JP2002203231A - Method and device for reproducing image data and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image data reproducing method that facilitates operation of reproducing and displaying newly photographed and added image data in an information processor for reproducing and displaying image data and to provide a device therefor. SOLUTION: This method is to device whether or not to reproduce prescribed image data in accordance with whether the prescribed recorded image data is an image that has been prepared before the date and hour when an image reproduction and display operation is performed or is an image that is prepared after the date and hour when the image reproduction and display operation is performed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for reproducing image data capable of reproducing and displaying, on a display, image data stored in a storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional information processing apparatus capable of reproducing and displaying image data, when viewing specific image data from stored image data, a thumbnail image of the stored image is photographed. There is a method in which a list is displayed continuously in chronological order of date and time, and a desired image is searched and selected by using means such as scrolling or page turning, and image data is displayed in the entire screen area.

In the conventional example, when the thumbnail list display is not performed, the image is displayed in the entire screen area, and data is transmitted in the forward and backward directions by key operation or the like, and the target is displayed. A method of arriving at the image data is generally used. For example, a digital camera capable of capturing and reproducing images often executes the above method.

[0004]

However, in the conventional display method described above, when the number of stored images increases, all the thumbnail images cannot be displayed on one screen, so that it is difficult to find and select a target image. Has the problem that it is necessary to switch the display image data while scrolling the screen many times, and the operation of searching for the target image is complicated,
In that case, there is a problem that it takes time.

If the thumbnail list display is not performed, the number of forward and backward operations becomes enormous. As a result, even if it is desired to view only newly captured and added image data after the last playback display, all the data displayed in the list are sequentially sent to the display position of the newly added data. And there is a problem that these operations are very complicated. Also, there is no other way to know where the data is newly added than to store the image and date information of the newly added image data and rely on this storage.

According to the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus for reproducing and displaying image data. In the information processing apparatus for reproducing and displaying newly photographed and added image data, an image data reproducing method, an apparatus and a storage medium which are easy to operate. It is intended to provide.

[0007]

According to the present invention, the recorded predetermined image data is an image created before the date and time when the image playback / display operation was executed, or the image playback was performed. It is determined whether or not to reproduce the predetermined image data according to whether the image was created after the date and time when the display operation was executed. This facilitates the operation of reproducing and displaying newly shot and added image data.

Further, according to the present invention, it is determined whether or not the recorded predetermined image data has been reproduced and displayed before, so that the operation of reproducing and displaying the image data is further facilitated.

[0009]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] In a first embodiment, a camera module capable of photographing images, a memory means capable of storing photographed images in folders and storing the photographed images, This is an information processing apparatus in which display means capable of displaying an image are integrated.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an information processing apparatus 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In the information processing apparatus 100, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 controls the operation of the information processing apparatus 100, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 storing a control program and a RAM (Random Access Memory) Access memory) 103, data storage means 104,
An image processing unit 108, a tablet control unit 109,
An LCD control unit 111, a shutter SW 114, a control key group 115, and a DC / DC converter 117 for supplying power are connected to each other.
The CD control unit 107 and the CCD 106 are connected.

The tablet control unit 109
, A handwriting tablet 110 is connected, and the LCD control unit 111 includes a display driving unit 112 and a display unit (T
FT color liquid crystal) 113 is connected. Also, DC
Power is supplied to the / DC converter 117 from the battery 116. Display unit 113 and handwritten tablet 110
Is a device in which a transparent tablet is laminated on the upper part of the display unit and has an integral structure, and a control operation is performed by touching a corresponding position with a pen while referring to graphic data displayed on the display unit. .

The CPU 101 performs various controls based on a control program stored in the ROM 102. These controls include a process of reading a captured image signal output from the image processing unit 108 and performing DMA transfer to the RAM 103, a process of DMA-transferring data from the RAM 103 to the LCD control unit in the same manner, , Image data to J
PEG-compressed and stored in the data storage unit 104 in a file format, execution of various applications according to information input from the handwriting tablet 110, instruction of a shooting operation accompanying operation of the shutter SW 114, execution of the application In accordance with a control instruction by the control key group 115 in the middle, execution of a corresponding control process and a process of outputting a control signal for controlling power supply to each element to the DC / DC converter 117 are included. I have.

The RAM 103 has an image development area 103a.
, A work area 103b, a VRAM 103c, and a temporary save area 103d.

The image development area 103a includes the image processing unit 1
08 and a JPEG compressed image data read from the data storage means 104 is used as a temporary buffer for temporarily storing the captured image (YUV digital signal). Used as an image-only work area.

The work area 103b is a work area for various programs. The VRAM 103c is used as a VRAM for storing display data to be displayed on the display unit 113. The temporary save area 103d is an area for temporarily saving various data.

The data storage means 104 includes a reproduction history data storage area 104a and an image data storage area 104b.
And

A reproduction history data storage area 104a is used as an area for storing a history of date and time data at which image data is reproduced and displayed, and an image data storage area 104b stores photographed image data JPEG-compressed by the CPU 101. , Thumbnail image data, various files referred to by the application, etc., and folders. The data storage means 104 is constituted by a flash memory in the first embodiment.

The lens group 105 optically converts the subject image into C
A plurality of lenses are used for projecting onto a CD 106, and a CCD (photoelectric conversion element) 106 includes a lens group 105
Is an element that converts a captured image projected by the camera into an analog electric signal.

