JP2001186386A - Image processor, its control method and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processor which arbitrarily displays a picked-up image in an image pickup mode as it is, can sufficiently recognize it and can conduct prescribed processing on the picked-up image and to provide a control method and a storage medium. SOLUTION: When a recognition display start trigger is generated at the end of photographing, the picked-up image stored in a memory 30 is displayed (step S202) (recognition display start processing). When a recognition display holding trigger is not generated, recognition display is continued until a recognition display end trigger is generated. When the recognition display holding trigger is generated, a processing corresponding to the trigger for a processing (protection processing) on the picked-up image while recognition display is continued is conducted (steps S206 to S217). When the recognition display end triggers is generated while recognition display is continued, video output to an image display part 28 is stopped and a system is restored to a photographing preparation state (step S204 and S218) (recognition display termination processing).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for capturing and storing a still image or a moving image, a control method thereof, and a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an image processing apparatus such as an electronic camera for capturing a still image or a moving image by capturing a subject and storing and reproducing the captured image. This device includes, for example, a display unit such as an electronic finder formed of a color liquid crystal panel or the like, and is configured such that a storage medium such as a memory card having a solid-state memory element is detachable, and stores a captured image in the storage medium. In addition, the stored captured image is reproduced and displayed on the display unit immediately after the image is captured, so that the reproduced image can be quickly checked.

[0003]

However, in the above-described conventional image processing apparatus, when the captured image is reproduced and displayed immediately after the image is captured, the image is automatically displayed for a predetermined time after the image is captured, or the release switch is kept pressed. In such a case, the display state is not maintained for a desired time, and the contents cannot be sufficiently confirmed in some cases. Therefore, in order to perform a detailed check, it was necessary to temporarily switch from the imaging mode to the reproduction mode and check the image in the reproduction mode.

A first object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of arbitrarily displaying a captured image in an imaging mode and sufficiently confirming the same, a control method thereof, and a storage medium.

A second object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of performing a predetermined process on a captured image while displaying the captured image in an imaging mode, a control method thereof, and a storage medium. It is in.

[0006]

In order to achieve the first object, according to the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus comprising: an image pickup means for picking up an object in an image pickup mode; A start instruction input unit for inputting a user's display start instruction of a captured image obtained by imaging by the imaging unit, the image processing apparatus comprising: End instruction input means for inputting a display end instruction by the user, and a period from when the display start instruction is input by the start instruction input means to when the display end instruction is input by the end instruction input means. The image processing apparatus includes a continuous display unit that continuously displays the captured image while maintaining the imaging mode.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the first object, an image pickup step of picking up an object in an image pickup mode and a picked-up image obtained by the image pickup step are stored. A control method of the image processing apparatus including a storage step, a start instruction input step of inputting a display start instruction by a user of a captured image obtained by imaging in the imaging step, and a display end instruction by the user of the captured image And inputting the display start instruction in the start instruction input step until the display end instruction is input in the end instruction input step, while maintaining the imaging mode. And a continuous display step of continuously displaying the captured image.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the first object, an imaging step of imaging an object in an imaging mode, and a captured image obtained by the imaging step are stored. A storage medium storing a program used in a control method of an image processing apparatus including a storage step, wherein a start instruction input step of inputting a display start instruction by a user of a captured image obtained by imaging in the imaging step And a code of an end instruction input step of inputting a display end instruction by the user of the captured image, and a code of the end instruction input step after the display start instruction is input by the code of the start instruction input step. Until the display end instruction is input, a code for a continuous display step of continuously displaying the captured image while maintaining the imaging mode is stored. It is an 憶媒 body.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display means for displaying a photographed image in response to a photographing operation, and instructing the start of the photographing operation. An image processing apparatus includes a photographing start instruction operation member and a holding instruction operation member that is configured separately from the photographing start instruction member and instructs the display unit to hold display of the photographed image.

In order to achieve the first object, according to the present invention, a photographed image is displayed in response to a photographing operation, and a photographing start instruction for instructing start of the photographing operation is provided. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method of an image processing apparatus which instructs holding of the display of the photographed image by the display unit using a holding instruction operation member configured separately from the instruction operation member.

In order to achieve the first object, according to the present invention, a photographed image is displayed in response to a photographing operation, and a photographing start instruction for instructing start of the photographing operation is provided. A storage medium for providing a control program for an image processing apparatus, characterized by having contents for instructing holding of the display of the photographed image by the display means by a holding instruction operation member configured separately from the instruction operation member.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image pickup means for picking up an object in an image pickup mode, and a picked-up image obtained by the image pickup means. An image processing apparatus comprising: a storage unit; and a reproduction unit configured to reproduce a captured image stored in the storage unit in a reproduction mode. Image processing having continuous display means for continuously displaying the captured image while maintaining the same, and processing means for performing predetermined processing on the captured image based on a user operation while the display of the captured image is continued by the continuous display means Device.

