The digital camera  1  includes a camera section  3  and a sound source section  4 . The camera section  3  is provided with CPU  202 , ROM  203 , a flash memory  204 , DRAM  205  and an image output circuit  206 , all of which are connected to each other through a bus line  201 . The CPU  202  controls each element in the camera section  3  and the sound source section  4 . A control program for the CPU  202  to control each section is stored in the ROM  203 .  
         [0088]    The flash memory  204 , which is detachably mounted on the digital camera  1 , is a storage for store obtained image data. The DRAM  205  is used to temporarily hold data to be processed. The image output circuit  206  is for converting the image data held in the DRAM  205  to a video signal, and is connected to LCD  207  for displaying an image based on the video signal and to a video output terminal  208  for outputting the video signal. An operation switch  209  and an external interface terminal  210  are connected to the bus line  201 . The operation switch  209  is provided with a shutter key as will be described later, a mode setting key for selectively setting an image-pickup mode and/or a reproducing mode, a key for inputting image pickup conditions, and other keys necessary for operating the digital camera  1 .  
         [0089]    The camera section  3  is provided with CPU  302 , DRAM 303 , a camera control circuit  304  and an imaging device  305 , which are connected to each other through a bus line  301 . The CPU  302  controls each element in the camera  1 , analog/digital converts the image data obtained through the imaging device  305 , and temporarily holds the converted digital image data in the DRAM  303  with an image arrangement obtained through a color filter such as CCD without any process. The DRAM  303  is used to temporarily hold image data of an object obtained through the imaging device  305 . More specifically, the DRAM  303  has a memory area for holding image data of plural images and is used to temporarily hold plural image data, allowing to speed up image pickuping. The camera control circuit  304  is used to control focusing by optical parts in a lens mechanism and exposure by the imaging device  305 . The imaging device  305  includes CCD or C-MOS arranged behind the lens mechanism.  
         [0090]    The sound source section  4  is provided with CPU  402 , DRAM  403 , a first ROM  404 , a second ROM  405 , a performance circuit  406  and a digital/analog converter (DA converter)  407 , all of which are connected though a bus line  401 . The CPU  402  is used to control each element in the sound source section  4 , and the DRAM  403  is for temporarily holding tune data (MIDI data) or digital audio data. The performance circuit  406  converts the tune data or the digital audio data in the DRAM  403  to a digital audio signal. The DA converter  407  converts the digital audio to an analog signal to reproduce voice. The DA converter  407  is connected to a speaker  409  through an amplifier  408  and also to an audio output terminal  410 .  
         [0091]    MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is classified into a channel message for controlling each element and a system message for controlling the whole MIDI system. The channel message includes general performance information such as note on, note off, program change and pitch bend. The channel message is further classified into a voice message and a mode message. The performance information such as note information is included in the voice message. The mode message functions to decide operation to be performed or decide how to receive the voice message such as monophonic or polyphonic.  
         [0092]    The first ROM  404  stores a tune-data list as shown in FIG. 2. The tune-data list is comprised of scenes corresponding to scene codes “001” through “014” respectively and four symbols “A” through “D” applied to each scene. Each tune code consists of a combination of one of the scene codes “001” through “014” and one of the symbols “A” through “D” with an extension “.MID”, added to the tail of the combination to show that the code is MIDI data, which constitutes a filename of the tune.  
         [0093]    In other words, for example, four tune codes “001A”, “001B”, “001C”, and “001D” giving image or feeling of the spring are assigned to the scene code “001” corresponding to “Spring”, and these tune codes with the extension “.MID” added to the end constitute filenames for four tunes, “001A.MID”, “001B.MID”, “001C.MID”, and “001D.MID”. The first ROM  404  stores a total of 80 MIDI data with filenames, “001A.MID” through “014D.MID”, for automatic performance of tunes corresponding to the tune codes.  
         [0094]    The second ROM  405  stores a sound-data list shown in FIG. 3. The sound-data list includes scenes corresponding to the scene codes “W01” through “W03” and four sound codes of sounds applied to the respective scenes. Each sound code consists of a combination of one of scene codes “W01” through “W03” and one of symbols “A” through “D” with the extension “.WAV”, added to the end to show that the code is sound data, constitutes a filename for the sound.  
