JP2009094727A - Image recording device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image recoding device and an image recording method, capable of speeding up listing of image files (thumb nail display) in which a plurality of image data are stored. <P>SOLUTION: A multi-page file D10 contains a main image region A10 and an extended data region A12. In the extended data region A12, sub image data P(1), ..., P(n) photographed with photographing parts 12R and 12L are stored. In the main image region A10, main image data PR selected from among sub image data is stored. In an IFD1 region (first IFD) H1, thumb nail images T(1), ..., T(n) generated from the sub image data are stored. When listing the multi-page file D10, thumb nail images are read out of the IFD1 region (first IFD) H1, and are listed on an image display part 50. So, the thumb nail images corresponding to all sub image data stored in the multi-page file D10 are quickly obtained and displayed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus and an image recording method, and more particularly to an image recording apparatus and an image recording method for storing and recording a plurality of image data in one image file.

  Patent Document 1 discloses that a plurality of still images and a search index image indicating the content of each still image are recorded on the same still image recording medium.

  Patent Document 2 discloses that a memory card is provided with an area for recording reduced image data and an area for recording still image data.

Patent Document 3 discloses a plurality of image data, an index image formed by combining at least two or more of the reduced images obtained by reducing the image data, and a reduced image included in the image data and the index image. And a recording medium in which a file storing the association is recorded.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-022682 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-110982 JP 2004-208054 A

  When displaying a list (thumbnail display) of an image file storing a plurality of image data (hereinafter referred to as a multi-page file (MP file)), it is necessary to read out a list display image from the plurality of image data in the image file. is there. For this reason, there is a problem that it takes time to display a list as the number of image data in the image file increases.

  In the above Patent Documents 1 to 3, the list display in the multi-page file is not accelerated.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides an image recording apparatus and an image recording method capable of speeding up a list display (thumbnail display) of image files in which a plurality of image data is stored. For the purpose.

  An image recording apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an image acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of image data, a list display image generation unit that generates a list display image corresponding to the plurality of image data, Image file creation means for creating an image file for storing a plurality of image data, list display image storage means for storing the plurality of list display images in a predetermined area of the image file, and recording for recording the image file And display means for acquiring and displaying a plurality of list display images recorded in the predetermined area when displaying the image file as a list.

  According to the first aspect, the list display images (thumbnail images) corresponding to all the image data in the multi-page file are stored in a predetermined area of the image file (multi-page file) for storing a plurality of image data. ) Is stored, thumbnail images of all image data can be acquired and displayed at a high speed when displaying a list of multi-page files.

  The image recording apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image recording apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the list display image storage means is a list display image added to the head image data stored at the head of the image file. A plurality of list display images created from the plurality of image data are stored in the storage area.

  According to the second aspect, the list display image (thumbnail image) corresponding to all the image data in the multi-page file is added to the top image data of the image file (multi-page file) for storing a plurality of image data. ) Is added, thumbnail images of all image data can be acquired and displayed at high speed when displaying a list of multi-page files.

  The image recording apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the image recording apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the list display image storage means is arranged in a region next to a region where the head image data is stored in an image file. A list display image is recorded.

  According to the third aspect, a list display corresponding to all the image data in the multi-page file is provided in the area next to the top image data of the image file (multi-page file) for storing a plurality of image data. Since images (thumbnail images) are added, thumbnail images of all image data can be acquired and displayed at high speed when displaying a list of multi-page files.

  The image recording apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image recording apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the list display image storage means stores the plurality of list display images connected to one image. Features.

  An image recording method according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes an image acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of image data, a list display image generation step of generating a list display image corresponding to the plurality of image data, An image file creation step for creating an image file for storing a plurality of image data, a list display image storage step for storing the plurality of list display images in a predetermined area of the image file, and a record for recording the image file And a display step of acquiring and displaying a plurality of list display images recorded in the predetermined area when displaying the image file as a list.

  The image recording method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the image recording method according to the fifth aspect, wherein in the list display image storing step, the list display image added to the top image data stored at the top of the image file. A plurality of list display images created from the plurality of image data are stored in the storage area.