In order to achieve the second object, the present invention according to claim 14 stores an image pickup step of picking up an object in an image pickup mode, and a picked-up image obtained by the image pickup step. In a control method of an image processing apparatus including a storage step and a playback step of playing back the captured image stored in the storage step in a playback mode, the captured image obtained by imaging in the imaging step includes, after capturing the image, A continuous display step of continuously displaying the captured image while maintaining the imaging mode; and a processing step of performing a predetermined process on the captured image based on a user operation while the display of the captured image is continued by the continuous display step. This is a method for controlling the image processing apparatus.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in order to achieve the second object, an imaging step of imaging a subject in an imaging mode and a captured image obtained by the imaging step are stored. A storage medium storing a program used in a control method of an image processing apparatus including a storage step and a reproduction step of reproducing a captured image stored in the storage step in a reproduction mode, wherein the storage medium stores a program used in the imaging step. A code of a continuation display step of continuously displaying the captured image obtained by capturing the captured image while maintaining the imaging mode, and a display of the captured image by the code of the continuation display step. And a code for a processing step of performing a predetermined process on the captured image based on the captured image.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a display means for displaying a photographed image in response to a photographing operation, and a state displayed by the display means. And a processing means for performing predetermined processing on the photographed image.

In order to achieve the second object, the present invention as set forth in claim 38, displays a photographed image in response to a photographing operation, and displays the photographed image in a state displayed by the display means. This is a method for controlling an image processing apparatus that performs a predetermined process on a captured image.

In order to achieve the second object, the present invention as set forth in claim 40, displays a photographed image in response to a photographing operation, and displays the photographed image in a state displayed by the display means. This is a storage medium for providing a control program of an image processing apparatus having contents for performing a predetermined process on a captured image.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. This device is configured as, for example, an electronic camera.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes an image processing apparatus;
Reference numeral 0 denotes a photographing lens, 12 denotes a shutter having an aperture function, 1
Reference numeral 4 denotes an imaging element (imaging means) which converts an optical image into an electric signal. An A / D converter 16 converts an analog signal output of the image sensor 14 into a digital signal. Reference numeral 18 denotes a timing generation circuit which supplies a clock signal and a control signal to the image pickup device 14 and the A / D converter 16, and is controlled by a memory control circuit 22 and a system control circuit 50 (continuous display means, processing means, reproduction means). Controlled.

Reference numeral 20 denotes an image processing circuit, which is an A / D converter 16
A predetermined pixel interpolation process or a color conversion process is performed on the data from the memory controller or the data from the memory control circuit 22. Also,
In the image processing circuit 20, predetermined arithmetic processing is performed using the captured image data, and the system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control unit 40 and the distance measurement control unit 42 based on the obtained arithmetic result. TTL (through-the-lens) AF (auto focus) processing, AE (auto exposure) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing are performed. Further, the image processing circuit 20 performs predetermined arithmetic processing using the captured image data, and also performs TTL AWB (auto white balance) processing based on the obtained arithmetic result.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a memory control circuit, which is an A / D converter 1
6, the timing generation circuit 18, the image processing circuit 20, the image display memory 24, the D / A converter 26, the memory 30 (storage means), and the compression / decompression circuit 32 are controlled.

The data of the A / D converter 16 is transmitted through the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22 or the data of the A / D converter 16 is transmitted directly through the memory control circuit 22 to the image display memory 24 or the memory 30. Is written to.

Reference numeral 24 denotes an image display memory, 26 denotes a D / A converter, and 28 denotes a TFT-LCD (thin film tr).
ansistor-liquid crystal d
The image data for display written in the image display memory 24 in the image display unit (continuous display means, reproduction means) including a display: a thin film transistor liquid crystal display) is transmitted via the D / A converter 26 to the image display unit 28. Is displayed. If the captured image data is sequentially displayed using the image display unit 28, an electronic finder function can be realized. Further, the image display unit 28 can arbitrarily turn on / off the display according to an instruction from the system control circuit 50. When the display is turned off, the power consumption of the image processing apparatus 100 can be significantly reduced. Can be.
The image display unit 28 is coupled to the main body of the image processing apparatus 100 by a rotatable hinge (not shown).
The electronic viewfinder function, the reproduction display function, and various display functions can be used by freely setting the direction and angle. Further, the display portion (display surface) of the image display unit 28 can be stored toward the main body of the image processing apparatus 100. In this case, the storage state (open / close state) is determined by the image display unit open / close detection unit 106. Detects and displays the image
Can be stopped.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a memory for storing photographed still images, moving images, and audio data, and has a sufficient storage capacity for storing a predetermined number of still images and moving images for a predetermined time. Thereby, even in the case of continuous shooting or panoramic shooting in which a plurality of still images are continuously shot, it is possible to write a large amount of images to the memory 30 at high speed. The memory 30 can also be used as a work area for the system control circuit 50.

Reference numeral 32 denotes an adaptive discrete cosine transform (ADC).
A compression / decompression circuit for compressing / decompressing image data by T) or the like reads the image stored in the memory 30 and performs compression or decompression processing, and writes the data after the processing to the memory 30.

An exposure control means 40 controls the shutter 12 and has a flash dimming function in cooperation with the flash 404. 42 is a distance measuring control means,
The focusing of the photographing lens 10 is controlled. The exposure control means 40 and the distance measurement control means 42 are controlled using the TTL method, and the captured image data is stored in the image processing circuit 20.
The system control circuit 50 controls the exposure control means 40 and the distance measurement control means 42 on the basis of the calculation result calculated by the above.

Reference numeral 44 denotes a zoom control means,
To control zooming. Reference numeral 46 denotes a barrier control unit which controls the operation of the protection unit 102 which is a barrier. Reference numeral 48 denotes a connector, which is also called an accessory shoe, and also has electrical contacts with the flash device 400 and mechanical fixing means.

