JP2005012517A - Electronic camera and program for displaying subpicture of picture data file - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an electronic camera for recording a picture group being obtained through a series of shots taken while changing the focal distance such that a variation in angle of field can be comprehended easily. <P>SOLUTION: When the photograph picture is the first frame of a continuous photograph, the electronic camera forms subpicture data representing photograph picture using pixels of 160×120 entirely (a). When the photograph picture is the second frame of a continuous photograph, the electronic camera represents the photograph picture (reduced picture) with a data size smaller than 160×120 pixels depending on a change in focal distance from the photographing time of a previous frame to form subpicture data with the reduced picture and data of a specified color (b). When the photograph picture is the third frame of a continuous photograph, the electronic camera represents the photograph picture (reduced picture) with a data size further smaller than 160×120 pixels depending on a change in focal distance from the photographing time of a previous frame to form subpicture data with the reduced picture and data of a specified color (c). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electronic camera that captures a subject image with an imaging device, and a program that displays a sub-image of an image data file generated by the electronic camera.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A technique is known in which at least one shooting condition is changed and shooting is performed a plurality of times, and an image group obtained by the series of shooting is handled (see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses that when a list of photographed image groups is displayed, each image constituting a group of images obtained by a series of photographs is displayed indicating the contents changed from the standard photographing conditions. Yes.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-28579 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When the shooting condition to be changed during a series of shootings is a focal length, the shooting angle of view changes according to the focal length. In the list display disclosed in Patent Document 1, since all the images constituting the image group are displayed with the same image size, even if the display showing the change contents from the reference focal length is performed, the list is displayed. It is difficult for a display observer to obtain an actual change in the angle of view from a group of displayed images. In particular, when the list display is performed as a reduced image, it is difficult to distinguish between the case where the main subject is photographed large by zooming up and the case where the subject is photographed large close to the main subject, which is problematic.
[0005]
The present invention provides an electronic camera that easily records changes in the angle of view of a group of images taken while changing the focal length, and a sub-image display program for an image data file that displays the changes in the angle of view of an image group in an easy-to-understand manner. Is.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An electronic camera according to the present invention includes an imaging device that captures an image of a subject and outputs an imaging signal, main image data generation means that generates main image data representing a captured image using the imaging signal, and a smaller number than the main image data. Sub-image data generating means for generating sub-image data representing a captured image with a data size of 1 using an imaging signal, and a second data by changing the first data size according to the focal length of the imaging lens at the time of imaging Sub-image data size control means for instructing the sub-image data generation means to represent the captured image in data size, and data file generation means for generating an image data file including at least main image data and sub-image data, respectively. It is characterized by providing.
The sub-image data size control means sets the second data size <the first data size when the focal length is longer than a predetermined value, and the second data size> the first data size when the focal length is shorter than the predetermined value. It is also possible to instruct the sub-image data generation means.
The electronic camera may further include image group information generation means for generating information indicating that a plurality of frames are captured while changing the focal length of the photographing lens. In this case, the data file generation means can also generate an image data file by further including information from the image group information generation means in each of the image data files corresponding to a plurality of frames.
The sub-image display program according to the present invention includes main image data representing a photographed image, sub-image data representing a photographed image with a first data size smaller than the main image data, and information indicating the focal length of the photographing lens at the time of photographing. Is applied to a program for displaying a sub-image by an image data file including Then, according to the process of reading information indicating the focal length from the image data file, the process of reading the sub image data from the image data file, and the focal length indicated by the read information, the data size of the sub image data is set to the first data size. The computer is configured to execute a process for changing from the first data size to the second data size and a process for generating an image signal for displaying a sub-image with the second data size.
The image signal generation processing for displaying the sub image display program may be performed for each sub image data included in each of a plurality of image data files corresponding to a plurality of frames. In this case, the sub-image display program can also execute a process of displaying a list of a plurality of sub-images after the data size has been changed on the display device.
