JP2000138892A - Electronic camera and information processing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To more quickly retrieve a desired image signal by classifying a plurality of image signals under prescribed conditions and displaying only image signal information, corresponding to one image signal of the classified image signals depending on each condition. SOLUTION: A classification means for the electronic camera classifies a plurality of image signals under prescribed conditions, and a display control means controls the display to the image signal such that only image signal information corresponding to one image signal of the classified image signals is displayed for each condition. Thus, even in the case that many image signals are recorded on a recording means, the image signal information can be referred to at high speed. For example, a DSP circuit 4 of the electronic camera 10 applies thinning-out processing to a digital image signal outputted from a compression circuit 5 to generate thumbnail images, which are a plurality of image signals displayed on a liquid crystal display device 9. A CPU 7 controls each signal processing operation in the DSP circuit 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic camera and an information processing apparatus, and more particularly to an electronic camera and an information processing apparatus having a thumbnail display function of displaying a plurality of recorded image signals on a liquid crystal display in a reduced scale.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional electronic camera displays a designated number of thumbnail images, that is, a reduced display of a recorded image, on a liquid crystal display as one method of confirming a recorded image. In this case, the display order is such that the last recorded image or the first recorded image is displayed in order.

[0003]

As described above, when a conventional electronic camera displays a thumbnail of a recorded image, the thumbnail is displayed in order from the last recorded image or from the first recorded image. I was However, in this conventional display, there is a problem that it takes a long time to search for a desired image even if the image is searched in the thumbnail display when the capacity for recording the image is large. Also, when trying to shoot an image when all the capacity of the recording medium is used,
Takes time to search to remove unwanted images,
In some cases, an opportunity to take a necessary image is missed. In addition, since the search from the thumbnail images requires more time than necessary, there is a problem that the display time of the liquid crystal display becomes longer, which affects battery consumption.

[0004]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an electronic camera records an image of an object and outputs a plurality of image signals as an image signal. Recording means, display means capable of simultaneously displaying a plurality of image signal information relating to a plurality of image signals recorded in the recording means, and separation means for separating the plurality of image signals recorded in the recording means based on predetermined conditions. And display control means for controlling to display only image signal information corresponding to an arbitrary image signal among the separated image signals for each condition.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first aspect, the classification means classifies the image signals into a maximum number of images that can be simultaneously displayed on the display means. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first aspect, the classification unit classifies the image signal based on recording time information when the image signal is recorded in the recording unit as a condition. And

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the third aspect, the classification means classifies the image signal based on the recording date of the image signal as the recording time information. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first aspect, the display control unit is configured to control the image signal corresponding to the earliest image signal in the recording order in the recording unit among the image signals sorted based on the condition. It is characterized by controlling to display signal information.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first aspect, there is further provided a designation means for designating image signal information, and the display control means displays the image signal information for each condition. In the state, when any image signal information is designated by the designation means, control is performed such that all the image signal information of the image signals included in the same condition as the image signal corresponding to the designated image signal information is displayed. Features.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera according to the first aspect, there is further provided a designating means for designating image signal information, and a selecting means for selecting image signal information. In a state where the image signal information for each condition is displayed, after any image signal information is designated by the designation means, further selection of the image signal information is performed by the selection means, in response to the input of the selection means, The image signal information is controlled so as to be sequentially updated and displayed in the recording order based on the specified image signal information at the display position of the specified image signal information.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus, comprising: recording means for recording a plurality of image signals; display means capable of simultaneously displaying a plurality of image signals recorded on the recording means; The image processing apparatus further includes a classification unit configured to classify a plurality of recorded image signals under a predetermined condition, and a display control unit configured to control to display only one arbitrary image signal in the classified image signal for each condition. .

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the classification means classifies the image signals by a maximum number of images that can be simultaneously displayed on the display means as a condition. According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the classification unit classifies the image signal based on recording time information when the image signal is recorded in the recording unit as a condition. Features.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the tenth aspect, the classification means classifies the image signal based on the recording date of the image signal as the recording time information. According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the display control means corresponds to the image signal whose recording order in the recording means is the earliest among the image signals sorted based on the condition. The image signal information is controlled to be displayed.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect, there is further provided a designation means for designating image signal information, and the display control means displays the image signal information for each condition. In the state where the image signal information is specified by the specifying means in the state where the image signal is included, the image signal information of the image signal included in the same condition as the image signal corresponding to the specified image signal information is controlled to be displayed. It is characterized by.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect, there is further provided a designating means for designating image signal information, and a selecting means for selecting image signal information. In a state where the image signal information for each condition is displayed, after any image signal information is designated by the designation means, further selection of the image signal information is performed by the selection means. The image signal information is controlled to be sequentially updated and displayed in the recording order at the display position of the specified image signal information with the specified image signal information as a base point.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment. FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a display area of a thumbnail image on a liquid crystal display in the electronic camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a thumbnail image display screen in the electronic camera of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a menu display example of thumbnail display settings in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between images when thumbnail images are displayed for each number of screens displayed in the electronic camera of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between images when displaying a thumbnail image for each image recording date in the electronic camera of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure when displaying a thumbnail image for each screen display number in the electronic camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen in the case of displaying thumbnail images for each screen display number in the electronic camera of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen in a case where individual images are designated from thumbnail images displayed for each screen display number and displayed individually in the electronic camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a control procedure for displaying a thumbnail image for each image recording date in the electronic camera of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen when displaying a thumbnail image for each image recording date in the electronic camera of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen in a case where an image is designated from the thumbnail images displayed for each recording date and individual display for each date is performed in the electronic camera of the first embodiment.

First, the configuration of the electronic camera 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The electronic camera 100 of this embodiment includes a CCD 1, a CDS circuit 2, an A / D converter 3, a DSP circuit 4, a compression circuit 5, a recording medium 6, a CPU 7, an encoder 8, a liquid crystal display 9, a thumbnail display button 10, a display setting. Button 11,
It comprises a selection button 12, an enter button 13, and a delete button 14.

The CCD 1 is a photoelectric conversion element that captures light of a subject image, converts the light into an analog image signal, and outputs the analog image signal. The analog image signal of the subject image converted by the CCD 1 is output to the CDS circuit 2. The CDS circuit 2 is a CCD
An analog signal processing circuit that performs a correlated double sampling process on the analog image signal output from 1.
The analog image signal processed by the CDS circuit 2 is A /
It is output to the D converter 3.

