JP5264547B2 - Display control apparatus, control method, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To smoothly perform transition from the display of a thumbnail image to the display of a body image. <P>SOLUTION: A system control part 50 in an imaging apparatus switches a display method for an image display 28 to either of a first image display method and a second image display method according to the operation of an operation part 70. In the first image display method, each of body images is displayed one by one by a first display size based on the size of a display area of the image display 28. In the second image display method, each of thumbnail images is displayed by a second display size smaller than the first display size. When switching display based on the second image display method to display based on the first image display method, an area corresponding to a body image out of thumbnail images displayed on the image display 28 is substituted by the body image. Then, the substituted and displayed body image is gradually enlarged up to the first display size and displayed with the first display size. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a display control device for implementing a smooth transition to the main picture display from thumbnail images, the control method, a program, and a storage medium.

  In recent years, memory cards have been widely used as storage media for portable terminals such as imaging devices (digital cameras). Memory cards are becoming more popular because of their increased capacity and lower prices, and many users can easily carry a large number of image files via the memory card. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for improved image search so that a user can quickly find a desired image from a large number of image files.

  However, when searching for a desired image while sequentially sending the images captured by the imaging device one by one, it is necessary to decode and display the image information once in order to display the next image on the display unit of the imaging device. There is. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes time to display an image, and it takes a very long time to search for a desired image.

  In view of the above problem, a technique for improving the image search has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, instead of displaying the main body image (original image), a fast-forward mode that displays a plurality of thumbnail images that do not take time to display on one screen is provided separately from the normal display mode. If the button operation is not performed for a certain period of time after the user selects a thumbnail image of the desired search target image in the fast-forward mode, the fast-forward mode is terminated and the main body image of the selected thumbnail image is displayed. Searchability is improved.

  Recently, the price of liquid crystal displays used as display devices for portable terminals including digital cameras has been reduced, and the number of models equipped with liquid crystal displays of 3 inches or more is increasing. In addition, many digital cameras have a video output function, and are used for viewing by outputting and displaying digital camera images on a large-screen television set at home or office.

  In view of such circumstances, in contrast to the conventional model, which has been mainly used to display about 4 to 9 thumbnail images on one screen, in recent years, more than 100 thumbnail images are displayed on one screen. However, digital cameras with improved image search performance are also increasing. However, when a desired image is selected from the displayed 100 or more thumbnail images, there is a problem that it is difficult for the user to grasp which image is the selection target.

  Therefore, a technique for clearly indicating an image to be selected has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In Patent Literature 2, when the fast-forward mode is canceled, the main body image corresponding to the thumbnail image at a predetermined position on the screen is displayed in a size larger than the thumbnail image, so that the image to be selected by the user is clearly indicated. doing.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-004367 JP 2001-111408 A

  In recent years, assuming digital high-definition broadcasting and DVD viewing, products with a display screen aspect ratio of 16: 9 instead of the conventional 4: 3 aspect ratio have become mainstream in display devices such as televisions. Many portable terminals such as digital cameras are also equipped with a 16: 9 aspect ratio liquid crystal display. In general, an image captured by a digital camera equipped with a liquid crystal display having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is also generated with an aspect ratio of 16: 9. Therefore, the captured image can be displayed as it is.

  By the way, an image taken with a digital camera is recorded based on an image file standard for digital cameras called Exif (Exchange Image File Format). In the case of using the Exif standard, it is possible to record additional information such as information about a photographed image and photographing date and time, as well as the above-described thumbnail image. In the Exif standard, the aspect ratio of thumbnail images is defined as 4: 3. Therefore, when creating a thumbnail image of an image having an aspect ratio of 16: 9, pseudo black areas 902 are provided above and below the thumbnail image 901 having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 as shown in FIG. : An image with an aspect ratio of 9 is displayed. Of the thumbnail image 901, an area excluding the black area 902 corresponds to an actual image.

  Now, when transitioning from thumbnail image display to main body image display in recent years, the display is not switched suddenly, but switching is performed so that the main body image is finally displayed with an animation effect that gradually enlarges the selected thumbnail image. Implementation of the method is desired. Assuming that such a switching method is realized, even when the user selects a desired thumbnail image from a plurality of thumbnail images and then switches to the main body image display, the screen is switched smoothly, so that the user does not have to hesitate. It is expected that you can browse images.

  In order to realize the above switching method, a method may be considered in which the selected thumbnail image is gradually enlarged until it becomes the same size as the main body image, and when it becomes the same size, the thumbnail image is replaced with the main body image. This method has an advantage that the load for the animation drawing process can be reduced because all the animations for gradually enlarging the images are performed using thumbnail images with a small amount of information.

  However, when the above-described method is used to achieve the animation effect from the thumbnail image display to the main body image display in the above-described 16: 9 aspect ratio image, there are the following problems. For example, a case is assumed where an animation display is performed in which the thumbnail image 1001 shown in FIG. 10A is gradually enlarged and an image having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is finally displayed in full screen.