  The image recording method according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the image recording method according to the fifth aspect, wherein in the list display image storing step, the area next to the area where the head image data is stored in the image file is stored in the area. A list display image is recorded.

  In the image recording method according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth to seventh aspects, the list display image storage step includes storing the plurality of list display images by connecting them to one image. Features.

  According to the present invention, list display images (thumbnail images) corresponding to all image data in a multi-page file are stored in a predetermined area of an image file (multi-page file) for storing a plurality of image data. As a result, thumbnail images of all image data can be acquired and displayed at high speed when displaying a list of multi-page files.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an image recording apparatus and an image recording method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a photographing apparatus (compound eye camera) provided with an image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the photographing apparatus 10 is a compound eye camera including a plurality of photographing units 12R and 12L, acquires parallax images obtained by photographing the same subject from multiple viewpoints, and is a recording image file in a predetermined format. As a recording device. There may be two or more photographing units.

  A main CPU 14 (hereinafter referred to as CPU 14) controls the overall operation of the compound eye camera 10 according to a predetermined control program based on an input from the operation unit 16.

  A ROM 24, an EEPROM 26, and a work memory 28 are connected to the CPU 14 via a system bus 22. The ROM 24 stores a control program executed by the CPU 14 and various data necessary for control. The EEPROM 26 stores various setting information relating to the operation of the compound eye camera 10 such as user setting information. The work memory 28 includes a calculation work area for the CPU 14 and a temporary storage area for image data.

  The image display unit 50 is configured by, for example, a display device including a color liquid crystal panel, and is used as an image display unit for displaying a captured image, and is used as a GUI during various settings. The image display unit 50 is used as an electronic viewfinder for confirming the angle of view in the shooting mode. Note that the image display unit 50 can display a three-dimensional image (3D image).

  The operation unit 16 includes operation input means such as a power / mode switch, a mode dial, a release switch, a cross key, a zoom button, a MENU / OK button, a DISP button, and a BACK button.

  The power / mode switch is means for switching on / off the power of the compound eye camera 10 and switching the operation mode (playback mode and photographing mode) of the compound eye camera 10.

  The mode dial is an operation means for switching the shooting mode of the compound-eye camera 10, and is a panorama shooting mode for shooting a panoramic image according to a setting position of the mode dial, and a 2D still image for shooting a two-dimensional still image. The shooting mode is switched between a shooting mode, a 2D moving image shooting mode for shooting a 2D moving image, a 3D still image shooting mode for shooting a 3D still image, and a 3D moving image shooting mode for shooting a 3D moving image. When the shooting mode is set to the panorama shooting mode or the 2D moving image shooting mode, a flag indicating the panorama shooting mode is set in the shooting mode management flag 30. When the shooting mode is set to the 2D still image shooting mode or the 2D moving image shooting mode, a flag indicating the 2D mode for shooting a two-dimensional image is set in the shooting mode management flag 30. When the shooting mode is set to the 3D still image shooting mode or the 3D moving image shooting mode, the shooting mode management flag 30 is set with a flag indicating that it is a 3D mode for shooting a three-dimensional image. The CPU 14 refers to the shooting mode management flag 30 to determine the shooting mode setting.

  The release switch is composed of a two-stage stroke type switch composed of so-called “half-press” and “full-press”. In still image shooting mode, if the release switch is pressed halfway, shooting preparation processing (ie AE (Automatic Exposure), AF (Auto Focus), AWB (Automatic White Balance) When the release switch is fully pressed, still image shooting / recording processing is performed. In the moving image shooting mode, moving image shooting starts when the release switch is fully pressed, and moving image shooting ends when the release switch is fully pressed again. Note that a release switch for still image shooting and a release switch for moving image shooting may be provided separately.

  The cross key is an operating means that can be pressed in four directions, up, down, left, and right. For example, in the shooting mode, a function for switching the macro function on / off is assigned to the left button, and a function for switching the flash mode is assigned to the right button. In the shooting mode, a function for changing the brightness of the image display unit 50 is assigned to the upper button, and a function for switching the self-timer on / off is assigned to the lower button. In the playback mode, a frame advance function is assigned to the left button, and a frame return function is assigned to the right button. In the playback mode, a function for changing the brightness of the image display unit 50 is assigned to the upper button, and a function for deleting the image being played back is assigned to the lower button. Further, at the time of various settings, a function for moving the cursor displayed on the image display unit 50 in the direction of each button is assigned.