         [0095]    In other words, for example, four sound codes, “W01A”, “W01B”, “W01C” and “W01D” are assigned to a natural sound corresponding to the scene code “W01”, and these sound codes with the extension “.WAV” added to the tail constitute filenames for natural sounds, “W01A.WAV”, “W01B.WAV”, “W01C.WAV” and “W01D.WAV”. The first ROM  404  stores a total of 12 digital sound data with filenames, “W01A.WAV” to “W03D.WAV”, for outputting sounds based on the sound codes.  
         [0096]    (Image-Pickup Mode)  
         [0097]    In the above-mentioned embodiment of the invention, when a user operates the operation switch  209  to set the image-pickup mode, the CPU  202  in the camera section  3  follows instructions of the control program stored in the ROM  203  to execute processes in accordance with a flowchart shown in FIG. 4. More specifically, the CPU  202  conveys to the camera section  3  photographing conditions input by operation of the operation switch  209 , such as macro photography, distant-scene photography, speed light photography or natural light photography, and arranges the optical mechanism suitably for the selected photographing conditions. (Step S 101 ) The photographing condition defines condition on which a picture is taken to obtain image data.  
         [0098]    It is judged which filename is selected, the filename for tune stored in the first ROM  404  or the filename for sound stored in the second ROM  405 . (Step S 102 ) When selected, a tune code or a sound code is specified from the filename selected at Step S 102 . In other words, when the user inputs a desired filename of tune or sound by operating the operation switch  209 , the tune code or the sound code is determined from the filename input by the user. For example, when the filename “005A.MID” is selected, the tune code “005A” is determined, and when the filename “W03.WAV” is selected, then the sound code “W03A” is determined.  
         [0099]    When the tune code or the sound code is determined at Step S 103 , the sound source section  4  is instructed to give a demonstration of outputting the tune or the sound based on the code determined at Step S 103 . (Step S 104 ) When it is judged that a predetermined time has lapsed at Step S 105 ; YES, the sound source section  4  is instructed to cease the demonstration. (Step S 106 )  
         [0100]    Meanwhile, when the sound source section  4  is instructed to execute a performance of the tune or to output sound (Step S 201 , YES) as shown in FIG. 5, the tune code of the tune or the sound data is read out from the fist ROM  404  or the second ROM to be written into the DRAM  403  (Step S 202 ), and then the automatic performance is made based on the tune code stored in the DRAM  403  or sound is output based on the sound data stored in the DRAM  403  (Step S 203 ). In the process at Step S 203 , the tune or the sound is output through the speaker  409 . The process at Step S 203  continues until the camera section  3  gives instructions to cease the performance or outputting of sound (Step S 204 ; YES). At the time the camera section  3  gives the stop instruction, the automatic performance or the voice output ceases. (Step S 205 )  
         [0101]    On the other hand, when the camera section  3  receives the photographing conditions selected at Step S 101 , camera control is exercised to adjust the optical mechanism to meet the photographing conditions, as shown in FIG. 6. (Step S 301 ) The imaging device  305  obtains image data of the object with an exposure condition and a focus adjusted at Step S 301 . The image data obtained by the imaging device  305  is sent to the DRAM  303  to be temporarily held therein (Step S 302 ) and then further sent from the DRAM  303  to the DRAM  205  in the camera section  3 .(Step S 303 )  
         [0102]    The CPU  202  in the camera section  3  applies image processing to the image data stored in the DRAM  303  to convert same into a color difference signal YUV. The color difference signal YUV is stored in the DRAM  205 . The color difference signal YUV is converted to display data corresponding to RGB arrangement of the LCD, and then sent to the image output circuit  206  to be displayed on the LCD  207 . When the LCD  207  is used as a finder to display a through image, the color difference signal YUV is repeatedly converted to display signal and supplied to the LCD  207 . As described above, the image is displayed on the LCD  207  based on the image data stored in the DRAM  205 , as shown in FIG. 4. (Step S 107 ) Thus, on the LCD  207  is displayed the through image of the object at which the user aims the digital camera  1 . The camera section  3  keeps the LCD  207  displaying the through image until the operation switch  209  is operated by the user to click the shutter key. (Step S 108 ) When the user clicks the shutter key at the time an image to be taken is displayed on the LCD  207 , the process advances from Step S 108  to Step S 109 .  
         [0103]    At Step S 109 , the file of the pickup image is named “tune code+serial number” or “sound code+serial number” using the tune code or the sound code determined at Step S 103 . In other words, if a first image in JPEG format is taken with the tune code “005B” selected, then the file of the first image is named “005B0001.JPG”, and the file of a fifth image is named “005B0005.JPG”. The image data held in the DRAM  205  is stored in the flash memory  204  with the filename determined at Step S 103 . (Step  110 ) In other words, the CPU  202  applies the image processing to the image data stored in the DRAM  303  to compress same to obtain data in JPEG format and stores the compressed data in the flash memory  204 .  