  If the thumbnail image 1001 having an aspect ratio of 4: 3 is enlarged from the state of FIG. 10A, the state is gradually enlarged in several stages until the state of FIG. It becomes an animation. However, as shown in FIG. 10B, when the long side of the thumbnail image coincides with the long side of the display area, the thumbnail image 1002 is once full and the enlargement is completed. Finally, when processing for replacing the thumbnail image 1002 with the main body image 1003 as shown in FIG. 10C from the state of FIG. 10B is performed, the display of FIG. 10B is changed to the display of FIG. 10C. It will be switched at once. That is, there is a problem that the display is not gradually expanded and smooth animation display is not achieved.

An object of the present invention is to provide a display control apparatus which enables to perform smooth transition to the display of the main image from the display of the thumbnail image, the control method, a program, and a storage medium.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, an image in which each frame is composed of first image data and second image data having a smaller number of pixels than the first image data is read from a storage medium and displayed. A display control device for displaying on the display unit, wherein an image based on the first image data is displayed on the display unit one by one in a first display size based on a size of a display area of the display unit. Any one of an image display method and a second image display method for displaying an image based on the second image data on the display unit with a second display size set smaller than the first display size When switching from the display by the second image display method to the display by the first image display method by the switching control means and switching by the switch control means according to the operation of the operation means. A replacement unit that replaces an area corresponding to the first image data in the image based on the second image data displayed on the display unit with an image based on the first image data; and the replacement Display control means for controlling to display an image based on the first image data replaced and displayed by the means while sequentially enlarging until the first display size is reached. To do.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to smoothly transition from displaying thumbnail images to displaying main body images.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic which shows arrangement | positioning of the various buttons and switch of an imaging device. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the image file handled with an imaging device. It is a flowchart which shows the normal image feed sequence of an imaging device. It is a flowchart which shows the thumbnail image sending sequence of an imaging device. It is a flowchart which shows the process until it changes from the thumbnail image display of an imaging device to a main body image display. It is a figure which shows the thumbnail image display state of the image display part of an imaging device. (A)-(f) is a figure which shows the transition of a display of the image display part of an imaging device. It is a figure which shows the thumbnail image display of the imaging device which concerns on a prior art example. (A)-(c) is a figure which shows the transition from a thumbnail image display to a main body image display.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the imaging apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, an imaging apparatus 100 includes an optical system 10, a shutter 12, an imaging device 14, an image display unit 28, a system control unit 50, and the like, and a digital camera that captures an optical image of a subject via the optical system 10. It is configured as. In the following configuration of the imaging apparatus 100, descriptions of parts that are not directly related to the present invention are simplified or omitted.

  The optical system 10 includes a zoom lens (a lens that can change a shooting angle of view). Thereby, in the imaging device 100, an optical zoom function (so-called optical zoom) is provided. Furthermore, the imaging apparatus 100 can be configured to have an electronic zoom function (so-called electronic zoom) by electronically cutting out (trimming) an image captured by the imaging element 14.

  Note that the imaging apparatus 100 may be configured to have only one of the functions of optical zoom and electronic zoom. The optical system 10 may be configured to be replaceable. In this case, an electric signal may be sent from the main body side of the imaging apparatus 100 to the optical system 10 so that the driving mechanism in the optical system 10 drives the zoom lens to provide a zoom function. Alternatively, a driving mechanism that mechanically drives the lens for zooming in the optical system 10 may be provided on the main body side of the imaging apparatus 100.

  Light rays from a subject passing through the optical system (photographing lens) 10 (light rays incident from within an optical angle of view) pass through an aperture of a shutter 12 having a diaphragm function, and an imaging surface of an imaging device (for example, a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor) 14. An optical image of the subject is formed. The image sensor 14 converts the optical image into an electrical analog image signal and outputs it. The A / D converter 16 converts the analog image signal into a digital image signal. The image sensor 14 and the A / D converter 16 are controlled by a clock signal and a control signal supplied from the timing generation circuit 18. The timing generation circuit 18 is controlled by the memory control circuit 22 and the system control unit 50.

  The image processing circuit 20 performs image processing (pixel interpolation processing, color conversion processing, etc.) on the image data (digital image signal) output from the A / D converter 16 or the image data output from the memory control circuit 22. Do. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs the following calculation based on the image data captured by the image sensor 14. Data for TTL (through-the-lens) AF (autofocus) processing, AE (automatic exposure) processing, and EF (automatic light control by flash pre-flash) processing is calculated, and the calculation result is a system control unit 50.

  Based on the calculation result of the image processing circuit 20, the system control unit 50 controls the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit (AF control unit) 42. This realizes automatic exposure and autofocus functions. Further, the image processing circuit 20 also executes TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the image data captured by the image sensor 14.

  The memory control circuit 22 controls the A / D converter 16, the timing generation circuit 18, the image processing circuit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30, and the compression / decompression circuit 32. The image data output from the A / D converter 16 is sent via the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, or via the memory control circuit 22 without going through the image processing circuit 20. It is written in the memory 30.

  The display image data written in the image display memory 24 is converted into a display analog image signal by the D / A converter 26 and output to the image display unit 28 (display means). As a result, the captured image is displayed on the image display unit 28. An electronic viewfinder function is realized by continuously displaying captured images on the image display unit 28. The image display unit 28 (see FIG. 2) is configured to be able to arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to a command from the system control unit 50.

