JP2005286550A - Display - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enlarge, continuously reproduce and display an image by a simple operation. <P>SOLUTION: The display having a mode for continuously reproducing an image comprises a means for enlarging and outputting an image, and a means for setting the enlarging conditions in the enlarging means. It enlarges, continuously reproduces and displays the images one after another by applying the enlarging conditions even when the image is changed during the mode. This constitution is taken to enlarge, continuously reproduce and display the image by a simple operation with maintaining desired enlarging conditions. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a display device having a mode for continuously reproducing images, and more particularly to a display device capable of enlarging and continuously reproducing images.

In a conventional display device, normal reproduction for reproducing the entire image, and a desired portion of the one image is enlarged and reproduced by inputting or selecting an enlargement ratio after arbitrarily selecting one image. Products that can be expanded and reproduced are on the market.
In these products, in order to switch to playback of another image during enlargement playback of one image, it is necessary to return to the menu screen once by the operator's operation and switch the image after exiting the menu mode. is there.
Even when the subject can be enlarged and reproduced on a certain screen, when the next image is enlarged and reproduced, it is necessary to display the next image again and set an enlargement condition suitable for the image. is there. When the same subject is continuously photographed as in continuous shooting, it is desired that the same subject can be continuously enlarged and reproduced. However, in conventional display devices, as described above, each image is enlarged. It was necessary to set conditions, and very complicated work was required. Therefore, there is a demand for a display device that can enlarge and continuously reproduce and display an image with a simple operation.
In addition, when displaying an image on a display device, the image information is automatically reduced according to the size and shape of the display unit to display the image. As a result, the image information is changed to a size suitable for the display unit, which causes problems such as a reduction in image quality and a long processing time. Further, when a part of the reduced image is enlarged again, there is a serious problem that the image quality is reduced and a long processing time is required.
JP 1999-187293 A

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a display device that enlarges and continuously reproduces an image.

  The present invention is a display device having a mode for continuously playing back images, and includes a magnifying unit that magnifies and outputs an image, and a setting unit that sets a magnifying condition in the magnifying unit. In particular, the present invention relates to a display device in which images are sequentially enlarged by the enlargement means and continuously reproduced.

  Further, the display device is provided with a mode for continuously reproducing images, and further includes designation means for designating one image sequentially from a plurality of images, and the images sequentially designated by the designation means during the mode. The present invention relates to a display device that enlarges an image by the enlargement unit and continuously reproduces the image.

  Further, the display device includes a mode for continuously playing back images, wherein the set enlargement condition includes at least an enlargement ratio or an enlargement position, and the image is sequentially enlarged under the set enlargement condition during the mode. The present invention also relates to a display device characterized by continuous reproduction.

  Further, the display device has a mode for continuously playing back images, and further includes means for recognizing and extracting specific image information in the image, and the extracted specific image information is stored in the mode during the mode. The present invention relates to a display device that is enlarged and reproduced continuously under an enlargement condition.

  The present invention also relates to a display device having a mode for continuously playing back images, and further comprising means for outputting the enlarged and continuously played images in association with the enlargement condition. .

  Further, the display device is provided with a mode for continuously reproducing images, and further stores means for storing an image output in association with the enlargement condition and / or outputs an image output in association with the enlargement condition to the outside. The present invention relates to a display device including an output unit.

  The present invention relates to a display device having a mode for continuously playing back images, and further comprising means for displaying the plurality of enlarged and continuously played images on the same display unit.

  The present invention relates to a display device having a mode for continuously reproducing images, and further comprising means for extracting and outputting a predetermined region of the image from image information according to the enlargement condition.

  According to the display device of the present invention, an image can be enlarged and continuously reproduced by a simple operation.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram of a display unit and an operation unit related to an electronic camera provided with a display device according to the present embodiment. An electronic camera provided with the display device of this embodiment has a shooting mode and an image playback mode, and can switch between the shooting mode and the image playback mode by switching the mode switch 100.

  In the shooting mode, the subject is displayed on the LCD monitor 101, and the photographer can take a picture while viewing this display. By operating the seesaw switch 103 that is a switch for changing the zoom magnification in the shooting mode, zoom processing can be performed while checking the subject, and shooting can be performed under desired conditions. When shooting is completed and it is desired to check the shot image or when a stored image is played back, the mode can be switched to the image playback mode by turning the mode switch 100.