The A / D converter 3 converts an analog image signal output from the CDS circuit 2 into a digital image signal. The digital image signal converted by the A / D converter 3 is D
Output to the SP circuit 4. The DSP circuit 4 is an image processing circuit for performing image processing such as gamma conversion and white balance processing on the digital image signal output from the A / D converter 3. The digital image signal subjected to the image processing is output to the compression circuit 5. In addition, the DSP circuit 4 performs a thinning process on the digital image signal output from the compression circuit 5 to create a thumbnail image for displaying a plurality of image signals on the liquid crystal display 9. DS
Each signal processing operation in the P circuit 4 is controlled by the CPU 7.

The compression circuit 5 is a circuit that performs signal compression processing such as JPEG conversion on the digital image signal output from the DSP circuit 4. The signal compression processing by the compression circuit 5 is performed by performing BA at a compression rate set by default.
Compression processing using a plurality of compression ratios can be selected depending on the application, such as the SIC mode or the Fine mode in which compression is performed at a compression ratio lower than that of the BASIC mode. The compressed digital image signal is output to the memory 6. The compression circuit 5 expands the compressed digital image signal read from the recording medium 6. Compression and decompression in the compression circuit 5 are controlled by the CPU 7.

The recording medium 6 records the image signal output from the compression circuit 5. Examples of the recording medium 6 include a hard disk, a floppy disk, a semiconductor memory, a memory card, and the like. Recording and reading of image signals on the recording medium 6 are controlled by the CPU 7. C
The PU 7 controls the imaging operation of the subject image by the above-described CCD 1, CDS circuit 2, A / D converter 3, and DSP circuit 4. The CPU 7 controls a recording operation of the digital image signal by the compression circuit 5 and the memory 6. Also, the CPU 7
The digital video signal reproducing operation by the encoder 8 and the liquid crystal display 9 described later is controlled. Also, the CPU 7
In response to an input of a thumbnail display button 10 described later, a thumbnail image which is a reduced image of the image signal recorded on the recording medium 6 is created in the DSP circuit 4 and displayed on the liquid crystal display 9. Further, the CPU 7 displays a menu of the thumbnail image display setting on the liquid crystal display 9 based on the input of the display setting button 11. In the first embodiment, the CPU 7 divides the liquid crystal display 9 into six display areas from the display area 0 to the display area 5 as shown in FIG. Display. FIG. 3 shows a display example of a thumbnail image in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, on the thumbnail image display screen of the present embodiment,
Thumbnail images 21, 22, 2 on liquid crystal display 9
3, 24, 25, 26 and their frame numbers PIC01, P
IC02, PIC03, PIC04, PIC05, PI
C06 and a selection cursor S are displayed. Frame number PI
C01, PIC02, PIC03, PIC04, PIC
05 and PIC06 indicate image signals recorded on the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth sheets, respectively. The selection cursor S is a cursor display for indicating the current selection position. The selection cursor S moves for each thumbnail image on the display screen according to the input of the selection button 12.

The encoder 8 includes a luminance detection circuit 2 described later.
This is for converting the digital image signal output from 0 for display on the liquid crystal display 9. Encoder 8
Is output to the liquid crystal display 9. The liquid crystal display 9 is for displaying a digital image signal output from the encoder 8.

The thumbnail display button 10 is a button for starting a thumbnail image display operation. The output of the thumbnail display button 10 is output to the CPU 7.
The display setting button 11 is a button for setting a display mode in which a thumbnail image of an image signal recorded on the recording medium 6 is displayed.
The output of the display setting button 11 is output to the CPU 7.

The selection button 12 is a button for moving a cursor for selecting a thumbnail image displayed on the liquid crystal display 9. The selection button 12 moves a cursor for selecting a menu for setting the electronic camera 100 displayed on the liquid crystal display 9. The output of the selection button 12 is output to the CPU 7.

The decision button 13 is a button for deciding a thumbnail image displayed on the display 9 or an item of a setting menu. The output of the enter button 13 is C
Output to PU7. The delete button 14 is a button for performing an operation of deleting a digital image signal. The output of the delete button 14 is output to the CPU 7.

Next, a control procedure of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7. FIG. First, in step S1, the presence or absence of an input of the thumbnail display button 10 is detected. If there is an input of the thumbnail display button 10, it is determined that a thumbnail image display operation is to be performed, and the process proceeds to step S2. If there is no input from the thumbnail display button 10, it is determined that no thumbnail image is to be displayed, and the process waits in step S1.

If it is determined in step S1 that a thumbnail image is to be displayed, the operation proceeds to step S2. Step S2
Performs the initial setting. Initial setting is 1 for the frame number flag n.
And the display number flag i is set to 0. Further, the liquid crystal display 9 is divided by the maximum number p of simultaneously displayable thumbnail images as shown in FIG. 2 to define a display area of the thumbnail images. Upon completion of the process in the step S2, the process proceeds to a step S3.

Next, in step S3, the recording medium 6
Are assigned frame numbers in order from 1 to the digital image signal recorded in. Further, an area code from 0 to p-1 is assigned to the display area of the thumbnail image defined in step S2. Upon completion of the process in the step S3, the process proceeds to a step S4. Next, in step S4, the thumbnail image of the frame number n is
It is displayed in the upper display area of the area code i. Step S
When the process of Step 4 is completed, the process proceeds to Step S5.

Next, in step S5, 1 is added to the frame number flag n. Further, 1 is added to the display number flag i. When the processing in step S5 is completed, step S6
Proceed to. Next, in step S6, it is checked whether or not there is an image signal with the frame number n. If an image signal of the frame number n exists, it is determined that the image signal of the frame number n can be displayed, and the process proceeds to step S7. If there is no image signal of frame number n, it is determined that the image signal of frame number n cannot be displayed, and step S1 is performed.
Proceed to 1.

If it is determined in step S6 that the image signal of frame number n can be displayed, the process proceeds to step S7.
In step S7, the value of the number-of-displays flag i is compared with the maximum number p of simultaneously displayable thumbnail images, and it is determined whether or not the thumbnail images can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 yet. If the value of the display number flag i is equal to the maximum number p that can be displayed simultaneously, it is determined that it is impossible to display a new thumbnail image on the liquid crystal display 9, and the process proceeds to step S8. If the value of the display number flag i is smaller than the maximum number p that can be displayed simultaneously, the liquid crystal display 9
It is determined that it is possible to display a new thumbnail image on the top, and the process proceeds to step S4. By performing the processing from step S4 to step S7, the display screen of the thumbnail images shown in FIG. 3 is obtained.

If it is determined in step S7 that a new thumbnail image cannot be displayed, the process proceeds to step S8. A step S8 detects the presence or absence of an input of the display setting button 11. If there is an input of the display setting button 11, it is determined that the display setting of the thumbnail image is to be changed, and the process proceeds to step S9. If there is no input from the display setting button 11, it is determined that the display setting of the thumbnail image is not changed, and the process proceeds to step S11.