The CCD control unit 107 includes a CCD 1
06, a timing generator for supplying a transfer clock signal and a shutter signal, a circuit for removing noise from a CCD output signal, a gain processing, and an A / D conversion circuit for converting an analog signal into a 10-bit digital signal Etc. are included.

The image processing unit 108 converts the 10-bit digital signal output from the CCD control unit 107 into gamma conversion, color space conversion, white balance,
E, performs image processing such as flash correction, and performs YUV (4:
2: 2) It outputs an 8-bit digital signal in the format. These lens group 105, CCD 10
6, the CCD control unit 107 and the image processing unit 108 are collectively referred to as a “camera module” hereinafter.

The tablet control unit 109 controls the drive of the handwriting tablet 110 and converts various information input by touching the pen into digital signals.
01 is executed.

The LCD control unit 111 applies JPEG to the YUV digital image data transferred from the image processing unit 108 or the image file in the data storage unit.
Receiving the decompressed YUV digital image data, R
After the conversion into the GB digital signal, the process of outputting to the display drive unit 112 or the process of outputting the RGB digital data stored in the VRAM 103c to the display drive unit 112 is performed as described above.

The display driving section 112 controls the driving of the display section 113.

The display unit 113 is a display for displaying an image, and is a VGA standard (640 × 480 dots) TFT liquid crystal display device.

A shutter SW 114 is a shutter for instructing the start of a photographing operation. This shutter SW11
Reference numeral 4 denotes a switch position in two stages depending on the pressing pressure of the switch. When the position of the first stage (a weak pressing pressure, which is hereinafter referred to as a "hand pressing position") is detected, white balance, AF, etc. The lock operation of the camera setting is performed, and the second stage position (a strong pressing pressure, which is hereinafter referred to as a “shutter ON position”)
Is detected, the operation of capturing the capture signal is executed.

The control key group 115 is an auxiliary key for controlling a simple function without limiting the operation during the execution of the application to the pen input from the tablet, and includes, for example, a cursor key, a scroll key, and an enter key. Key, cancel key, etc.

The battery 116 is a rechargeable secondary battery or a dry battery.

The DC / DC converter 117 is connected to the battery 11
6, a plurality of power supplies are generated by performing boosting and regulation, thereby supplying power of a necessary voltage to the CPU 101 and other elements.
The DC / DC converter 117 starts the supply of each voltage according to the control signal 118 from the CPU 101,
Stopping can be controlled.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a folder structure and a display example of a thumbnail image data list in the first embodiment.

A "folder" used in the description of the above embodiment is a group in which a plurality of image files or data files are grouped. Also, folders can be created by grouping folders. That is, these folders can recursively form a hierarchical structure.

In FIG. 2, an attached information display area 201
Is date / time information 202, title sentence 203, audio 2
4, an area for displaying various additional information attached to the selected image data, such as a memo 205 and the like.

The voice 204 and the memo 205 are icons indicating that each piece of information exists, and the contents of the information are displayed or reproduced by touching the respective icons with a pen.

A first-level folder display area 206, a second-level folder display area 207, and a third-level folder display area 208 are provided.
In 208, folders attached to the respective layers are displayed as icons (folder icons) together with the character strings of the folder titles.

In the above-mentioned folder icons, a white icon display 209 indicates a non-selected folder, and a solid icon display 210 indicates a selected folder. These selected folders are connected by an arrow 211 so that each parent folder can be identified. The icon 212 is an icon for instructing scrolling of a folder display portion when a folder included in each hierarchy cannot fit in each display area.

In the thumbnail image data display area 213, thumbnail image data of all the images included in the lower hierarchy than the selected folder are continuously displayed. Here, the displayed thumbnail image is 80 ×
60 dot image data. In the display area 213, the image data which is not focused as shown by reference numeral 214 represents a non-selected thumbnail image, and the image data which is focused as shown by reference numeral 215. Indicates that the image is a selected thumbnail image.

The icons 216 and 217 are used to instruct scrolling of the thumbnail display portion when all data cannot be stored in the thumbnail image data display area 213.

When the photographing button 218 is touched with a pen, the photographing mode is entered and the viewfinder processing is started. When the extension button 219 is touched with a pen, a menu of extended functions such as folder operation, file operation, and mode change is displayed, and each function can be executed by menu selection.

FIG. 3 shows a screen display example when one image is selected from the thumbnail image data list described in FIG. 2 in the above embodiment.

In FIG. 3, a full screen display A of image data is a display example when an image is displayed in full size (640 × 480 dots), and has a folder structure shown in FIG.
When an image is selected from the thumbnail image display screen,
In this manner, the entire image data is displayed on the entire screen, and the attached information, icons, and the like that hide part of the image are not displayed. Here, when a part of the image is touched with a pen, the display is switched to a display like the display example B having the same attached information.

The display example B is an example in which image data, attached information such as a comment and a memo, icons for various control instructions, and the like are displayed on one screen.

In FIG. 3, similar to the attached information display area 201 shown in FIG.
This is an area for displaying various additional information attached to the selected image data, such as time information, title text, audio icon 303, and memo icon 304.

The icons 305 and 306 are icons representing function buttons, like the icons 218 and 219 shown in FIG. When the photographing button 305 is touched with a pen, the photographing mode is entered and the viewfinder process is started. The extension button 306 displays a menu of effective extension functions in the image selection screen, such as editing an image, editing a memo, and changing a display mode, by touching this button with a pen. Can be performed.

