JP4270882B2 - Image processing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is for selecting a desired image from a plurality of images. Painting The present invention relates to an image processing method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the recent development of Internet technology, the demand for posting images on homepages has increased, and digital cameras that can easily shoot digital still images are becoming widespread. Not only in the field of personal use, but also in the field of professional use such as news photography and advertising photography, development is unnecessary and images can be transmitted to newspapers and the like by communication. The company is building a firm position because it is becoming possible to take high-definition images that are comparable to salt photography, and because it can easily digitally process the taken pictures.
[0003]
Digital cameras use recording media such as memory cards that can be recorded repeatedly, unlike silver-salt films that cannot be recorded again once recorded, so there is no need to fear failure photos. There is a feature that can take images. In addition to this, with the recent increase in capacity of recording media, the number of images handled by users tends to become enormous.
[0004]
For example, an individual user selects an image for use on a New Year's card, or a professional photographer selects an image for publication in a magazine, etc. from such a large number of images. As the number of images increases, it becomes a difficult task.
[0005]
Based on this viewpoint, various image processing techniques for selecting a desired image from a large number of images as easily as possible and grouping them have been proposed.
[0006]
As such a technique, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-109080, an image is input together with additional information in an image creating apparatus that creates an index image that is one image formed by arranging a plurality of images in a matrix. Means for classifying the input images for classification and grouping; means for grouping the input images with reference to the additional information of the images according to the specified classification items; An image creating apparatus is provided that includes a group of arranged image groups for each group, and a means for editing an index image to which visual information is added so that the type of group to which the image belongs can be recognized. ing.
[0007]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-258709 discloses a display unit that converts a signal received from a communication path through a communication control unit using a conversion unit and displays an image received using the display control unit, and a plurality of pieces of image information. When the image is received, the image is displayed using the screen division display unit in an image communication terminal having a screen division display unit that divides one screen and displays a plurality of images at the same time and a storage unit that stores the received image. A screen division display method in an image communication terminal is described in which a selected specific image is left out of a plurality of images, and an image other than the selected image is replaced with undisplayed image information stored in the terminal.
[0008]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-109080 A
[0009]
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-258709
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the one described in the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-109080, since it is grouped with reference to the additional information of the input image, it is not always intended when there is no additional information or when the additional information is not appropriate. It cannot be classified as done.
[0011]
In addition, in the case of the above-described Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-258709, the candidate images that can be compared cannot be seen until the images are displayed on the divided screen, so that the comparison efficiency is good. Absent.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and allows a desired image to be selected from a large number of images with a simple operation. Painting An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing method.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an image processing method of the present invention is an image processing method in an image processing apparatus controlled by a programmed computer, in which the image processing apparatus displays a plurality of images; A device classifying the plurality of images into a plurality of categories; an image processing device designating one or more categories from the plurality of categories in response to a user operation; A step of displaying a reduced image of an image belonging to one of the specified one or more categories, and a step of the image processing device selecting a plurality of images from the displayed reduced images in response to a user operation. And when the image processing apparatus selects the plurality of selected images The ratio A step of displaying in the comparison area, a step in which the image processing apparatus performs at least one image processing of reduction, enlargement, or movement on the plurality of images displayed in the comparison area; Selecting an image from the plurality of images displayed in the comparison area in response to a user operation.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 to FIG. 12 show an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a state transition diagram showing a state transition when an image is selected.
[0022]
In the present embodiment, an image processing program is executed on a personal computer (PC) 2 to cause the PC 2 to function as an image processing apparatus and to select a desired image from a plurality of images. is there.
[0023]
The digital camera 1 is loaded with a media card 3 configured as, for example, a card-like recording medium, and records a photographed image on the media card 3. The captured image recorded on the media card 3 is transferred to the PC 2 and taken in via the media card reader 4 or by directly connecting the digital camera 1 and the PC 2 (S1).
[0024]
In addition, as a means for transferring an image taken from the digital camera 1 to the PC 2, the PC 2 and the digital camera 1 are connected bidirectionally via a communication line such as IEEE 1394 or USB 2.0, and controlled by the PC 2, It is also possible to capture and capture an image captured by the digital camera 1 on the PC 2 (S2, S3).
