JPH11146326A - Image retrieval method and image retrieval device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the fast feed method for a camera and a camera system where a simple image such as a thumb nail is reproduced, displayed during fast feed and a desired image is obtained. SOLUTION: In the case that the reproduction/display mode is selected, a first reproduced image (original image) is displayed (S1) and a search button is depressed, a succeeding image is reproduced/displayed (S2). When a search button is kept depressed for 3 seconds or over (S4), the high speed page feed mode is selected. When the search button is depressed for many number of times (depression time is less than 3 seconds), the reproduction mode is selected every time and the reproduction/display of the original image is sequentially repeated (S3). When the search button is depressed for 3 seconds or over in the S2, the high speed page feed mode is selected, and the simple image corresponding to the next image to the displayed original image is displayed one after another at a speed of 2 frames/sec (S4). When the user detaches its finger from the search button, the reproduction mode is selected and the original image corresponding to the simple image having been displayed at that point of time is reproduced/displayed (S5).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a recorded image search technique of an image search apparatus such as a digital camera.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A subject image picked up by a digital camera is recorded on a storage medium as image data through photoelectric conversion, signal conversion, and signal processing by a CCD. In this case, the image data is recorded on the recording medium in the order of imaging.

Many digital cameras are equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display. In such a digital camera, a user can use the digital camera instead of a finder when taking an image. The reproduced image read out from the recording medium later can be displayed.
However, when a reproduced image is displayed by such a digital camera, the image data is read out from the recording medium in the order in which the images were captured, and is usually displayed on the screen of the display device in the order in which the images were captured.

Further, image data obtained by photoelectric conversion is compressed and recorded on a recording medium. The compression processing is usually performed according to the JPEG standard (hereinafter, JPEG compression).

Further, in order to select a desired image from image data obtained by a digital camera on a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer), pixels are thinned out from image data for one frame by the digital camera to obtain 52 × The user generates thumbnail data (simple image) having a size of about 36 pixels, records the thumbnail data together with the image data on a recording medium, transmits the thumbnail image data to the personal computer side, and arranges a plurality of thumbnail images on the monitor screen of the personal computer to display the thumbnail image. There is a method in which a desired image is selected, image data corresponding to the selected thumbnail image is taken into the personal computer from the digital camera side, decompressed, and displayed on a monitor.

[0006]

Conventionally, in order to select a desired image when printing an image picked up by a digital camera, as described above, a thumbnail image is taken in the personal computer side and arranged and displayed on a monitor. The method of selecting an image and importing the corresponding image data from the digital camera has been used. However, when the digital camera outputs (transmits) the image data to the terminal device, the image is reproduced on the digital camera. To extract a desired image.

Therefore, as a method of selecting an image on the digital camera side, there is a method of sequentially reproducing and displaying image data until a desired image is found.

However, since the image data is stored in the recording medium after being JPEG-compressed, it is necessary to expand the image data stored in the recording medium in order to reproduce and display the image. If the decompression processing is performed by a hardware circuit, the decompression time of the compressed data is short, but in a popular digital camera, the decompression means is configured by a program in order to reduce the cost. (640 x 480 pixels) It takes about 2 seconds to expand the image, so that the user may feel that the image display time is long, and if the desired image is stored in the later part, There is a problem that it takes a long time to select an image.

[0009] This problem is caused by the recent increase in the pixel density of digital cameras from VQA (640 × 480 pixels) to XQA
(1024 × 768 pixels), and digital cameras with a higher pixel density are also emerging, which is a problem that needs to be solved.

As another method of selecting an image on the digital camera side, frames are fast-forwarded (or fast-returned) until an image number of a stored image appears, and stopped when a desired image number is found. There is a method of playing back and displaying an image.

This method has an advantage that a desired image position can be quickly obtained and reproduced. However, since the fast-forward speed is faster than the image reproduction speed (that is, the extension time), each reproduced image can be displayed during the fast-forward. During fast forward, the screen becomes a black screen where only the image number is displayed, so it is necessary for the user to memorize the contents of each image and the image number, and to make a note of the image that can be recorded on the recording medium. When the number of images is small, the practicality becomes poor as the number of images recordable on the recording medium increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described inconveniences and problems, and has been described in connection with recording of an image search device such as a digital camera, which reproduces and displays a simple image such as a thumbnail during fast forward to obtain a desired image. An image search method and apparatus are provided.

[0013]

In order to achieve the above object, an image retrieval method according to a first aspect of the present invention stores a plurality of images in a memory and retrieves a desired image from the plurality of images. In the image search device, at the time of a search, a plurality of simple images corresponding to the plurality of images are reproduced and displayed, and the page is turned.

Further, the image search method of the second invention is characterized in that at the time of the search, a simple image is reproduced in accordance with the operation time of the search means.

Further, the image search method according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that at the time of the search, a simple image is reproduced according to a switching stage of the search means.

Further, the image search method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that at the time of the search, the size of the simple image to be displayed and the reproduction of the simple image are controlled according to the switching stage of the search means and the operation time. And

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image search apparatus comprising an image pickup section, wherein each of the search means uses an image pickup shutter.

According to a sixth aspect, in the image search method according to the first aspect, when a desired image designation state by a user is detected, an original image corresponding to the simple image displayed at that time is reproduced. It is characterized by displaying.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image search method according to the sixth aspect, the detection of the image designation state is performed by detecting the end of the fast forward of the simple image or the stop of the fast forward.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image search method according to the first aspect, the simple image is an image smaller in size than the image stored in the memory.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image search method according to the first aspect, the simple image is an image whose pixels are coarser than the image stored in the memory.

According to a tenth aspect, in the image search method according to the first aspect, the image stored in the memory is a color image, and the simple image is a monochrome image.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image search method according to the first aspect, the image stored in the memory is compressed and stored. It is characterized in that a simple image is created by reproducing by a different expansion process.

An image retrieval apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is an image retrieval apparatus which records image data in a memory and reproduces and displays the image data recorded in the memory. / Display means, and means for detecting a desired image designation state by the user, and when the desired image is designated by the user, reproduces and displays the original image corresponding to the simple image displayed at that time. It is characterized by the following.

According to a thirteenth aspect, in the image retrieval apparatus of the twelfth aspect, the simple image reproducing / displaying means includes means for reproducing the simple image from the memory and displaying the simple image for each page for a predetermined time. Means for repeating the operation of displaying the next simple image for a predetermined time after the predetermined time has elapsed, and means for detecting the image designation state include fast-forward end determination means for detecting the fast-forward end or stop state of the simple image. It is characterized by the following.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image search apparatus which includes an image pickup section in an image detection apparatus, records imaged image data in a memory, and reproduces and displays the image data recorded in the memory. The simple image reproduction / display means reproduces the simple image in accordance with a shutter switching stage and / or operation time.