  The system control unit 50 (switching control unit, display control unit, replacement unit) controls the entire imaging apparatus, and executes processing shown in each flowchart described later based on a program. Based on the operation of the operation unit 70 (see FIG. 2) by the user, the system control unit 50 displays the image display unit 28 as one of the display by the first image display method and the display by the second image display method. Switch.

  The first image display method is an image display method in which images read from the memory 30 or the external storage medium 93 are displayed on the image display unit 28 one by one. The second image display method is an image display method in which a thumbnail image of a main body image (an image from which a thumbnail image is generated) read from the memory 30 or the external storage medium 93 is displayed on the image display unit 28.

  That is, the system control unit 50 performs image display (normal image display) by the first image display method when the operation of the left key 255 and the right key 256 (FIG. 2) (operation means) is detected by the user. Further, the system control unit 50 displays an image by the second image display method (thumbnail image display) when the rotation speed of the wheel 263 (FIG. 2) (operation means) operated by the user is faster than a threshold value 1 described later. I do.

  In the present embodiment, the system control unit 50 performs the following control. The display method for the image display unit 28 is switched to one of the first image display method and the second image display method according to the operation of the operation unit 70 by the user. When switching from the display by the second image display method to the display by the first image display method, an area corresponding to the main body image in the thumbnail images displayed on the image display unit 28 is replaced with the main body image. After that, the main body image that has been replaced and displayed is displayed while being sequentially enlarged until it reaches the first display size. Here, the first display size of the first image display method is a full screen display size, and the second display size of the second image display method is a size set smaller than the full screen display size.

  Note that the above replacement process is performed when control is performed to switch from the display by the second image display method to the display by the first image display method (when notification is received). Further, when the aspect ratio (aspect ratio) of the thumbnail image is different from the aspect ratio (aspect ratio) of the main body image, the above replacement process is performed.

  The memory 30 is used for storing still images and moving images that have been shot (taken as images to be recorded on a storage medium). The capacity and access speed (write speed and read speed) of the memory 30 can be arbitrarily determined. To enable continuous shooting and panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, It is necessary to give the capacity and access speed according to it. The memory 30 can also be used as a work area for the system control unit 50.

  The compression / decompression circuit 32 is a circuit that compresses / decompresses image data by, for example, adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADCT) or the like. The compression / decompression circuit 32 reads the image data stored in the memory 30, performs compression processing or decompression processing, and writes the processed image data to the memory 30.

  The exposure control unit 40 controls the shutter 12 based on information provided from the system control unit 50. The exposure control unit 40 also has a flash light control function in cooperation with a flash (light emitting device) 48. The flash 48 has a flash light control function and an AF auxiliary light projecting function. The distance measurement control unit 42 controls the focusing lens of the optical system 10 based on information provided from the system control unit 50. The zoom control unit 44 controls zooming of the optical system 10. The barrier control unit 46 controls the operation of the barrier 102 for protecting the optical system 10.

  A display unit (for example, LCD, LED) 54 and a sound source (for example, a speaker) (not shown) are arranged at predetermined positions of the imaging apparatus 100, and are each composed of a single element or a plurality of elements. In the present embodiment, the display unit 54 includes both an LCD and an LED. The display unit 54 and the sound source notify an operation state, a message, and the like with characters, images, sounds, and the like according to the execution of the program in the system control unit 50. Some display elements constituting the display unit 54 can be arranged in the optical viewfinder 104. Details of the information displayed on the display unit 54 are omitted.

  The memory 52 stores an image number n for identifying an image displayed on the image display unit 28 when the power supply 86 of the imaging apparatus 100 is turned off. The nonvolatile memory 56 is composed of, for example, an EEPROM capable of electrically recording and erasing data. Image data captured by the imaging apparatus 100 and object data transmitted from an external device may be stored in the nonvolatile memory 56.

  The first shutter switch (SW1) 62 is turned on while the shutter button 260 (FIG. 2) is being operated (half-pressed), and instructs the system control unit 50 to start AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, EF processing, and the like. . The second shutter switch (SW2) 64 is turned ON when the operation of the shutter button 260 is completed (fully pressed), and instructs the system control unit 50 to start the following series of processing (shooting).

  In the above series of processing, an image signal is read from the image sensor 14, converted into digital image data by the A / D converter 16, processed by the image processing circuit 20, and written to the memory 30 via the memory control circuit 22. Includes processing. The series of processes includes a process of reading image data from the memory 30, compressing the image data by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and writing the compressed image data to the external storage medium 93.

  The zoom operation unit 262 is operated by a photographer in order to change the shooting angle of view (zoom magnification or shooting magnification), and for example, a slide type operation member (or lever type operation member) and a switch (or a switch for detecting the operation thereof) Sensor). The operation unit 70 includes various buttons and switches 251 to 262 described later (see FIG. 2). Various buttons and switches 251 to 262 are used to turn on / off the power of the imaging apparatus 100, to set or change shooting conditions, to check shooting conditions, to check the state of the imaging apparatus 100, and to have captured images (main body images, thumbnail images) It is operated when confirming.