[0025]
The images thus captured in the PC 2 are sequentially accumulated every time shooting is performed, and many images may be recorded in the PC 2 over time.
[0026]
As described above, when using images for various purposes, such as for magazines, Internet homepages, and New Year's cards, select an appropriate image according to the purpose from these many images, and then necessary Image processing or the like is performed according to the above.
[0027]
When performing such selection, an image processing program stored in the PC 2 is operated on an operating system for controlling the basic operation of the PC 2.
[0028]
Then, after performing various initialization processes, a browse mode screen (see FIGS. 8 and 9) as described later is displayed (S4).
[0029]
In this browse mode, a plurality of reduced images (thumbnail images) are arranged and displayed. From these images, an image to be selected is selected and dragged and dropped onto the collection area, etc. Thus, selection collection can be performed (S5).
[0030]
However, as described above, selecting a target image from a large number of images requires memory and attention, and is a difficult task. Therefore, the images are classified into several categories (S6), Selection work can be performed from the classified images.
[0031]
As an example of classification, there are three types of categories such as an image with high importance, an image with medium importance, and an image with relatively low importance, and images that do not belong to any of these categories have importance. By classifying the images into a total of four categories and designating the categories thereafter, only images belonging to the designated category can be browsed and displayed.
[0032]
In the present embodiment, check boxes that are color-coded to red (R), yellow (Y), blue (B), etc. are provided, and the check boxes are checked and used. In addition to being used for classification, it may be classified according to whether the shooting location is a studio, indoor location, outdoor location, etc., or according to time zones such as daytime shooting, morning and evening shooting, nighttime shooting, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and the user can freely use it according to his / her purpose.
[0033]
At this time, the check boxes are not limited to being classified by color, but may be classified by, for example, graphics such as ◎, ○, and Δ, and other easy-to-recognize means can be widely applied. .
[0034]
Thus, it is possible to classify images into categories in the browse mode or other modes on the PC 2 and then select an image to be selected using a VLB (virtual light box) or the like to be described later.
[0035]
After performing the classification of S6 in the browse mode of S4, or directly from the browse mode of S4, it is possible to shift to the view mode (see FIG. 10).
[0036]
In this view mode, a single image selected from the thumbnail area 41 (see FIG. 10) is enlarged and displayed in the view area 42 (see FIG. 10) (S7). Even in this view mode, it is possible to perform classification (S8) and selection collection (S9) while observing an enlarged image.
[0037]
After performing the classification of S6 directly from the browse mode of S4, and after performing the classification of S8 directly from the view mode of S7, it is possible to shift to the VLB mode (see FIGS. 11 and 12). It is configured to be able to.
[0038]
This VLB mode is a mode for selecting a comparatively small number of two or four images by comparison with each other (S10). Specifically, the VLB mode is, for example, which exposure state is selected when a plurality of images of the same shooting scene are shot with different exposures, or when there are a plurality of similar cuts. This mode is often used when selecting one of these.
[0039]
Accordingly, the selected collection can be performed also in this VLB mode (S11).
[0040]
Browse area 36 in S4 browse mode (see FIGS. 8 and 9), thumbnail area 41 in view mode in S7 (see FIG. 10), thumbnail area 41 in VLB mode in S10 (see FIGS. 11 and 12), etc. The displayed image can be narrowed down (S12). More specifically, by designating any one or more of the categories classified as described above, only images belonging to the designated category are narrowed down and displayed, and only images that do not belong to any category are displayed. It is also possible to narrow down the display. As a result, the selection operation can be performed more easily than when selecting from all the images.
[0041]
Further, in any of the browse mode of S4, the view mode of S7, and the VLB mode of S10, one image can be selected to shift to a full screen display (S13). The view mode of S7 is for displaying a single image only in the view area 42 in the display window of the image processing program displayed on all or part of the screen. The full screen display is different in that it is a mode in which a single image is displayed in the full display area of the display device 16.
[0042]
Classification (S14) and selection collection (S15) can also be performed in this full screen display. However, since the image is displayed in the entire area, the classification check box, the selection collection display, etc. It is displayed so that it can be manipulated by superimposing it on the image.