A system control circuit 50 controls the entire image processing apparatus 100. Reference numeral 52 denotes a memory for storing constants, variables, programs, and the like for the operation of the system control circuit 50.

Reference numeral 54 denotes a display unit such as a liquid crystal display device or a speaker, which displays an operation state, a message, and the like using characters, images, sounds, and the like in accordance with execution of a program in the system control circuit 50. The display unit 54 is provided singly or at a plurality of locations at a position easily visible near the operation unit of the image processing apparatus 100. For example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or LE
It is composed of a combination of a D (light emitting diode), a sound generating element, and the like. The display unit 54 has a part of its functions installed in the optical viewfinder 104. Among the display contents of the display unit 54, those displayed on the LCD and the like include a single shot / continuous shooting display, a self-timer display, a compression ratio display, a recording pixel number display, a recording number display, a remaining number of shots display, a shutter. Speed display, aperture value display, exposure compensation display, flash display, red-eye reduction display, macro shooting display, buzzer setting display, battery remaining battery display,
Battery level display for camera, error display, information display with multiple digits, display of attachment / detachment state of recording medium 200 (storage means) and recording medium 210 (storage means), communication I / F (interface) operation display, date / time There are a time display and a recording operation display.

Of the display contents of the display section 54, those displayed in the optical viewfinder 104 include a focus display, a camera shake warning display, a flash charge display, a shutter speed display, an aperture value display, an exposure correction display, and the like. There is.

Reference numeral 56 denotes an electrically erasable / recordable non-volatile memory, for example, an EEPROM (electrical
ly eraseable and programma
ble read only memory) or the like is used. Reference numerals 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 and 70 denote operation means for inputting various operation instruction signals of the system control circuit 50. The operation means includes a switch, a dial, a touch panel, pointing by gaze detection, and a voice recognition device. Alternatively, it is composed of a plurality of combinations.

Here, these operating means 60, 62, 6
4, 66, 68 and 70 will be specifically described.

Reference numeral 60 denotes a mode dial switch, which is used to turn off the power, and also to set various function modes such as an automatic photographing mode, a manual photographing mode, a panoramic photographing mode, a reproducing mode, a multi-screen reproducing / erasing mode, and a PC connection mode. Switching can be set.

Reference numeral 62 denotes a shutter switch (SW1) (end instruction input means) which is turned on during operation of a shutter button (not shown) to perform AF (auto focus) processing, A
An instruction is issued to start operations such as E (auto exposure) processing, AWB (auto white balance) processing, and EF (flash pre-emission) processing.

Reference numeral 64 denotes a shutter switch (SW2) (start instruction input means) which is turned on when the operation of the shutter button (not shown) is completed, and converts a signal read from the image sensor 12 into the A / D converter 16, the memory control circuit 22 Exposure processing for writing image data to the memory 30 via the CPU, development processing using arithmetic operations in the image processing circuit 20 and the memory control circuit 22, reading image data from the memory 30, compression by the compression / decompression circuit 32, and recording It instructs the start of a series of processing of recording processing for writing image data on the medium 200 or the recording medium 210.

Reference numeral 66 denotes an image display ON (ON) / OFF (OFF) switch, which can set ON / OFF of the image display unit 28. With this function, the optical viewfinder 1
When photographing is performed using the camera 04, power can be saved by cutting off the current supply to an image display unit such as a TFT-LCD.

Reference numeral 68 denotes a single shooting / continuous shooting switch, which is a single shooting mode in which a single frame is shot when the shutter switch (SW2) 64 is pressed and a standby state is set, and while the shutter switch (SW2) 64 is pressed. Can be set to a continuous shooting mode in which shooting is continuously performed.

Reference numeral 70 denotes an operation unit (processing permission means) comprising various buttons, a touch panel, etc., a menu button, a set button, a macro button, a multi-screen playback page break button, a flash setting button, a single-shot / continuous-shot self-timer switching button. , Menu move + (plus) button, menu move-(minus) button, play image move + (plus) button, play image move-(minus) button, menu move up button, menu move down button,
Image quality selection button, exposure compensation button, date / time setting button, selection / switching button for setting selection and switching of various functions when performing shooting and playback in panorama mode, etc., and shooting and playback in panorama mode etc. A decision / execution button for setting and executing various functions when performing the operation, and a quick review ON / O for setting a quick review function for automatically playing back image data immediately after shooting.
FF switch, CCDRA for selecting a compression rate of JPEG compression or digitizing the signal of the image sensor 14 as it is and recording it on the recording medium 200 or the recording medium 210
Compression mode switch, switch for selecting W mode, playback mode, multi-playback / erase mode, and PC
A reproduction mode switch for setting various function modes such as a connection mode, and a start of a reproduction operation for reading a photographed image from the memory 30 or the recording medium 200 or the recording medium 210 and displaying the image on the image display unit 28 in the photographing mode state. Switch for instructing a drive, a drive button for changing the active drive,
There are a reproduction display switching button for switching between a single image display and a multiple image display, an information display button for displaying supplementary information of a recorded image, and the like.

Numeral 80 denotes a power control means, a battery detection circuit, D
It is composed of a C-DC converter, a switch circuit for switching a block to be energized, and the like, and detects the presence or absence of a battery, the type of battery, and the remaining battery level, based on the detection result and an instruction from the system control circuit 50. DC-DC
The converter is controlled to supply a required voltage to each unit including the recording media 200 and 210 for a required period.