When the focal length indicated by the readout information is longer than a predetermined value, the second image size is smaller than the first data size, and when the focal length is shorter than the predetermined value, It is also possible to generate an image signal such that size> first data size.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the outline of the electronic camera according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The electronic camera includes an imaging device 11, an A / D conversion circuit 12, an image processing circuit 13, a timing generation circuit 14, a CPU 15, a RAM 16, a flash memory 17, an operation member 18, a display circuit 20, And an LCD monitor 21. The recording medium 19 is constituted by a memory card or the like and is detachable from the electronic camera.
[0008]
The CPU 15 controls the operation of the electronic camera. The electronic camera has a photographing mode for recording photographed image data on the recording medium 19 and a reproduction mode for reproducing and displaying an image based on the image data recorded on the recording medium 19 on the LCD monitor 21. Switching between the shooting mode and the reproduction mode is performed by operating a mode switch (not shown) in the operation member 18.
[0009]
-Shooting mode-
When the photographer operates the mode switching switch to the photographing mode side, a mode switching operation signal is sent from the mode switching switch to the CPU 15. The CPU 15 switches the electronic camera to the shooting mode. When the photographer operates a release button (not shown) constituting the operation member 18, the operation member 18 outputs a release operation signal to the CPU 15. When the release operation signal is input, the CPU 15 causes the electronic camera to start a shooting operation. The image sensor 11 accumulates signal charges according to the brightness of the subject image formed on the imaging surface. The signal charge accumulated in the image pickup device 11 is discharged by a timing signal from the timing generation circuit 14 and converted from an analog image pickup signal to a digital signal by the A / D conversion circuit 12. The digitally converted signal is guided to the image processing circuit 13 and subjected to predetermined image processing such as contour compensation, gamma correction, and color temperature adjustment. Data after image processing is temporarily stored in the RAM 16.
[0010]
The image processing circuit 13 compresses the image data stored in the RAM 16 to a predetermined ratio using a method such as JPEG, generates main image data, and stores the main image data in the RAM 16. The image processing circuit 13 further generates sub-image data having a data size smaller than that of the main image data and stores it in the RAM 16. The CPU 15 converts the format of image data in the RAM 16 and information of the image data into TIFF format file data, and records the TIFF format data and the JPEG format data on the recording medium 19 as an Exif file. The information of the image data includes information indicating the focal length at the time of shooting the image, lens information, and the like, and flag information indicating whether or not the image is a series of images.
[0011]
The information indicating the focal length at the time of shooting indicates the focal length (for example, “85 mm”) set for the zoom lens when the lens mounted on the electronic camera is a zoom lens. When the loaded lens is a single focus lens, the focal length of the lens is shown. The lens information indicates a focal length range (for example, “30-200 mm”) when the lens loaded in the electronic camera is a zoom lens, and indicates the focal length of the lens when the loaded lens is a single focal lens. .
[0012]
A series of images is a plurality of frames of images obtained by bracketing shooting in which shooting is performed a plurality of times while changing at least one of shooting conditions. When the image is a series of images, the image constitutes one frame of “continuous photos” by bracketing shooting. In the present embodiment, a series of images are obtained by changing the focal length in the same direction from the shooting condition of the previous frame. The same direction is when zooming in continues or zooming down continues. If the image is not a series of images, the image constitutes a “new photo”. A “new photo” is a single frame image that is not bracketed.
[0013]
The flash memory 17 stores a program executed by the CPU 15. The program stored in the flash memory 17 is configured to be rewritable in the case of upgrade, for example. The RAM 16 is used as a temporary storage for the above-described image data and a work area for the CPU 15.
[0014]
In the first embodiment, when the above-described electronic camera generates an image data file corresponding to a series of images (that is, consecutive photographs), it is reduced according to a change in focal length from the time of shooting the previous frame. It is characterized in that a sub-image is generated using the processed image.
[0015]
FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of a reproduced image using sub-image data. This sub-image data usually corresponds to thumbnail image data representing a captured image with a data size of 160 × 120 pixels, for example. When the image is a new photograph (including the case of the first frame of a series of photographs), the electronic camera represents the photographed image using all 160 × 120 pixels as shown in FIG. Sub-image data is generated.