[0043]
The image selected in any one of S5, S9, S11, and S15 may be a folder 15a (a folder that is automatically set) in a secondary storage device 15 (see FIG. 2) described later, or manually by the user. (You can select or create a folder)
[0044]
The image file saved in the folder 15a, which is the same area on the recording medium, is then subjected to image editing processing (S16) such as low-pass filter processing and sharpness correction, which are functions built in the image processing program. Or batch processing (S17) based on a batch file described so that a plurality of functions can be processed collectively.
[0045]
Further, the image file stored in the folder 15a is processed by image processing software separate from the image processing program (S18), or the printing process by the printing device 21 (see FIG. 2) (S19) described later is performed. It is also possible to do.
[0046]
Further, the image once stored in the folder 15a can be read again in the browse mode of S4, the view mode of S7, the VLB mode of S10, etc., and the above-described processing can be repeated.
[0047]
Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 1, the browse mode of S4, the view mode of S7, and the VLB mode of S10 can be shifted to each other. In any case, it is possible to shift to the full screen display in S13 and return to the original mode.
[0048]
Although not shown in FIG. 1, the images displayed in the VLB mode comparison area 51 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) may be classified into categories.
[0049]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of the PC 2.
[0050]
The PC 2 includes a control device 11 that is a storage control means such as a CPU, a mouse 12 for operating by pointing a position on a screen displayed on a display device 16 to be described later, and a keyboard for inputting characters. 13, a main storage device 14 composed of a RAM or the like and serving as a work area for the control device 11, and a hierarchical file system composed of a readable / writable recording medium such as a hard disk and using folders or the like The secondary storage device 15 records an image processing program, image data, and the like, and the display device 16 visually displays a display screen and other various information by the image processing program.
[0051]
For example, a printing device 21 is connected to the PC 2, and image data transferred from the main storage device 14 under the control of the control device 11 can be printed by the printing device 21. .
[0052]
The main storage device 14 is loaded with an operating system for controlling basic operations of the PC 2 and an image processing program that runs on the operating system, and also loads various data such as image data. Has been processed.
[0053]
The image processing program stores image data from the secondary storage device 15, writes processed image data to the secondary storage device 15, or outputs processed image data to the printing device 21. Image reading / writing means 17 as control means, classification means 18 for classifying an image stored in a predetermined folder of the secondary storage device 15 into one of a plurality of categories prepared in advance, and Narrowed-down display means for displaying only images belonging to the specified category among the images classified by the classification means 18 when any one or more of a plurality of categories is designated. 19 and two or more images read from the secondary storage device 15 via the image read / write means 17 are displayed in a predetermined table of the display device 16. It is configured to include a comparison selecting means 20 for selecting and compared by displaying the region.
[0054]
Next, prior to describing the operation of such an image processing program, an example of screen display by the image processing program will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0055]
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display when the collection area is reduced and displayed in the browse mode.
[0056]
The image processing program window 31 includes a title bar 32 for displaying the name of the image processing program, a menu bar 33 for performing various operations related to the image processing program using respective menus displayed in a pull-down manner, and an image processing program. A tool bar 34 for displaying various operation functions as icons and operating the pointer using the mouse 2 or the like, and a drive or folder in the secondary storage device 15 of the PC 2 are shown by a tree structure (directory structure) and an image is stored. A folder tree 35 in which a predetermined number of images stored in the folder are displayed in a browse area 36, which will be described later, by double-clicking on the folder, and reduced images 36b to 36f are filed. These images are displayed in a sequence with name and shooting date and time. A browse area 36 as browse display means for displaying the classified check box 30 as a classification means for specifying the category of each of the images 36b to 36f, and the browse area 36a. A display size switching slider 37 for changing the size of the image displayed on the display 36 (and changing the number of images displayed in accordance with the change of the image size) and the image displayed in the browse area 36. A collection area 38 which is an area for registering the selected image (in this example, two areas of the collection area A and the collection area B are prepared for selection) and the browse area 36. This is for specifying the category of the image to be displayed and can be selected simultaneously (the above classification check box 3 In contrast, it is possible to select a plurality of categories simultaneously (three shown by hatching in the example shown) or not belong to any category (shown without hatching in the example shown). A classification checkmark tool box 39 as a designation means configured to include a check box 39a to be displayed and a check box 39b to indicate all images (ALL) that do not depend on the category is displayed. A property window 40 showing image properties is displayed as a separate window.