  The zoom button is an operation means for performing a zooming operation of the photographing units 12R and 12L, and includes a zoom tele button for instructing zooming to the telephoto side and a zoom wide button for instructing zooming to the wide angle side. .

  The MENU / OK button is used to call a menu screen (MENU function), and is used to confirm selection contents, execute a process, etc. (OK function), and has a function assigned according to the setting state of the compound eye camera 10. Can be switched. On the menu screen, the MENU / OK button indicates, for example, image quality adjustment such as exposure value, hue, photographing sensitivity, number of recorded pixels, setting of a self-timer, switching of photometric method, whether to use digital zoom, etc. All the adjustment items that have are set. The compound eye camera 10 operates according to the conditions set on this menu screen.

  The DISP button is used for inputting an instruction for switching the display contents of the image display unit 50, and the BACK button is used for inputting an instruction for canceling the input operation.

  Next, the photographing function of the compound eye camera 10 will be described. In FIG. 1, the respective parts in the photographing units 12R and 12L are distinguished from each other by adding symbols R and L. However, since the functions of the respective units are substantially the same, in the following description, the symbols R and L are referred to. The description is omitted.

  The photographing lens 60 includes a zoom lens, a focus lens, and a diaphragm. The zoom lens and the focus lens move back and forth along the optical axis (LR and LL in the drawing) of each photographing unit. The CPU 14 performs zooming by controlling the position of the zoom lens by controlling the driving of a zoom actuator (not shown) via the photometry / ranging CPU 80, and controls the driving of the focus actuator via the photometry / ranging CPU 80. Thus, focusing is performed by controlling the position of the focus lens. Further, the CPU 14 controls the aperture amount (aperture value) of the diaphragm 46 by controlling the driving of the diaphragm actuator via the photometry / ranging CPU 80, and controls the amount of light incident on the image sensor 62.

  The CPU 14 drives the photographing lenses 60R and 60L of the photographing units 12R and 12L in synchronization when photographing images from a plurality of viewpoints in the panoramic photographing mode or the 3D mode. That is, the photographing lenses 60R and 60L are always set to the same focal length (zoom magnification). In addition, the aperture is adjusted so that the same incident light amount (aperture value) is always obtained. Further, in the 3D mode, focus adjustment is performed so that the same subject is always in focus.

  The flash light emitting unit 76 is constituted by, for example, a discharge tube (xenon tube), and emits light as necessary when photographing a dark subject or in backlight. The charge / light emission control unit 78 includes a main capacitor for supplying a current for causing the flash light emission unit 76 to emit light. The CPU 14 transmits a flash emission command to the photometry / ranging CPU 80, and performs charge control of the main capacitor, discharge (light emission) timing of the flash light emission unit 76, control of the discharge time, and the like. Note that a light emitting diode may be used as the flash light emitting unit 76.

  The imaging unit 12 captures a distance light emitting element 86 (for example, a light emitting diode) for irradiating the subject with light, and an image of the subject irradiated with light by the distance light emitting element 86 (range measurement image). A distance image sensor 84.

  The photometry / ranging CPU 80 causes the distance light emitting element 86 to emit light at a predetermined timing based on a command from the CPU 14 and controls the distance image pickup element 84 to photograph a distance measuring image.

  The distance measurement image captured by the distance image sensor 84 is converted into digital data by the A / D converter 96 and input to the distance information processing circuit 98.

  The distance information processing circuit 98 uses the distance measurement image acquired from the distance image sensor 84 and, based on the principle of so-called triangular distance measurement, between the subject photographed by the photographing units 12R and 12L and the compound eye camera 10. The distance (subject distance) is calculated. The subject distance calculated by the distance information processing circuit 98 is recorded in the distance information recording circuit 100.