  In the image reproduction mode, an image read from an internal memory (not shown) or an external memory connected to an electronic camera (not shown) can be displayed on the LCD monitor 101. In the normal playback mode, almost the entire image is displayed on the LCD monitor 101. When it is desired to display another image, it is possible to sequentially switch by the cross switch 104 which is an image switching switch. The forward operation can be performed by the switch operation unit 104a of the cross switch and the reverse operation can be performed by the switch operation unit 104b, so that images can be reproduced continuously.

  When an image is to be enlarged and reproduced, the image is enlarged and displayed by operating a seesaw switch 103 which is a switch for changing the magnification of the image in the reproduction mode. This enlargement operation can be performed while viewing the image on the LCD monitor 101, and a desired magnification can be determined while viewing the image.

Further, the position of the enlarged display in the image can be moved by operating the cross-shaped switch 104 while the enlarged image is displayed. The operator can move the enlarged position by operating the switch operation units 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d of the cross switch 104 while viewing the enlarged image displayed on the LCD monitor 101. It is possible to move the switch operation unit 1041a rightward, 104b leftward, 104c upward, and 104d downward.
An operation procedure for enlarging and continuously reproducing an image (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “zoom frame advance”) is exemplified. The mode can be switched by pressing a switch 102 for setting a mode for enlarging and continuously reproducing an image (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “enlarged continuous reproduction mode”). It is possible to switch to the enlarged continuous playback mode before displaying an enlarged image, or to switch to the enlarged continuous playback mode with the image enlarged.
As an example of the operation procedure, the enlargement continuous playback mode switch 102 is pressed to switch the mode, the enlargement magnification is selected with the switch 103, and the enlargement position is selected with the cross switch 104, thereby enlarging the image on the LCD monitor with a desired enlargement condition. By pressing the switches 104a and 104b, it is possible to sequentially display other images while maintaining the enlargement condition.

  Here, a preset magnification may be selected by operating the switch 103, and the mode is switched to a mode in which various function conditions can be set by the mode switch 100, and a menu screen (not shown) displayed on the LCD monitor 101 is displayed. It is also possible to select an enlargement factor or input an enlargement factor.

  As for the enlargement position, a desired image area can be designated by operating the cross switch 104. As the enlargement position, the center point of the area to be enlarged can be designated, or a specific area can be designated. The image area can be designated by moving a designated image frame, or an arbitrary image frame can be created on the LCD monitor. Furthermore, it is also possible to specify an area by inputting coordinate values on the menu screen (not shown).

It is also possible to specify the number of images to be enlarged and reproduced continuously. It is also possible to set a time for enlarging and continuously reproducing. When setting the number and time of images to be enlarged and continuously played back, the specified number of images are enlarged and displayed, or when the predetermined time has expired, the setting is made to automatically cancel the enlarged continuous playback mode. You can also.
In particular, when the number of images to be enlarged and continuously reproduced and the time are not designated, it is possible to set the image to be continuously enlarged and continuously displayed in the enlarged continuous reproduction mode.

Further, in the case where images are enlarged and continuously displayed, the enlargement position of the image to be enlarged can be moved according to a predetermined pattern. Furthermore, it is possible to set a specific image to be specified or to automatically recognize and cut out and display an enlarged image.
The enlargement magnification can also be changed according to a predetermined pattern. For example, it is possible to gradually increase the magnification.

  FIG. 2 is a flowchart of operations in a mode in which an image is enlarged and continuously reproduced. First, an image is normally played back in the playback mode (201a). In this case, almost the entire image is displayed on the monitor. When the enlargement continuous playback mode is set (202: ZOOM frame advance setting), the enlargement magnification is set (203: ZOOM processing), and the enlargement position is set (204: ZOOM position setting). Then, by switching the image, the image is also applied to the image in which the enlargement conditions such as the set enlargement magnification and the enlargement position are changed, and the enlarged image is continuously reproduced (203: continuous reproduction by the ZOOM position). . When the enlargement reproduction is completed for the desired image, the enlargement continuous reproduction mode can be canceled to return to the normal reproduction mode (207, 201b).

  In addition, the automatic continuous playback mode is automatically canceled when the predetermined number of images set in advance is automatically switched to the normal playback mode or when the stored image is ended (208). It may be.