The image data 307 is displayed in a size of 320 × 240 dots, which is an area ratio 1/4 size. The memo data display area 308 displays text data such as an explanation and a comment for the image. In this area, scroll icons 309 and 310 for specifying scroll processing of the memo text are displayed. By touching 310 with a pen, text data that could not fit in the display area can be scrolled up and down and viewed.

A "return" button 311 is a button for instructing exit from this screen. By touching this button with a pen, the display can return to the original "folder structure, thumbnail image display screen". Also,
When the image data portion 307 is touched with a pen on this screen,
The display can be switched again to the full-size image display screen which is the display example A.

Next, a control processing procedure of the information processing apparatus in the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the main processing after the power of the main body is turned on.

In FIG. 4, in step S401, the power of the main body is turned on, and in step S402, a folder structure and image data list display processing are performed. As shown in FIG. 2, this display screen displays a portion for displaying the structure of each folder system created by the operator, and a list of thumbnail images of all image data included under the selected folder. Are displayed simultaneously on one screen.

In step S403, an operation action from the operator, that is, the tablet 110
Wait until touch is made. Buttons corresponding to various control functions are displayed on the display screen, and functions described below are executed by touching the area with a pen.

First, in step S404, when any one of the displayed folders is designated by the pen,
In step S405, the selected folder is switched to the selected folder (the folder 210 shown in FIG. 2). In step S402, the display process of the folder structure and the image list is performed on the newly selected folder. Do it again.

In step S406, when the display area of the thumbnail image data is touched with a pen and one of the image data is designated, in step S407, the designated image is selected, that is, the focus position is switched to the designated image and displayed ( As shown in FIG. 2 (215), a process of changing the designated pointer or a process of displaying the processed thumbnail image in full size (640 × 480 dots) is performed. After the process is completed, the process returns to the folder structure and image list display process again. (Step S402).

In step S408, the photographing button 218 on the display is touched by a pen touch or a shutter switch.
When the button 114 is manually pressed, the flow shifts to the camera shooting mode in step S409, and the shooting operation is started. After the photographing operation ends and the photographing mode is exited, the process returns to the folder structure and image list display processing again (step S40).
2).

In step S410, when the folder scroll icon 212 or the thumbnail image data scroll icons 216 and 217 are touched with a pen, in step S411, the target folder hierarchy or the thumbnail image data scroll operation is performed. Is performed, the display pointer is moved, and the process returns to the folder structure and image list display processing (step S402).

In step S 412, when the end is instructed, for example, when the application is switched or the power is turned off, in order to exit this image reproducing operation, in step S 414, the history data is updated, that is, The data of the current date and time is stored in the reproduction history data storage area 104a, and the process ends.

If it is not an end instruction, that is, steps S404, S406, S408, S41
0 or neither of S412 (Step S412)
, Other processing including an extended function is executed (step S413). The extended function is a function including functions such as creation of a new folder, data editing, and screen design change.

Next, the contents of each process described with reference to FIG. 4 will be described in detail.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the folder structure and image data list display processing (S402) in the above embodiment.

In FIG. 5, first, in step S501, a display of a basic format constituting a screen such as a line, a frame, a background, various buttons, icons, etc., and a list of icons of folders higher than the currently designated folder are displayed. Is displayed in the areas 206 to 208.

Next, in step S502, a process of reading the first image data file from among the image data stored under the designated folder is performed.
Then, in step S503, it is checked whether or not the read image data has been reproduced and displayed before. That is, the creation date and time (time stamp) of the read image data file is compared with the playback date and time stored in the playback history data storage area 104a.

Here, in step S504, if the file creation date and time of the read image data is newer than the reproduction date and time, the read image data is display target data. , The read image data file is subjected to JPEG expansion, and a thumbnail image (8
After creating (0 × 60 dots), they are displayed side by side in the thumbnail image display area 213.

In step S506, it is determined whether the read image data is the last data of the image data stored in the selected folder or less. In this case, the read image data is sorted in the order of the creation date. Therefore, it is checked whether the data is the latest date data. Step S5
At 04, if the file creation date and time of the read image data is older than the reproduction date and time, this image data is not display target data, and the thumbnail image display process (step S505) is skipped. The process proceeds to the end check (step S506).

If it is determined in step S506 that the image data is not the final image data, in step S508, the next image data file is read, and the comparison process (step S503) is repeated.

If it is determined that the image data is the last image data (step S506), in step S507, other information, that is, information other than the folder / thumbnail image, such as date / time, title character, additional information icon, etc. Is performed, and all screen displays are completed.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the details of the image selection processing (step S407) in the above embodiment.

In FIG. 6, first, processing for performing a detailed display of a designated image, that is, a full screen display is executed (step S601). This full screen display reads the selected image data file and
After G development, full data (640 × 480 dots) of the image as shown in the display example A is displayed on the entire screen.

Thereafter, in step S602, the operation waits until an operation action from the operator, that is, until the tablet 110 is touched by the pen. Here, when pen touch is detected, in step S603,
It is determined whether or not the image area has been touched, that is, whether or not a display mode change instruction has been issued. If the display mode has been changed, a change process is executed (step S60).
4) If not changed, other processing is executed (step S605), and the process returns to the pen touch detection wait processing again (step S602).