  The power supply controller 80 includes a power supply detection circuit, a DC-DC converter, a switch circuit that switches blocks to be energized, and the like. The power supply control unit 80 detects the presence or absence of the power supply, the type of power supply, and the remaining amount of the power supply (battery), and controls the DC-DC converter according to the detection result and the command from the system control unit 50, and requires the necessary voltage Supply to each block in a short period. The main body of the imaging apparatus 100 and the power source 86 are connected via connectors 82 and 84. The power source 86 includes a primary battery (such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery), a secondary battery (such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery, or a Li battery), an AC adapter, or the like.

  The external storage medium 93 is connected to the imaging device 100 via the connector 92. The external storage medium 93 includes a storage unit (semiconductor memory or hard disk) and an interface (not shown), and is connected to a bus in the imaging apparatus 100 via the card controller 90. The storage medium attachment / detachment detection unit 98 detects whether or not the external storage medium 93 is connected to the connector 92. Details of the interface and connector are omitted.

  The optical viewfinder 104 enables photographing without using the electronic viewfinder function of the image display unit 28. The optical finder 104 includes a display element that constitutes a part of the display unit 54 (for example, a display element for performing focus display, camera shake warning display, flash charge display, shutter speed display, aperture value display, and exposure correction display). Is provided.

  The communication unit 110 provides various communication functions such as USB, IEEE 1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, RS232C, and wireless communication. A connector (or an antenna when providing a wireless communication function) 112 for connecting the imaging device 100 to an external device is connected to the communication unit 110.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an arrangement of various buttons and switches of the imaging apparatus 100.

  In FIG. 2, the imaging apparatus 100 includes various buttons and switches 251 to 262 as an operation unit. The power button 251 is operated when starting and stopping the imaging apparatus 100 (or turning on / off the main power supply of the imaging apparatus 100). The menu button 252 is operated when displaying a menu for setting various imaging conditions (modes or items) and a menu for displaying the state of the imaging apparatus 100.

  The menu includes a plurality of items that can be selected and whose values can be changed (or a plurality of items that can be selected or a plurality of items whose values can be changed). Examples of modes or items that can be set in the menu include the following. Shooting mode (for example, regarding exposure determination, program mode, aperture priority mode, shutter speed priority mode, etc.). Panorama shooting mode. Information code reading mode. Playback mode. Multi-screen playback / erase mode. PC (computer including personal computer) connection mode. Exposure compensation. Flash setting. Switch between single shot and continuous shot. Self-timer setting. Recording quality setting. Date and time setting. Protect recorded images.

  When the menu button 252 is pressed, the system control unit 50 causes the image display unit 28 to display a menu. The menu may be synthesized and displayed on the image being captured, or may be displayed alone (for example, displayed on a predetermined background color). When the menu button 252 is pressed again while the menu is displayed on the image display unit 28, the system control unit 50 ends the display of the menu on the image display unit 28.

  The determination button (SET button) 253 is operated when determining or selecting a mode or item in the displayed menu. When the determination button 253 is pressed, the system control unit 50 sets the mode or item selected at that time. The display button 254 is operated when selecting whether to display / hide shooting information about a captured image and switching whether the image display unit 28 functions as an electronic viewfinder.

  The left key 255, the right key 256, the up key 257, and the down key 258 (the above, direction selection keys) are operated when the following changes are made. When changing an option (for example, an item or an image) selected from a plurality of options such as a cursor or a highlight portion. To change the position of the indicator that identifies the selected option. When increasing or decreasing a numerical value (for example, a numerical value indicating a correction value or date / time).

  Note that the user interface can be used to select not only one item from a plurality of items, but also two or more items by the left key 255, right key 256, up key 257, and down key 258. Preferably, it is configured. For example, when the left key 255, the right key 256, the up key 257, and the down key 258 are operated while the enter button 253 is pressed, two or more items designated by the operation are selected. You may comprise so that the system control part 50 may recognize. As described with reference to FIG. 1, the shutter button 260 is in a half-pressed state, for example, the system control unit 50 is instructed to start AF processing, AE processing, AWB processing, and EF processing. The control unit 50 is configured to be instructed. The recording / playback changeover switch 261 is operated when the recording mode is switched to the playback mode and the playback mode is switched to the recording mode.

  The jump key 259 has the same function as the direction selection key, and is operated when the following changes are made. When changing an option (for example, an item or an image) selected from a plurality of options such as a cursor or a highlight portion. To change the position of the indicator that identifies the selected option. Note that the movement of the cursor by the jump key 259 may be set to be faster or larger than that by the direction selection key.

  The wheel 263 is a member that is rotated by a user's operation. The wheel 263 can be rotated by the user to have the same function as the direction selection key, or can move differently from the direction selection key depending on the rotation speed. . Note that a dial switch may be employed instead of the above-described operation system, or another operation system may be employed.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of each image file (each frame) handled by the imaging apparatus.