  Also, when the image is enlarged and displayed in the normal enlargement mode (211 and 212), and when it is desired to continuously reproduce the enlarged image, it is possible to switch to the continuous enlargement reproduction mode (213). . Even in this case, it is possible to perform continuous reproduction while maintaining the enlargement condition as described above.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electronic camera provided with the display device of the present invention.
The image information stored in the memory 301, the image information of the memory card 303 connected to the external interface 302, and the image stored in the external device connected to the external interface 302 are displayed on the LCD via the signal processing 305 and the system controller 306. It is displayed on the monitor 308.

  Mode switching such as a reproduction mode, an enlarged reproduction mode, and an enlarged continuous reproduction mode is performed by a key input 310 of a mode changeover switch (not shown). When the mode is switched to the continuous enlargement playback mode, the image is successively enlarged and continuously enlarged by the image change switch (not shown) while maintaining the enlargement condition set by the operation of the switch for setting the enlargement magnification (not shown) and the enlargement position of the enlargement position Played.

  The enlargement conditions can be stored in the memory 301 or the like, and even if the images are switched, the enlarged images can be continuously displayed by applying the saved enlargement conditions.

  By storing the enlarged and continuously reproduced images in association with the enlargement condition, the same enlarged image can be reproduced repeatedly. The enlargement condition for the enlargement continuous reproduction can be stored in the memory 301 or the like. As a result, a continuously enlarged image can be displayed on the LCD monitor 308 without setting conditions again.

4 to 7 are images displayed on the LCD monitor, which are display screens for normal reproduction and enlarged continuous reproduction. The upper row shows a case where images are sequentially switched and played back in the normal playback mode, and the lower row shows a case where images are enlarged and played continuously.
The lower part of FIG. 4 shows a display mode when the enlargement position is fixed. The area where “A” in the upper left of the normal playback screen 401a is displayed is the enlargement position, and this area is fixed as the enlargement position. . The operator enlarges the image of 401a, designates the portion “A” as the enlargement position, and switches the screen so that the characters corresponding to the position “A” of 402a and 403a are enlarged, as in 402b and 403b. The enlarged display is made continuously.

The lower part of FIG. 5 shows a display mode when an object to be enlarged is designated, and “●” on the normal reproduction screen 501a is set as an object to be enlarged. The operator enlarges the image of 501a, selects “●” as an enlargement position in the image frame or the like, and sets the “●” to be automatically recognized and enlarged even in the switched image, and switches the image. Thus, enlarged display such as 502b and 503b in which “●” of 502a and 503a is enlarged is continuously performed.
Here, as a method for recognizing a designated object, known image recognition that recognizes the feature of the object designated in the image information and automatically extracts the image by recognizing the recognized feature even in the switched image. Using technology, it can be enlarged.

  The lower part of FIG. 6 shows a display mode when the enlargement position is moved in a fixed pattern. The position “A” at the upper left in the normal playback screen 601a is the enlargement position, and this enlargement position is the upper left → the upper center → It is set to move to the upper right part. The operator enlarges the image 601a, designates the portion “A” as the enlargement position, and sets the enlargement condition so that the enlargement position moves from the upper left to the upper center to the upper right as described above. Then, when the operator switches the images, displays such as 602b and 603b in which “B” in 602a and “C” in 603a are enlarged are continuously displayed.

The movement to the enlargement position can be selected from preset patterns, or an arbitrary movement condition can be set.
For an image taken with a fixed imaging device or the like, the enlarged position can be moved to cover the entire screen.
Also, if the subject moves at a constant speed, the moving subject can be enlarged and displayed continuously by moving the enlargement position according to this speed. Change can be observed.

  In FIG. 7, similarly to FIG. 5, enlargement continuous reproduction is performed when an object to be enlarged is designated, and “human face” on the normal reproduction screen 701 a is designated as an object (object) to be enlarged. The operator enlarges the image of 701a, selects “person's face” with an image frame, etc., and automatically sets the “person's face” to be recognized and enlarged in the switched image, and switches the image. Thus, 502b and 503b in which the “human face” of the normally reproduced images 502a and 503a are respectively enlarged and displayed are continuously displayed. Thereby, the “person's face” is enlarged and continuously displayed, and the change in the facial expression can be continuously enlarged and displayed. Here, as a method of recognizing the designated object, known image recognition such as recognizing the feature of the object designated in the image information and automatically extracting the recognized feature in the switched image. Technology can be used.