[0016]
FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of a reproduced image using sub-image data when the image is the second frame of a continuous photograph. The electronic camera represents a captured image (referred to as a reduced image) with a data size smaller than 160 × 120 pixels according to a change in focal length (for example, zoom-up) from the time of shooting the previous frame, and this reduced image and a predetermined color Sub-image data of 160 × 120 pixels is generated with the data (black frame in the example of FIG. 2). The image in FIG. 2A is an example of an image taken at a focal length of 30 mm, and the image in FIG. 2B is an example of an image taken at a focal length of 80 mm. The reduced image in FIG. 2B indicates that the angle of view of the second frame (the image) is narrower than the angle of view of the first frame of consecutive photographs.
[0017]
FIG. 2C is a diagram showing an example of a reproduction image by sub-image data when the image is the third frame of a continuous photograph. The electronic camera represents a captured image (reduced image) with a smaller data size in accordance with a change in focal length from the time of capturing the previous frame, and a 160 × 120 pixel sub-image with this reduced image and data of a predetermined color. Generate data. The image in FIG. 2C is an example of an image taken at a focal length of 200 mm. The reduced image in FIG. 2C indicates that the angle of view of the third frame (the image) is further narrower than the angle of view of the second frame of the continuous photograph.
[0018]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the photographing process performed by the CPU 15. The processing according to FIG. 3 starts when the main switch of the electronic camera is turned on and the photographing mode is set. In step S1 of FIG. 3, the CPU 15 determines whether or not the power of the electronic camera is turned on. When the power is turned on, the CPU 15 makes an affirmative determination in step S1 and proceeds to step S2. When the power is turned off, the CPU 15 makes a negative determination in step S1 and ends the process of FIG.
[0019]
In step S2, the CPU 15 performs a lens loading check process and proceeds to step S3. In step S3, the CPU 15 determines whether or not a photographing lens (not shown) is mounted on the electronic camera. If the lens is already loaded, the CPU 15 makes an affirmative decision in step S3 and proceeds to step S4. If the lens is not loaded, the CPU 15 makes a negative decision in step S3 and returns to step S2.
[0020]
In step S4, the CPU 15 acquires lens information from a lens (not shown) mounted on the electronic camera, and proceeds to step S5. As described above, the lens information includes a range of focal lengths that can be set by the loaded lens. In step S5, the CPU 15 determines whether or not shooting is to be performed. When the release operation signal is input from the operation member 18, the CPU 15 makes a positive determination in step S5 and proceeds to step S6. When the release operation signal is not input, the CPU 15 makes a negative determination in step S5 and repeats the determination process.
[0021]
In step S6, the CPU 15 acquires information on the actual focal length at the time of shooting and proceeds to step S7. The information on the actual focal length is information indicating the focal length set for the loaded lens at the time of shooting. In step S7, the CPU 15 performs a process of recording the captured image data on the recording medium 19, and returns to step S1.
[0022]
Details of the processing in step S7 will be described. When the actual focal length obtained in step S6 is zoomed up in the same direction or zoomed down in the same direction from the actual focal length at the time of previous frame shooting, the CPU 15 displays a series of images (continuous images). The flag information indicating that the image is a series of images is included in the above-described Exif file. The CPU 15 further records the sub image data including the reduced image generated so as to represent the captured image with a size corresponding to the change in the focal length from the previous frame shooting, and the main image data in the Exif file and records them in the recording medium 19. To do. In addition, the previous frame Exif file is changed to flag information indicating that the previous frame image is a series of images.
[0023]
On the other hand, if the actual focal length obtained in step S6 is not zoomed up in the same direction from the actual focal length at the time of previous frame shooting, and is not zoomed down in the same direction, the CPU 15 It is determined that the image does not constitute a series of images (continuous photos) (new photos), and flag information indicating that the images are not a series of images is included in the above-described Exif file. The CPU 15 further records the sub image data generated so as to represent the captured image using all of the 160 × 120 pixels and the main image data in the Exif file and records them in the recording medium 19. Note that if the actual focal length at the time of previous frame shooting is the tele end or the wide end, the CPU 15 regards the previous frame as the last frame of a series of images, and regards that frame as a new photograph.