In FIG. 3, an image file 301 has a marker (SOI) 302 indicating the start of the image file at the head, and then an application marker (APP1) 303 corresponding to the header part. The application marker (APP1) 303 includes the following information and image.
・ Size (APP1 Length) 304
・ Application marker identification code (APP1 Identifier Code) 305
Image data creation date and time (Date Time) 306
Date and time when image data was generated (Date Time Original) 307
・ Other shooting information (Etc) 308
・ Thumbnail Data 309
The image data recorded in the image file 301 includes a quantization table (DQT) 310, a Huffman table (DHT) 311, a frame start marker (SOF) 312, a scan start marker (SOS) 313, and compressed data 314. The The compressed data 314 is hereinafter referred to as a main image. The image file 301 is terminated with a marker (EOI) 315 indicating the end of the data.

  The thumbnail image 309 (second image data) is image data obtained by reducing the compressed data (main image) 314 (first image data), and has fewer pixels than the main image. Therefore, the display resolution may be lower than that of the main body image, but the processing load required for display and scaling is small. If the thumbnail image 309 is the Exif standard, the aspect ratio is specified as 4: 3 as described above. Therefore, if the main body image has an aspect ratio other than 4: 3, the area other than the area corresponding to the main body image is black. It becomes a painted area.

  Note that the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to Exif standard data. Each frame is composed of first image data which is main body image data and second image data having a smaller number of pixels than the first image data, and the aspect ratio of the first image data and the second image data. This is effective when there is a possibility of different.

  Next, the operation of the imaging apparatus of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the description will focus on the process of transition from thumbnail image display to main body image (normal image) display.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a normal image feed sequence of the imaging apparatus.

  In FIG. 4, the system control unit 50 of the imaging apparatus detects that the power button 251 has been pressed by the user and the imaging apparatus is turned on, and then the imaging apparatus is activated for reproduction (activation for reproducing and displaying an image). ), The following processing is performed. That is, the system control unit 50 acquires the image number n for identifying the image displayed on the image display unit 28 when the power of the imaging apparatus was turned off last time from the memory 52, and the image number n is the image. The information is displayed on the display unit 28 (step S501). The display here is a so-called full-screen display in which the entire image with the image number n is displayed in a predetermined orientation with a maximum size that fits inside the display area of the image display unit 28.

  Thereafter, the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the wheel 263 has been operated (step S502), and determines whether or not the left key 255 and the right key 256 have been operated (step S504). When any operation of the wheel 263, the left key 255, and the right key 256 is not detected, the system control unit 50 returns to step S501 and continues displaying the image number n on the image display unit 28.

  If the system control unit 50 does not detect the operation of the wheel 263 (NO in step S502) and detects the operation of the left key 255 and the right key 256 (YES in step S504), whether or not the left key 255 is pressed. Is determined (step S505). When the pressing of the left key 255 is detected, the system control unit 50 subtracts “1” from the image number n (step S506). When the pressing of the right key 256 is detected, the system control unit 50 adds “1” to the image number n (step S507). Thereafter, the system control unit 50 displays the image newly set to the image number n on the image display unit 28 (step S501).

  When the operation of the wheel 263 is detected (YES in step S502), the system control unit 50 determines whether or not the rotation speed of the wheel 263 is faster than a preset threshold value 1 (step S503). When it is determined that the rotation speed of the wheel 263 is slower than the threshold value 1, the system control unit 50 executes an image feed sequence by wheel operation similar to the image feed by the left key 255 and the right key 256.

  The image feed sequence is a process for making the image feed effect by the wheel 263 intuitive. When the rotation speed of the wheel 263 is slower than the threshold value 1 (that is, while the user is slowly turning the wheel 263), images are slowly displayed one by one on the image display unit 28 (one image is displayed). . On the other hand, when the rotation speed of the wheel 263 is faster than the threshold value 1, there is an effect of improving the searchability of the image by performing a display different from the single image display.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the rotation speed of the wheel 263 is faster than the threshold value 1, the system control unit 50 switches the display of the image display unit 28 to the thumbnail image display shown in FIG. The thumbnail image feed sequence will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a thumbnail image feed sequence of the imaging apparatus.

  In FIG. 5, the system control unit 50 of the imaging apparatus performs the following process when switching the display of the image display unit 28 to the thumbnail image display (FIG. 7). A highlight display is performed in which the thumbnail image 701 of the image number n is highlighted and displayed at a predetermined display position (in this example, the center of the screen) (step S601). Thus, the user can clearly grasp which image is currently selected even in the thumbnail image display. As the highlighting, various forms such as displaying the thumbnail image 701 in the center of the screen and displaying the image frame thickly are conceivable. Note that the thumbnail image displayed here has a smaller display size than the image displayed on the full screen in step S501 of FIG.

  The system control unit 50 also displays thumbnail images 702 and 703 (two other thumbnail images) of image numbers nx to n + x (here, x = 1) other than the thumbnail image 701 of the image number n as thumbnail images. It is displayed on the same line as 701 (in parallel) (step S602). Further, the system control unit 50 displays the position of the image number n in the entire image number (total number of images) at the same time as the thumbnail image by the index unit 705 of the bar 704.

  Next, the system control unit 50 activates a no-operation measurement timer (not shown) for determining whether or not the operation of the wheel 263, the left key 255, and the right key 256 has been performed within the set time (step) S603). The system control unit 50 determines whether or not the operation of the wheel 263 is performed before the no-operation measurement timer times out (step S604), and determines whether or not the operation of the left key 255 and the right key 256 is performed. (Step S605).