[0027]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view (rear view) of an embodiment of a digital camera to which an image search method according to the present invention is applied. On the upper surface of the digital camera 100, a processing mode changeover switch (slide switch) 31 for switching processing modes, function selection buttons 32 to 36, a main switch 101 for starting the digital camera 100, a shutter button 102, and an output button 103 Is provided. On the back, a recording / reproduction mode switch 104 for switching between a recording mode and a reproduction mode, an optical finder 105, and a liquid crystal display 43 for displaying images are provided. Also, on the front (not shown)
An imaging lens unit and a finder unit are provided.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the digital camera 100 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 2A, the digital camera 100 includes an image data input system 10, a control unit 2
0, an operation unit 30, a display unit 40, a recording unit 50, and an interface 81.

The image data input system 10 has an optical system 11, a signal converter 12, a signal processor 13, and a DRAM (Dynamic Memory) 14.

The optical system 11 includes an optical system mechanism 11 such as an image pickup lens and an aperture, and forms an image of light from a subject on a CCD of a signal conversion unit 12 at a subsequent stage. The signal conversion unit 12
It includes a CCD, an A / D converter, and a CCD drive signal generation circuit, and converts an image formed on the CCD via the optical system 11 at the preceding stage into an electric signal, and also converts the image into digital data (hereinafter, image data). To temporarily memorize it.

The signal processing section 13 thins out the image data stored in the DRAM 14 to generate simple image data (for example, a reduced image such as a thumbnail image) and records it in the flash memory 51. Further, the signal processing unit 13 includes the DRAM 1
4 is subjected to a compression process, and is recorded in the flash memory 51 as compressed image data.

The signal processing unit 13 performs a decompression process on the image data read from the flash memory 51, converts the image data into a video signal, and converts the image data into a VRAM (video RAM) 41.
(Fig. 3).

Note that the signal processing unit 13 does not generate simple image data, but uses the image data recorded in the flash memory 51 to perform expansion processing (an expansion processing for generating simple data different from the above-described image data expansion processing). ), The signal processing unit 13 and the decompression process for generating the simple data may be configured to generate the simple image.

In the case where the image data recorded (or recorded) in the flash memory 51 is color image data, a monochrome image is used in the embodiment from the viewpoint of reproduction speed, but a color image may be used.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the control unit 20
It has a PU 21, a RAM 22, and a ROM 23.
The CPU 21 is connected to each of the above-described circuits and a power switch (not shown) via a bus line.
Image processing apparatus 1 by a control program stored in
And controls the execution of each function of the digital camera in response to the status signal from the operation unit 30, for example, the high-speed page feed unit 1 stored in the ROM 23.
10 (FIG. 5) to control execution of high-speed page feed mode processing. The RAM 22 is used for temporary storage of data or processing results and an intermediate work area. RO
M23 is the above-mentioned control program and high-speed page feed means 1
10 and a recording medium for recording a program for executing other functions of the image processing apparatus.
M, FROM (flash ROM) and the like are used. Note that these programs may be stored in a removable recording medium (for example, the flash memory 51) other than the ROM 23.

The operation unit 30 includes a processing mode changeover switch 31, function selection buttons 32 to 36, a main switch 101, a shutter button 102, an output button 103, and a recording / reproduction mode changeover switch 10 shown in FIG.
When the key or button is operated, a status signal is sent to the CPU 21.

The display unit 40 includes VRAM 41, VRAM 4
2 and a liquid crystal display 43.
The VRAM 41 and the VRAM 42 are image display memories for developing an image for image display (image image) in a bit map.
If the power supply of No. 3 is on (ON), the image data on the VRAM 41 and VRAM 42 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 43 as an image. In addition to the image data, an image number, menu data, message data, and the like are developed in the VRAM 42 via the control unit 20, and may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 43. further,
The image on the VRAM 41 and the image on the VRAM 42 can be combined (superimposed) and displayed on the liquid crystal display 43.

The recording unit 50 accommodates a recording medium (flash memory in FIG. 2) 51, records image data from the image data input system 10 and simple image data on the flash memory 51 under the control of the CPU 21, and stores the image data. A link table (FIGS. 6 and 7) having information for associating the data with the simple image data is recorded in the flash memory 51. Further, the image data and the link table are read from the flash memory 51 and transferred to the RAM 22 (or the DRAM 14). It is preferable that the data transfer by the recording unit 50 be performed by DMA (direct memory access method).
It is desirable that the link table be stored at the head of the flash memory 51. Note that, as described above, the signal processing unit 13 does not generate the simple image data, but expands the image data based on the image data recorded in the flash memory 51 (an expansion process for generating simple data different from the above-described image data expansion process). When the signal processing unit 13 is configured to generate a simple image by performing the processing, the simple image data is not recorded in the recording unit 50, and the recording position and the attribute information of the image data are recorded in the link table 51. (In this case, the link table 51 may not be provided).

The interface 81 is a digital camera 1
00, printers, personal computers, other image processing devices,
Data is exchanged with an external device such as a CD-ROM. The transmission (output) of the image data recorded in the flash memory 51 to the external device is performed based on output means (program) (not shown) when the output button 103 is pressed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the signal processing unit 13 of FIG. 2. The signal processing unit 13 generates a simple image from R, G, B raster data (image data) on the DRAM 14 and flashes the image. A simple image processing unit 131 for recording in a memory, and a data compression unit 132 for JPEG-compressing R, G, B raster data and recording the same in the flash memory 51
A data decompression unit 143 for decompressing the compressed image data read from the flash memory 51;
It has a video signal conversion unit 131 for converting G and B raster data (image data) into a luminance component Y and color difference components U and V. In the embodiment, a thumbnail image is used as a simple image. Since the thumbnail image is as small as 52 × 36 pixels, the signal processing unit 13 does not compress / expand the thumbnail image data in the embodiment. Data compression / expansion of image data (and simple image data) may be performed.

<Processing Mode> FIG.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a processing mode of 0. The processing mode of the digital camera 100 includes a normal processing mode including imaging, reproduction, recording, and output (transmission) mode to an external device, and special functions such as date change. It has a special processing mode to execute. The reproduction mode includes a high-speed page feed mode for selecting an image. Image reproduction / display in a reproduction mode is performed by image reproduction / display means (not shown).
The image reproduction / display means reads out the image data from the flash memory 51, sends it to the VRAM 41 via the video signal converter 134, and displays it on the liquid crystal display 43 (FIG. 3).

<High Speed Page Feeding Means> Function and Structure of High Speed Page Feeding Means As shown in FIG. 5, the high speed page feeding means 110 feeds pages at high speed while displaying a simple image on the liquid crystal display 43 in the reproduction mode. The image of the frame for which the feeding has been stopped (the image corresponding to the simple image displayed on the frame (hereinafter referred to as the original image) is reproduced and displayed on the liquid crystal display 43.