Reference numerals 82 and 84 denote connectors, and reference numeral 86 denotes a power supply means, which comprises a temporary battery such as an alkaline battery or a lithium battery, a secondary battery such as a NiCd battery, a NiMH battery or a Li battery, an AC adapter, or the like.

Reference numerals 90 and 94 denote interfaces (I / F) with recording media 200 and 210 such as a memory card and a hard disk, and reference numerals 92 and 96 denote connectors for connection with the recording media 200 and 210 such as a memory card and a hard disk.

Reference numeral 98 denotes a recording medium attachment / detachment detecting means for detecting whether or not the recording medium 200 or the storage medium 210 is attached to the connector 92 and / or the connector 96.

In this embodiment, the description has been made assuming that there are two systems of interfaces and connectors for attaching a recording medium. Of course, the interface and the connector for attaching the recording medium may have a single or plural number of systems. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which interfaces and connectors of different standards are combined.

As the interface and the connector,
It may be configured using a card conforming to a standard such as a PCMCIA card or a CF (Compact Flash) card.
Also, interfaces 90 and 94, connectors 92 and 96
Is configured using a PCMCIA card or a CF (Compact Flash (registered trademark)) card or the like, a LAN card, a modem card, a USB card, an IEEE 1394 card, a P1284 card,
By connecting various communication cards such as a communication card such as a CSI card and a PHS, image data and management information attached to the image data can be transferred between other computers and peripheral devices such as a printer.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a protection unit which is a barrier and covers the imaging unit including the photographing lens 10 of the image processing apparatus 100 to prevent the imaging unit from being stained or damaged. Reference numeral 104 denotes an optical finder, which enables photographing using only the optical finder 104 without using the electronic finder function of the image display unit 28. In the optical viewfinder 104, some functions of the display unit 54, such as a focus display function, a camera shake warning display function, a flash charge display function, a shutter speed display function,
An aperture value display function, an exposure compensation display function, and the like are provided.

Reference numeral 106 denotes an image display section opening / closing detecting means, and the image display section 28 controls the display section (display surface) of the image processing apparatus 10.
It is possible to detect whether or not it is in the stored state in which it is stored toward the main unit of No. 0. Here, the image display unit opening / closing detecting means 10
6 is in the stored state, the image display unit 28
Can be stopped to prevent unnecessary power consumption.

Reference numeral 110 denotes communication means, such as RS232C or US
It has various communication functions such as B, IEEE1394, P1284, SCSI, modem, LAN, and wireless communication. 11
Reference numeral 2 denotes a connector or an antenna, which serves as a connector when the image processing apparatus 100 is connected to another device by the communication means 110, and serves as an antenna for wireless communication.

Reference numeral 200 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard desk. The recording medium 200 includes a recording unit 202 including a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk, an interface (I / F) 204 with the image processing apparatus 100,
A connector 206 for connecting to the image processing apparatus 100 is provided.

Reference numeral 210 denotes a recording medium such as a memory card or a hard desk. The recording medium 210 includes a recording unit 212 including a semiconductor memory and a magnetic disk, an interface (I / F) 214 with the image processing apparatus 100,
A connector 216 for connecting to the image processing apparatus 100 is provided.

Reference numeral 400 denotes a flash device, and reference numeral 402 denotes a connector, which is connected to an accessory shoe of the image processing apparatus 100. Reference numeral 404 denotes a flash, which has a function of projecting AF auxiliary light and a function of controlling flash light.

In such a configuration, when the mode is set to the image capturing mode by the mode dial switch 60, an image can be captured using the shutter switch (SW1) 62 and the shutter switch (SW2) 64. The system control circuit 50 is normally in a shooting preparation state, and when the depression of the shutter switch (SW1) 62 is detected, the exposure control is performed by the exposure control means 40 and the distance measurement control is performed by the distance measurement control means 42. When these controls are completed, the state transits to the exposure start state. Then, when the depression of the shutter switch (SW2) 64 is detected in this state, the exposure is started. The captured image obtained by shooting is stored in the memory 30 via the image sensor 14, the A / D converter 16, the image processing circuit 20, and the memory control circuit 22. The recording image stored in the memory 30 is subjected to data compression by a compression / decompression circuit 32 as necessary, and
Is stored again. In this state, the system control circuit 50 enters a shooting end state.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flowchart of the confirmation display processing in the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. This processing is performed by the system control circuit 5 in the imaging mode.
0 is started in response to the shooting end state.

First, it is determined whether or not a confirmation display start trigger has occurred (step S201). Here, the confirmation display start trigger is generated for confirmation display, that is, for displaying the captured image in the imaging mode (without setting the reproduction mode) immediately after shooting, and stores, for example, the time when the shooting end state is reached. After a predetermined time (for example, several seconds) from this point, the shutter switch (SW2) 6
Occurs when 4 is pressed. Therefore, the user can generate a confirmation display start trigger by holding down the shutter switch (SW2) 64 for a predetermined time after imaging. In the present embodiment, the confirmation display of the captured image is performed on the image display unit 28.