If it is determined in step S8 that the display setting of the thumbnail image is to be changed, the process proceeds to step S9.
A step S 9 displays a display setting menu for thumbnail images on the liquid crystal display 9. FIG. 5 shows an example of a thumbnail image display setting menu. As shown in FIG. 5, the electronic camera 100 of the first embodiment has, as display modes, a recording date mode and a screen display count mode. The electronic camera 100 sets the display mode of the thumbnail image by moving the selection cursor indicated by the arrow in FIG. Each display mode will be described with reference to FIGS.

The screen display number mode is a mode for displaying one thumbnail image for every maximum number of digital image signals recorded on the recording medium 6 which can be simultaneously displayed on the liquid crystal display 9. FIG. 6 shows an example of thumbnail image display in the screen display number mode. As shown in FIG. 6, in the screen display number mode, six images, which are the maximum number of images that can be simultaneously displayed on the liquid crystal display from the image signal recorded on the first image to the image signal recorded on the sixth image, are displayed. A thumbnail image of the first image signal is displayed as a thumbnail image representing the image signal. Similarly, a thumbnail image of the seventh image signal is displayed as a thumbnail image representing six image signals from the seventh to twelfth images, and sixteen images from the thirteenth to eighteenth images are displayed. A thumbnail image of the thirteenth image signal is displayed as a thumbnail image representing the image signal.

The recording date mode is a mode in which digital image signals recorded on the recording medium 6 are classified based on information on the recording date, and thumbnail images are displayed for each classified date. FIG. 7 shows an example of thumbnail image display in the recording date mode. As shown in FIG. 7, in the recording date mode, assuming that the first image signal and the second image signal are image signals recorded on the same day, a thumbnail image representing these two image signals is obtained. The thumbnail image of the first image signal is displayed. Similarly, assuming that the third to sixth image signals are image signals recorded on the same day, a thumbnail image of the third image signal is displayed as a thumbnail image representing the four image signals. . Step S9
When the processing of is completed, the process proceeds to step S10.

Next, in step S10, the state of the selection button 12 at the time when the enter button 13 is input is detected, and it is determined which thumbnail display setting has been selected. As a result of the detection, the thumbnail image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9.
If the display setting for grouping for each displayable number is selected, the process proceeds to step S100. If the display setting for sorting the thumbnail images for each date recorded on the recording medium 6 is selected, the process proceeds to step S200.

If it is determined in step S6 that the image signal of the frame number n cannot be displayed, or if it is determined in step S8 that the display setting of the thumbnail image is not changed, the process proceeds to step S11. Step S
11 detects the presence or absence of the input of the enter button 13 and determines whether an image signal to be reproduced and displayed has been designated from among the thumbnail images displayed on the liquid crystal display 9.
If the determination button 13 has been input, it is determined that an image signal to be reproduced and displayed has been designated, and the process proceeds to step S12. If the enter button 13 has not been input, it is determined that the image signal to be reproduced and displayed has not been specified, and the process waits in step S11.

If the display setting to combine the thumbnail images for each displayable number of the liquid crystal display 9 is selected in step S10, the process proceeds to step S100. In step S100, a process is performed in which image signals recorded on the recording medium 6 are grouped by a predetermined number, thumbnail images are displayed, and an image signal to be reproduced and displayed is specified from the thumbnail images.
The processing in step S100 will be described later in detail. When a series of processes in step S100 is completed and an image signal to be reproduced and displayed is designated, the process proceeds to step S12.

If it is determined in step S10 that the display setting for sorting the thumbnail images for each date recorded on the recording medium 6 is selected, the process proceeds to step S200. Step S2
In the step 00, the image signal recorded on the recording medium 6 is classified for each recording date, the thumbnail images are displayed for each date, and the image signal to be reproduced and displayed is specified from the thumbnail images. The processing in step S200 will be described later in detail. When a series of processes in step S200 is completed and an image signal to be reproduced and displayed is designated, step S200 is performed.
Proceed to 12.

When an image signal to be reproduced and displayed is specified in step S11, S100, or S200, the process proceeds to step S12. Step S12
Reads out an image signal corresponding to the designated thumbnail image from the recording medium 6 and outputs it to the liquid crystal display 9 via the compression circuit 5 and the encoder 8 to reproduce and display the image signal. Upon completion of the process in the step S8, the process proceeds to the step S8.
Proceed to 13.

Next, in step S13, the presence or absence of the input of the delete button 14 is detected. If there is an input of the delete button 14, it is determined in step S8 that the image signal reproduced and displayed on the liquid crystal display is to be deleted, and the process proceeds to step S114. If there is no input from the delete button 14, it is determined that the image signal is not to be deleted, the process proceeds to the end, and the series of processes is ended.

If it is determined in step S13 that the image signal is to be deleted, the process proceeds to step S14. Step S
14 deletes the image signal displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 from the recording medium 6 in step S12. When the process in step S14 is completed, the process proceeds to the end, and a series of processes ends. Next, step S1 of the control procedure shown in FIG.
A detailed control procedure of the thumbnail image display process at 00 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, and 10. FIG.

If the display setting to combine the thumbnail images for each displayable number of the liquid crystal display 9 is selected in step S6 in FIG. 4, the process proceeds to step S100 in FIG. First, initialization is performed in step S101. Initially, the frame number flag n is set to 1. Further, the display number flag i is set to 0. Upon completion of the process in the step S101, the process proceeds to a step S102.

Next, in step S102, the thumbnail image of the frame number n is displayed on the display area of the area code i on the liquid crystal display 9. Upon completion of the process in the step S102, the process proceeds to a step S103. Next, in step S103, the maximum number p of simultaneously displayable thumbnail images is added to the frame number flag n. Further, 1 is added to the display number flag i. Upon completion of the process in the step S103, the process proceeds to a step S104.

Next, in step S104, it is checked whether or not there is an image signal with the frame number n. When the image signal of the frame number n exists, the frame number n
It is determined that the image signal can be displayed, and step S105
Proceed to. If the image signal of the frame number n does not exist, it is determined that the image signal of the frame number n cannot be displayed, and the process proceeds to step S112.