The high-speed page feed means 110 includes a high-speed feed instruction determination means 111 and a simple image reproduction / display means 112.
And a high-speed feed instruction end determination unit 113. The high-speed feed instruction determination unit 111 operates the search function buttons (search button (+) → function button 32, search button (−) → function button 33 in the embodiment) of the operation unit 30 operated by the user as search means. In the embodiment, it is determined whether the user's instruction is the “high-speed page feed” instruction or the “image reproduction / display” instruction based on the length of the press-down time) (Examples 1 and 2). Note that the high-speed feed instruction determination unit 111 may determine whether a “high-speed page feed” instruction or an “image reproduction / display” instruction is made based on a switching state of a shutter button (for example, switching by a two-step shutter) (embodiment). 3). Further, it may be determined whether the "high-speed page feed" instruction or the "image reproduction / display" instruction is based on the combination of the length of time for which the feed button is held down and the switching state of the shutter button (Example 4).

As a search means having a switching stage, a rotary dial or a slide switch may be used instead of the search button or the shutter button.

When the user's instruction is "high-speed page feed", the simple image reproducing / displaying means 112 reads the simple image data corresponding to the original image next to the currently displayed original image from the flash memory 51 and outputs the image signal. The image data is sent to the VRAM 41 via the conversion unit 134 and displayed on the liquid crystal display 43 for a certain period of time.
And sent to the VRAM 41 via the
3 is repeated (FIG. 9 (c)). In this case, the size data and the date data of the original image may be displayed in the margin of the screen, or the simplified image may be enlarged and displayed.

Further, the size of the simple image to be displayed is changed by changing the length of the search button pressing time and the switching state of the shutter button, or the combination of the length of the search button pressing time and the switching state of the shutter button (for example, 1/1). (4 size → 1/8 size) (FIGS. 15, 16 and 17).

The page feed (frame feed) speed becomes faster as the display time of the simplified image becomes shorter. However, if the speed is too fast, an afterimage phenomenon occurs and one frame cannot be confirmed.
It is desirable that the speed be such that one frame can be confirmed (2 frames / second in the embodiment). In this case, the frame feed speed may be set to several steps (high speed, high speed, medium speed), and the number of frames sent per second may be changed according to the stage.

The high-speed feed instruction end determination means 113 detects the end or stop state of the user's "high-speed page feed" instruction, and when the "high-speed page feed" is ended or stopped, the liquid crystal display 43 is displayed at that time. The control is transferred to reproduction / display means (not shown) to read the original image data (full-size image data) corresponding to the displayed simple image from the flash memory 51 and reproduce / display it.

<First Embodiment> [Link Table] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between simple image data and original image data.
1 includes a link table 511 (FIG. 7 or FIG. 8) for registering storage position information and the like of the recorded original image data, and simple image data 512-1, 512-2, 512-3,.
, 512-n and original image data 513-1, 513-
, 513-3,..., 513-n are recorded. In the embodiment, the link table 511 is stored at the head position of the flash memory 51, and the simple data is recorded before the image data. However, logically, the positions of the simple data and the image data are linked by a pointer (link). It should just be done. That is, when a simple image is displayed, it is only necessary that the link is linked by the link table so that the corresponding original image is reproduced / displayed in place of the simple image when the high-speed feed instruction is completed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a link table. A link table 511 has a physical number 5111 indicating the physical order of image data (simple image data and original image data) recorded in the flash memory 51. 5112, the storage address 5113 of the simplified image, and the storage address 5114 of the original image (head address: FIG. 6 shows the original image in increments of 100 and the simplified image in increments of 5). ), The size of the original image 5115, the next image number 5116 which is the physical number of the image to be displayed next, and the previous image number 5117 used for displaying the previous image. Is registered by the signal processing unit 13 at the time of recording.

In FIG. 7, the image data whose image number 5111 is "1" is simple image data, and the image number of the corresponding original image data is "2".
Since the simple image data and the original image data are linked on a one-to-one basis, every other image number is shown on the table record. The reason that the logical number 5112 of the image data whose image number 5111 is “5” is “6” is that the image data (simple image data and original image data) in this area is deleted at least once and a new one is obtained. Indicates that the image data has been written.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the link table, in which simple image data is used instead of the link table. The link table 511 'is substituted by the simple image data 512'-1 to 512'-n, and associates the address interval (displacement) between each simple data and the original image data with a certain rule. That is, in this example, the size of the original image is fixed, the recording area of the simple image group in the flash memory 51 is a fixed continuous section (for example, the front area of the recording medium), and the recording area of the original image group is another continuous section ( For example, each data is recorded as a rear area of the recording medium). In this case, the displacement D can be given by the following rule (formula). Here, C is a numerical value assigned in advance as the size of the simple image group recording area.

D = C + (size of original image−size of simple image) × (order number of simple image−1) That is, in the example of FIG. 8, C = 1000, size of original image = 100, size of simple image = 5, simple image data 511′-1 and original image data 513′-1, simple image data 511′-2 and original image data 513′-2,.
.., simple image data 511'-5 and original image data 51
When the distances D1,..., D5 from 3′-5 are obtained, D1 = 1000 + (100-5) × (1-1) = 1000 D2 = 1000 + 95 × (2-1) = 1095 D5 = 1000 + 95 × (5-1) = 1380. Thus, if the order of the simple image data is known, the image data can be referred to. The order of the simple image data can be detected by a counter.

[Mode Switching] In FIG. 1, the processing mode switch 31 is slidable to three positions of "NOP", "normal processing mode", and "special processing mode". When the switch 41 is located at "NOP", the mode does not shift to the mode processing operation even when the main switch 101 is on (that is, the operation is in the no operation state). The switch 31 is a main switch 101
When is turned off, it automatically returns to the "NOP" position.

After the main switch 101 is turned on (ON), when the switch 31 is slid to the “normal processing” side, the digital camera 100 is set to the normal processing mode (FIG. 4). A series of operations can be performed. The recording / playback switch 104 is set to “N
It is configured to be slidable to three positions of “OP”, “record”, and “play”. When the switch 104 is located at “NOP”, the mode does not shift to the high-speed page feed mode even if the main switch 101 and the switch 31 are on. When the main switch 101 is turned off or the switch 31 is set to “NOP”, the switch 104 automatically sets “NO”.
Return to position "P".

When the switch 31 is slid to the "normal processing" side and the recording / reproduction switch 104 is slid to the reproduction side, the reproduction / display mode is set. When a function selection button (search button (+)) 32 is pressed in the reproduction display mode, one frame of image data recorded in the flash memory 51 is reproduced and displayed on the liquid crystal display 43. At the time of reproduction / display, an image reproduction / display unit (not shown) reproduces an image with reference to the link table 511 (or 511 ′) as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG.
Next, when the search button (+) 32 is kept depressed for a certain period of time (3 seconds in this embodiment), the high-speed page feed mode is set. When the search button (+) 32 is released once and then pressed again, the next image is reproduced / displayed, and when the search button (-) 33 is pressed, the previous image is displayed. Although the switching time to the high-speed page feed mode is set to 3 seconds in the embodiment, the switching time is not limited thereto, and may be set to 2 seconds or 4 seconds or more.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the digital camera 100 in the high-speed page feed mode. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display image in the high-speed page feed mode. It is.