         [0104]    The filename determined at Step S 109  is just required to include first eight characters respectively corresponding to image files, and the serial number included in the filename may be intermittent or continuous in the order in which images are taken in. In accordance with requirements for the filename of the digital camera, the filename of image shall be represented by 8 characters of alphabetical and numeral half-size capital-letters and an extension (four characters), and therefore a serial number of several digits may be included in the filename, following the tune code of 3 to 5 characters of alphabetical and numerical half-size capital letters excluding special symbols.  
         [0105]    (Reproducing Mode)  
         [0106]    When the user selects the reproducing mode by operating the operation switch  209 , the CPU  202  in the camera section  3  starts the process in accordance with a flowchart shown in FIG. 7 under instructions of the control program stored in the ROM  203 . The CPU  202  keeps waiting until the user selects either of the image-file names by operating the operation switch  209 . (Step S 401 ) When an image-file name is selected, a tune code and a sound code are determined from the selected image-file name. (Step S 402 ) Since the image-file name consists of a tune code and a serial number or a sound code and a serial number as described before, the tune code or the audio code is easily determined from the selected image-file name.  
         [0107]    The CPU  202  instructs the sound source section  4  to execute performance based on tune data corresponding to the selected tune code or to output sound based on sound data corresponding to the selected sound code. (Step S 403 ) As described in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the sound source section  4  executes the automatic performance based on the tune data held on the DRAM  403  or outputs sound based on the sound data held on the DRAM  403 . (Step S 203 ) In the process at Step S 203 , music or sound is output through the speaker  409 .  
         [0108]    Further, the camera section  3  reads out from the flash memory  204  the image data of the selected image-file name and writes on the DRAM  205  (Step S 404 ), and displays an image on the LCD  207  based on the image data written on the DRAM  205 . (Step S 405 ) Then, the user can enjoy watching the image displayed on the LCD  207 , while listening to the music or sound output from the speaker  409 . When the automatic performance is finished or the user ceases the automatic performance by operating the operation switch  209 , a performance-cease timing or a sound-cease timing is caused. (Step S 406 ; YES) When the performance-cease timing or the voice-cease timing is caused, the camera section  3  instructs the sound source section  4  to cease the performance or the outputting of sound. (Step S 407 ) When the camera section  3  instructs the sound source section  4  to cease the performance or the outputting of sound, the sound source section  4  ceases the performance or the outputting of sound, (Step S 205 ) and no sound is output from the speaker  409 .  
         [0109]    (2) Second Embodiment.  
         [0110]    Circuitry of a digital camera  1  in the second embodiment of the invention is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In the second embodiment, tune code with a title of the tune is written into a tune-data list on the first ROM  404  shown in FIG. 2, and sound code with a title of the sound is written into a sound-data list on the first ROM  405  shown in FIG. 3.  
         [0111]    (Image-Pickup Mode)  
         [0112]    In the second embodiment, when the user selects an image-pickup mode by operating the operation switch  209 , the CPU  202  in the camera section  3  starts the processing in accordance with a flowchart shown in FIG. 8 under instructions of the control program stored in the ROM  203 . More specifically, the CPU  202  transfers to the camera section  3  photographing conditions such as macro photography, distant-scene photography, speed light photography or natural light photography, input through the operation switch  209 , and adjusts the optical mechanism suitably for the input photographing conditions. (Step S 501 )  
         [0113]    Then, the CPU  202  instructs the LCD  207  to display a selection chart for selecting a tune or sound. (Step S 502 ) In the process at Step S 502 , as shown in FIG. 9 (A and B), a scene selection chart including plural scenes is displayed based on the data read out from the first and second ROM  404  and  405 , which scene selection chart has a scrolling function to bring missing information into view. It is judged which scene is selected from among the plural scenes. (Step S 503 ) When a scene is selected, an image folder is determined for holding image data in the flash memory  204 . (Step S 504 ) For example, when the first scene is selected, a “scene folder 1” is determined, and when the second scene is selected, a “scene folder 2” is determined, as shown in FIG. 10.  