  In addition, as a method for calculating the subject distance, the subject distance is calculated from the flight time (delay time) and the speed of light until the light emitted from the distance light-emitting element 86 is reflected by the subject and reaches the distance imaging element 84. A TOF (Time of Flight) method for calculating the value may be used.

  The photographing unit 12 includes an interval / convergence angle driving circuit 88 and an interval / convergence angle detection circuit 90.

  The interval / convergence angle driving circuits 88R and 88L drive the imaging units 12R and 12L, respectively. The CPU 14 operates the interval / convergence angle driving circuits 88R and 88L via the interval / convergence angle control circuit 92 to adjust the interval and the convergence angle between the photographing lenses 60R and 60L.

  The interval / convergence angle detection circuits 90R and 90L include means for transmitting and receiving radio waves, for example. The CPU 14 operates the interval / convergence angle detection circuits 90R and 90L via the interval / convergence angle control circuit 92 to transmit and receive radio waves, thereby measuring the interval and the convergence angle between the photographing lenses 60R and 60L. . The measurement results of the interval between the photographing lenses 60R and 60L and the convergence angle are stored in the lens interval / convergence angle storage circuit 102.

  The image sensor 62 is constituted by a color CCD solid-state image sensor, for example. A large number of photodiodes are two-dimensionally arranged on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 62, and color filters of three primary colors (R, G, B) are arranged in a predetermined arrangement in each photodiode. The optical image of the subject formed on the light receiving surface of the image sensor 62 by the photographing lens 60 is converted into signal charges corresponding to the amount of incident light by the photodiode. The signal charge accumulated in each photodiode is sequentially read out from the image sensor 62 as a voltage signal (R, G, B signal) corresponding to the signal charge based on a drive pulse given from the TG 64 according to a command from the CPU 14. The image sensor 62 has an electronic shutter function, and the exposure time (shutter speed) is controlled by controlling the charge accumulation time in the photodiode.

  As the image sensor 62, an image sensor other than a CCD such as a CMOS sensor may be used.

  The analog signal processing unit 66 outputs a correlated double sampling circuit (CDS), R, G, and B signals for removing reset noise (low frequency) included in the R, G, and B signals output from the image sensor 62. An AGS circuit for amplifying and controlling to a certain level is included. Analog R, G, B signals output from the image sensor 62 are subjected to correlated double sampling processing and amplified by an analog signal processing unit 66. Analog R, G, B signals output from the analog signal processing unit 66 are converted into digital R, G, B signals by an A / D converter 68 and input to an image input controller (buffer memory) 70. The

  The digital signal processing unit 72 includes a synchronization circuit (a processing circuit that converts a color signal into a simultaneous expression by interpolating a spatial shift of the color signal associated with a color filter array of a single CCD), a white balance adjustment circuit, a gradation A conversion processing circuit (gamma correction circuit), a contour correction circuit, a luminance / color difference signal generation circuit, and the like are included. The digital R, G, and B signals input to the image input controller 70 are subjected to predetermined processing such as synchronization processing, white balance adjustment, gradation conversion, and contour correction by the digital signal processing unit 72. It is converted into a Y / C signal composed of a luminance signal (Y signal) and a color difference signal (Cr, Cb signal).

  When a live view image (through image) is displayed on the image display unit 50, the Y / C signal generated in the digital signal processing unit 72 is sequentially supplied to the buffer memory 44. The display controller 42 reads out the Y / C signal supplied to the buffer memory 44 and outputs it to the YC-RGB converter 46. The YC-RGB converter 46 converts the Y / C signal input from the display controller 42 into R, G, and B signals and outputs them to the image display unit 50 via the driver 48. As a result, a through image is displayed on the image display unit 50.

  In the playback mode, after the last image file (last recorded image file) recorded on the memory card 40 is read and decompressed to an uncompressed Y / C signal by the compression / decompression processing unit 74 Are input to the buffer memory 44. The display controller 42 reads out the Y / C signal supplied to the buffer memory 44 and outputs it to the YC-RGB converter 46. The YC-RGB converter 46 converts the Y / C signal input from the display controller 42 into R, G, and B signals and outputs them to the image display unit 50 via the driver 48. As a result, the image file recorded in the memory card 40 is displayed on the image display unit 50.