First, when the mode is switched to the reproduction / display mode, the first reproduced image (original image) is displayed in full size on the liquid crystal display 43, and the high-speed page feed means 110 is activated. FIG. 10A shows the liquid crystal display 43 in the reproduction mode.
This is an example of the original image displayed above, in which an original image 91-1 and an image number 92 (in this example, the original image of the 30th frame out of 65 frames) are displayed (S1).

When the user presses the search button (+) 32, the next image is reproduced / displayed. Here, the control unit 20 checks the state of the search button (+) by the high-speed feed instruction determination unit 111. If the search button (+) 32 has been pressed for 3 seconds or more, the flow shifts to S4 (high-speed page feed mode) (S2).

At step S2, the search button (+)
When the button 32 is pressed many times (pressing time is less than 3 seconds), the mode shifts to the reproduction mode each time, and the registered original image storage addresses are registered in the logical number column 5112 with reference to the link table 511. The original image data is read from the flash memory 51 based on the original image data, and the reproduction of the original image and the full size display are repeated. FIG. 10B is an example of the next original image 91-2 reproduced / displayed when the search button (+) 32 is pressed down for less than 3 seconds, and the image number 92 is “31”.
(In this example, it is the original image of the 31st frame out of 65 frames.)
Is displayed (S3).

When the search button (+) 32 is pressed for 3 seconds or more in S2, the high-speed page feed mode is set, the thumbnail image reproducing / display means 112 is activated, and the thumbnail image corresponding to the next image after the displayed original image is displayed. The data is read from the flash memory 51 and reproduced, and two frames /
It is displayed one after another at a speed of seconds (S4). FIG. 10C shows the liquid crystal display 4 during fast-forwarding in the high-speed page forwarding mode.
3 is an example of the thumbnail image displayed on
Thumbnail images 93-3, 93-4,.
3-m are sequentially displayed on the screen one by one, and the size data 94 of the original image corresponding to the thumbnail image is displayed. In addition, date data such as shooting date and time may be displayed. When character data such as date data is displayed in the original image display, it becomes an obstacle. In the case of the thumbnail display, a margin can be made by reducing the display, so that the margin can be used effectively. During this time, the high-speed feed instruction end determination means 113 monitors the state of the search button (+) 32. At S4, the user presses the search button (+) 3.
When the finger is released from the search button 2, the search button (+) 32 is released (released), and the high-speed feed instruction end determination means 113 determines that the high-speed page feed mode has ended. With reference to 5114, the original image data corresponding to the thumbnail image displayed at that time is read out from the flash memory 51, reproduced, and displayed (S5).

FIG. 10D shows that the original image 92-7 corresponding to the thumbnail image 93-7 displayed at that time is automatically switched to the reproduction mode when the user stops the high-speed page feed. / Display example.

If the thumbnail image sent in S4 is "too much", the search button (-) 33 is set to three.
When pressed for more than 2 seconds, the display is fast-returned, and when less than 3 seconds, the previous original image is reproduced / displayed in the reproduction mode. When reproducing / displaying the original image and the thumbnail image in each of the above steps, the information of the link table as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 is referred to.

[Modification] In the above step S4,
When the search button (+) 32 is pressed for 3 seconds or more in step S2, the mode is set to the high-speed page feed mode, the thumbnail image reproducing / displaying unit 112 is activated, and the thumbnail image corresponding to the image following the displayed original image is displayed. Although the image is automatically displayed one after another at a speed of 2 frames / second, the thumbnail image is forwarded / returned one by one manually, and when a desired thumbnail image is displayed, a specific button is pressed to thereby display the thumbnail image. May be displayed.

In the above embodiment, one thumbnail image is displayed on each screen, but a plurality of thumbnail images may be displayed on one screen. In addition, thumbnail images can be displayed coarsely and large,
By doing so, the entire image can be grasped even with a thumbnail image.

As described above, since a thumbnail image can be displayed when a relatively large number of images are recorded, the reproduction time of the image (particularly, the decompression time of the compressed data) can be reduced, and the time can be shortened. The recorded image can be reproduced and page-turned, and all images can be searched.

<Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, when the search button is pressed, a full-size image is displayed. When the search button is pressed for a certain period of time (3 seconds in the embodiment), the mode is changed to the high-speed page feed mode, and the thumbnail image is displayed. Although displayed, the display image size during page turning in the high-speed page turning mode may be changed. The present embodiment is an example in which the display image size is changed according to the length of the search key pressing time.
Note that the hardware configuration, processing mode switching, and their meanings are the same as in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, a case will be described as an example where the size of an image to be displayed is changed from full size to 1/4 to 1/8 in accordance with the time for which the search key is pressed.

[Link Table] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between simple image (thumbnail) data and original image (full size image) data.
The link table 551 (FIG. 12 or FIG. 13) for registering the storage position information and the like of the recorded original image data, and the simple image data 552-1, 55-1 / 4 of the original image size.
, 552-n and simplified image data 553-1, 552-3,.
, 553-n and original image data 554-1, 554-2, 554-n. In the embodiment, the link table 551 is stored at the head position of the flash memory 51, and the simple data is recorded before the image data. However, logically, the positions of the simple data and the original image data are linked by a pointer (link). ) Should be done. That is, when a simple image is displayed, it is only necessary that the link is linked by the link table so that the corresponding original image is reproduced / displayed in place of the simple image when the high-speed feed instruction is completed.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the link table.
The physical number 5511 indicating the physical order of the image data (1/4 size simple image data, 1/8 size simple image data and original image data (full size image data)) recorded in the Logical number 55 indicating order
The storage addresses 5513, 1 of the 12 and 1/4 size simple images
The storage address 5514 of the ／ size simple image and the storage address 5515 of the original image (starting address: in FIG. 12, the description of the original image is 120 steps, the size of the 簡易 size simple image is 30 steps, and the size of the 1/8 size simple image is 1 step. The size of the original image is 551.
6. Next image number 5, which is the physical number of the next image to be displayed
517 and a previous image number 5518 used for displaying the previous image, each of which is a record for each image, which are registered when the image is recorded.

In FIG. 12, the image data whose image number 5511 is “1” is １ ／ -size simple image data, and the image number of the corresponding 画像 -size simple image data is “
2 'and the image number of the original image data are' 3 ', but in the link table 551, the simple image data of each size and the original image data are linked on a one-to-one basis. Is shown everywhere. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the link table, in which simple image data is used instead of the link table. The link table 551 ′ is substituted by 簡易 -size simple image data 551′-1 to 551′-n shown in FIG.
Address interval (displacement) between 1/8 simple image data shown in (b) and original image data shown in (c)
Can be related by a certain rule.

That is, the recording area of the 1/8 simple image group is defined as a fixed continuous section, and the recording area of the 1/8 simple image group and the recording area of the original image group are defined as separate continuous sections. Record each. In this case, the displacements D ′ and D ″ can be given by the following rule (expression). Here, C is a numerical value assigned in advance as the size of the 簡易 simple image group recording area. This is a numerical value assigned in advance as the size of the 簡易 simple image group recording area.