  If any operation of the wheel 263, the left key 255, and the right key 256 is detected before the timeout of the no-operation measurement timer, the system control unit 50 resets the no-operation measurement timer (step S609). Further, the system control unit 50 determines whether the left key 255 is pressed or whether the wheel 263 is rotated counterclockwise (step S610).

  When detecting the pressing of the left key 255 or the left rotation of the wheel 263, the system control unit 50 subtracts “1” from the image number n (step S612). Otherwise (when pressing the right key 256 or rotating the wheel 263 to the right is detected), the system control unit 50 adds “1” to the image number n (step S611). Thereafter, the system control unit 50 displays the thumbnail image of the image newly set to the image number n on the image display unit 28 (step S601).

  On the other hand, when thumbnail images are being displayed, image feed by the wheel 263, the left key 255, and the right key 256 is not performed for the set time (YES in step S607), or the determination (SET) button 253 is pressed (step S606). YES), the following processing is performed. The system control unit 50 resets the no-operation measurement timer started in step S603 (step S608), and executes processing for transitioning from thumbnail image display to main body image (normal image) display.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a process from a thumbnail image display to a main body image (normal image) display of the imaging apparatus.

  In FIG. 6, when the system control unit 50 of the imaging apparatus starts the process of returning from the thumbnail image display to the main body image (normal image) display, the following process is performed. The system control unit 50 determines the width nw [0] and the height nh of the substantial image area in which the substantial image is displayed in the thumbnail image of the image number n currently focused on, excluding the blacked area. [0] is acquired (step S801).

  A substantial image area will be described with reference to FIG. The display area 820 is an entire display area of the image display unit 28 or a display area of the image display unit 28 used for full screen display in step S501 of FIG. 4 and has an aspect ratio of 16: 9. In the center of the display area 820, the thumbnail image 801 of the current image n is displayed as described with reference to FIG. Although thumbnail images with image numbers nx to n + x other than the thumbnail image 801 with image number n, a bar indicating the position of the current image n, and the like are also displayed, illustration is omitted.

  Further, the 4: 3 area 810, which is the maximum size in which the 4: 3 rectangle can be accommodated inside the 16: 9 display area 820, is indicated by a dotted line for convenience (not actually displayed). Of the thumbnail image 801, the area excluding the black area is a substantial image area. The real image area is an image area corresponding to the main body image.

  In the example of FIG. 8A, since the current image n is a 16: 9 image, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the thumbnail image included in the image file of the current image n The substantial image area has an aspect ratio of 16: 9. When the main body image is 4: 3, the thumbnail image is also 4: 3, so there is no black area, and the actual image area is the same as the entire area where the thumbnail image is displayed.

  Next, based on the acquired width nw [0] and height nh [0], the system control unit 50 displays the display position 830 (nX [0], nY where the substantial image area is displayed in the thumbnail image 801). [0]) is calculated (step S802). In FIG. 8, the upper left is the reference point, but another place may be the reference point.

  In the present embodiment, the displayed images are sequentially enlarged to full screen display. The system control unit 50 initializes a counter i for that purpose to 0 (step S803).

  Subsequently, the system control unit 50 calculates a magnification M for enlarging the acquired real image area to the maximum size that can be accommodated inside the display area 820 (for displaying the entire screen). The magnification M is calculated based on the width nw [0] and the height nh [0] of the real image area acquired in step S801, and the width and height of the display area 820. Then, the width nw [0] and the height nh [0] acquired in step S801 are set to the width nw [i] and the height nh [i] to display the image. Further, the display position (nX [0], nY [0]) of the real image area acquired in step S802 is set to the position (nX [i], nY [i]) where the image is to be displayed (step S804). .

  Next, the system control unit 50 changes the magnification (most of the width nw [i] and the height nh [i] to the position (nX [i], nY [i]) where the image is to be displayed. In this case, the main body image is reduced in size and displayed for a set time (step S805).

  As described above, the aspect ratio (aspect ratio) of the thumbnail image defined by the Exif standard is 4: 3. Therefore, in a thumbnail image of an image with an aspect ratio of 16: 9, an image with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is expressed in a pseudo manner by adding black areas on the upper and lower sides. Therefore, when an image with an aspect ratio of 16: 9 is enlarged and displayed, first, in step S804, a substantial image area (a portion from which the black area is removed) in the thumbnail image 801 is replaced with a main body image having an aspect ratio of 16: 9. Is replaced with a reduced image. Thereby, the switching from the thumbnail image display to the main body image display can be smoothly performed without conspicuous (no sense of incongruity).

  Next, the system control unit 50 determines that the width nw [i] of the displayed main body image matches the width of the display area 820 or the height nh [i] of the displayed main body image is the display area 820. It is determined whether or not the height matches the height (step S806). In other words, this is a determination as to whether or not the displayed main body image has a full-screen display size, and any criteria can be used as long as this determination can be made substantially. If step S806 is true, this processing is terminated, and if it is false, the system control unit 50 increments the counter i (step S807).