[0057]
In the property window 40, a luminance histogram generated from the image is displayed as an image property. Further, as general properties, a file name, a model name, a camera ID, a focal length, a shutter speed, an aperture value, ISO, an exposure value are displayed. Correction, white balance, shooting mode, flash, macro, format, number of pixels, shooting date, comment, etc. can be displayed. In the property window 40, more detailed properties can be displayed in addition to the general properties.
[0058]
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display when the collection area is normally displayed in the browse mode.
[0059]
The collection area 38 is enlarged to the right of the browse area 36 for normal display. The collection area A is indicated by reference numeral 38A, and the collection area B is indicated by reference numeral 38B. , 38B, the images already selected and registered are reduced and displayed (thumbnail display).
[0060]
Further, in each collection area 38A, 38B, a save button 38c for displaying the selected image group in the folder 15a (see FIG. 1) in the secondary storage device 15 for actual storage (copying) is displayed. Yes.
[0061]
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen display in the view mode.
[0062]
In addition to displaying the title bar 32, menu bar 33, and tool bar 34, a thumbnail area 41 for arranging and displaying a plurality of thumbnail images on the left side of the window 31 can be set by a classification checkmark tool box 39. It is displayed.
[0063]
Further, in most of the window 31 from the center to the right side, a view area 42 as a view display means is displayed so that a category can be specified by the classification check box 30.
[0064]
Further, below the view area 42 of the window 31, a fit button 44 that adjusts the image so that the image is displayed in the view area 42 with a size as large as possible without being missing, and pixels that constitute the image are displayed on the display device 16. The same size button 45 shown as “1: 1” for displaying the same size as the display pixel corresponding to 1: 1, and the image displayed in the view area 42 each time it is clicked, by a predetermined amount A reduction button 46 for reducing the size of the image, a magnification button 47 for enlarging the image displayed in the view area 42 by a predetermined amount each time it is clicked, and an operation of the mouse 12 when clicked. Move the pointer to respond to the move pointer (you can move the image by dragging it with the click button pressed) For example, it is displayed as an arrow icon, but this moving pointer is displayed as, for example, a hand-shaped icon.) A moving pointer setting button 48 to be set and a normal pointer from the moving pointer The normal pointer setting button 49 for returning to the setting and the next image for shifting to the next image or the previous image in accordance with the order sequence arranged in the thumbnail area 41 and displaying in the view area 42 The / previous image button 50 and the collection area 38 displayed in a reduced size are displayed.
[0065]
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of vertically divided display in the VLB mode.
[0066]
In addition to the title bar 32, the menu bar 33, and the thumbnail area 41 being displayed in the vertically divided window 31, the comparison as a comparison display means for displaying images selected from the thumbnail area 41 is compared. An area 51 is displayed. In this comparison area 51, two display areas 51a and 51b are arranged vertically.
[0067]
In addition to the sorting checkmark tool box 39, an additional check box 52 and an additional check box 53 at a time are displayed at the bottom of the thumbnail area 41. When an image is added from the thumbnail area 41 to the comparison area 51, the thumbnail image displayed in the thumbnail area 41 is normally dragged and dropped to the comparison area 51. On the other hand, the addition check box 52 in the above selection is a check box for adding a thumbnail image displayed in the thumbnail area 41 by simply performing a selection operation such as single-clicking with the mouse 12. It is. In addition, the add check box 53 at a time simply drags and drops one thumbnail image displayed in the thumbnail area 41 (or selects if the add check box 52 is checked in the above selection). This is a check box for enabling a plurality of images to be added to the comparison area 51 in a batch according to the order sequence displayed in the thumbnail area 41.
[0068]
Further, in the lower part of the comparison area 51, the fit button 44, the same size button 45, the reduction button 46, the enlargement button 47, the movement pointer setting button 48, and the normal pointer setting button 49 are displayed in the comparison area 51. A comparison button 43 for setting a plurality of images to be easily sized and a plurality of images displayed in the comparison area 51 are reduced / enlarged by the reduction button 46 / enlargement button 47 or An interlocking check box 54 for interlocking movement processing performed when the movement pointer is set by the movement pointer setting button 48, and an active image among the images displayed in the comparison area 51 are the other images. Clicked with a thumbtack button 55 to temporarily fix the image so that it cannot be replaced. And the image addition button 56 for adding the next image (image group) in the sequence displayed in the thumbnail area 41 to the position where the comparison area 51 is not temporarily fixed by the thumbtack button 55 is displayed. ing. In the display example of FIG. 11, a thumbtack mark 55 a indicating that the thumbtack by the thumbtack button 55 is temporarily displayed is displayed on the image displayed in the display area 51 a of the comparison area 51.