In step S604, processing for shifting to the additional information simultaneous display mode is performed. In this display mode, first, various information (title text,
Comments, marks, and other additional information)
As shown in the display example B, the image data is switched to the area ratio of 1/4 size (320 × 240 dots), and the read-out attached data is processed so as to be displayed in a layout for simultaneous display.

Thereafter, in step S606, similarly to step S602, the process waits until a pen touch is performed, and when the pen touch is detected, it is determined whether or not a display mode change instruction by touching an image area has been performed (step S607). If the change instruction is issued, the full-screen display mode switching process is executed again (step S601).

When an instruction other than the display mode change instruction is issued (step S607), other processing according to the instruction contents, for example, screen scrolling, information editing, end of image selection processing, and the like are executed. (Step S6
08).

Next, the contents of the photographing operation process (step S409) in the above embodiment will be described in detail.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the viewfinder function in the camera photographing operation mode in the above embodiment.

First, in step S701, the CCD 10
6. Bring the CCD module including the CCD control unit 107 into an operable state (enab1e).

Next, continuous processing (step S702 and subsequent steps) until an image captured from the camera module is displayed on the display unit 113 will be described.

In step S702, the camera lens group 1
The optical information of the subject taken in from the camera 05 is converted into an electric signal by the CCD 106. This output signal is a non-interlace analog signal, and outputs data of a reduced size of 320 × 240 dots by thinning-out processing instead of 640 × 480 dots in total pixels in order to increase the processing speed.

The signal captured in step S702 is
Next, in step S703, the noise is removed by the CCD control unit 107 and the gain
After being A / D converted to a 0-bit digital signal, it is sent to the image processing unit 108. The image processing unit 108 performs processing such as correction at the time of auto white balance, AE, and flash photography, or processing such as signal conversion to the YUV (4: 2: 2) format (step S704).

The YUV-converted signal is supplied to the CPU 10
VRAM 103 for storing display image data
c and is constantly output to the LCD control unit 111 using DMA. After converting the received YUV signal into an RGB digital signal (step S705), the LCD control unit 111 outputs an RGB signal to the display driving unit 112 (step S70).
6). Upon receiving the output signal from the display driver 112,
In step S707, the display of the subject image by the display unit 113 is performed.

As described above, steps S702 to S70
The subject image is always monitored on the display unit 113 by continuously looping the processing up to 7 in a cycle of 1/30 second.

When a key operation by the photographer is detected during the loop of monitoring the video, an interrupt event is generated by the detection signal, and the process shifts to interrupt process A.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing the control procedure of the interrupt processing by the key operation during the camera photographing operation in the above embodiment.

At the stage when this key operation occurs, there is internally one of two modes. One mode is a normal mode, in which the viewfinder operation described with reference to FIG. 7 is continuously performed after the power is turned on. The other mode is a manual pushing mode, in which the viewfinder operation is performed in a state where the shutter is manually pushed once and various camera settings are locked. In FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the start position of the processing is set to two of the processing from the normal mode and the processing from the manual pushing mode
It is described separately for the following cases.

Step S801 is key status reading processing for checking which key operation has been performed in the interrupt processing from the normal mode. Here, when it is detected in step S802 that the shutter switch has been pressed, in step S803, various camera settings controlled in the image processing unit 108, such as auto white balance, AE, and strobe correction in the case of strobe shooting, are performed. , Lock with current settings, then
In step S815, the operations of the display drive unit 112 and the display unit 113 are stopped to reduce the processing load of the CPU.

As described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, in the viewfinder processing, only signals of the number of pixels of a thinned image are taken in to increase the processing speed. 640 × 4
A full image of 80 dots) is required.

Therefore, in step S816, VG
The capture signal of the number of A pixels is captured, and after predetermined processing in the image processing unit 108, the data of the YUV signal is written to the image development area 103a in the RAM 103. This data is stored in a JPEG format in step S817.
After performing image compression processing conforming to the standard, step S
At 818, the compressed data is written to the data storage unit 104 (flash memory) as an image file. Thereafter, in step S819, the stopped display driving operation is restarted. In step S820, after displaying the image data on the display unit 113 for a certain period of time so that the captured image can be confirmed, step S821 is performed. Then, the interrupt processing is ended, the processing returns to the loop of FIG. 7, and the viewfinder processing is restarted.

Next, from reading the key status (step S801), when it is detected that the shutter hand switch has been pressed (step S804), the process proceeds to step S80.
In 5, set the internal state setting to hand pushing mode first,
In step S806, as in step S803, various camera settings in the image processor, such as auto white balance, AE, and strobe correction in the case of strobe shooting, are locked with the current set values.

Thereafter, in step S807, the interrupt processing ends, and the flow returns to the loop in FIG. Also, in step S808, if it is detected from the key status that the key for changing the photographing condition has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S80.
In step 9, various camera settings controlled in the image processing unit 108, such as auto white balance, AE, and strobe correction in the case of strobe shooting, are corrected in accordance with changing conditions, and then the process returns to step S807. move on.

Further, based on the key status, step S8
In step 10, when it is detected that the key for instructing the end of the photographing mode is pressed, the operation of the CCD module is ended (step S811), and in step S812,
After performing the other photographing operation end processing, the photographing mode end is executed. In step S810, if no end instruction key is detected, no valid key or switch is detected, and no processing is performed, and the process proceeds to the return processing (step S807).