Next, the system control unit 50 calculates the width nw [i] and the height nh [i] of the image to be displayed next by enlarging according to the following formula (step S808) .

nw [i] = nw [0] * M * i / I
nh [i] = nh [0] * M * i / I
M: Magnification for enlarging the size of the real image area of the first thumbnail image to the maximum size that fits inside the display area 820 (for full-screen display) I: Enlarging the images sequentially for full-screen display Number of expansions in animation effect (number of frames displayed with animation effect)
Note that nw [0] and nh [0] are values depending on the size of the thumbnail image displayed in steps S601 and S602 in FIG. 5 and the aspect ratio of the corresponding main body image. Since the display size of the thumbnail image in step S601 and step S602 in FIG. 5 is a fixed value arbitrarily set by the designer in advance, nw [0] and nh [0] also correspond to the aspect ratio of the corresponding main body image. It is a fixed value that is determined every time. The magnification M is a fixed value if the size of the display area 802 is a fixed value. The number of expansions I is also a fixed value arbitrarily determined in advance by the designer. Therefore, for nw [i] and nh [i], values according to the aspect ratio of the main body image and the number of enlargements can be determined in advance. Accordingly, in step S807, instead of calculating nw [i] and nh [i], the width and height stored in advance for each aspect ratio and number of enlargements may be simply read out.

  Next, the system control unit 50 scales the main body image with the width nw [i] and the height nh [i] based on the width nw [i] and the height nh [i] calculated in step S807. Is calculated (nX [i], nY [i]) (step S809). Specifically, the upper left coordinates of the rectangle when the rectangle having the width nw [i] and the height nh [i] is displayed at the center of the display area 820 are calculated. Since this can also be determined in advance, the display position stored for each number of enlargements stored in advance may be simply read out.

  Thereafter, the system control unit 50 displays the main body image at the calculated display position (nX [i], nY [i]) in the size of the width nw [i] and the height nh [i] calculated in step S808. The scaled image is displayed (step S805).

  By repeating the series of processes described above until it is determined to be true in step S806, the main body image with the image number n can be sequentially enlarged and displayed as an animation.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of an animation display that is sequentially enlarged and displayed by performing the processing of FIG.

  FIG. 8A is a display example of a thumbnail image before enlargement, which is displayed when the processing of FIG. 6 is started. Details are as described above.

  FIG. 8B is a display example when the process of step S805 of FIG. 6 is first performed. An image 802 is an image obtained by scaling the main body image, and is displayed at the same position and in the same size as the substantial image area of the thumbnail image 801. That is, the reference point 830 is the same position in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b).

  FIG. 8C is a display example during enlargement. The image 803 is an image obtained by scaling the main body image, and is displayed at the display position calculated in step S809 with the size calculated in step S808.

  FIG. 8D is a display example in the middle of enlargement. However, in this example, the width nw [i] (the width of the displayed image 804) calculated in step S808 matches the width of the 4: 3 area 810.

  FIG. 8E is a display example in the same way during enlargement. However, this is an example in which the width nw [i] (the width of the displayed image 805) calculated in step S808 exceeds the width of the 4: 3 area 810. It is a feature of the present invention that this display can be performed.

  FIG. 8F shows an example in which the enlarged animation display is completed and the main body image is displayed in full screen. The width of the image 806 obtained by scaling the main body image matches the width of the display area 820, and the determination in step S806 in FIG. 6 is true.

  Assuming that the thumbnail images are sequentially enlarged, the thumbnail image of the 16: 9 image is 4: 3 including the black-painted area, so the screen once fills the size of FIG. 8D. End up. Thereafter, when the display is replaced with a full-screen display of the main body image, the size is changed at a stretch and the display shown in FIG. However, according to the present invention, the display as shown in FIG. 8E can be performed by using the main body image instead of the thumbnail image at the time of the enlarged display. Accordingly, a smooth animation display can be achieved.

  In the process of FIG. 6, first, the thumbnail image is replaced with an image obtained by scaling the main body image, and the thumbnail image is not enlarged and the enlarged animation is displayed using only the main body image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the following processing may be performed.

  First, an enlargement animation display is performed by performing a scaling process on the thumbnail image. However, when the display width or height of the entire thumbnail image including the blacked area matches or matches the display area, it is scaled to the size at which the actual image area of the thumbnail image is displayed at that time. Replace thumbnail images with images. After that, a further enlarged animation is displayed using the main body image until full screen display is obtained.

  Even in this way, since the display of FIG. 8E can be performed, a smooth enlarged animation display can be performed. In addition, since the scaling process is performed on the thumbnail image having a processing load lower than that of the main body image halfway, a smoothly enlarged animation display can be performed with a relatively small processing load. In any case, there is a process of replacing the image to be displayed from the thumbnail image with the main image scaled to the size of the substantial image area of the thumbnail image, and enlarging the display size of the replaced main image. . This realizes a smooth enlargement.

  In this embodiment, the transition between the thumbnail image display and the main body image display is performed according to the rotation speed of the wheel 263, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the left key 255 or the right key 256 is pressed for a set time or more, or when the rotation of the wheel 263 continues even at a low speed, the display may transition to thumbnail image display.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when returning from the thumbnail image display to the main body image display, it may be configured to further clearly indicate that the highlighted thumbnail image 701 (FIG. 7) is normally displayed. That is, in order to further clearly indicate that the thumbnail image 701 is normally displayed, the system control unit 50 may execute a process of hiding the thumbnail images 702 and 703 displayed other than the thumbnail image 701.