As a result of the determination in step S201, if the confirmation display start trigger has not been generated, the process immediately proceeds to step S218 to return to the shooting preparation state. In this shooting preparation state, the system control circuit 50
If the recorded image remains in the memory 30 and the signal from the recording medium attachment / detachment detecting means 98 determines that the recording medium 200 or the storage medium 210 is mounted on the connector 92 or the connector 96, the recording in the memory 30 is performed. The image is stored in the recording medium 200 or the storage medium 210 and the recorded image in the memory 30 is cleared.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S201 is that a confirmation display start trigger has occurred, confirmation display start processing is performed (step S202). That is, the compression / expansion circuit 3 is added to the recorded image stored in the memory 30.
2, the expanded data is stored as display data in the image display memory 24 through the memory control circuit 22, and the stored data is displayed on the image display unit 28 by the system control circuit 50.

Next, it is determined whether or not a confirmation display end trigger has occurred (step S203). Here, the confirmation display end trigger is generated to end the confirmation display of the captured image, and is generated, for example, when the shutter switch (SW1) 62 is pressed.

If the result of determination in step S203 is that a confirmation display end trigger has been generated, confirmation display end processing is performed (step S204). That is, the video output of the photographed image to the image display unit 28 is stopped, and the process returns to the photographing preparation state (step S218).

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S203 is that a confirmation display end trigger has not occurred, it is determined whether a confirmation display holding trigger has occurred (step S205). Here, the confirmation display holding trigger is generated in order to continue the confirmation display of the captured image in order to give an opportunity to perform various processes to be described later with respect to the captured image. For example, the set button of the operation unit 70 is pressed. Occurs in the case (processing permission means).

If the result of determination in step S205 is that no confirmation display holding trigger has been generated, the flow advances to step S203. Therefore, the confirmation display is continued until the confirmation display end trigger occurs.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S205 is that a confirmation display holding trigger has occurred, in subsequent steps S206 to S217, determination of the occurrence of a trigger for processing relating to a captured image and processing in accordance with the trigger ( (Predetermined processing) is performed (processing means). Triggers for various processes are generated by a user input on the operation unit 70.

First, it is determined whether or not a protection setting trigger has occurred (step S206). If the result of this determination is that a protection setting trigger has occurred, protection processing is performed (step S207). That is,
When the first protection setting trigger occurs, the memory 3
0, protect data is set for the data in the recording media 200 and 210 to prevent erroneous erasure, and the set content is displayed on the image display unit 28 so as to overlap the captured image. Then, the process returns to step S205.

In the state where the protection setting has been set once, if the result of the determination in step S206 indicates that the protection setting trigger has been generated again, in the next step S207, processing for releasing the protection setting set above is performed. , And outputs the setting contents to the image display unit 28,
The process returns to step S205.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S206 is that a protect setting trigger has not occurred, it is determined whether an enlargement display trigger has occurred (step S208). If the result of the determination is that an enlargement display trigger has occurred, enlargement processing is performed (step S20).
9). That is, the display data in the image display memory 24 is enlarged by using the memory control circuit 22 and the image processing circuit 20, stored in the image display memory 24 again, and enlarged and displayed by the image display unit 28. . During the enlarged reproduction display, the enlarged display position can be changed using the plus button, the minus button, the up button, and the down button of the operation unit 70. Further, at this time, the information indicating the position currently being displayed is displayed together with the enlarged image on the image display unit 28 so that the user can grasp the position of the currently displayed image in the entire image. afterwards,
The process returns to step S205.

During the enlarged display, if the enlarged display trigger is generated again as a result of the determination in step S208, the output to the image display unit 28 is changed from the enlarged display to the normal display in the next step S209. Switch to
The process returns to step S205. Note that the image reduction processing may be performed by the same processing.

If the result of determination in step S208 is that no enlargement display trigger has occurred, it is determined whether a rotation setting trigger has occurred (step S210).
The rotation setting is a process for rotating a captured image and displaying the image. For example, an image captured in a vertical position is displayed on the image display unit 28.
In the vertical position.

If the result of determination in step S210 is that a rotation setting trigger has been generated, rotation processing is performed (step S211). That is, the memory 30 and the recording medium 2
The recording data existing in 00 and 210 is decompressed by a compression / decompression circuit 32, and subjected to a rotation process of, for example, 90 ° by a memory control circuit 22 and an image processing circuit 20. And output it to the image display unit 28 for rotation display. At the same time, the setting indicating the rotation attribute is performed on the recording data existing in the memory 30 and the recording media 200 and 210. Then, the process returns to step S205. The set rotation attribute is reflected on an image reproduced in the reproduction mode. Communication means 1
Even if the recording data is transferred to another image processing apparatus through 10, the other image processing apparatus can automatically reproduce the rotated image by referring to the rotation attribute.

During the rotation display, if the result of the determination in the step S210 shows that the rotation display trigger has been generated again, in the next step S211 the rotation angle is further changed by, for example, 90 °, and the step S205 is executed. Return to Therefore, each time the rotation display trigger is generated, the change of the rotation angle is repeated.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S210 is that a rotation setting trigger has not occurred, it is determined whether a print designation setting trigger has occurred (step S212). The print designation settings are stored in the recording medium 20.
A file for print designation is generated in each of the recording media 200 and 210, and a link relationship with an image file is described in the file. Used when printing automatically according to the settings.