Next, the flow of the interrupt processing in the manual push mode in the above embodiment will be described.

In the interrupt process from the manual pressing mode, a key status reading process for checking which key has been pressed is executed (step S813). Here, in step S814, when it is detected that the shutter switch has been pressed, various camera settings (step S806) in the image processor locked by the previous detection of the hand-pressed key (step S804) remain valid, and The photographing process (described above) after step S815 is performed.

When the key status detects that the hand press release key is pressed (step S822), the internal state setting is released from the hand press mode in step S823, and the process proceeds to the return processing (step S821).
If no hand-release key is detected in step S822, a valid key or switch has not been detected.
Return processing without performing any processing (step S821)
Proceed to.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for reproducing and displaying an image stored in the memory in the above embodiment.

The processing steps shown in FIG. 10 are executed in displaying a thumbnail image (S502 to S505) or selecting and displaying a designated image (S601, S604).

In FIG. 10, first, in step S901,
Then, the compressed image data file written in the photographing operation (step S818) is read from the data storage unit 104 (flash memory), written into the image development area 103a in the RAM 103, and then the image is decompressed. A process for converting the compressed data conforming to the standard into the original data (YUV data) is executed (step S902), and the decompressed original data is written to the VRAM 103c storing the display image data (step S903).

Thereafter, similarly to the processing of steps S705 to S707, first, in step S904, the received Y
After the UV signal is converted into the RGB digital signal, the RGB signal is output to the display drive unit 112 in step S905. Upon receiving the output signal from the display drive unit 112, in step S906, the display unit 113 displays a subject image.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the storage area 104a of the reproduction history data has the date and time of the last image reproduction processing as an area for storing only one. However, in the second embodiment, the storage area of the reproduction history data has a structure capable of storing a plurality of reproduction dates and times, and each time the image reproduction process is performed, the date and time are sequentially stored in this area. .

Further, at the time of image reproduction, the user can freely select a reference date and time for determining whether or not read image data is to be reproduced from the date and time stored in the reproduction history data storage area. To control.

FIG. 11 is a structural diagram showing a state of storing data in the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a structural diagram showing a state of storing data in the reproduction history data storage area 104a.

This data storage area is in a ring buffer format, and each time an image is reproduced, the reproduction date and time are sequentially stored in each block. When the buffer becomes full, the oldest data is discarded.

In FIG. 11, the memory area 1001 of the reproduction history data storage area is divided into n blocks so that a plurality of date and time data can be stored.
1, 1001-2, 1001-3, ..., 1001-n
Represents each block. For example, block 1001-1 includes “1 October 29, 1999
4:36:59 ”and the like, and the same applies to blocks 1001-2 to 1001-n.

The pointer position 1002 is a pointer position indicating the block in which the latest date and time data is stored. Every time the reproduction process of the image data is performed, the date and time data is written in the block indicated by the pointer 1002, and the pointer advances by one. When the pointer reaches the last block 1001-n, an operation of returning the position to the block 1001-1 is performed again.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the folder structure and image data list display processing (step S402).

Steps S501 and S50 shown in FIG.
2, S504, S505, S506, S507, S50
8 are the same as the respective steps in FIG.

In FIG. 12, first, at step S110
In step 1, a process for specifying a reproduction reference date and time by the user is executed.

More specifically, the reproduction history data storage area 1
This is an operation of reading out all the date and time data stored in 04a, displaying it on the display 113, and then instructing which date and time to be the reference date and time by, for example, a pen touch operation by the user. Thereafter, in step S501, a display process of a basic format constituting a screen such as a line, a frame, a background, various buttons, and icons, and a process of displaying a list of icons of folders higher than the currently designated folder ( FIG.
206 to 208).

Next, in step S502, a process of reading the first image data file from among the image data stored under the designated folder is performed.

Then, in step S1102, it is checked whether or not the read image data has been reproduced and displayed before the date and time specified in step S1101, that is, the read image data file is created. Date and time (time stamp) and playback history data storage area 1
In the history data of the reproduction date and time stored in 04a, the reproduction date and time specified in step S1102 are compared. Here, in step S504, if the creation date and time of the read image data file is newer than the reproduction date and time, this image data is display target data.
In step S505, the read image data file is subjected to JPEG expansion, and based on the expanded data,
After creating a thumbnail image (80 × 60 dots),
The images are displayed side by side in the thumbnail image display area 213. Then, in step S506, it is checked whether the read image data is the last data of the image data stored in the selected folder or lower.

In step S504, if the file creation date is older than the reproduction date, this image data is not the display target data, so the thumbnail image display processing (step S505) is skipped, and the data end check (step S505) is performed. Proceed to step S506).

If it is determined in step S506 that the image data is not the final image data, in step S508, the process of reading the next image data file is performed.
503 is repeated.

If it is determined in step S506 that the image data is the last image data, in step S507, other information is displayed, that is, date / time, title,
Display processing is performed on data other than the folder and the thumbnail image such as the additional information icon, and all the displays are completed.

[Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, photographed image data is classified and stored in a folder created by the user in advance, and arbitrarily interrupted from the image reproduction mode. In the third embodiment, the finder operation and the capture operation are executed independently of each other in the “photographing mode”. "
In this embodiment, the operation of reproducing the thumbnail and the full image of the captured image is executed independently of each other, and each mode is executed as a separate application from the initial.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing after the power of the main body is turned on in the third embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 13, when the power of the main body is turned on (step S1201), it is determined whether or not the power is turned on in the reproduction mode (step S1202). The process is executed from the initial (step S1203).

If the mode is not the reproduction mode (step S
1202) It is determined whether or not the power is turned on in the photographing mode (step S1204). If it is in the photographing mode, the finder operation, the capture operation, etc. described in the first embodiment, FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 are performed. (Step S1205).

If the mode is not the photographing mode (step S1204), other processing such as setting of the environment of the device is executed (step S1206).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the image reproducing operation in the reproducing mode shown in FIG. 13, step S1203 in the third embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 14, first, at step S130
In step 1, similarly to steps S502 to S508, the stored image data is sequentially read, and the date and time of creation (time stamp) of the image data file is compared with the playback date and time in the playback history storage area to create a new one. JPEG expansion is performed only on the file, a thumbnail image (80 × 60 dots) is created from the expanded data, and then displayed side by side in the thumbnail image display area.

Next, in step S1302, the history data is updated, that is, the data of the current date and time is stored in the reproduction history data storage area 104a.

Here, in step S1303, when any one of the displayed thumbnail images is selected as an operation action from the operator, the process proceeds to step S1.
In step 305, a process of displaying the specified image in detail, that is, performing full screen display, is executed. This full screen display reads the selected image data file,
After performing JPEG expansion, as shown in display example A,
The full image data (640 × 480 dots) is displayed on the entire screen.

If the operation operation is not image selection (step S1303), other key processing, for example, scroll processing of a thumbnail image list, other extended functions, termination processing of thumbnail image display, and the like are executed (step S1303). S1304).

In the full screen display state in step S1305, when the operator executes an image feed operation, for example, when an instruction to switch to the previous image is issued in step S1306, step S1307 is performed.
In step S1305, a full screen display process is performed on the data file stored immediately before the displayed image data file in the same procedure as in step S1305.

When an instruction to switch to the next image is issued (step S1308), a full screen display process is performed on the data file stored immediately after the displayed image data file in the same manner as described above. Execute (step S1309). If neither is the case, other processing according to the instruction content, for example, image editing, end of image selection processing, and the like are executed (step S1).
310).

Next, the operation of displaying a thumbnail image data list in the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display screen example of a thumbnail image data list according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

That is, FIG. 15 shows the display processing (step S
FIG. 1301 is a diagram illustrating an example of an execution screen of 1301).

In FIG. 15, the entire screen 1401 on which the thumbnail image list is displayed has a pixel size of 640 × 480 dots on the entire screen. On this screen,
A total of 56 types of thumbnail images (80 × 60
dot) is displayed in a list. Of which part 14
02 is one of the thumbnail image data. Also, scroll icons 1403 and 1404 are scroll icons displayed when thumbnail image data to be displayed is further stored, 1403 is an upper scroll icon, and 1404 is a lower scroll icon. This scroll icon 1403, 1
By touching the 404 with a pen, the thumbnail image data that could not fit in the display area can be scrolled up and down and viewed.

[Fourth Example] In the third embodiment, in the image reproduction operation, only the image data newly created from the date and time data stored in the reproduction date and time storage area is displayed in the thumbnail image list. However, in the fourth embodiment, in the image reproducing operation, the image data once displayed in the thumbnail list is regarded as already reproduced image data at the next reproduction, and is not the target of the next thumbnail image display.

However, although thumbnail display was performed last time, not all images were selected and full-screen image display was always performed. Therefore, image data that had never been reproduced and displayed on the full screen, The problem of not being reproduced from the next time may occur. In other words, image data that has been created by shooting but has not yet been confirmed
The problem of not being reproduced from the next time may occur.

Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, a reproduction mark is once added to the image data reproduced and displayed by the full image, and in addition to the newly created image data, the image data not reproduced by the full image (the reproduction mark) is added. Image data to which the image is not added) is also an object of image reproduction and display.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an image reproducing operation in the reproducing mode in the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Steps S1302-S1 in FIG.
The processing of 310 is the same processing as the processing described in FIG.

In FIG. 16, first, stored image data is sequentially read out, only the target image data file is subjected to JPEG expansion, and a thumbnail image (80 × 60 dots) is created based on the expanded data. Thereafter, the images are displayed side by side in the thumbnail image display area (step S1501). Details of the operation in step S1501 will be described with reference to FIG.

Next, after the history data is updated in step S1302, the operator checks the operation action in step S1303, and if any one of the displayed thumbnail images is selected, in step S1305, A process for displaying the specified image in detail, that is, performing full screen display, is executed. Thereafter, a "play mark" indicating that the selected image data has been reproduced is added to the selected image data (step S150).
2).

If the operation operation is not image selection (step S1303), other key processing is executed (step S1304). Thereafter, in the full screen display state, when an image feed operation is performed by the operator (steps S1306 and S1307), the full screen display processing is performed on the data file stored immediately before the displayed image data file. (Step S
1307), and a full-screen display process is performed on the data file stored immediately after the displayed image data file (step S130).
7). If neither is the case, another process is executed according to the instruction (step S131).
0).

Next, the data structure of the image data stored in the image data storage area 104b will be described.