[0024]
-Playback mode-
When the photographer operates a mode change switch (not shown) constituting the operation member to the reproduction mode side, a mode change operation signal is sent from the mode change switch to the CPU 15. The CPU 15 switches the electronic camera to the reproduction mode, reads the sub image data from the image data file recorded on the recording medium 19, and outputs a command to the display circuit 20 to display the sub image on the LCD monitor 21. The display circuit 20 generates a sub-image display image signal using the sub-image data, and outputs it to the LCD monitor 21. As a result, the LCD monitor 21 reproduces and displays the sub-images shown in FIGS. 2 (a) to 2 (c).
[0025]
The sub-image that is first displayed on the LCD monitor 21 after the electronic camera is switched to the playback mode is the sub-image corresponding to the frame having the latest imaging date and time among the image data files recorded on the recording medium 19. . In order to switch the frame of the sub-image to be displayed, the photographer operates the cross switch (not shown) to select it. When the cross switch is operated to the left, the CPU 15 causes the LCD monitor 21 to display a sub-image corresponding to the frame immediately before the frame corresponding to the currently displayed sub-image. When the cross switch is operated to the right, the CPU 15 causes the LCD monitor 21 to display a sub-image corresponding to a frame one after the frame corresponding to the currently displayed sub-image.
[0026]
According to the first embodiment described above, the following operational effects can be obtained.
(1) The electronic camera is acquired at the time of shooting (step S6). When the actual focal length is zoomed up or down in the same direction from the actual focal length at the time of previous frame shooting, Flag information indicating that the image constitutes a continuous photograph is included in the Exif file and recorded on the recording medium 19. Accordingly, it is possible to determine whether or not the image of the frame is included in a series of photographs (a series of images) obtained by bracketing shooting only by reading and checking the flag of the Exif file.
[0027]
(2) When the image of the frame constitutes a continuous photograph, the electronic camera generates sub-image data including a reduced image generated with a data size corresponding to the focal length change from the previous frame shooting, and the main image The data is included in the Exif file and recorded on the recording medium 19. Thereby, when only the sub-image data of the Exif file is read and reproduced and displayed (FIGS. 2B and 2C), the change in the angle of view of each frame can be displayed in an easily understandable manner.
[0028]
The above (2) will be described in more detail. FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of a reproduced image by sub-image data for the second frame of a series of photographs taken with zoom-up photography (focal length 80 mm) with a conventional electronic camera. In FIG. 4A, a sub-image is generated so as to represent a captured image using all 160 × 120 pixels, and a black frame as shown in FIG. 2B is not included in the sub-image data. Therefore, in the reproduced image shown in FIG. 4A, since the change in the angle of view with respect to the reproduced image (focal length 30 mm) by the sub-image data of the first frame shown in FIG. 2A is unknown, zoom-up photography (focal length 80 mm) It is difficult to distinguish whether the image is a captured image or an image captured close to the subject (shortening the photographing distance) with a focal length of 30 mm. In particular, the reproduced image by the sub-image is difficult to distinguish because the amount of information is originally smaller than that of the main image (the data size is small).
[0029]
Similarly, FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of a reproduced image by sub-image data of the third frame of a series of photographs taken with zooming up (focal length 200 mm) with a conventional electronic camera. In FIG. 4B, a sub-image is generated so as to represent a captured image using all 160 × 120 pixels, and a black frame as shown in FIG. 2C is not included in the sub-image data. Therefore, in the reproduced image shown in FIG. 4B, the reproduced image (focal length 30 mm) shown in FIG. 2A is zoomed-in (focal length 200 mm), or the subject remains at the focal length of 30 mm. It is difficult to discriminate whether the image was taken close to (taken at a shorter shooting distance).
[0030]
However, as shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C, by generating sub-image data so that reproduction display including a reduced image generated with a data size corresponding to the change in focal length can be performed, continuous image data can be generated. It is possible to easily display that the photograph is a series of images taken by changing the focal length.