That is, in the example of FIG. 13, C = 150
0, C '= 750, 1/4 simplified image size = 3
0, 1/8 simple image size = 15, original image size =
120, 1/4 simple image data 551'-1 and 1
/ 8 simple image data 552'-1,..., 1/4 simple image data 551'-5 and 1/8 simple image data 55
When the distances D1 ′,..., D5 ′ from 2′−5 are obtained, D ′ = C + (size of ８ simple image−size of 簡易 simple image) × (order number of １ ／ simple image) D1 = 1500 + (15-30) x (1-1) = 1500 D2 = 1500-15 x (2-1) = 1485 D5 = 1000-15 x (5-1) = 1440. Thus, if the order of the 1/4 simple image data is known, the 1/4 simple image data can be referred to. The order of the simple image data can be detected by a counter.

Further, 1/4 simple image data 551'-1
, D5 ″ between the original image data 553′-5 and the original image data 553′-5 and the original image data 553′-5, and D ″ = C + C ′. D1 = 1500 + 750 + (120−30) × (1-1) = 2250 D2 = 2250 + 90 × + (size of original image−size of サ イ ズ simplified image) × (order number of １ ／ simplified image−1) (2-1) = 2340 D5 = 2250 + 90 × (5-1) = 2340 This allows the original image data to be referenced if the order of the 1/4 simplified image data is known.

Similarly, 1/8 simple image data 552'-
1 and the original image data 553'-1,..., 1/4 The distances d1 to d5 between the simple image data 551'-5 and the original image data 553'-5 are: d = C '+ (size of original image- D1 = 750 + (120−15) × (1-1) = 750 d2 = 750 + 105 × (2-1) = 855 from the size of simple image) × (order number of １ ／ simple image−1) · · · · D5 = 750 + 105 × (5-1) = 1170 [Switching the page feed speed] Short-press the search button (+) 32 when the full-size image (original image) is displayed in the playback mode. (The operation of pressing and immediately releasing the button: the pressing time is about 0.3 seconds in this embodiment.) Then, the next image is displayed in full size (FIG. 15B). In this case, if the search button (+) 32 is kept pressed, the high-speed page feed mode is set, and the control unit 20 shifts the control to the execution of the high-speed page feed means 110, but the search button (+) 32
The size of the image to be reproduced and displayed differs depending on the length of the pressing time. That is, the smaller the size of the image is displayed as the pressing time is longer, and the page feed is changed from high speed to high speed.

More specifically, the high-speed feed instruction determining means 111
Is the search button (+) 3 on the operation unit 30 operated by the user.
If the depressing time of No. 2 is within a predetermined time (0.3 second to 2 seconds in this embodiment), it is determined to be “high speed A”, and the processing shifts to the thumbnail image reproducing / displaying unit 112. In the case of “high speed A”, the thumbnail image reproduction / display unit 112
The image is displayed in full size, and the second and subsequent images are displayed as thumbnail images (in the present embodiment, approximately ４ of the thumbnail images) (FIG. 15C).

The high-speed feed instruction judging means 111 outputs “high speed B” when the depression time of the search button (+) 32 of the operation unit 30 operated by the user is longer than a predetermined time (in this embodiment, longer than 2 seconds). ”, And thumbnail image playback /
Transition is made to display means 112. In the case of “high speed B”, the thumbnail image reproducing / displaying unit 112 displays the subsequent image as a thumbnail image having a smaller size than that in the case of “high speed A” (about 1/8 in this embodiment). FIG.
5 (d)). As a result, page turning can be performed earlier than in the case of “high speed A”.

The search button (+) kept pressed
When the user releases his / her hand from 32 (releases the search button (+) 32), a full-size image (original image) corresponding to the thumbnail image displayed at that time is displayed (FIG. 15).
(E)). When the search button (+) 32 is released once and then pressed again, the next image is reproduced / displayed, and when the search button (-) 33 is pressed, the previous image is displayed. In this embodiment, the short pressing time is 0.3 seconds, and the “high speed A”
Is set to 0.3 seconds to 2 seconds, and the "high speed B" is set to 2 seconds or more, but the present invention is not limited to this. Also,
The size of the thumbnail image displayed in the case of "high speed A" is about 1/4, and the size of the thumbnail image displayed in the case of "high speed B" is about 1/8, but the present invention is not limited to this.
In addition, the high-speed stage is defined as “high speed A” and “high speed B”.
However, the search key depressing time is further subdivided into "high speed C", "high speed D",.
・ It may be multi-stage as shown.

[Operation in High-speed Page Forward Mode] FIG.
Is a flowchart showing an operation example of the digital camera 100 in the high-speed page feed mode, and FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display image in the high-speed page feed mode.

First, when the mode is switched to the reproduction / display mode, the first reproduced image (full-size original image) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 43, and the high-speed page feed means 110 is activated. FIG. 15A shows the liquid crystal display 4 in the reproduction mode.
3, the original image 91-1 and the image number 92 (in this example, the original image of the 30th frame out of 65 frames) are displayed (T1).

When the user presses the search button (+) 32, the next image is reproduced / displayed. Here, the control unit 20 checks the state of the search button (+) by the high-speed feed instruction determination unit 111. Depressing the search button (+) 32 is 0.
If the time is less than 3 seconds, the process returns to T1 to display the full-size original image. FIG. 15B shows a search button (+) 32.
Is an example of the next original image 91-2 displayed in full size when the image is short-pressed (pressed down for less than 0.3 seconds), and the image number 92 is '31' (the 31st frame out of 65 frames in this example). Is displayed (T2).

At T2, the search button (+) 32 is set to 0.
If the search button (+) 32 is pressed for more than 2 seconds, the control unit 20 further checks the state of the search button (+) by the high-speed feed instruction determination unit 111. Transitions to T6 (T3).

As long as the depression of the search button (+) 32 does not exceed 2 seconds at T3, the control unit 20 controls the link table 55 by the thumbnail image reproduction / display unit 112.
After referring to the image number following 1, the flash memory 5 is referred to by referring to the 簡易 simple image storage address 5513 of the next image.
The thumbnail image data of 1 to 1/4 size is read and reproduced, and displayed on the liquid crystal display 43. FIG.
(C) shows an image next to the 31st image 91-2 shown in (b), that is, an image 93-3 having a quarter size of the 32nd image (T4).

During this time, the control unit 20 monitors the state of the search button (+) 32 at about 0.5 second intervals by the high-speed feed instruction end determination means 113, and the user presses the search button (+) 3
If the button 2 is kept pressed, the process returns to T3 to display the next 1/4 size thumbnail image. With this, 2 frames /
Thumbnail images of 1/4 size are sequentially displayed at the rate of seconds. When the user removes his / her finger from the search button (+) 32, it is determined that the high-speed page feed mode has ended, and the process transits to T8 (T5).