FIG. 17 shows the image data storage area 104b.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data structure of image data stored in the.

In FIG. 17, an entire JPEG-compressed image data file 1601 stores a JPEG start marker 1602, a marker 1603 indicating a user area defined by JPEG, and a reproduction mark using this area. An area 1604, an area 1605 representing the body of JPEG-encoded image data, and a JPE
G end marker 1606.

In the area 1604, an area for one word is secured, and for image data that has not been reproduced (image data newly created immediately after shooting),
When "0" is stored and selected as a full image display by the image reproducing operation, "1" is recorded as a reproduction mark (step S1502).

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining in detail the flow of the process of reading an image and displaying a thumbnail list (step S1501).

In FIG. 18, first, a read process of the first image data file among the image data stored in the image data storage area 104b is performed (step S1701).

After that, it is checked whether or not the read image data has been reproduced and displayed before.
That is, the creation date and time (time stamp) of the read image data file and the reproduction history data storage area 104a
Is compared with the latest reproduction date and time among the history data of the reproduction date and time stored in (step S1702).

If the file creation date and time of the read image data is newer than the reproduction date and time (step S1703), since this image data is display target data, JPEG expansion of the read image data file is performed. Is performed, and a thumbnail image (80 ×
60 dots), and are displayed side by side in the thumbnail image display area (213 in FIG. 2) (step S170).
4). Thereafter, it is checked whether or not the read image data is the last data of the image data stored in the selected folder or lower (step S1707).

If the file creation date is older than the playback date (step S1703), the "play mark" (16 in FIG. 17) added to the read image data.
04) (step S1705), and if it is marked, that is, if the value of the mark area 1604 is 1 (step S1706), since this image data is not display target data, a thumbnail image display process (step S1706) is performed. Step S1704) is skipped, and the process proceeds to a data end check (step S1707). If it is not marked, that is, if the value of the mark area 1604 is 0 (step S1706), the process proceeds to the thumbnail image display processing (step S1704).

Judgment of end of image data (step S170)
If it is determined in step 7) that the image data is not the final image data, the next image data file is read (step S1708), and the comparison process is performed (step S1702).
repeat. If it is determined that the image data is the last image data (step S1707), all the thumbnails are displayed and the process ends.

In the fourth embodiment, a reproduction mark is added to the image data once reproduced and displayed by the full image, and in addition to the newly created image data, the image data not displayed with the full image (the reproduction mark is added). The image data which is not displayed is also subjected to image reproduction and display. The reproduction mark and a plurality of reproduction history data shown in the second embodiment are used, and (1) the designated date and time All of the newer image data + Playback of image data that is older than the specified date and time without a play mark (2) Only image data that is newer than the specified date and time without a play mark (3) Playback of all image data older than the specified date and time + Playback of image data with a play mark among image data newer than the specified date and time (4) Various reproduction conditions including the image data only for reproduction such as marked with play mark in the older image data than the constant time, it is possible to perform control such that the operator can be specified.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, as the reproduction mark, binary (0,
1) is added to the image data.
The reproduction frequency information may be added to the image data, and the frequency information may be increased by one each time the image is reproduced.

Thus, at the time of reproducing an image, the operator also specifies frequency information in addition to the reproduction date and time, whereby the image can be reproduced more flexibly according to the purpose of use.

[Fifth Embodiment] In the first embodiment, folder information, image data, and data attached thereto are stored in a flash memory built in the main body.
The fifth embodiment is an embodiment that employs a hardware configuration capable of supplying or storing various data by using an external memory card such as a CF card.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 19, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 storing a control program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a lens group 105 serving as a camera module, a CCD 106 , CCD control unit 10
7, image processing unit 108, furthermore, tablet control unit 109, handwritten tablet 110, LCD control unit 111, display drive unit 112, display unit (TFT color liquid crystal) 113, shutter SW 114, control key group 1
15, a battery 116, a DC / DC converter 117 for supplying power, and a power control signal 118 are the same components as those shown in FIG.

In the fifth embodiment, the CPU 101
The MCIA interface 119 is connected. The PCMCIA interface unit 119 is a PCMCIA interface.
An interface between a standard-compliant external IC card and the CPU 101 is provided, and data input / output and control are performed via the PCMCIA external connector 120.

In the fifth embodiment, a flash memory card such as a CF card is assumed as the external IC card.
It is attached to the external connector 120 and connected. The external memory card 121 has a playback history data storage area 121a.
And an image data storage area 121b.

The reproduction history data storage area 121a is used as an area for storing a history of date and time data at which image data is reproduced and displayed. The image data storage area 1
Reference numeral 21b denotes a file including photographed image data JPEG-compressed by the CPU 101, thumbnail image data, and various attached data referred to by an application.
It is used as an area for storing folders and the like.

The image data, text data, and the like photographed by the main body are stored and managed in an external memory card mounted on the PCMCIA slot. In addition, it is not necessary to create all of these data using a camera module or text input means built in the main body.For example, various data created and collected by an external device such as a digital camera or a personal computer can be used. It is also possible to store the data in an external memory card and supply it as a medium.

In the above embodiment, the interface module (119, 120) conforming to the PCMCIA standard is mounted as the interface of the external memory card. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, a unique interface may be employed.

The external memory card 121 is not limited to a flash memory card such as a CF card. For example, a hard disk unit having the same interface, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magneto-optical disk and the like can be used. Can be replaced.