If the result of determination in step S212 is that a print designation setting trigger has occurred, print designation processing is performed (step S213). That is, a link description to the file of the currently displayed captured image is added to a predetermined file in the recording medium 200 or the recording medium 210, and a display indicating the print designation state is displayed on the image display unit 2.
8 is displayed together with the captured image. afterwards,
The process returns to step S205.

If the print designation setting trigger has been generated again as a result of the determination in step S212 during the display indicating the print designation state, then in step S213, the print designation setting is released, that is, the file designation is canceled. The link description is deleted and the step S20 is deleted.
Return to 5.

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S212 is that no print designation setting trigger has occurred,
It is determined whether or not an information display setting trigger has occurred (step S214). If the information display setting trigger has been generated as a result of the determination, information display processing is performed (step S215). That is, the image display unit 28 displays the information of the imaging conditions of the image together with the recorded image in an overlapped manner. Then, the process returns to step S205. The information on the imaging conditions is, for example, mode dial position information, Tv value, Av value, Ev value and the like at the time of image capturing.
Alternatively, when the captured image is stored in the recording medium 210, it is stored in association with the captured image.

During the display of the information of the imaging condition,
When the information display setting trigger has been generated again as a result of the determination in step S214, in step S215, the display of the information on the imaging condition is deleted, and in step S2
Return to 05.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S214 that the information display setting trigger has not been generated, it is determined whether or not an erasure trigger has been generated (step S2).
16). If the result of this determination is that an erase trigger has occurred, an erase process is performed (step S217). That is, the memory 30, the recording medium 200, or the recording medium 21
The recorded image held at 0 is deleted. Next, the process proceeds to step S204 to execute a confirmation display end process,
The flow shifts to a shooting preparation state (step S218).

On the other hand, if the result of determination in step S216 is that no erase trigger has been generated, the flow advances to step S203.

According to the present embodiment, if the confirmation switch start trigger is generated after the shutter switch (SW2) 64 is continuously depressed for a predetermined time after imaging, then the shutter switch (SW1) 62 is depressed and confirmed. Until the display end trigger is generated, the captured image that has just been captured is displayed in the imaging mode, so that the captured image can be sufficiently checked without performing a cumbersome operation such as setting the playback mode. In addition, in the erasing process, it is possible to surely perform the erasing of the unnecessary captured image while confirming the erasing by the display.
Further, in the protection processing, erroneous erasure of a captured image can be prevented.

Further, if the confirmation display holding trigger is generated by pressing the set button of the operation unit 70 during the confirmation display, various processing such as protection processing can be performed thereafter until the confirmation display end trigger is generated. Therefore, while preventing unnecessary processing due to erroneous operation or the like, the captured image can be arbitrarily displayed in the imaging mode, and various processing can be performed on the captured image. Moreover, the processing performed is performed by the image display unit 2
8 is reflected in the confirmation display, so that not only can it be confirmed at any time, but also in the rotation processing, the setting indicating the rotation attribute is applied to the recording data of the recording medium 200 or the like. Playback can be performed in a state where processing has been performed, and variations in usability can be increased.

In the print designation process, the link relationship with the image file is described, so that the recorded image on the recording medium 200 or the like can be automatically printed according to the above setting, and the process at the time of printout can be performed. It can be smooth.

In the enlargement / reduction process and the information display process, similarly to the case of the rotation process, the recording data existing in the memory 30 and the recording media 200 and 210 is given an attribute indicating the same, and is reflected on the reproduced image. You may make it.

The processing performed on the captured image during the confirmation display is not limited to the above-described protection processing or the like, and may be other processing.

Note that the confirmation display start trigger is generated when the shutter switch (SW2) 64 is pressed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the point in time when the shooting end state is reached, and the confirmation display end trigger is the shutter switch (SW1). 62
Is pressed, and the confirmation display holding trigger is generated when the set button of the operation unit 70 is pressed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may make it generate | occur | produce based on a setting.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a menu setting screen display at the time of photographing.

The menu M30 is displayed on the display unit 54 when the menu button of the operation unit 70 is pressed. First, a selection item 31 in the left column of the figure is displayed as a menu M30. The selection items 31 include “number of recording pixels”, “compression ratio”, and “digital zoom” in addition to “confirmation of shooting”. The user selects a desired item with the up switch and the down switch of the operation unit 70, and presses the set switch to determine. Then, a pull-down menu 32 corresponding to the determined item is displayed in the right column of FIG.

For example, when “confirmation of photographing” is selected and determined by the selection item 31, “OF” as shown in FIG.
Setting items such as "F", "2 seconds", and "until SW1" appear in the pull-down menu 32. The user selects and determines a desired item using the up switch, the down switch, and the set switch of the operation unit 70 in the same manner as described above.

In the pull-down menu 32, "OF"
In “F”, the confirmation display start trigger does not occur. "2
In "second", "4 seconds", and "8 seconds", the confirmation display start trigger always occurs, and the confirmation display end trigger occurs after 2 seconds, 4 seconds, and 8 seconds after the start of the confirmation display. In “up to SW1”, the confirmation display start trigger always occurs, and when the shutter switch (SW1) 62 is pressed, the confirmation display end trigger occurs. The confirmation display holding trigger is always generated when the confirmation display start trigger occurs. Accordingly, various processes such as a protection process can be performed during the confirmation display. The items for defining the generation timing of the confirmation display holding trigger are also set in the pull-down menu 32.
, And may be individually selected and determined.