[0069]
A display mode switching button 57 is displayed below the collection areas 38A and 38B for changing the screen layout of the comparison area 51 to any one of two vertical divisions, two horizontal divisions, and four divisions. .
[0070]
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a quadrant display in the VLB mode.
[0071]
In this quadrant display, a comparison area 51 is displayed from the center of the window 31 to the left, and four display areas 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d are displayed in the comparison area 51 in the upper left, upper right, lower left, and right. They are displayed in a 2 × 2 array in the order below.
[0072]
The thumbnail area 41 is displayed at the lower part of the comparison area 51, and an additional check box 52 and an additional check box 53 at the same time are displayed at the upper part of the thumbnail area 41, and the thumbnail area 41 is displayed. The classification checkmark tool box 39 is displayed on the lower right side of 41.
[0073]
The comparison area 51 and the thumbnail area 41 have an area between the comparison button 43, the fit button 44, the same size button 45, the reduction button 46, the enlargement button 47, the moving pointer setting button 48, and the normal pointer setting button. 49, an interlocking check box 54, a thumbtack button 55, an image addition button 56, and a display mode switching button 57 are arranged and displayed.
[0074]
Further, on the right side of the comparison area 51 and the thumbnail area 41, collection areas 38A and 38B are displayed as in FIG.
[0075]
In the display example of FIG. 12, the thumbtack mark 55a indicating that the thumbtack button 55 is temporarily fixed is displayed on the images displayed in the display areas 51a and 51d of the comparison area 51, respectively. Yes.
[0076]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing operations mainly performed by the classification means 18.
[0077]
When the processing is started, image data is read from the secondary storage device 15 via the image read / write means 17 (step S21), and in the browse mode, the folder 36a is displayed in the browse area 36 and thumbnail images 36b, 36c,. Is displayed (step S22). These thumbnail images 36b, 36c,... Are read out and used when the thumbnail image is recorded in the header of the image file or the like, and are created from the image data and used when there is no thumbnail image. It is like that.
[0078]
Next, a classification check box 30 (see FIG. 8, FIG. 9, etc.) is displayed on each of the thumbnail images 36b, 36c,... (Step S23). As described above, the classification check box 30 is used for designating a category to which the image belongs by alternatively selecting.
[0079]
When the browse mode is changed to the view mode, a thumbnail image is displayed in the thumbnail area 41, and a designated image (displayed in the thumbnail area 41 when there is no designated image) is displayed. Is displayed in the view area 42 (step S24). Also in this view area 42, as shown in FIG. 10, a classification check box 30 is displayed.
[0080]
If any one of the thumbnail images 36b, 36c,... Is designated to be displayed on the full screen, the full screen display is performed (step S26). Even in this full screen display, although not shown, the classification check box 30 is displayed as described above.
[0081]
When the classification check box 30 in any of the browse mode in step S23, the view mode in step S24, and the full screen display in step S26 is checked for each image data (step S25), The classification data is stored in the secondary storage device 15 as, for example, a dedicated classification file independent of the image file (step S27). This classification data storage operation is performed every time the classification check box 30 is checked in image units.
[0082]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation mainly performed by the narrowing-down display means 19.
[0083]
When the process is started, the classification checkmark tool box 39 is displayed (see FIGS. 8 to 12) (step S31).
[0084]
Any one or more of the check boxes 39a displayed in the classification check mark tool box 39 is checked (as described above, a plurality can be checked at the same time) or does not belong to any category. A check indicating this or a check in the check box 39b indicating all images is performed by the user as necessary (step S32).
[0085]
Next, the check state of the classification checkmark tool box 39 is determined (step S33). If the “ALL” check box 39b is checked, all image data is read regardless of the classification (step S34). ).