Further, the above embodiment can be understood as an invention of a storage medium. That is, in the embodiment, when the image data is stored in the storage medium, and the image data stored in the storage medium is reproduced and displayed on the display unit, the creation date and time when the stored image data is created, A date and time obtaining procedure for obtaining a reproduction display date and time at which at least one of the image data is reproduced and displayed, and comparing the obtained date and time to determine whether only the image data whose creation date and time is newer than the reproduction display date and time are reproduced and displayed Alternatively, this is an example of a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a playback apparatus for image data to execute a playback display procedure for playing back and displaying only image data whose creation date and time is older than the playback display date and time.

As the storage medium, FD, CD,
DVDs, HDs, semiconductor memories, and the like can be considered.

[0156]

According to the present invention, the recorded image data is reproduced depending on whether it is an image created before or after the date and time when the image playback operation was executed, or an image created later. By judging whether or not to do so, it is possible to easily reproduce and display newly shot and added image data.

According to the present invention, a means for determining whether or not recorded image data has been reproduced and displayed before is provided. Since the image data having no image data is also reproduced, there is an effect that the image data can be reproduced and displayed more easily.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an information processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a folder structure and a display example of a thumbnail image data list in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an example of a screen display when one image is selected from the thumbnail image data list described in FIG. 2 in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing after the power of the main body is turned on.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a folder structure and image data list display processing (S402) in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating details of an image selection process (step S407) in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of a viewfinder function in a camera photographing operation mode in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of an interrupt process by a key operation during a camera photographing operation in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of an interrupt process by a key operation during a camera photographing operation in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for reproducing and displaying an image stored in a memory in the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a structural diagram showing a state of storing data in the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a structural diagram showing a state of storing data in a reproduction history data storage area 104a.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a folder structure and image data list display processing (step S402).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a main process after the power of the main body is turned on in the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an image reproducing operation in a reproducing mode shown in step S1203 of FIG. 13 in the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of a thumbnail image data list according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an image reproducing operation in a reproducing mode in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of image data stored in an image data storage area 104b.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining in detail the flow of image reading and thumbnail list display processing (step S1501).

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a schematic configuration of an information processing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Information processing apparatus, 101 ... CPU, 102 ... ROM, 103 ... RAM, 104 ... Data storage means, 106 ... CCD, 107 ... CCD control part, 108 ... Image processing part, 109 ... Tablet control part, 110 ... Handwriting tablet Reference numeral 111: LCD control unit 112: Display drive unit 113: Display unit (TFT color liquid crystal) 114: Shutter SW 115: Control key group

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 5/91 H04N 5/91 N 5/92 5/92 HF Term (Reference) 5B050 AA09 BA10 BA15 DA01 FA12 GA08 5B075 ND08 ND23 PQ02 PR03 PR04 5C022 AA00 AC03 AC13 AC42 AC54 AC69 AC73 5C053 FA14 HA29 JA21 JA22 KA01 KA24 LA02 LA06

Claims (7)

[Claims] An image data reproducing apparatus for storing image data in a storage medium and reproducing and displaying the image data stored in the storage medium on a display means, wherein the stored image data is generated. Date and time acquisition means for obtaining a date and time and a reproduction display date and time at which at least one of the image data is reproduced and displayed; comparing the obtained date and time and reproducing only image data whose creation date and time is newer than the reproduction display date and time A reproduction display means for displaying or displaying only image data whose creation date and time is older than the reproduction display date and time. 2. A reproduction display information obtaining means for obtaining information as to whether stored image data has already been reproduced and displayed; and displaying only image data not reproduced and displayed, or And a reproduction display means for reproducing and displaying only the image data which has been reproduced and displayed. 3. A means for obtaining information on the number of times that stored image data has been reproduced and displayed in the past; and reproducing or displaying only image data exceeding an arbitrary number of times, or A reproduction display means for reproducing and displaying only image data which does not exceed the number of times. 4. A method for reproducing image data in which image data is stored in a storage medium, and the image data stored in the storage medium is reproduced and displayed on a display means, wherein the stored image data is generated. Obtaining a date and time and a reproduction display date and time at which at least one of the image data is reproduced and displayed; and comparing the obtained date and time to reproduce only the image data whose creation date and time is newer than the reproduction display date and time. Displaying or reproducing and displaying only image data whose creation date and time is older than the reproduction and display date and time. 5. A reproduction display information acquiring step for obtaining information as to whether stored image data has already been reproduced and displayed; and displaying only image data not reproduced and displayed, or A reproduction display step of reproducing and displaying only image data that has already been reproduced and displayed. 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein information on the number of times that the stored image data has been reproduced and displayed in the past is obtained; and only the image data exceeding an arbitrary number of times is reproduced or displayed. A reproduction / display step of reproducing / displaying only image data not exceeding the number of times. 7. When the image data is stored in a storage medium, and the image data stored in the storage medium is reproduced and displayed on a display means, the creation date and time when the stored image data is created, A date and time obtaining procedure for obtaining a reproduction display date and time at which at least one of the data is reproduced and displayed; and comparing the obtained date and time to reproduce and display only image data whose creation date and time is newer than the reproduction display date or A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a reproduction apparatus of image data to execute a reproduction display procedure of reproducing and displaying only image data whose creation date and time is older than the reproduction display date and time.