More specifically, the confirmation display process shown in FIG. 2 operates as follows. For “Confirmation of shooting”, for example, “O
If "FF" is selected, the process immediately shifts from step S201 in FIG. 2 to the shooting preparation state (step S218) without performing confirmation display. If “2 seconds” is selected, after the confirmation display start processing (step S202),
A timer is set, and a confirmation display end trigger is generated after 2 seconds. Then, in step S203 after the generation of the confirmation display end trigger, the confirmation display ends. If "until SW1" is selected, the confirmation display is continued, and the confirmation display ends in step S203 after the shutter switch (SW1) 62 is pressed and a confirmation display end trigger is generated.

As described above, by statically setting the occurrence of the confirmation display start trigger or the like in advance, a confirmation display suitable for the usage of the user can be performed, and the usability can be improved. Note that each trigger may be generated by other methods.

The storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to the image processing apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the image processing apparatus is stored in the storage medium. Needless to say, the object of the present invention can be achieved by reading and executing the program code.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD
-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

The functions of each of the above-described embodiments are realized not only by the computer executing the readout program code, but also by the operating system running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a part or all of the actual processing is performed and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the program code is read based on the instruction of the program code. Needless to say, a CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0093]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The captured image can be arbitrarily displayed in the imaging mode and sufficiently checked.

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform a predetermined process on the captured image while arbitrarily displaying the captured image in the imaging mode.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flowchart of a confirmation display process in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a menu setting screen display at the time of shooting according to another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 10 photographing lens 12 shutter 14 image pickup device (CCD) (imaging means) 20 image processing circuit 22 memory control circuit 24 image display memory 28 image display section (continuous display means, reproduction means) 30 memory (storage means) 50 system control circuit ( Continuation display means, processing means, reproduction means) 52 memory 54 display section 60 mode dial switch 62 shutter switch (SW1) (end instruction input means) 64 shutter switch (SW2) (start instruction input means) 70 operation section (processing permission means) 98 Recording medium attachment / detachment detection means 100 Image processing device 104 Optical finder 106 Image display section open / close detection means 110 Communication means 200 Recording medium (storage means) 202 Recording section 204 Interface 206 Connector 210 Recording medium (Storage means) 212 Recording section 214 Interface 216 connector