[0031]
(3) The electronic camera represents a captured image (reduced image) with a data size smaller than 160 × 120 pixels in accordance with a change in focal length (zoom-up) from the previous frame shooting, and the reduced image and data of a predetermined color Since the sub-image data of 160 × 120 pixels is generated in (black frame in FIG. 2), the sub-image data size can be kept constant (160 × 120) regardless of the data size of the reduced image. it can. As a result, sub-images captured and recorded by the electronic camera according to the present embodiment can be reproduced and displayed on other electronic cameras or sub-image display devices that can only reproduce and display images based on sub-image data of a certain size. Can do.
[0032]
In the above description, in the case of the first frame of a series of photographs, the sub-image data is generated so as to represent the photographed image using all 160 × 120 pixels as shown in FIG. Instead of this, conditions representing a captured image using all 160 × 120 pixels may be preset in the electronic camera. For example, when a focal length of 50 mm is preset, sub-image data is generated so as to represent a captured image using all 160 × 120 pixels when the actual focal length acquired at the time of shooting is 50 mm. In the case of other focal lengths, the data size of the reduced image included in the sub-image data is changed according to the increase / decrease from the focal length of 50 mm.
[0033]
Further, a focal length of 30 mm with the widest angle of view may be preset depending on the focal length range (for example, “30-200 mm”) of the loaded zoom lens. In this case, when the actual focal length acquired at the time of shooting is 30 mm, sub-image data is generated so as to represent the shot image using all 160 × 120 pixels. As a result, when zooming down from the first frame of the continuous photograph to the next frame and thereafter (focal length 200 mm for the first frame, focal length 80 mm for the second frame, and focal length 30 mm for the third frame), FIG. Sub-image data can be generated in the order of (c), FIG. 2 (b), and FIG. 2 (a).
[0034]
When the actual focal length is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the ratio of changing the data size of the reduced image included in the sub-image data may be changed, or the data size may be fixed to a constant value. If the data size of the reduced image is continuously reduced in accordance with the focal length change from the previous frame shooting, the reduced image becomes too small, and the contents of the display image become difficult to understand. Therefore, for example, when the focal length is 200 mm or more, the data size of the reduced image is made constant. This can prevent the reduced image from becoming too small and the black frame of the displayed sub-image from becoming too conspicuous.
[0035]
(Second embodiment)
You may make it divide the folder which records an Exif file into a different folder for every focal distance.
[0036]
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a folder structure for recording data files. In FIG. 5, a folder “DCIM” is generated under the root directory “ROOT”, and folders “100_FL030”, “101_FL080”, “102_FL200”, and “103_FLANY” are created under the folder “DCIM”. Has been generated.
[0037]
The folder “100_FL030” is a folder for recording data files of images taken at a focal length of 30 mm. Similarly, the folder “101_FL080” is a folder for recording data files of images shot at a focal length of 80 mm, and the folder “102_FL200” is a folder for recording data files of images shot at a focal length of 200 mm. It is. The folder “103_FLANY” is a folder for recording a data file of an image photographed at an arbitrary focus.
[0038]
In this way, by dividing a folder for storing image data for each focal length, whether the image data is an image taken with zooming up or an image taken close to the subject without changing the focal length. It is possible to make a determination based on the stored folder name.
[0039]
The folder generation process for each focal distance is performed in advance separately from the recording process shown in FIG.
[0040]
(Third embodiment)
In the electronic camera according to the first embodiment, when bracketing shooting is performed by changing the focal length, sub-image data including a reduced image generated with a data size corresponding to the focal length change from the previous frame shooting is used. By generating the reproduction display as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. Instead of this, when sub-image data is reproduced and displayed, the data size at the time of reproduction and display is changed in accordance with the change in focal length from the time of previous frame shooting, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. Playback display may be performed. In this case, the sub-image data in the Exif file stored in the recording medium 19 has a fixed data size using all 160 × 120 pixels as shown in FIGS. It may be generated so as to represent a photographed image.