[0086]
On the other hand, if any one or more check boxes 39a are checked in step S33, the classification file storing the classification information for each image is read (step S35), It is determined whether the category matches the category indicated by the selected check box 39a or not belonging to any category indicated by the check box 39a (step S36). Go to S35 and read the data of the next image classification file.
[0087]
If it is determined in step S36 that the image category matches or does not belong to any category, the image data is read (step S37).
[0088]
The image data read in step S37 or the image data read in step S34 is stored in the browse area 36 in the browse mode and in the thumbnail area 41 in the view mode or VLB mode, respectively. A thumbnail is displayed (step S38). As a result, only the images in the designated category (if an image that does not belong to any category is designated, the image) is narrowed down and displayed.
[0089]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation in the browse mode mainly performed by the comparison / selection means 20.
[0090]
When the execution of the image processing program is started in the PC 2 or the transition from the other mode to the browse mode is operated, the collection area is normally displayed (see the collection areas 38A and 38B in FIG. 9) or the reduced display. (See the collection area 38 in FIG. 8) (step S41).
[0091]
Next, one of the thumbnail images displayed in the browse area 36 is selected as necessary by the user's operation of the mouse 12 or the like (step S42).
[0092]
The selected image is registered in the designated one of the collection area A and the collection area B (or both areas when both the collection area A and the collection area B are designated) (step S43). ). This registration is supposed to be provisional registration, and the image file is copied to the folder 15a for the first time when the save button 38c is clicked. In step S43, the image file is the copy target image file. Just register.
[0093]
Next, it is determined whether or not another image is to be selected (step S44). If so, the process returns to step S42 to repeat the above-described processing.
[0094]
When no other image is selected, processing such as specifying a registered folder is performed when the save button 38c is clicked, or when an operation for switching to another mode is performed. Mode transition is performed (step S45).
[0095]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation in the view mode or full screen display mainly performed by the comparison / selection means 20.
[0096]
When the shift to the view mode or full screen display is operated, the collection area is displayed in a reduced size (see the collection area 38 in FIG. 10) (step S51).
[0097]
Next, when the user selects one image from the thumbnail area 41 by drag and drop or the like (step S52), the selected single image is displayed (or displayed on the full screen) in the view area 42 (step S53).
[0098]
It is determined whether or not the image displayed here is to be registered (step S54), and in the case of registration, registration processing is performed for the designated one of the collection area A and the collection area B (step S55).
[0099]
If step S55 is completed or if it is determined not to register in step S54, whether another image has been selected from the thumbnail area 41, or whether the next / previous image button 50 has been operated. Or the like, it is determined whether or not the next single image is to be selected (step S56). If so, the process returns to step S52 to repeat the above-described processing.
[0100]
If one next image is not selected, the registration folder is designated or the mode is switched to another mode (step S57).
[0101]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation in the VLB mode mainly performed by the comparison / selection means 20.
[0102]
When the transition to the VLB mode is operated, the thumbnail area 41, the vertically divided comparison area 51, and the collection areas 38A and 38B are simultaneously displayed as shown in FIG. 11 (step S61). Here, as an initial state when shifting to the VLB mode, for example, vertical division is set.
[0103]
Thereafter, the user performs a comparison area switching operation by the display mode switching button 57 as necessary (step S62). In this embodiment, there are three types of comparison areas that can be switched: vertical two divisions (see FIG. 11), horizontal two divisions, and four divisions (see FIG. 12). It is not a thing.
[0104]
When the comparison area switching operation is performed in step S62, the display is changed in accordance with the operation (step S63). If switching of the comparison area is not operated, the process proceeds to the subsequent process without performing any special process in step S62 and step S63.
[0105]
Next, the thumbnail image displayed in the thumbnail area 41 is selected by the user as needed (step S64).
[0106]
The image selected here is registered and displayed in the comparison area 51 (step S65).
[0107]
When a plurality of images are displayed in the comparison area 51, the user compares the images. At that time, the image is reduced / enlarged by the reduction button 46 / enlargement button 47, or a moving pointer is set as necessary. An operation such as moving an image with the button 48 is performed, and the displayed image is processed in accordance with the operation (step S66).