         [0114]    A list of four kinds of tunes or sounds belonging to the selected scene is displayed on the LCD  207  together with titles of the tunes and sounds. (Step S 505 ) Therefore, if the scene “005 (Athletic meeting)” is previously selected, the list of four tunes “005A.MID (March A)”, “005B.MID (March B)”, “005C.MID (March C)” and “005D.MID (March D)” belonging to the scene “005 (Athletic meeting)” is displayed in the process at Step S 505 , as shown in FIG. 9C.  
         [0115]    Now, it is judged which tune code or sound code is chosen from the selected list. (Step S 506 ) The sound source section  4  is instructed to execute the automatic performance based on tune data corresponding to the chosen tune code or outputting of sound based on sound data corresponding to the chosen sound code. (Step S 507 ) After a certain period of time has lapsed (Step  508 ; YES), the sound source section  4  is instructed to cease the demonstration of the automatic performance or outputting of sound. (Step S 509 ) As described above, the sound source section  4  executes the automatic performance based on the tune data or outputs the sound based on the sound data for a certain period of time, as shown in FIG. 5.  
         [0116]    Then, the camera section  3  writes the titles of tune data or sound data (tune code or sound code) into a tune selection list (BGMLIST.TXT) (Step S 510 ), and stores the tune selection list (BGMLIST.TXT) in the scene folder. (Step S 511 ) In other words, the tune selection list (BGMLIST.TXT) is stored in the scene folder 1 or in the scene folder 2 in the process of Step S 511 , as shown in  10 .  
         [0117]    Meanwhile, when the camera section  3  receives the photographing conditions in the previous process at Step S 501 , the optical mechanism is adjusted to meet the photographing conditions (Camera control process). (Step S 301 ) In the Camera control process, the focus and exposure of the camera section  3  is arranged as described in the flowchart of FIG. 6 and with the adjusted photographing conditions an image data of the object is taken in through the imaging device  305 . The image data is sent to DRAM  303  to be temporarily held therein (Step S 302 ), and further transferred from the DRAM  303  to the DRAM  205  in the camera section  3 .(Step S 303 ).  
         [0118]    Further, the camera section  3  makes the LCD  207  display an image based on the image data in the DRAM  205  as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8. (Step S 512 ) On the LCD  207  is displayed a through image of the object, toward which the lens of the digital camera  1  is directed. The camera section  3  keeps the LCD  207  displaying the through image of the object until the operation switch  209  is operated to click the shutter key. (Step S 513 ) When the user clicks the shutter key at the time his desired through image of the object is displayed on the LCD  207 , the process advances from Step S 513  to Step S 514 .  
         [0119]    After the image-file name is determined (Step S 514 ), the mage data in the DRAM  205  is stored in the scene folder selected at Step S 504  on the flash memory  204  (Step S 515 ). Further, it is judged whether the image-pickup mode is changed to another mode. (Step S 512 ) When it is judged that the image-pickup mode is still maintained, then the processes at Step S 512  through Step S 516  are repeatedly performed. In other words, every operation of the shutter key, the processes at Step S 514  and Step S 515  are repeatedly performed, and image data with the image filename “P0050001.JPG” through “P0050005.JPG” are stored in the “scene folder 1” and “scene folder 2” on the flash memory  204 .  
         [0120]    (Reproducing Mode)  
         [0121]    When the user selects the reproducing mode by operating the operation switch  209 , the CPU  202  in the camera section  3  starts the process under the instructions of the control program stored in the ROM  203  in accordance with a flowchart of FIG. 11. The CPU  202  keeps waiting until the user selects an image folder by operating the operation switch  209 . (Step S 601 ) When an image folder is selected, a tune-selection list (BGMLIST.TXT) in the selected image folder is read in (Step S 602 ), the CPU  202  instructs the sound source section  4  to execute a performance based on the tune data corresponding to the tune code included in the selected tune-selection list (BGMLIST.TXT) or to output voices based on sound data corresponding to the sound code included in the selected tune-selection list (BGMLIST.TXT). (Step S 603 ) As described in the flowchart of FIG. 5, when the sound source section  4  received instruction to execute a performance or to output sounds, the tune data or sound data corresponding to the tune codes or sound code is written into the DRAM  403 . (Step S  602 ) The sound source section  4  executes the automatic performance based on the tune data written into the DRAM  403  or outputs sounds based on the voice data written into the DRAM  403 . (Step S 603 ). In the process at Step S 603 , a tune or sound is output through the speaker  409 .  