If the depression of the search button (+) 32 is longer than 2 seconds at T3, the control section 20 causes the thumbnail image reproducing / displaying means 112 to execute the link table 55.
After referring to the image number next to 1, the flash memory 5 is referred to by referring to the 1/8 simplified image storage address 5514 of the next image.
The thumbnail image data of 1 to 1/8 size is read out and reproduced, and displayed on the liquid crystal display 43. FIG.
(D) shows the image next to the 33rd image 93-4 shown in (c), that is, an image 93-5 of １ ／ size of the 34th image (T6).

During this time, the control section 20 monitors the state of the search button (+) 32 at intervals of about 0.3 seconds by the high-speed feed instruction end determination means 113, and the user presses the search button (+) 3
If the button 2 is kept pressed, the process returns to T6 to display the next サ イ ズ size thumbnail image. Thus, thumbnail images of 1/8 size are sequentially displayed at a rate of about 3 frames / second. When the user removes his / her finger from the search button (+) 32, it is determined that the high-speed page feed mode has ended, and the process transits to T8 (T7).

In step T5 or T7, when the user releases his / her finger from the search button (+) 32, the high-speed feed instruction end determination means 113 determines that the high-speed page feed mode has ended, and shifts to the reproduction mode. , The original image data corresponding to the thumbnail image displayed at that time is read out from the flash memory 51, reproduced, and displayed (T
8). In step T5, the monitor of the search button is displayed for about 0.5 second and the 1/4 thumbnail image is displayed at 2 frames / second. In step T7, the monitor of the search button is displayed for about 0.3 second and the 1/8 thumbnail image is displayed. Although the image is displayed at about 3 frames / second, the monitoring interval is not limited to this, and can be determined as appropriate when designing the apparatus according to the performance and image quality of the model.

In this example, thumbnail images are displayed one by one on the screen, but a plurality of thumbnail images may be displayed on one screen. Further, the thumbnail image can be displayed coarsely and large, so that the entire image can be grasped even with the thumbnail image.

As described above, by changing the size of an image to be displayed in accordance with the time for which the search key is pressed, when a relatively large number of images are recorded, the image reproduction time (particularly, Data expansion time) can be shortened, and the recorded image can be reproduced and page-turned in a short time to search all the images.

<Embodiment 3> Embodiments 1 and 2 above
In the, the full-size original image or thumbnail image was displayed depending on the length of time the user pressed the search button, and high-speed page turning was enabled.However, instead of the length of the search button pressing time, the search button or the search button was replaced. Button may be pressed in two steps (or in multiple steps) to change the size of the image to be displayed depending on whether the button is pressed. When the search device is the digital camera 100, the shutter button 102 is used instead of the search key, so that some of the function buttons do not have to have a two-stage structure, so that the structure of the buttons can be prevented from becoming complicated. .

This embodiment is an example in which the shutter button 102 of the digital camera 100 is used as a search button in the playback mode. In this embodiment, the shutter button 102
Has a two-stage push-in button structure. In addition,
The hardware configuration, processing mode switching, and their meanings are the same as in the first embodiment (= second embodiment).
Further, the link table 511 of the first embodiment is used as the link table. Hereinafter, a case will be described as an example where the size of an image to be displayed is changed from full size to 1/4 in accordance with the state of pressing the search key of the shutter button.

FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the switching of the size of the displayed image according to the degree of pressing the shutter button 102.
(A) shows a display area of a full-size image displayed when the shutter button 102 is in a release position (in a state where a finger is released), and (b) is a position where the shutter button 102 is half-pressed (in a state where the shutter button 102 is depressed one step). ) Shows the display area of the full-size image displayed when the shutter button 102 is fully pressed (in the state where the shutter button 102 is fully pressed (two-step pressed state)). Indicates a display area.

[Switching of page feed speed] In FIG. 16, when the user half-presses the shutter button 102, a first-stage press-down signal is sent out, and a high-speed page feed mode is set to sequentially display images in full size ( FIG.
(B)). When the user releases the finger, the shutter button 102
Is released and the button is released from the depressed position.

When the shutter button 102 is fully or half-pressed and then fully pressed to make a fully-pressed state, a second-stage push-down signal is sent out, and the control unit 20 executes the thumbnail image reproduction / display unit 112. The control is shifted, and the thumbnail image (in the present embodiment, 1/4 size) is displayed with reference to the link table 511. When the user releases the finger, the shutter button 102 is released, and the button is released from the pressed position. In this embodiment, the number of pressing steps is two, but the present invention is not limited to this.
The size of the thumbnail image displayed by pressing the second stage may be subdivided into approximately 1/4, the size of the thumbnail image displayed by pressing the third stage may be approximately 1/8, and so on.

[Operation in High-speed Page Forward Mode] FIG.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the digital camera 100 in the high-speed page feed mode.

First, when the user sets the mode switch 31
Is operated to switch to the playback / display mode, the control unit 20
Referring to the link table 511, the first image data is read from the flash memory 51 and reproduced, displayed on the liquid crystal display 43 (FIG. 16A), and the high-speed page feed means 110 is activated (U1).

Next, the high-speed feed instruction determining means 111 waits for a signal from the shutter button 102 to check the operation state, and when the shutter button 102 is half-pressed, U3
, And in the case of full press, transition to U5 (U2).

In step U2, the shutter button 10
When 2 is half-pressed, after referring to the next image number in the link table 511, the original image storage address 51 of the next image is referred to.
14, the original image data is read from the flash memory 51 and reproduced, and the full-size original image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 43 (FIG. 16B) (U3).

During this time, the control unit 20 causes the high-speed feed instruction end determining means 113 to release the shutter button 10 at intervals of about 2 seconds.
The state of No. 2 is monitored, and when the user releases the shutter button 102, it is determined that the page feed mode has ended, and the processing ends. If the user has not released (released) the shutter button 102, the process returns to U2. Thereby, full-size images are sequentially displayed at a rate of one frame per two seconds (U4).

In step U2, the shutter button 10
When 2 is fully pressed, the thumbnail image reproducing / displaying means 112 refers to the next image number in the link table 511, and then refers to the simple image storage address 5113 of the next image to cause the flash memory 51 to read 1 from the flash memory 51. The サ ム ネ イ ル size thumbnail image data is read out, reproduced, and displayed on the liquid crystal display 43 (FIG. 16 (c)) (U5).

During this time, the control unit 20 monitors the state of the shutter button 102 at intervals of about 0.5 seconds by the high-speed feed instruction end determination means 113, and
When 2 is released, it is determined that the page feed mode has ended, and the flow shifts to U7. If the user has not released the shutter button 102, the process returns to U2 (U6). As a result, thumbnail images of 1/4 size are sequentially displayed at a rate of 2 frames / second.

If the shutter button has been released in step U4 or U6, the high-speed feed instruction end determining means 113 determines that the high-speed page feed mode has ended.
The mode is shifted to the reproduction mode, the original image data corresponding to the thumbnail image displayed at that time is read out from the flash memory 51, reproduced and displayed by referring to the original image storage address 5114 of the link table 511 (U7). .
In step U4, the shutter button status is monitored for about 2 seconds and a full-size image is displayed in one frame for 2 seconds. In step U6, the shutter button is monitored for about 0.5 seconds and 1/4 thumbnail image is displayed for 2 frames. Frames / second are displayed, but the monitoring interval is not limited to this.
It may be appropriately determined at the time of designing the apparatus according to the performance and image quality of the model. In the above embodiment, when the shutter button is half-pressed, a full-size image is displayed. When the shutter button is fully pressed, a 1/4 thumbnail image is displayed. However, when the shutter button is fully pressed, a full-size image is displayed. Alternatively, a half-thumbnail image may be displayed when half-pressed.