If it is determined in step S104 that the image signal of frame number n can be displayed, step S105
Proceed to. A step S105 compares the value of the number-of-displays flag i with the maximum number p of simultaneously-displayable thumbnail images,
It is determined whether or not the thumbnail image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9. If the value of the number-of-displays flag i is equal to the maximum number p that can be displayed simultaneously, it is determined that it is impossible to display a new thumbnail image on the liquid crystal display 9, and the process proceeds to step S106. If the value of the display number flag i is smaller than the maximum number p that can be displayed simultaneously, it is determined that a new thumbnail image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, and the process proceeds to step S102.
FIG. 9 shows a display screen of the liquid crystal display 9 as a result of performing the processing from step S102 to step S105. As shown in FIG. 9, the display screen displays thumbnail images 31, 3
2, 33, 34, 35, 36 and their frame numbers PIC0
1, PIC07, PIC13, PIC19, PIC2
5. The PIC 31 and the selection cursor S are displayed. Frame numbers PIC01, PIC07, PIC13, PIC1
9, PIC25 and PIC31 indicate thumbnail images of the image signals recorded on the first, seventh, thirteenth, nineteenth, twenty-fifth, and thirty-first sheets, respectively. As described above, when the processing of steps S102 to S105 is performed, the liquid crystal display 9 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9.
Are displayed in the recording order.

If it is determined in step S105 that a new thumbnail image cannot be displayed, the process proceeds to step S105.
Proceed to 106. A step S106 checks the input of the selection button 12, and determines whether or not the next page display is designated. When the input of the selection button 12 attempts to move the selection cursor to a position other than the thumbnail image displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, for example, when the selection cursor is located at the position of the thumbnail image of A in FIG. If there is an input to move to the left, it is determined that next page display has been designated, and the process proceeds to step S107. If there is no input from the selection button 12 or an input to move the cursor to any of the thumbnail images displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, it is determined that the next page display is not specified. Step S11
Proceed to 2.

If it is determined in step S106 that the next page is to be displayed, the flow advances to step S107. Step S
107 deletes all the thumbnail images displayed on the liquid crystal display 9. Further, the display number flag i is initialized to 0. Upon completion of the process in the step S107, the process proceeds to a step S108. Next, in step S108,
The thumbnail image of the frame number n is displayed on the display area of the area code i on the liquid crystal display 9. Step S10
When the process in Step 8 is completed, the process proceeds to Step S109.

Next, in step S109, the maximum number p of simultaneously displayable thumbnail images is added to the frame number flag n. Further, 1 is added to the display number flag i.
Upon completion of the process in the step S109, a step S110 is performed.
Proceed to. Next, in step S110, the frame number n
Investigate whether there is an image signal marked with.
If the image signal of the frame number n exists, it is determined that the image signal of the frame number n can be displayed, and the process proceeds to step S111. If the image signal of the frame number n does not exist, it is determined that the image signal of the frame number n cannot be displayed, and the process proceeds to step S112.

If it is determined in step S110 that the image signal of frame number n can be displayed, step S111
Proceed to. A step S111 compares the value of the display number flag i with the maximum number p of the thumbnail images that can be displayed simultaneously,
It is determined whether or not the thumbnail image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9. If the value of the display number flag i is equal to the maximum number p that can be displayed simultaneously, it is determined that it is impossible to display a new thumbnail image on the liquid crystal display 9, and the process proceeds to step S112. If the value of the display number flag i is smaller than the maximum number p that can be displayed simultaneously, it is determined that a new thumbnail image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, and the process proceeds to step S108.

Step S104 or step S110
In step S106, it is determined that the image signal of the frame number n cannot be displayed, or in step S106, it is determined that the next page is not to be displayed, or in step S106.
If it is determined in step 111 that a new thumbnail image cannot be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, the process proceeds to step S112. Step S112 is a decision button 1
The presence or absence of the input of No. 3 is examined, and it is determined whether or not the thumbnail images to be sequentially displayed are designated. If there is an input of the enter button 13, it is determined that thumbnail images to be sequentially displayed have been designated, and the process proceeds to step S113. If the enter button 13 has not been input, it is determined that thumbnail images to be sequentially displayed have not been specified, and the process proceeds to step S106.

If it is determined in step S112 that thumbnail images to be sequentially displayed have been designated, the flow advances to step S113. Step S113 is a decision button 1
The frame number s of the designated thumbnail image is acquired by referring to the position of the selection cursor at the time when 3 is input. When the processing in step S113 is completed, step S1
Proceed to 14.

Next, in step S114, as a setting before the thumbnail images are sequentially displayed, the frame number flag n is set to the frame number s of the specified thumbnail image. Further, all the thumbnail images displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 are deleted. Further, the display number flag i is initialized to 0. Upon completion of the process in the step S114, the process proceeds to a step S115.

Next, in step S115, the thumbnail image of the frame number n is displayed on the display area of the area code i on the liquid crystal display 9. Upon completion of the process in the step S115, the process proceeds to a step S116. Next, in step S116, 1 is added to the frame number flag n. Further, 1 is added to the display number flag i. Step S
Upon completion of the process at 116, the process proceeds to step S117.

Next, in step S117, it is checked whether or not there is an image signal with the frame number n. When the image signal of the frame number n exists, the frame number n
It is determined that the image signal is displayable, and step S118 is performed.
Proceed to. If the image signal of the frame number n does not exist, it is determined that the image signal of the frame number n cannot be displayed, and the process proceeds to step S125.

If it is determined in step S117 that the image signal of frame number n can be displayed, step S118.
Proceed to. A step S118 compares the value of the number-of-displays flag i with the maximum number p of simultaneously displayable thumbnail images,
It is determined whether or not the thumbnail image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9. If the value of the display number flag i is equal to the maximum number p that can be displayed simultaneously, it is determined that it is impossible to display a new thumbnail image on the liquid crystal display 9, and the process proceeds to step S119. If the value of the number-of-displays flag i is smaller than the maximum number p that can be simultaneously displayed, it is determined that a new thumbnail image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, and the process proceeds to step S115.
FIG. 10 shows a display screen of the liquid crystal display 9 as a result of performing the processing from step S113 to step S118.
FIG. 10 shows a display screen when display is sequentially specified in a state where the selection cursor S is at the position of the thumbnail image 32 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, thumbnail images 41, 42, 43, 44, 4
5, 46 and their frame numbers PIC07, PIC08, P
IC09, PIC10, PIC11, PIC12 and a selection cursor S are displayed. Frame number PIC07, PI
C08, PIC09, PIC10, PIC11, PIC
12 is the seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth,
The thumbnail images of the image signals recorded on the eleventh and twelfth images are shown. In this manner, the liquid crystal display 9 displays the thumbnail images one by one in the recording order, starting from the thumbnail image of the seventh image signal whose display is sequentially designated.

If it is determined in step S118 that a new thumbnail image cannot be displayed, the process proceeds to step S118.
Go to 119. A step S119 checks the input of the selection button 12, and determines whether or not the next page display is designated. When the input of the selection button 12 attempts to move the selection cursor to a position other than the thumbnail image displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, for example, in the figure, when the selection cursor is at the position of the thumbnail image of A, the left If there is an input to move to the next page, it is determined that the next page display has been designated, and the process proceeds to step S120. If there is no input from the selection button 12 or an input to move the cursor to any of the thumbnail images displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, it is determined that the next page display is not specified. Step S12
Go to 5.