[0108]
Next, it is determined whether or not any of the images displayed in the comparison area 51 is registered in the collection area (step S67). If not registered, the process returns to step S64 and the processing as described above. Repeat this step.
[0109]
In the case of registration in step S67, a process of registering in the designated one of the collection area 38A and the collection area 38B is performed (step S68).
[0110]
Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the next image is to be selected (step S69). If so, the process returns to step S64 to repeat the above-described processing.
[0111]
On the other hand, when the next image is not selected, the registration folder is designated or the mode is switched to another mode (step S70).
[0112]
Note that the above-described image processing program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and read and executed by another computer, thereby causing the other computer to function similarly. .
[0113]
Furthermore, in the above description, the image processing apparatus is configured by operating the image processing program on a general-purpose PC connected to the digital camera. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is similar to a computer on which the image processing program operates. A dedicated image processing apparatus that implements the above functions by hardware may be configured.
[0114]
According to such an embodiment, when selecting several images from a large number of images, it is possible to classify the images into categories and select from the group of images in the classified categories. Therefore, a desired image can be selected with a simple operation.
[0115]
Furthermore, since the operation of classifying images into categories is performed on a PC on which an image processing program that functions as an image processing apparatus is executed, images that have not been previously classified in a digital camera or the like are also processed. This has the advantage of high versatility.
[0116]
Moreover, as a classification check box for classifying the category, for example, by using a color-coded check box, the user can determine what classification each color is used for, and use it corresponding to various purposes. It becomes possible.
[0117]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0118]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention Painting According to the image processing method, for example, when exposing a plurality of substantially the same shooting scenes by changing the exposure, which exposure state is selected, and when there are a plurality of similar cuts, which one of them is selected In the case of selecting an image, a desired image can be selected from a large number of images with a simple operation.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a state transition diagram illustrating a state transition when an image is selected in an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a PC in the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation mainly performed by the classification unit of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation mainly performed by the narrowing-down display unit of the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation in a browse mode mainly performed by the comparison / selection unit of the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation in view mode or full screen display mainly performed by the comparison / selection unit of the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation in a VLB mode mainly performed by the comparison / selection unit of the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a screen display when a collection area is reduced and displayed in the browse mode of the embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display when a collection area is normally displayed in the browse mode of the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display in the view mode of the embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of vertically divided display in the VLB mode of the embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of quadrant display in the VLB mode of the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Digital camera
2. Personal computer (PC)
3 ... Media card
11. Control device (storage control means)
12 ... Mouse
13 ... Keyboard
14 ... Main memory
15 ... Secondary storage device (recording medium)
15a ... folder
16 ... Display device
17. Image reading / writing means (storage control means)
18 ... Classification means
19: Filter display means
20. Comparison selection means (selection means)
21 ... Printing device
30 ... Classification check box (classification means)
36 ... Browse area (display means, browse display means)
38, 38A, 38B ... Collection area (selection means)
38c ... Save button
39 ... Classification checkmark tool box (specifying means)
39a ... Check box
39b ... Check box (ALL)
41 ... Thumbnail area
42 ... view area (display means, view display means)
43 ... Comparison button
44 ... Fit button
45 ... Same size button
46 ... Reduce button
47 ... Zoom button
48 ... Move pointer setting button
49 ... Normal pointer setting button
51... Comparison area (display means, comparison display means)
52 ... Add check box
53 ... Add at once check box
54 ... Interlocking check box
55 ... Pushpin button
55a ... thumbtack mark
56 ... Add image button
57 ... Display mode switching button

Claims (1)

In an image processing method in an image processing apparatus controlled by a programmed computer,
An image processing device displaying a plurality of images;
An image processing device classifying the plurality of images into a plurality of categories;
An image processing apparatus designating one or more categories from the plurality of categories in response to a user operation;
An image processing apparatus displaying a reduced image of an image belonging to one of the specified one or more categories;
An image processing device selecting a plurality of images from the displayed reduced images in response to a user operation;
The image processing apparatus, comprising: displaying a plurality of images the selected ratio較領zone,
An image processing device performing at least one image processing of reduction, enlargement, or movement on the plurality of images displayed in the comparison area;
An image processing device selecting an image from the plurality of images displayed in the comparison area in response to a user operation;
An image processing method comprising:

Images