In this example, thumbnail images are displayed one by one on the screen, but a plurality of thumbnail images may be displayed on one screen. Further, the thumbnail image can be displayed coarsely and large, so that the entire image can be grasped even with the thumbnail image.

As described above, by changing the size of an image to be displayed in accordance with the stage at which the shutter button is depressed, when a relatively large number of images are recorded, the image reproduction time (particularly, Data decompression time), play back the recorded image in a short time, and turn to the next page.
All images can be searched.

Fourth Embodiment In the third embodiment, a full-size original image or a thumbnail image is displayed according to the pressed state of the shutter button (or the search button) to enable high-speed page feed. In addition to the pressing state of the shutter button, the length of the pressing time of the shutter button may be used as the determination factor.

In the present embodiment, the shutter button 102 of the digital camera 100 is used as a search button in the playback mode.
Has a two-stage push-in button structure. In addition,
The hardware configuration, processing mode switching, and their meanings are the same as in the first embodiment. Further, the link table 551 of the second embodiment is used as the link table. Hereinafter, the size of the image to be displayed according to the pressing and depressing time and the pressing time of the shutter button is changed from the full size to 1
The case of changing from / 4 to 1/8 will be described as an example. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the switching of the size of the display image according to the pressing degree of the shutter button and the pressing time,
(A) shows the display area of the full-size original image displayed when the shutter button 102 is half-pressed for a short time (less than 0.3 seconds in this embodiment), and (b) and (c) show the shutter button. A display area of a 1/4 size thumbnail image displayed when the button 102 is half-pressed for a long time (0.3 seconds or more in the present embodiment) is shown, and (d) and (e) show the shutter button 102 fully pressed. 5 shows a display area of a ８ size thumbnail image displayed when the thumbnail image is displayed.

[Switching of page feed speed] In FIG. 18, when the user half-presses the shutter button 102, a first-stage press-down signal is sent out, and a high-speed page feed mode is set to display an image in full size. In this case, when the user continues the half-press state for 0.3 seconds or more, the control unit 20 shifts the control to the execution of the thumbnail image reproducing / display unit 112,
The サ ム ネ イ ル thumbnail images are sequentially displayed with reference to the link table 511.

When the shutter button 102 is fully or half-pressed and then fully pressed to make a full-press state, a second-stage press signal is sent out, and the control unit 20 controls the thumbnail image reproduction / display means 112 The control is shifted to execution, and １ ／ thumbnail images are sequentially displayed with reference to the link table 511.

When the user releases his / her finger, the shutter button 10
2 is released and the button is released from the depressed position. When the shutter button 102 is released in a half-pressed state or a fully-pressed state, the original image of the thumbnail image displayed at that time is displayed in full size. When the shutter button 102 is once released in the fully-pressed state and is half-pressed, the 1/8 displayed at that time is displayed.
A 1/4 thumbnail image corresponding to the thumbnail image is displayed. In this embodiment, the number of pressing steps is two. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of pressing steps is three or more, and the size of the thumbnail image displayed by the second pressing is about １ ／, 3
The size of the thumbnail image to be displayed by pressing the column is about 1
/ 8,... In addition, although the length of the half-pressing time is 0.3 seconds as a boundary, 1/4 thumbnail image display is performed, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[Operation in High-speed Page Forward Mode] FIG.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the digital camera 100 in the high-speed page feed mode.

First, when the mode is switched to the reproduction / display mode, the first reproduced image (full-size original image) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 43, and the high-speed page feed means 110 is activated (V1).

The control unit 20 includes a high-speed feed instruction determining unit 111
To check the signal for pressing down the shutter button 102 from the operation unit 30. If the push-down signal is a two-step push-down signal, it is assumed that the user has fully pressed the shutter button, and the process transits to V9 (V2).

When the push-down signal is a one-step push-down signal, it is assumed that the user has half-pressed the shutter button, and the push-down time is counted and examined. If the push-down time is 0.3 seconds or more, the state transits to V6. (V3).

At step V3, the shutter button 10
If the pressing down of 2 is less than 0.3 seconds, the original image data is read out from the flash memory 51 by referring to the next image number in the link table 551 and then to the original image storage address of the next image and reproduced. Then, the full size is displayed on the liquid crystal display 43, and the process returns to the step V2 (V4).

At step V3, the shutter button 10
If the pressing down of 2 is 0.3 seconds or more, the next image number in the link table 551 is referred to, and then 1 / of the next image is referred to.
The 1/4 thumbnail image data is read from the flash memory 51 with reference to the 4-thumbnail image storage address, reproduced, and displayed on the liquid crystal display 43 (V5).

During this time, the control unit 20 controls the shutter button 1 at 0.5 second intervals by the high-speed feed instruction end determination means 113.
02 and monitor the shutter button 102
When the button is fully pressed, the state transits to V8 (V6). When the user keeps pressing the shutter button 102, the state returns to V5. When the user releases the shutter button 102, it is determined that the high-speed page feed mode ends and the state transits to V12. . As a result, thumbnail images of 1/4 size are sequentially displayed at a rate of 2 frames / second (V7).

At step V2, the shutter button 10
When 2 is fully pressed, the next image number of the link table 551 is referred to, and then the 1/8 thumbnail image storage address of the next image is referred to, and the flash memory 51 reads 1
/ 8 thumbnail image data is read and reproduced, and displayed on the liquid crystal display 43 (V8).

During this time, the control unit 20 monitors the state of the shutter button 102 by pressing the shutter button 102 at intervals of about 0.3 seconds by the high-speed feed instruction end determination means 113, and the user returns the shutter button 102 to half-press. (V9), and returns to V8 if the user continues to fully press the shutter button 102, and determines that the high-speed page feed mode ends when the user removes the finger from the shutter button 102. As a result, 1 frame at a rate of 3 frames / second
/ 8-size thumbnail images are sequentially displayed (V1
0).

If it is determined in step V7 or V10 that the high-speed page feed mode has ended, the original image data corresponding to the thumbnail image displayed at the end of the flash memory 51 is referred to by referring to the link table 511.
And reproduces it and displays it (V11). As described above, when a relatively large number of images are recorded, by changing the size of the image to be displayed in accordance with the pressing down / down of the shutter button and the pressing down time, the page is turned in a short time, Images can be searched.

In the above embodiment, the ４ thumbnail image is displayed when the shutter button is half-pressed, and the ８ thumbnail image is displayed when the shutter button is fully pressed, but the reverse is also possible.