If it is determined in step S119 that the next page is to be displayed, the flow advances to step S120. A step S120 deletes all the thumbnail images displayed on the liquid crystal display 9. Further, the display number flag i is initialized to 0. Upon completion of the process in the step S120, the process proceeds to a step S121. Next, in step S121, the thumbnail image of the frame number n is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9
It is displayed in the upper display area of the area code i. Step S
When the process at 121 is completed, the process proceeds to step S122.

Next, in step S122, 1 is added to the frame number flag n. Also, 1 is set to the display number flag i.
Is added. Upon completion of the process in the step S122, the process proceeds to a step S123. Next, in step S123, it is checked whether or not there is an image signal with the frame number n. If an image signal of the frame number n exists, it is determined that the image signal of the frame number n can be displayed, and the process proceeds to step S124. If the image signal of the frame number n does not exist, it is determined that the image signal of the frame number n cannot be displayed, and the process proceeds to step S125.

If it is determined in step S123 that the image signal of frame number n can be displayed, step S124 is performed.
Proceed to. A step S124 compares the value of the display number flag i with the maximum number p of simultaneously displayable thumbnail images,
It is determined whether or not the thumbnail image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9. If the value of the display number flag i is equal to the maximum number p that can be displayed simultaneously, it is determined that it is impossible to display a new thumbnail image on the liquid crystal display 9, and the process proceeds to step S125. If the value of the display number flag i is smaller than the maximum number p that can be displayed simultaneously, it is determined that a new thumbnail image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, and the process proceeds to step S121.

Step S117 or step S123
In step S119, it is determined that the image signal of the frame number n cannot be displayed, or in step S119, it is determined that the next page is not to be displayed, or in step S119.
If it is determined in 124 that a new thumbnail image cannot be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, the process proceeds to step S125. Step S125 is a decision button 1
The presence or absence of the input of No. 3 is checked to determine whether a thumbnail image to be reproduced and displayed has been designated. If the determination button 13 has been input, it is determined that the thumbnail image to be reproduced and displayed has been designated, and the process proceeds to step S8. If the enter button 13 has not been input, it is determined that the thumbnail image to be reproduced and displayed has not been designated, and the process proceeds to step S1.
Proceed to 19.

Next, the detailed control procedure of the thumbnail image display processing in step S200 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
1 and FIG. 12 and FIG. If the display setting for sorting the thumbnail images by date of recording is selected in step S6 in FIG. 4, step S6 in FIG.
Go to 200. First, initialization is performed in step S201. Initially, the date number flag d is set to 1.
Further, the date frame number dn is set to 1. Further, the display number flag i is set to 0. Upon completion of the process in the step S201, the process proceeds to a step S202.

Next, in step S202, the digital image signals recorded on the recording medium 6 are separated for each recording date, and date numbers are assigned to the separated image signals in order from 1 in order of date. Further, date frame numbers are assigned in order from 1 for each recording date. Upon completion of the process in the step S202, the process proceeds to a step S203. Next, step S20
3, the thumbnail image having the date number d and the date frame number dn of 1 is stored in the area code i
In the display area of. Upon completion of the process in the step S203, the process proceeds to a step S204.

Next, in step S204, 1 is added to the date number flag d. Further, 1 is added to the display number flag i. Upon completion of the process in the step S204, the process proceeds to a step S205. Next, in step S205, it is checked whether or not there is an image signal with the date number d. If an image signal with the date number d exists, it is determined that the image signal with the date number d can be displayed, and the process proceeds to step S206. If there is no image signal with the date number d, it is determined that the image signal with the date number d cannot be displayed, and the process proceeds to step S213.

If it is determined in step S205 that the image signal of the date number d can be displayed, step S206
Proceed to. A step S206 compares the value of the number-of-displays flag i with the maximum number p of simultaneously displayable thumbnail images,
It is determined whether or not the thumbnail image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9. If the value of the display number flag i is equal to the maximum number p that can be displayed simultaneously, it is determined that it is impossible to display a new thumbnail image on the liquid crystal display 9, and the process proceeds to step S207. If the value of the display number flag i is smaller than the maximum number p that can be displayed simultaneously, it is determined that a new thumbnail image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, and the process proceeds to step S203.
FIG. 12 shows a display screen of the liquid crystal display 9 as a result of performing the processing from step S203 to step S206.
As shown in FIG. 12, a thumbnail image 5 is displayed on the display screen.
1a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a, 56a and their recording dates 51b, 52b, 53b, 54b, 55b,
56b and the selection cursor S are displayed. Recording date 51
b, 52b, 53b, 54b, 55b, and 56b indicate that the image signal corresponding to the thumbnail image was recorded on that date, respectively. As shown in FIG. 12, on the liquid crystal display 9, thumbnail images for each recording date are displayed in the recording order.

If it is determined in step S206 that it is impossible to display a new thumbnail image, the process proceeds to step S206.
Proceed to 207. A step S207 checks the input of the selection button 12, and determines whether or not the next page display is designated. When the input of the selection button 12 attempts to move the selection cursor to a position other than the thumbnail image displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, for example, in the figure, when the selection cursor is at the position of the thumbnail image of A, the left When there is an input to move to the next page, it is determined that the next page display has been designated, and the process proceeds to step S108. If there is no input from the selection button 12 or an input to move the cursor to any of the thumbnail images displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, it is determined that the next page display is not specified. Step S21
Proceed to 3.

If it is determined in step S207 that the next page is to be displayed, the flow advances to step S208. A step S208 deletes all the thumbnail images displayed on the liquid crystal display 9. Further, the display number flag i is initialized to 0. Upon completion of the process in the step S208, the process proceeds to a step S209. Next, in step S209, a thumbnail image having a date number d and a date frame number dn of 1 is displayed on the display area of the area code i on the liquid crystal display 9. Upon completion of the process in the step S209, the process proceeds to a step S210.

Next, in step S210, 1 is added to the date number flag d. Also, 1 is set to the display number flag i.
Is added. Upon completion of the process in the step S210, the process proceeds to a step S211. Next, in step S211, it is checked whether there is an image signal with the date number d. If an image signal with the date number d exists, it is determined that the image signal with the date number d can be displayed, and the process proceeds to step S212. If there is no image signal with the date number d, it is determined that the image signal with the date number d cannot be displayed, and the process proceeds to step S213.