  Next, image capturing and recording processing will be described. In the 2D mode, a recording image is shot by a predetermined one shooting unit (for example, 12R). In the 2D mode, an image photographed by the photographing unit 12R is compressed by the compression / decompression processing unit 74R. The compressed image data is recorded on the memory card 40 as an image file in a predetermined format via the memory controller 34 and the interface unit (I / F) 38. For example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) for still images, MPEG2 or MPEG4 for moving images, and H.264. It is recorded as a compressed image file conforming to the H.264 standard.

  In the 3D mode, images are captured in synchronization by the imaging units 12R and 12L. In the 3D mode, AF processing and AE processing are performed based on an image signal acquired by one of the imaging units 12R and 12L. In the 3D mode, the two viewpoint images captured by the image capturing units 12R and 12L are compressed by the compression / decompression processing units 74R and 74L, respectively, and stored in one 3D image file (multi-page file). To be recorded. The 3D image file stores subject distance information, the interval between the photographing lenses 60R and 60L, and information on the convergence angle, as well as the compressed image data of the two viewpoints.

  Next, recording processing of an image shot in the panoramic shooting mode will be described. In the panorama shooting mode, two viewpoint images are shot in synchronization by the shooting units 12R and 12L. In the panoramic shooting mode, AF processing and AE processing are performed based on an image signal acquired by one of the imaging units 12R and 12L. In the panorama shooting mode, the two-viewpoint image data shot by the shooting units 12R and 12L are compressed by the compression / decompression processing units 74R and 74L, respectively, and stored in one panorama image file (multi-page file). 40. The panoramic image file stores representative image data, subject distance information, the interval between the photographing lenses 60R and 60L, and information on the convergence angle, as well as the compressed image data of two viewpoints.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a multi-page file. As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-page file D10 includes a main image area A10 and an extended data area A12.

  In the extended data area A12, viewpoint image data (sub-image data) P (1),..., P (n) photographed by the photographing units 12R and 12L are stored.

  In the main image area A10, main image data (representative image data) PR selected from the sub image data P (1),..., P (n) is stored. Here, the main image data is, for example, an image photographed by a photographing unit whose viewpoint position is in the middle or near middle of the sub-image data P (1),. Of the image data, the image data is taken by the photographing unit on the user's dominant eye (for example, the right eye in the default setting, which can be set by the user).

  As shown in FIG. 2, SOI (Start of Image) and EOI (End of Image) in the main image data PR and each viewpoint image data P (1),. It is a marker indicating the end position.

  Each of the main image data PR and the sub image data P (1),... P (n) is provided with a header area (APP1).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the header area of the main image data PR is provided with Exif identification information, a TIFF header, an IFD0 area (0th IFD), and an IFD1 area (1st IFD).

  In the IFD1 area (1st IFD) H1, thumbnail images (T (1),..., T (n)) generated from the sub-image data P (1),.

  Note that the thumbnail images T (1),..., T (n) may be stored as individual thumbnail images, or may be stored as a single image obtained by joining the thumbnail images. Good.

  When the Exif IFD area of the IFD0 area (0th IFD) H0 includes the extended data area presence / absence information E10 indicating whether or not the image file D10 includes the extended data area A12, and the extended data area A12, the sub image Stores information (pointer) indicating the storage location of the index information.

  Further, in the IFD0 area (0th IFD) H0, sub-image identification IFD (1) indicating the storage location (SOI address) of the sub-image data P (1),... P (n) in the multi-page file D10,. A sub-image identification IFD (n) is stored.

  When displaying a list of image files in the memory card 40 on the image display unit 50, the CPU 14 reads the IFD0 area (0th IFD) H0 and determines whether or not the extended data area A12 is included (whether it is a multi-page file). To do. When displaying a list of image files determined to be multi-page files, the CPU 14 reads thumbnail images T (1),..., T (n) from the IFD1 area (1st IFD) H1 of the multi-page file D10. Then, a list is displayed on the image display unit 50. Thereby, thumbnail images corresponding to all the sub-image data P (1),... P (n) stored in the multi-page file D10 can be acquired and displayed at high speed.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing multi-page file generation processing. First, when the shooting mode is set to a mode for recording an image in a multipage file (for example, 3D mode or panorama mode), the multipage list (MP list) is cleared (step S10). Next, when the release switch is fully pressed (Yes in Step S12), each of the viewpoint image data is captured by the photographing units 12R and 12L, and the captured image is converted into a Y / C signal (Step S14). .