[0041]
The playback display may be performed with the electronic camera by switching the electronic camera to the playback mode, or the image data stored in the recording medium 19 may be taken into a personal computer or the like by the electronic camera and displayed on the monitor screen of the personal computer. In this description, an example in which a personal computer performs playback display using sub-image data will be described. A sub-image display program for reproducing and displaying a sub-image based on the sub-image data in the file recorded on the recording medium 19 is prepared, and this program is taken into a computer device and used as a sub-image display device. A sub-image display device can be provided by loading a program into a data storage device of a computer and executing the program. The loading of the program may be performed by setting a recording medium storing the program in a computer, or by a method via a telecommunication line such as a network.
[0042]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of display processing performed by the CPU of a personal computer (not shown). The process shown in FIG. 6 is started when a sub-image display program for an image data file is executed. In step S <b> 11 of FIG. 6, the CPU determines whether an instruction to display a list of images (thumbnail images) based on the sub-image data has been issued. The CPU makes an affirmative decision in step S11 when a key operation instructing display is performed, and proceeds to step S12. If a key operation instructing a display is not performed, the CPU makes a negative determination in step S11, and the process shown in FIG. Exit.
[0043]
In step S12, the CPU performs a list-up process for image data files to be displayed in a list, and proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the CPU determines whether or not the reproduced images based on the sub-image data of all the listed files have been displayed. If all the files have been displayed, the CPU makes an affirmative determination in step S13 to end the process of FIG. 6, and if all the files have not been displayed, the CPU makes a negative determination in step S13 and proceeds to step S14. .
[0044]
In step S14, the CPU acquires the sub-image data of the xth file listed from the recording medium 19, and proceeds to step S15. The initial value of x is 1, and the CPU advances the value of x by 1 every time one reproduced image is displayed. In step S15, the CPU acquires information indicating the focal length and lens information at the time of shooting from the x-th file, and proceeds to step S16.
[0045]
In step S16, the CPU displays a reproduced image based on the xth sub-image data on the monitor screen. When the image in the xth file is a new photo (including the case of the first frame of consecutive photos), the CPU displays the display data so as to represent the subimage using all the normal subimage display sizes. Generate. In this case, the image displayed on the monitor screen is the same as that shown in FIG.
[0046]
When the image of the x-th file constitutes a continuous photo, the CPU changes the normal sub-image display size according to the focal length change (for example, zoom-up) from when the (x-1) -th file is captured. A sub-image (referred to as a reduced image) is represented with a smaller data size, and display data having a normal sub-image display size is generated from the reduced image and data of a predetermined color (black frame in the example of FIG. 2). In this case, the image displayed on the monitor screen is the same as that shown in FIG.
[0047]
On the monitor screen, the angle of view of the sub-image by the x-th file (the file) is displayed narrower than the angle of view of the sub-image by the (x-1) -th file of consecutive photographs. When the CPU finishes displaying the sub-image with the x-th file, the CPU returns to step S13. Similarly, the sub-image display is repeated until the sub-image display for all files listed for list display is completed.
[0048]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, the display data is generated so as to perform the sub-image display as shown in FIG. 2B and FIG. In addition to being able to display the change in the angle of view in an easy-to-understand manner, it is possible to display that it is a series of images in an easy-to-understand manner.
[0049]
For example, the sub-images shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C are displayed side by side on the monitor screen on which the list display is performed according to the above description. Instead, as shown in FIG. 7A or FIG. 7B, a data portion of a predetermined color may be displayed in an overlapping manner. By displaying the predetermined color portion in an overlapping manner, the display space of the display monitor can be saved, and more other sub-images can be displayed on the display monitor.
[0050]
The data portion of the predetermined color may use a color other than black, and information such as a pattern, characters, and symbols may be displayed on the data portion of the predetermined color.
[0051]
In the above description, an example in which a series of photographs taken by a series of photographs is photographed by changing the focal length has been described. Alternatively, the present invention may be applied to a case where a series of photographs are taken by changing the shooting distance to the main subject. In this case, information on the shooting distance acquired by the focus detection (AF) process at the time of shooting is included in the Exif file. The electronic camera represents a sub-image (referred to as a reduced image) with a data size smaller than the normal data size according to the shooting distance, and the reduced image and data of a predetermined color (black frame in the example of FIG. 2) are usually used. Sub-image data having a data size (for example, 160 × 120) is generated.