If it is determined in step S211 that the image signal of the date number d can be displayed, step S212.
Proceed to. A step S212 compares the value of the display number flag i with the maximum number p of simultaneously displayable thumbnail images,
It is determined whether or not the thumbnail image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9. If the value of the display number flag i is equal to the maximum number p that can be displayed simultaneously, it is determined that it is impossible to display a new thumbnail image on the liquid crystal display 9, and the process proceeds to step S213. If the value of the display number flag i is smaller than the maximum number p that can be displayed simultaneously, it is determined that a new thumbnail image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, and the process proceeds to step S209.

Step S205 or S211
In step S207, it is determined that the image signal with the date number d cannot be displayed, or when it is determined in step S207 that the next page is not to be displayed, or in step S207.
If it is determined in 212 that a new thumbnail image cannot be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, the process proceeds to step S213. In step S213, the enter button 1
The presence or absence of the input of No. 3 is examined, and it is determined whether or not the thumbnail images to be sequentially displayed are designated. If the determination button 13 has been input, it is determined that a thumbnail image to be individually displayed for each date has been designated, and the flow advances to step S214. If the enter button 13 has not been input, it is determined that a thumbnail image to be individually displayed for each date has not been specified, and the process proceeds to step S207.

If it is determined in step S213 that a thumbnail image to be individually displayed for each date has been designated, the flow advances to step S214. A step S214 refers to the position of the selection cursor at the time when the enter button 13 is input, and refers to the date number t of the designated thumbnail image.
To get. Upon completion of the process in the step S214, the process proceeds to a step S215.

Next, in step S215, the date number flag d is set to the date number t of the specified thumbnail image as a setting before the individual display of the thumbnail images by date. Further, all the thumbnail images displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 are deleted. Further, the display number flag i is initialized to 0. Upon completion of the process in the step S215, the process proceeds to a step S216.

Next, in step S216, a thumbnail image of the date number d and the date frame number dn is displayed on the display area of the area code i on the liquid crystal display 9.
Upon completion of the process in the step S216, the process proceeds to the step S217.
Proceed to. Next, in step S217, 1 is added to the date frame number flag dn. Further, 1 is added to the display number flag i. Upon completion of the process in the step S217, the process proceeds to a step S218.

Next, in step S218, it is checked whether or not there is an image signal with date number d and date frame number dn. If there is an image signal with the date number d and the date frame number dn, it is determined that the image signal with the date number d and the date frame number dn can be displayed, and the process proceeds to step S219. If there is no image signal with date number d and date frame number dn, it is determined that the image signal with date number d and date frame number dn cannot be displayed, and the process proceeds to step S226.

If it is determined in step S218 that the image signal having the date number d and the date frame number dn can be displayed, the process proceeds to step S219. In step S219, the value of the display number flag i is compared with the maximum number p of simultaneously displayable thumbnail images, and it is determined whether or not the thumbnail images can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 yet. If the value of the number-of-displays flag i is equal to the maximum number p that can be displayed simultaneously,
It is determined that it is impossible to display a new thumbnail image on the liquid crystal display 9, and the process proceeds to step S220. If the value of the display number flag i is smaller than the maximum number p that can be displayed simultaneously, it is determined that a new thumbnail image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, and the process proceeds to step S216. Step S214 to step S
FIG. 13 shows a display screen of the liquid crystal display 9 as a result of performing the process of 219. FIG. 13 shows a display screen when display is sequentially specified in a state where the selection cursor S is at the position of the thumbnail image 52a as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 13, a thumbnail image 61 is displayed on the display screen.
a, 62a, 63a, 64a, 65a and their frame numbers 61b, 62b, 63b, 64b, 65b and a selection cursor S are displayed. Frame numbers 61b, 62b, 63
b, 64b, and 65b are composed of a date and a date frame number at which the image was taken. In FIG.
This indicates that the image is a thumbnail image of an image signal recorded on the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth frames of the image captured on 8/1/3. As described above, the liquid crystal display 9 has the 98/1 on which the individual display for each date is designated.
The thumbnail images of the image signal of ３ are displayed one by one in the recording order.

If it is determined in step S219 that it is impossible to display a new thumbnail image, the process proceeds to step S219.
Proceed to 220. A step S220 checks the input of the selection button 12 to determine whether or not the next page display is designated. When the input of the selection button 12 attempts to move the selection cursor to a position other than the thumbnail image displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, for example, in the figure, when the selection cursor is at the position of the thumbnail image of A, the left When there is an input to move to the next page, it is determined that the next page display has been designated, and the process proceeds to step S221. If there is no input from the selection button 12 or an input to move the cursor to any of the thumbnail images displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, it is determined that the next page display is not specified. Step S22
Proceed to 6.

If it is determined in step S220 that the next page is to be displayed, the flow advances to step S221. Step S
221 deletes all the thumbnail images displayed on the liquid crystal display 9. Further, the display number flag i is initialized to 0. Upon completion of the process in the step S221, the process proceeds to a step S222. Next, in step S222,
A thumbnail image having the date number d and the date frame number dn is displayed on the display area of the area code i on the liquid crystal display 9. Upon completion of the process in the step S222, the process proceeds to a step S223.

Next, in step S223, 1 is added to the date frame number flag dn. Further, 1 is added to the display number flag i. Upon completion of the process in the step S223, the process proceeds to a step S224. Next, in step S224, it is checked whether or not there is an image signal with date number d and date frame number dn. Date number d
If an image signal with the date frame number dn exists, it is determined that the image signal with the date number d and the date frame number dn can be displayed, and the process proceeds to step S225. Date number d
If there is no image signal with the date frame number dn, it is determined that the image signal with the date number d and the date frame number dn cannot be displayed, and the process proceeds to step S226.

If it is determined in step S224 that the image signal having the date number d and the date frame number dn can be displayed, the process proceeds to step S225. A step S225 compares the value of the number-of-displays flag i with the maximum number p of simultaneously displayable thumbnail images, and determines whether or not the thumbnail images can still be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9. If the value of the number-of-displays flag i is equal to the maximum number p that can be displayed simultaneously,
It is determined that it is impossible to display a new thumbnail image on the liquid crystal display 9, and the process proceeds to step S226. If the value of the display number flag i is smaller than the maximum number p that can be simultaneously displayed, it is determined that a new thumbnail image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, and the process proceeds to step S222.

Step S218 or step S224
When it is determined that the image signal of the date number d and the date frame number dn cannot be displayed, or in step S
If it is determined in 220 that the next page is not to be displayed, or if it is determined in step S225 that a new thumbnail image cannot be displayed on the liquid crystal display 9, the process proceeds to step S226. Step S
A step 213 checks whether or not the input of the enter button 13 has been performed, and determines whether or not a thumbnail image to be reproduced and displayed has been designated. If the determination button 13 has been input, it is determined that the thumbnail image to be reproduced and displayed has been designated, and the process proceeds to step S8. If the enter button 13 has not been input, it is determined that the thumbnail image to be reproduced and displayed has not been specified, and the process proceeds to step S220.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure when displaying a thumbnail image for each screen display number in the electronic camera of the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display screen when an image is designated from thumbnail images displayed for each screen display number and individual display is performed in the electronic camera according to the second embodiment.