  In addition, the present embodiment can obtain the above effect when the aspect ratio of the thumbnail image and the aspect ratio of the main body image are different. Therefore, when transitioning from thumbnail image display to main body image display, the system control unit 50 may compare the aspect ratio of the thumbnail image with the aspect ratio of the main body image to determine whether the aspect ratio is the same. . If the aspect ratio is not the same, the above-described processing is performed. If the aspect ratio is the same, the main image is replaced, and the thumbnail image is used to display an enlarged animation until the thumbnail image is displayed in full screen. You may go after. As a result, the processing load can be further reduced.

[Other Embodiments]
The object of the present invention is achieved by executing the following processing. That is, a storage medium in which a program code of software that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus is stored in the storage medium. This is the process of reading the code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  Moreover, the following can be used as a storage medium for supplying the program code. For example, a flexible disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, etc. . Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, the present invention includes a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by executing the program code read by the computer. In addition, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on an instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Is also included.

  Furthermore, the present invention includes a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by the following processing. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing.

14 Imaging device 28 Image display unit 50 System control unit 100 Imaging device

Claims (16)

A display control device that reads an image in which each frame is configured by first image data and second image data having a smaller number of pixels than the first image data, and displays the image on a display unit.
A first image display method for displaying images based on the first image data on the display means one by one in a first display size based on a size of a display area of the display means; and the second image data The image display method according to any one of the second image display methods for displaying on the display means a second display size set smaller than the first display size according to the operation of the operation means. Switching control means for switching,
Of the images based on the second image data displayed on the display unit, when the switching control unit switches from the display by the second image display method to the display by the first image display method, Replacement means for replacing an area corresponding to the first image data with an image based on the first image data;
Display control means for controlling to display an image based on the first image data replaced and displayed by the replacement means while sequentially enlarging until the first display size is reached. A display control device.   The display control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an aspect ratio of the first image data and the second image data configuring the same frame image may not match.   3. The second image data having an aspect ratio that does not match the first image data includes an image area obtained by reducing the entire first image data and a single color area. Display control device.   The display control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the corresponding area is an area excluding the single color area in the second image data.   The display control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the single color region is not displayed when the replacement by the replacement unit is performed.   6. The aspect ratio of the second image data is recorded at a constant aspect ratio regardless of the aspect ratio of the first image data, which may be different for each frame. The display control apparatus according to any one of the above.   7. The display control apparatus according to claim 6, wherein each of the frames is an Exif standard image file, and the second image data is an Exif standard thumbnail image. The display control unit is configured to display the second image display method when the image based on the second image data is displayed and the operation unit is not operated for a predetermined time. the display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a transition to the display of the image based on the first image data from the display of the image based on the image data of. In the second image display method, with an image based on the second image data to highlight on a predetermined display position of the display unit, the second image data that the highlighted and displays an image based on at least two of said second image data for each different frame on the display means,
9. The replacement unit according to claim 1 , wherein the replacement unit performs the replacement on the highlighted second image data among the plurality of displayed second image data . The display control apparatus according to item 1 . Wherein the display control unit, when switching from the display by the previous SL second image display method on the display by the first image display method, different frame at least two of said highlighted the second image data The display control apparatus according to claim 9, wherein an image based on the second image data is not displayed. Before Symbol further comprising determination means for determining the aspect ratio is different whether the image based on the first aspect ratio of the image based on the image data of the second image data,
The replacement means performs the replacement before the sequential enlargement by the display control means when the determination means determines that the aspect ratio is different ,
If it is not determined that the aspect ratio is different by the determination unit, the second image data displayed on the display unit after the sequential enlargement using the second image data by the display control unit is added to the second image data displayed on the display unit. of based image, the corresponding region in the first image data, according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that performing the processing for replacing the image based on the first image data Display controller.   The switching control means switches from the first image display method to the second image display method according to a difference in operation method for a single operation member. The display control apparatus according to claim 1. Display control equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that an imaging apparatus having an imaging unit. A control method for a display control apparatus that reads an image in which each frame is composed of first image data and second image data having a smaller number of pixels than the first image data from a storage medium and displays the image on a display unit. There,
A first image display method for displaying images based on the first image data on the display means one by one in a first display size based on a size of a display area of the display means; and the second image data The image display method according to any one of the second image display methods for displaying on the display means a second display size set smaller than the first display size according to the operation of the operation means. Switching control step for switching,
Of the images based on the second image data displayed on the display means when switching from the display by the second image display method to the display by the first image display method by the switching control step, Replacing a region corresponding to the first image data with an image based on the first image data;
A display control step of controlling to display an image based on the first image data replaced and displayed by the replacement step while sequentially enlarging until the first display size is reached;
A display control apparatus control method comprising: A program that causes a computer to function as each unit of the display control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 . Computer, claims 1 to 13 to display control-readable storage medium is a computer which stores a program to function as each unit of the apparatus according to any one of.

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