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/91 H

Claims (40)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus comprising: an imaging unit that captures an image of a subject in an imaging mode; and a storage unit that stores a captured image obtained by the imaging unit. Start instruction input means for inputting a display start instruction by the user of the captured image, end instruction input means for inputting a display end instruction by the user of the captured image, and input of the display start instruction by the start instruction input means An image display, further comprising: a continuation display unit that continuously displays the captured image while maintaining the imaging mode until the display end instruction is input by the end instruction input unit after the display is completed. Processing equipment. 2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a processing unit configured to perform a predetermined process on the captured image based on an operation of the user while the continuous display unit continues displaying the captured image. Image processing device. 3. An image pickup means for picking up an object in an image pickup mode, a storage means for storing a picked-up image obtained by the image pickup means, and a picked-up image stored by the storage means being reproduced in a reproduction mode. In an image processing apparatus provided with a reproduction unit, a continuation display unit that continuously displays a captured image obtained by imaging by the imaging unit while maintaining the imaging mode after the imaging, An image processing apparatus comprising: a processing unit that performs a predetermined process on the captured image based on a user operation while the captured image is continuously displayed. 4. A start instruction input means for inputting a display start instruction by the user of the captured image by the continuous display means, and an end instruction input for inputting a display end instruction by the user of the captured image by the continuation display means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising: 5. The continuation display means switches the image to be continuously displayed from the captured image to an image reflecting a predetermined process performed by the processing means. The image processing device according to any one of items 3 and 4. 6. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined processing performed on the captured image by the processing unit is reflected in a reproduced image reproduced by the reproduction unit in the reproduction mode. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein 7. The method according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined processing includes at least one of an enlarged display processing, a reduced display processing, a rotation display processing, and an imaging condition display processing. Image processing device. 8. The print processing according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined processing includes a printout setting process that is reflected when the image stored in the storage unit is printed out. 2. The image processing device according to claim 1. 9. A captured image obtained by imaging by said imaging means is stored by said storage means and continuously displayed by said continuation display means, and said predetermined processing is stored by said storage means. 9. An image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a process of erasing the captured image.
An image processing apparatus according to the item. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined process includes a process for inhibiting the erasing process. 11. A processing permitting means for permitting execution of the predetermined processing by the processing means, wherein when the processing permitting means permits the predetermined processing, the processing means can execute the predetermined processing. Claims 2 to
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 10. 12. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus, comprising: an imaging step of imaging a subject in an imaging mode; and a storage step of storing a captured image obtained by the imaging step. A start instruction inputting step of inputting a display start instruction by the user of the captured image obtained as described above, an end instruction inputting step of inputting a display end instruction by the user of the captured image, and the display start instruction by the start instruction inputting step. And a continuation display step of continuously displaying the captured image while maintaining the imaging mode until the display end instruction is input by the end instruction input step after the input is input. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus. 13. The image according to claim 12, further comprising a processing step of performing predetermined processing on the captured image based on an operation of the user while the display of the captured image is continued in the continuous display step. A method for controlling a processing device. 14. An image capturing step of capturing an object in an image capturing mode, a storing step of storing a captured image obtained by capturing the image in the image capturing step, and playing back the captured image stored in the storing step in a playback mode. A control method of the image processing apparatus including a reproduction step, wherein a continuation display step of continuously displaying a captured image obtained by imaging in the imaging step while maintaining the imaging mode after the imaging, Performing a predetermined process on the captured image based on an operation of a user while the display of the captured image is continued by the step. 15. A start instruction inputting step of inputting a display start instruction of the user by the user in the continuation display step, and an end instruction inputting of a display end instruction of the user by the user in the continuation display step. 15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of: 16. The continuous display step according to claim 13, wherein the continuously displayed image is switched from the picked-up image to an image reflecting the predetermined processing performed in the processing step. 16. The control method of the image processing device according to any one of 14 and 15. 17. The storage step, wherein the predetermined processing performed on the captured image in the processing step is reflected in a reproduced image reproduced in the reproduction step in the reproduction mode. 17. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein 18. The method according to claim 18, wherein the predetermined processing includes an enlarged display processing,
18. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to any one of 13 to 17, further comprising at least one of a reduced display process, a rotation display process, and an imaging condition display process. 19. The print processing according to claim 13, wherein the predetermined processing includes a printout setting process that is reflected when the image stored in the storage step is printed out. 2. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 20. A captured image obtained by imaging in the imaging step is stored in the storage step and continuously displayed in the continuation display step, and stored in the predetermined processing in the storage step. 20. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising an erasing process of the captured image. 21. The control method according to claim 20, wherein the predetermined processing includes a processing for inhibiting the erasing processing. 22. A processing permission step for permitting execution of the predetermined processing by the processing step, wherein the predetermined processing by the processing step can be executed when permission is given by the processing permission step. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein
22. The method for controlling an image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 21 to 21. 23. A program used in a control method for an image processing apparatus, comprising: an imaging step of imaging a subject in an imaging mode; and a storage step of storing a captured image obtained by the imaging step. A storage medium, a code of a start instruction input step of inputting a display start instruction by a user of a captured image obtained by imaging in the imaging step,
A code of an end instruction input step of inputting a display end instruction by the user of the captured image, and the display end instruction is input by a code of the end instruction input step after the display start instruction is input by the code of the start instruction input step. And a code for a continuation display step of continuously displaying the captured image while maintaining the imaging mode until is input. 24. An imaging step of imaging a subject in an imaging mode, a storage step of storing a captured image obtained by the imaging step, and reproducing the captured image stored in the storage step in a reproduction mode. A storage medium storing a program used in a control method of the image processing apparatus including a reproduction step, wherein a captured image obtained by the imaging step is continuously maintained after the imaging while maintaining the imaging mode. And a code for a processing step of performing a predetermined process on the captured image based on a user operation while the captured image is continuously displayed by the code of the continuous display step. A storage medium characterized by the above-mentioned. 25. A display means for displaying a photographed image in response to a photographing operation, a photographing start instruction operation member for instructing the start of the photographing operation, and the photographing start instruction member, which are configured separately. An image processing apparatus comprising: a holding instruction operation member for instructing holding of the display of the captured image by the display unit. 26. The image display device according to claim 2, wherein the display means displays the captured image by continuously operating the image capturing start instruction operation member for a predetermined time after the image capturing operation.
6. The image processing apparatus according to 5. 27. The display device according to claim 25, wherein the display means releases the display of the photographed image when the photographing start instruction operation member is operated again.
7. The image processing device according to any one of 6. 28. The image processing apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising a processing unit configured to perform a predetermined process on the photographed image instructed to be held by the holding instruction operation member. . 29. The image processing apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the image processing apparatus is a camera. 30. Display means for displaying a photographed image in response to a photographing operation, and processing means for performing predetermined processing on the photographed image displayed by the display means. Image processing device. 31. An image processing apparatus according to claim 30, further comprising a holding instruction operation member for instructing said display means to hold the display of the photographed image in order to cause said processing means to operate. 32. A display device, comprising: a holding instruction operating member for instructing the display means to hold the display of the photographed image, wherein the processing means is enabled by operating the holding instruction operating member. The image processing apparatus according to claim 30, wherein: 33. The image processing apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the predetermined process includes a process of deleting a captured image. 34. The apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the predetermined processing includes at least one of an enlarged display processing, a reduced display processing, a rotation display processing, and a photographing condition display processing. Image processing device. 35. The image processing apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the predetermined process includes a setting process at the time of printing. 36. The image processing apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the image processing apparatus is a camera. 37. A photographed image displayed in response to a photographing operation, and a holding instruction operation member configured to be separate from a photographing start instruction operation member for instructing a start of the photographing operation. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus, wherein an instruction to hold display of the captured image is given. 38. A control method for an image processing apparatus, comprising: displaying a photographed image in response to a photographing operation; and performing a predetermined process on the photographed image displayed by the display means. . 39. A photographing image that is photographed is displayed in response to a photographing operation, and a holding instruction operation member that is separate from a photographing start instruction operation member that instructs the start of the photographing operation is displayed by the display means. A storage medium for providing a control program for an image processing apparatus, wherein the storage medium has contents for instructing to hold display of the captured image. 40. An image processing apparatus characterized by displaying a photographed image in response to a photographing operation and performing a predetermined process on the photographed image displayed by the display means. Storage medium that provides a control program.