Note that the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the control procedure for setting the display of thumbnail images, and the configuration of the apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment. Here, only the control procedure will be described. A control procedure of the CPU 7 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

In FIG. 14, the processing from step S301 to step S311 is the same as the processing from step S101 to step S1 of the control procedure in the first embodiment shown in FIG.
Since the processing is the same as the processing up to 11, the description is omitted. If it is determined in step S304 or S310 that the image signal of frame number n cannot be displayed, or if it is determined in step S306 that the next page is not to be displayed, or if a new thumbnail is displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 in step S311. If it is determined that it is impossible to display an image, the process advances to step S312. A step S312 investigates whether or not the enter button 13 has been input, and determines whether or not a thumbnail image to be updated and displayed has been designated. If the determination button 13 has been input, it is determined that the thumbnail image to be updated and displayed has been designated, and the flow advances to step S313. Also, enter button 1
If there is no input of “3”, it is determined that the thumbnail image to be updated and displayed is not specified, and the process proceeds to step S306.

If it is determined in step S312 that a thumbnail image to be updated and displayed has been designated, the flow advances to step S313. Step S313 is a decision button 1
With reference to the position of the selection cursor at the time when 3 is input, the frame number s of the specified thumbnail image and the area code u on the liquid crystal display where the specified thumbnail image is displayed are obtained. Upon completion of the process in the step S313, the process proceeds to a step S314.

Next, in step S314, the frame number flag n is set to the frame number s of the specified thumbnail image as a setting before the thumbnail image is updated and displayed. When the process of step S314 is completed, step S
Proceed to 315. Next, in step S315, it is determined whether or not the update display of the thumbnail image has been designated by detecting the presence or absence of the input of the selection button 12.
If the selection button 12 has been input, it is determined that the thumbnail image is to be updated and displayed, and the process proceeds to step S316. If there is no input from the selection button 12, it is determined that the thumbnail image is not updated and displayed, and the process proceeds to step S318.

If it is determined in step S315 that the thumbnail image is to be updated and displayed, the flow advances to step S316. A step S316 adds or subtracts the frame number flag n according to the input of the selection button 12. Upon completion of the process in the step S316, the process proceeds to a step S317.
Next, in step S317, the thumbnail image of the frame number n is updated and displayed over the display area of the area code u on the liquid crystal display. Upon completion of the process in the step S317, the process proceeds to a step S318.

If it is determined in step S315 that the thumbnail image is not to be updated or displayed, or if the processing in step S317 is completed, the flow advances to step S318. A step S318 investigates whether or not the enter button 13 has been input, and determines whether or not a thumbnail image to be reproduced and displayed has been designated. If the determination button 13 is input, it is determined that the thumbnail image to be reproduced and displayed has been designated, and the process proceeds to step S8 in FIG. If the enter button 13 has not been input, it is determined that the thumbnail image to be reproduced and displayed has not been specified, and the process proceeds to step S315.

In the first and second embodiments, the digital image signal is deleted as a process after the reproduction and display of the digital image signal on the liquid crystal display 9. However, the process after the reproduction and display of the image signal is performed. Is not limited to the deletion of the image signal. The digital image signal may be transferred to an external device (not shown) connected to the electronic camera 100 after the image signal is reproduced and displayed.

In the first and second embodiments, the digital image signal read from the recording medium 6 is thinned out by the DSP circuit 4 to create a thumbnail image. Before recording, the image may be created in advance, recorded on the recording medium 6 in association with the original digital image signal, and the thumbnail image created in advance may be read from the recording medium 6 when displaying the thumbnail image.

In the first and second embodiments,
Image signals are grouped by the number of screens displayed on the liquid crystal display 9 and the recording date on the recording medium 6, but other conditions for grouping image signals are DS.
Image signals may be combined based on the mode of white balance processing in the P circuit 4, the mode of compression processing in the compression circuit 5, the presence or absence of strobe light emission during photographing, and the like. As a control procedure for displaying a thumbnail image under these conditions, the control procedure for displaying a thumbnail image for each recording date shown in FIG. 11 may be used with different conditions.

In the first and second embodiments, the thumbnail image of the image signal whose recording order is the earliest is displayed as the thumbnail image representing several image signals belonging to the same condition. According to the method described above, it is impossible to confirm how many image signals are included in one thumbnail image. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, image signals belonging to the same condition may be combined to create one thumbnail image. FIG. 16 and FIG.
This is an example of a case where a state where one image signal is put together is represented by one thumbnail image. As shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, thumbnail images representing image signals put together under certain conditions may be combined and displayed without determining a particularly representative image signal as shown in FIG. As shown in (1), one representative image signal may be determined and displayed larger, and an image signal grouped around the image signal may be attached and combined and displayed.

In the first and second embodiments, as the display setting of the thumbnail images, the thumbnail images are collectively displayed for each screen display number of the liquid crystal display 9 or for each recording date of the image signal on the recording medium 6. I have. However, as shown in a conceptual diagram in FIG. 18, the control performed in the first embodiment or the second embodiment is also performed on a thumbnail image that is grouped under a certain condition, so that the image signal is double-grouped. May be displayed as a thumbnail image. At this time, the conditions for combining images are 1
The same conditions may be used in the first and second times, or different conditions may be used in the first and second times.

The CCD in the first and second embodiments
Reference numeral 1 corresponds to an imaging unit described in the claims of the present invention. Further, the recording medium 6 in the first and second embodiments corresponds to a recording unit described in the claims of the present invention. Further, the CPU 7 in the first and second embodiments corresponds to a display control unit described in claims of the present invention.

The liquid crystal display 9 in the first and second embodiments corresponds to the display means according to the present invention. Further, the selection button 12 in the first and second embodiments corresponds to the selection means described in the claims of the present invention. Further, the enter button 1 in the first and second embodiments
Reference numeral 3 corresponds to the specifying means described in the claims of the present invention.

Although the first and second embodiments have been described using an electronic camera, the present invention is not limited to an electronic camera as long as the apparatus displays a thumbnail image of an image signal. No need to be done. As described above, according to the present invention, the display mode of the thumbnail images can be set, so that even if the recording medium has a large capacity, the image signals can be easily and quickly searched without searching for the thumbnail images in the recording order. It becomes possible.