         [0122]    The camera section  3  sequentially selects image files from among those in the image folder selected at Step S 601  (Step S 604 ), holds same on the DRAM  205  through the flash memory  204  (Step S 605 ), and makes the LCD  207  display an image based on the image data held on the DRAM  205 . As described, music or sound is output from the speaker  409 , and images are sequentially displayed on the LCD  207 . The user can enjoy watching the images sequentially displayed on the LCD  207 , while listening to music or sound output from the speaker  409 . When the performance is finished, or the user operates the operation switch  209  to cease the reproduction, a performance-cease timing or a sound-cease timing is caused. (Step S 607 ; YES) When the performance-cease timing or the sound-cease timing is caused, the camera section  3  instructs the sound source section  4  to cease the performance or the outputting of sounds. (Step S 608 ) When the camera section  3  instructs the sound source section  4  to cease the performance or the outputting of sound, the sound source  4  ceases the performance or the outputting of sound, (Step S 205 ) and no voice is output from the speaker  409 .  
         [0123]    In the above embodiment, the LCD  207  displays the image and the speaker  409  outputs sound, and therefore the digital camera  1  itself performs the reproducing function without any help of an external attachments. However, as shown in FIG. 1, the digital camera  1  is provided with the video output terminal  208 , the external interface terminal  210 , and the audio output terminal  410 . External attachments or apparatuses such as a monitor, a personal computer, and a speaker may be connected to these terminals  208 ,  210  and  410  for reproducing the image or outputting music or sound. Plural CPUs  302 ,  202  and  402  are used in the embodiment but the function and the performance of these CPUs may be realized with those of one or two CPUs. The DRAM  303 ,  205  and  403  may be replaced with one or two DRAMs.  
         [0124]    (3) Other Embodiment.  
         [0125]    The tune data and the image data are associated with each other and recorded on the recording media as described in the first and second embodiment. But the relationship between the tune data and the image data as shown in FIG. 12 through FIG. 16 may be useful.  
         [0126]    (a) FIG. 12  
         [0127]    To associate MIDI file (tune data)  502  with image files (image data)  503 , data including these MIDI file and image files may be stored respectively in the recording areas (Nos.1, 2, 3, . . . ) on the recording medium  501  as shown in FIG. 12. If the recording medium is an elongated tape, the above recording method is useful to keep the relationship between the MIDI file and image files.  
         [0128]    (b) FIG. 13  
         [0129]    To associate filenames of MIDI file (tune data)  603  with image files (image data)  604 , data including these filename of MIDI file and image files may be stored respectively in the recording areas (Nos.1, 2, 3, . . . ) on the recording medium  601  as shown in FIG. 13.  
         [0130]    (c) FIG. 14  
         [0131]    Filenames of image files  702  and filenames of MIDI data files  703  are associated with each other and are stored respectively in folders  704 , and  705  on a recording medium  701 , as shown in FIG. 14.  
         [0132]    (d) FIG. 15.  
         [0133]    On a recording medium  801  are prepared image folders  802 ,  803 ,  804  and  805  for selected scenes, and data including MIDI data file  806  and image data files  807  are held in each of the image folders  802 ,  803 ,  804  and  805 . This method is similar to those described in the second embodiment.  
         [0134]    (e) FIG. 16.  
         [0135]    On a recording medium  901  are prepared image folders  902 ,  903 ,  904  and  905  for selected scenes, and a filename  908  of MIDI data  907  held in a tune-data memory  906  and filenames  909  of image data are stored in each of the image folders. This method is similar to those described in the second embodiment.  
         [0136]    As described above, in the method of storing data according to the invention, the image-data identifying data for identifying the image data and the sound-data identifying data for identifying the sound data to be added to the image data, or the image data and the sound-data identifying data for identifying the sound data to be added to the image data, or the image-data identifying data for identifying the image data and the sound data to be added to the image data are associated with each other and stored on the storage. Therefore, without any processing to edit both of the image data and the sound data or other post processing, the image data and the desired sound data may be associated with each other and stored in a simple manner.  
         [0137]    Further, in the method of storing and reproducing data according to the invention, without any processing to edit the image data, the sound data, or both of the image data and sound data or other post processing, the image data and the desired sound data may be associated with each other and stored in a simple manner, and an image is displayed based on the image data and desired sound is output based on the sound data simultaneously.  
         [0138]    According to the image-pickup apparatus of the invention, without any processing to edit the image data and the sound data, or other post processing, the image data and the desired sound data may be associated with each other and stored in a simple manner, and an image is displayed based on the image data and desired sound is output based on the sound data simultaneously. Therefore, the image of the object together with the desired sound may be stored and reproduced without using a complex data-editing process.