  Next, a predetermined process (for example, reduction or thinning process) is performed on the viewpoint image data captured in step S14 to create a thumbnail image (step S16). Then, the viewpoint image data is compressed (step S18), and an Exif format sub-image file is created and recorded in the memory card 40 (step S20). A thumbnail image is stored in the header area of the sub-image file created in step S20.

  Next, the file name of the sub-image file created in step S20 is written in the MP list as shown in FIG. 4 (step S22). This MP list is recorded in the memory card 40. In step S22, as shown in FIG. 4, the file name of the main image file selected from the sub-image files is written at the top.

  Next, when the shooting of the image is completed (Yes in step S24), the pointer is set to the top of the MP list. (Step S26). Then, a thumbnail image is acquired from the image file indicated by the pointer, developed in the work memory 28 (step S30), and the pointer is moved down by one in the MP list (step S32).

  Next, when the steps S28 to S32 are repeated to acquire thumbnail images from all the image files in the MP list (No in step S28), the acquired thumbnail images are integrated (step S36). The integrated thumbnail image is stored in the header area of the main image file (step S38).

  Next, after the pointer is set to the head of the MP list (step S40), the processes of steps S42 to S46 are repeated to read all the image files in the MP list, and the acquired image files are stored in the MP list. Are integrated (connected), one multi-page file is generated and recorded in the memory card 40 (step S48). In step S48, when the recording of the multi-page file is completed, the main image file, each sub-image file, and the MP list may be deleted from the memory card 40.

  According to this embodiment, in the multi-page file D10 for storing a plurality of image data, thumbnail images corresponding to all the sub-image data P (1),... P (n) in the multi-page file D10, Since it is stored in the header area of the main image data PR stored at the head of the multi-page file D10, thumbnail images of all the sub-image data are acquired and displayed at a high speed when displaying the list of the multi-page file D10. be able to.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The configuration of the image recording apparatus (compound camera 10) is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a data structure of a multi-page file according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, in the multi-page file D10 according to the present embodiment, index image data PI is stored at the head of the extension data area A12. In the IFD0 area (0th IFD) H0, an index image identification IFD indicating the storage location (SOI address) of the index image data PI is stored in the index image data PI in the multi-page file D10.

  The index image data PI is, for example, image data in which thumbnail images T (1),..., T (n) of the sub-image data P (1),. The index image data PI may be, for example, image data in which thumbnail images T (1),..., T (n) are stored as separate images, or thumbnail images T (1),. n) may be combined vertically and horizontally to form a single piece of image data.

  When displaying a list of image files in the memory card 40 on the image display unit 50, the CPU 14 reads the IFD0 area (0th IFD) H0 and determines whether or not the extended data area A12 is included (whether it is a multi-page file). To do. When displaying a list of image files determined to be multipage files, the CPU 14 reads the index image identification IFD from the IFD0 area (0th IFD) H0 of the multipage file D10, acquires the index image PI, A list is displayed on the image display unit 50. Thereby, thumbnail images corresponding to all the sub-image data P (1),... P (n) stored in the multi-page file D10 can be acquired and displayed at high speed.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing multi-page file generation processing. First, when the shooting mode is set to a mode for recording an image in a multipage file (for example, 3D mode or panorama mode), the multipage list (MP list) is cleared (step S60). Next, when the release switch is fully pressed (Yes in step S62), each of the viewpoint image data is captured by the photographing units 12R and 12L, and the captured image is converted into a Y / C signal (step S64). .