[0097]

As described above, the effects of the present invention described in claims 1, 5 and 8 and 14 of the present invention are as follows. In the electronic camera and the information processing apparatus, the discriminating means determines a plurality of image signals in a predetermined manner. And the display control means controls to display only image signal information corresponding to one image signal among the image signals separated by the condition. Therefore, even when a large amount of image signals are recorded in the recording unit, it is possible to refer to the image signal information at high speed for each condition. Therefore, it is possible to more quickly search for a desired image signal.

Further, the effect of the invention described in claim 2 and claim 9 is that in the electronic camera and the information processing apparatus, the separating means separates the image signals by the maximum number of images that can be simultaneously displayed on the display means. It is possible to refer to information for each display page of the display means. Therefore, it is possible to more quickly search for a desired image signal. According to the third and fourth aspects of the present invention, in the electronic camera and the information processing apparatus, the separation means separates the image signal for each recording date. Can be performed every recording date.
Therefore, it is possible to more quickly search for a desired image signal.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic camera and the information processing apparatus, the electronic camera and the information processing apparatus have a designating means for designating image signal information, and the display control means has a function of setting the image signal information for each condition. When any image signal information is designated by the designation means in a state where is displayed, all the image signal information of the image signals included in the same condition as the image signal corresponding to the designated image signal information is displayed. Control. Therefore, it is possible to easily refer to the image signal information included in a certain condition from the image signal information separated for each condition, and it is possible to more quickly search for a desired image signal.

According to the seventh and fourteenth aspects of the present invention, the electronic camera and the information processing apparatus further include a designating unit for designating image signal information and a selecting unit for selecting image signal information. In a state where the image signal information for each condition is displayed, the display control means selects any image signal information by the designation means and further selects the image signal information by the selection means. In response to the control, the image signal information is controlled to be sequentially updated and displayed in the recording order at the display position of the specified image signal information with the specified image signal information as a base point. Therefore, it is possible to refer to the image signal information sorted under the predetermined condition without updating the display of the entire display means. Therefore, it is possible to more quickly search for a desired image signal.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic camera according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a display area of a thumbnail image on a liquid crystal display in the electronic camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a thumbnail image display screen in the electronic camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a menu display example of thumbnail display settings in the electronic camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a relationship between images when thumbnail images are displayed for each screen display number in the electronic camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a relationship between images when a thumbnail image is displayed for each image recording date in the electronic camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure when displaying a thumbnail image for each screen display number in the electronic camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen when displaying a thumbnail image for each screen display number in the electronic camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen when an image is designated from thumbnail images displayed for each screen display number and individually displayed in the electronic camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure when displaying a thumbnail image for each image recording date in the electronic camera according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen when a thumbnail image is displayed for each image recording date in the electronic camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen in a case where an image is designated from thumbnail images displayed for each recording date and individual display is performed for each date in the electronic camera of the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure when displaying a thumbnail image for each screen display number in the electronic camera of the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen in a case where individual images are designated and specified from thumbnail images displayed for each screen display number in the electronic camera of the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an application example of a thumbnail image in the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an application example of a thumbnail image in the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram showing an application example of display control of a thumbnail image in the first and second embodiments.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1: CCD 2: CDS circuit 3: A / D converter 4: DSP circuit 5: Compression circuit 6: Recording medium 7: CPU 8: Encoder 9: Liquid crystal display 10: Thumbnail display button 11: Display setting button 12: Selection button 13: Enter button 14: Delete button 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 51a, 52a, 53a, 54a, 55a , 56a 61a, 62a, 63a, 64a, 65a 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76: thumbnail image 100: electronic camera S: selection cursor

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An image pickup means for picking up an image of a subject and outputting the image signal as an image signal; a recording means for recording a plurality of the image signals; and a plurality of image signal information relating to the plurality of image signals recorded in the recording means. Possible display means, separation means for separating a plurality of image signals recorded in the recording means based on predetermined conditions, and only image signal information corresponding to any one of the separated image signals. An electronic camera, comprising: display control means for performing control so as to display each condition. 2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the classification unit classifies the image signal as a maximum number of images that can be simultaneously displayed on the display unit as the condition. 3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the classification unit classifies the image signal based on recording time information when the image signal is recorded in the recording unit as the condition. camera. 4. The electronic camera according to claim 3, wherein the classification unit classifies the image signal based on a recording date of the image signal as the recording time information. 5. The display control means controls to display the image signal information corresponding to the earliest image signal in a recording order in the recording means among the image signals sorted based on the condition. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein: 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a designation unit for designating the image signal information, wherein the display control unit designates any image signal information by the designation unit when the image signal information for each of the conditions is displayed. 2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera controls all image signal information of an image signal included in the same condition as the image signal corresponding to the designated image signal information. 7. A display device, further comprising: a designation unit for designating the image signal information; and a selection unit for selecting the image signal information, wherein the display control unit is configured to display the image signal information for each condition. After any image signal information is designated by the designation means, when the selection of the image signal information is further performed by the selection means, the display position of the designated image signal information is responded to the input of the selection means. 2. The electronic camera according to claim 1, wherein the electronic camera is controlled so that the image signal information is sequentially updated and displayed in a recording order based on the image signal information designated in the step (a). 8. A recording means for recording a plurality of image signals, a display means capable of simultaneously displaying a plurality of image signals recorded on said recording means, and a plurality of image signals recorded on said recording means, An information processing apparatus, comprising: a classification unit that classifies according to a condition; and a display control unit that controls so that only one arbitrary image signal in the classified image signal is displayed for each of the conditions. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the classification unit classifies the image signal as a maximum number of images that can be simultaneously displayed on the display unit as the condition. 10. The information according to claim 8, wherein the classification unit classifies the image signal based on recording time information when the image signal is recorded in the recording unit as the condition. Processing equipment. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the classification unit classifies the image signal based on a recording date of the image signal as the recording time information. 12. The display control means controls to display the image signal information corresponding to the earliest image signal in the recording order in the recording means among the image signals sorted based on the condition. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein: 13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a designation unit for designating the image signal information, wherein the display control unit designates any image signal information by the designation unit in a state where the image signal information for each of the conditions is displayed. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control is performed so as to display all the image signal information of the image signals included in the same condition as the image signal corresponding to the designated image signal information. . 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a designation unit that designates the image signal information; and a selection unit that selects the image signal information. The display control unit, when the image signal information for each of the conditions is displayed, After any image signal information is designated by the designation means, when the selection of the image signal information is further performed by the selection means, the display position of the designated image signal information is responded to the input of the selection means. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein control is performed such that the image signal information is sequentially updated and displayed in a recording order based on the image signal information designated in the step (a).