[0052]
The correspondence between each component in the claims and each component in the embodiment of the invention will be described. The imaging device is constituted by, for example, an imaging element 11. The main image data generation unit and the sub image data generation unit are constituted by, for example, the image processing circuit 13 and the CPU 15. The first data size corresponds to, for example, 160 × 120 pixels. The sub image data size control means, the data file generation means, and the image group information generation means are constituted by the CPU 15, for example. The image data file corresponds to, for example, an Exif file. In addition, as long as the characteristic function of this invention is not impaired, each component is not limited to the said structure.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an electronic camera that easily records changes in the angle of view of an image group that is shot while changing the focal length, and a sub-image display program that displays changes in the angle of view of an image group in an easy-to-understand manner.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an outline of an electronic camera according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of a reproduced image by sub-image data in the case of the first frame of a continuous photograph.
(B) It is a figure which shows the example of the reproduction | regeneration image by subimage data in the case of the 2nd frame of a continuous photograph.
(C) It is a figure which shows the example of the reproduction | regeneration image by subimage data in the case of the 3rd frame of a continuous photograph.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of imaging processing performed by a CPU.
FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of a reproduced image by sub-image data of the second frame of a continuous photograph taken with an electronic camera according to the conventional technology.
(B) It is a figure which shows the example of the reproduction | regeneration image by the sub image data of the 3rd flame | frame of the continuous photograph image | photographed with the electronic camera by a prior art.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a folder structure for recording a data file.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of display processing performed by a CPU.
FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a list display in which data portions of a predetermined color are displayed in an overlapping manner.
(B) It is a figure which shows the example of the list display which displays the data part of a predetermined color in piles.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 ... Image sensor, 12 ... A / D conversion circuit,
13 ... Image processing circuit, 14 ... Timing generation circuit,
15 ... CPU, 16 ... RAM,
17 ... Flash memory, 18 ... Operating members,
19 ... recording medium, 20 ... display circuit,
21 ... LCD monitor

Claims (6)

An imaging device that captures a subject image and outputs an imaging signal;
Main image data generating means for generating main image data representing a captured image using the imaging signal;
Sub-image data generating means for generating sub-image data representing a captured image with a first data size smaller than the main image data using the imaging signal;
Sub-image data size control means for instructing the sub-image data generation means to change the first data size according to the focal length of the photographing lens at the time of imaging and to represent the photographed image with the second data size. ,
An electronic camera comprising: a data file generation means for generating an image data file including at least the main image data and the sub image data. The electronic camera according to claim 1,
The sub-image data size control means sets the second data size <the first data size when the focal length is longer than a predetermined value, and sets the second data when the focal length is shorter than the predetermined value. An electronic camera characterized by instructing the sub-image data generation means so that size> the first data size. The electronic camera according to claim 1 or 2,
Further comprising image group information generating means for generating information indicating that a plurality of frames have been captured while changing the focal length of the photographing lens;
An electronic camera, wherein the data file generation unit generates an image data file by further including information from the image group information generation unit in each of the image data files corresponding to the plurality of frames. A sub-image by an image data file including main image data representing a photographed image, sub-image data representing a photographed image with a first data size smaller than the main image data, and information indicating the focal length of the photographing lens at the time of photographing. In the sub-image display program for displaying the image on the display device,
A process of reading information indicating the focal length from the image data file;
Processing for reading sub-image data from the image data file;
A process of changing the data size of the sub-image data from the first data size to the second data size according to the focal length indicated by the readout information;
A program for displaying a sub-image, wherein a process of generating an image signal for displaying the sub-image with the second data size is executed by a computer. The sub-image display program according to claim 4,
The image signal generation processing for display is performed for each of the sub image data included in each of the image data files that exist in a plurality corresponding to a plurality of frames,
A program for displaying a sub-image, which further executes a process of displaying a list of a plurality of sub-images after the data size has been changed on the display device. The sub-image display program according to claim 4 or 5,
In the image signal generation processing for display, when the focal length indicated by the read information is longer than a predetermined value, the second data size is smaller than the first data size, and the focal length is shorter than the predetermined value. An image signal is generated so that the second data size> the first data size.

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