  Next, a predetermined process (for example, reduction or thinning process) is performed on the viewpoint image data captured in step S64 to create a thumbnail image (step S66). Then, the viewpoint image data is compressed (step S68), and an Exif format sub-image file is created and recorded in the memory card 40 (step S70). A thumbnail image is stored in the header area of the sub-image file created in step S70.

  Next, the file name of the sub-image file created in step S70 is written in the MP list as shown in FIG. 7A (step S72). In step S72, as shown in FIG. 7A, the file name of the main image file selected from the sub-image files is written at the top.

  Next, when the shooting of the image is completed (Yes in step S74), the pointer is set to the top of the MP list. (Step S76). Then, a thumbnail image is acquired from the image file pointed to by the pointer, developed in the work memory 28 (step S80), and the pointer moves down by one in the MP list (step S82).

  Next, when the steps S78 to S82 are repeated to acquire thumbnail images from all the image files in the MP list (No in step S78), the acquired thumbnail images are integrated (step S86), and the integrated thumbnails are acquired. The image is recorded on the memory card 40 as an index image file (step S88). Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the file name of the index image file is written next to the main image file name in the MP list (step S90).

  Next, after the pointer is set at the head of the MP list (step S92), the processes of steps S94 to S98 are repeated to read out all the image files in the MP list, and the acquired image files are stored in the MP list. Are integrated (connected) to generate one multi-page file (step S100). In step S100, when the recording of the multi-page file is completed, the main image file, each sub-image file, and the MP list may be deleted from the memory card 40.

  According to this embodiment, in the multi-page file D10 for storing a plurality of image data, thumbnail images corresponding to all the sub-image data P (1),... P (n) in the multi-page file D10, Since it is stored in the header area of the main image data PR stored at the head of the multi-page file D10, thumbnail images of all the sub-image data are acquired and displayed at a high speed when displaying the list of the multi-page file D10. be able to.

  The present invention can also be provided as a program applied to an image recording apparatus such as a photographing apparatus, personal computer, portable information terminal, and copying machine.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where multi-viewpoint image data captured in the 3D mode or the panoramic shooting mode is stored in the multi-page file has been described. Can be stored in a single multi-page file, the thumbnail display can be speeded up by the image recording apparatus and the image recording method of the present invention.

1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a photographing apparatus (compound eye camera) provided with an image recording apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Diagram showing the data structure of a multi-page file Flow chart showing multi-page file generation processing Figure showing a multi-page list The figure which shows the data structure of the multipage file which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the production | generation process of the multipage file which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Figure showing a multi-page list

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Imaging device (compound-eye camera), 12 ... Imaging | photography part, 14 ... Main CPU

Claims (8)

Image acquisition means for acquiring a plurality of image data;
List display image creating means for creating a list display image corresponding to the plurality of image data;
Image file creating means for creating an image file for storing the plurality of image data;
List display image storage means for storing the plurality of list display images in a predetermined area of the image file;
Recording means for recording the image file;
Display means for acquiring and displaying a plurality of list display images recorded in the predetermined area when displaying the image file as a list;
An image recording apparatus comprising:   The list display image storage means stores a plurality of list display images created from the plurality of image data in a list display image storage area added to the top image data stored at the top of the image file. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the list display image storage unit records the list display image in a region next to a region in which the head image data is stored in an image file.   4. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the list display image storage unit stores the plurality of list display images connected to one image. 5. An image acquisition step of acquiring a plurality of image data;
A list display image creating step for creating a list display image corresponding to the plurality of image data;
An image file creating step for creating an image file for storing the plurality of image data;
A list display image storage step of storing the plurality of list display images in a predetermined area of the image file;
A recording step for recording the image file;
When displaying the image file as a list, a display step of acquiring and displaying a plurality of list display images recorded in the predetermined area;
An image recording method comprising:   In the list display image storage step, a plurality of list display images created from the plurality of image data are stored in a list display image storage area added to the top image data stored at the top of the image file. 6. An image recording method according to claim 5, wherein:   6. The image recording method according to claim 5, wherein in the list display image storing step, the list display image is recorded in an area next to an area in which the head image data is stored in an image file.   8. The image recording method according to claim 5, wherein, in the list display image storing step, the plurality of list display images are connected to one image and stored.

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