In the description of each of the embodiments, the simple image is recorded (compressed and recorded) together with the original image at the time of recording, and the original image and the simple image are displayed in association with each other using the link table.
At the time of recording, only the original image is compressed and recorded, and at the time of reproduction, it is expanded and displayed. However, at the time of retrieval, expansion processing different from that at the time of reproduction (for example, 1/4) is performed depending on the operation time of a search means such as a search key or a shutter button or a switching result. , 1 /
8 may be reproduced at different magnifications such as 8 to reproduce a simple image. Alternatively, the original image recorded in the flash memory may be a color image, and the simple image may be a monochrome image.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made.

[0122]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When fast-forwarding displays simple images in sequence and finds the desired image and stops fast-forwarding, the image is played back / displayed, so there is no need to write down the desired image number, and
Even if the number of images recorded on the recording medium increases, desired image selection can be performed reliably and quickly.

In the image search method according to the first aspect of the present invention, at the time of a search, a plurality of simple images corresponding to a plurality of images are played back and page-turned, so that the original images are played back one by one. Since the reproduction speed and the page feed speed are faster than in the case of page feed, the recorded image can be searched more quickly than in the past.

Further, according to the image search method of the second invention, a simple image can be reproduced according to the length of operation time of the search means, for example, according to the depression time of the search key.
The reproduction time can be further shortened, and even when there are many recorded images, all images can be searched at high speed.

In the image search method according to the third aspect of the present invention, a simple image can be reproduced according to the switching stage of the search means, for example, the depth of depression of the search key.
Similar to the image search method according to the invention, all images can be searched at high speed.

In the image search method of the fourth invention, the size of a simple image to be displayed can be changed and its reproduction can be controlled by a combination of the switching stage of the search means and the operation time. As in the image search method of the third invention, all images can be searched at high speed.
In the image search method of the fifth invention and the image search device of the fourteenth invention, the imaging shutter of an image search device having an imaging unit such as a digital camera can be used as search means, so that other function buttons can be used. There is no need to change the structure.

According to the image search method of the sixth invention and the image search apparatus of the twelfth invention, when the user finds a desired image from the fast-forwarded simple images, the image is displayed at that time. Since the original image corresponding to the simple image is reproduced and displayed, the user can confirm whether or not the image is a desired image, and the retrieval is facilitated.

In the image search method of the seventh invention and the image search apparatus of the thirteenth invention, when the user finds a desired image in the fast-forwarding simple image, the operation of the search means is stopped. (For example, the user can release the finger from the search key, shutter button, etc.) to check the original image, so that the search is easy.

In the image retrieval method according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, since the size of the simplified image is smaller than the size of the original image stored in the memory, the speed of the reproduction processing of the simplified image can be increased (especially when the compressed image is compressed). In this case, the decompression processing speed is high, and in the case of a simple image having a smaller size and not compressed, it is only necessary to read and display the simple image.) Thus, high-speed page turning is possible.

In the image retrieval method according to the ninth aspect, the simplified image is an image having coarser pixels than the image stored in the memory, so that the reproduction processing speed can be increased similarly to the eighth aspect. , High-speed page feed is possible.

In the image search method according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, since a simple image is a monochrome image, the reproduction processing speed can be increased, so that high-speed page turning is possible.

In the image retrieval method according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, when an original image data compressed and stored is decompressed to create a simple image, the decompression at the time of image reproduction for displaying at full size is performed. Since the original image data is decompressed into a simple image by decompression processing different from the processing, the reproduction processing speed can be increased by simply performing the decompression processing of the simple image, so that high-speed page feed can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view (rear view) of an embodiment of a digital camera to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of the digital camera in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a signal processing unit.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a processing mode of the digital camera.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of high-speed page sending means.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between simple image data and original image data.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a link table.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the link table.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the digital camera in a high-speed page feed mode.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display image in a high-speed page turning mode.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between simple image data and original image data.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a link table.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the link table.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the digital camera in a high-speed page feed mode.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display image in a high-speed page turning mode.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of switching of the size of a display image according to the degree of pressing a shutter button.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the digital camera in the high-speed page feed mode.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of switching of the size of a display image based on the pressing degree of a shutter button and the pressing time.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the digital camera in a high-speed page feed mode.

[Explanation of symbols]

32 Search key (search means) 51 Flash memory (memory) 92-1 to 92-5 Original image 93-1 to 93-5 Thumbnail image (simple image) 100 Digital camera (camera device) 102 Shutter button (search key) 112 Simple image reproduction / display means 113 Fast forward end determination means (high speed feed end determination means)

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An image search apparatus which stores a plurality of images in a memory and searches for a desired image from the plurality of images, reproduces a plurality of simple images corresponding to the plurality of images at the time of search. An image search method characterized by turning pages while displaying. 2. The image search method according to claim 1, wherein at the time of the search, a simple image is reproduced according to an operation time of a search unit. 3. The image search method according to claim 1, wherein at the time of the search, a simple image is reproduced according to a switching stage of the search means. 4. The image search method according to claim 1, wherein at the time of the search, the size of the simple image to be displayed and the reproduction of the simple image are controlled according to the switching stage of the search means and the operation time. . 5. An image search device provided with an imaging unit,
The image search method according to claim 2, wherein the search unit uses an imaging shutter. 6. The image search according to claim 1, further comprising, when detecting a desired image designation state by the user, reproducing and displaying the original image corresponding to the simple image displayed at that time. Method. 7. The image search method according to claim 6, wherein the detection of the image designation state is performed by detecting the end of the fast forward of the simple image or the stop of the fast forward. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the simplified image is an image smaller in size than an image stored in the memory. 9. The image search method according to claim 1, wherein the simple image is an image whose pixels are coarser than the image stored in the memory. 10. The image search method according to claim 1, wherein the image stored in the memory is a color image, and the simple image is a monochrome image. 11. The image stored in the memory is compressed and stored, and is displayed in an expanded state at the time of reproduction, and is reproduced by an expansion process different from that at the time of fast forward to create a simple image at the time of fast forward. 2. The image search method according to claim 1, wherein the search is performed. 12. An image retrieval apparatus which records image data in a memory and reproduces and displays the image data recorded in the memory, wherein a simple image reproducing / displaying means for reproducing a simple image from the memory; Means for detecting a desired image designation state, wherein when a user designates a desired image, an original image corresponding to the simple image displayed at that time is reproduced and displayed. apparatus. 13. The simple image reproducing / displaying means includes means for reproducing a simple image from the memory, and displaying a simple image for each page for a predetermined time and, when the predetermined time has elapsed, a next simple image for a predetermined time. 13. The image search apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising means for repeating an operation of displaying for a time, and wherein the means for detecting the image designation state includes a fast-forward end or a fast-forward end determination means for detecting a simple image fast-forward end or stop state. . 14. An image retrieval apparatus comprising an imaging unit, which records captured image data in a memory, and reproduces and displays the image data recorded in the memory, wherein the simple image reproduction / display means switches a shutter. 13. The image search device according to claim 12, wherein the simple image is reproduced according to a step and / or operation time.