  The conditions for the continuous expansion playback can be selected from predetermined conditions, combined with predetermined conditions, or arbitrarily set. Enlargement reproduction conditions such as a predetermined enlargement magnification, enlargement position, enlargement continuous reproduction number of sheets, and enlargement continuous time are set in advance, and can be selected from these. In addition, when switching to the enlarged continuous playback mode, a predetermined enlarged continuous playback condition may be automatically set as an initial condition.

In the present invention, at least an enlargement magnification or an enlargement position is set as an enlargement condition, and preferably an enlargement magnification and an enlargement position are set.
The enlargement magnification may be selected from preset magnifications, or may be arbitrarily set. It is also possible to automatically set to a predetermined enlargement magnification by switching to the enlargement reproduction mode. It is also possible to set the enlargement magnification in several steps in advance and increase or decrease the enlargement magnification step by step by pressing the switch for adjusting the enlargement ratio.
Also, the magnification can be set to change, for example, by gradually increasing the magnification.

As for the enlargement position, as described above, the enlargement position may be set while viewing the screen on which the image is enlarged, or may be set in advance at a fixed position such as the enlargement position of the center of the image. Furthermore, it is possible to set so that the most focused portion is automatically designated.
Further, as described above, the enlargement position can be moved, and the enlargement position can be moved in a fixed pattern or can be moved under an arbitrary condition. Furthermore, if the movement of the subject to be enlarged has regularity, the enlargement position can also be set to move regularly according to the movement of the subject.
Also, the movement of the enlargement position can be selected from a preset movement pattern.

  The center point of the area to be enlarged can be designated as the enlargement position, or the entire area to be enlarged can be designated. When specifying the entire area, it can be specified by an image frame or the like, or an image (with the screen as a frame) enlarged and displayed at a predetermined magnification can be specified as the area.

  In addition, a specific subject can be enlarged and continuously reproduced. A specific subject to be magnified is specified by an image frame, etc., and this is automatically recognized even in a switched image using a known image recognition method, and image information is automatically extracted and enlarged. It can also be set to display.

  The enlargement condition can be set and changed before the continuous enlargement reproduction or during the continuous reproduction. As the enlargement condition, a previously set condition can be read and used.

The operator can sequentially specify the enlarged images and reproduce the specified images. As this specifying means, a switch for switching images can be used. In this case, the images are sequentially designated according to the stored order, and are sequentially enlarged and reproduced.
It is also possible to designate an image to be enlarged in advance and continuously reproduce the enlarged image. In this case, the order of enlarged reproduction can be set according to the designated order.
Furthermore, as a mode for designating images, it is possible to display a list of images on a multi-screen, designate images to be magnified and reproduced, and designate an order to magnifi and reproduce continuously.

  Further, by setting the enlarged reproduction mode, the enlarged continuous reproduction mode can be automatically set. In this case, since the enlarged image is automatically displayed continuously by operating the image switching switch from the state in which the screen is enlarged and reproduced, the image can be enlarged and reproduced continuously with a simple operation.

  In addition, when the main body power is turned off or an operation for switching to normal playback is performed during the enlarged continuous playback mode, the enlarged continuous playback mode can be automatically canceled.

Since the present embodiment includes means for outputting an enlarged and continuously reproduced image in association with the enlargement condition, the image can be enlarged and reproduced again under the same condition.
In addition, since the image processing apparatus includes means for storing an enlarged and continuously reproduced image in association with an enlargement condition and / or a means for outputting the image to an external device or storage medium, the image can be enlarged and reproduced again under the same conditions. it can. When images continuously shot by continuous shooting or the like are enlarged and continuously enlarged and displayed, there are many cases where it is often desired to enlarge and reproduce again under the same conditions, but this is preferable.

  Means for displaying a series of enlarged and continuously reproduced images stored in association with the enlargement condition on the same screen. A so-called multi-screen display can be performed. For example, a multi-frame display of 4 frames × 4 frames can be performed. By displaying this multi-image, it is possible to display a plurality of images that have been enlarged and continuously reproduced on the same screen, and to list a continuous change of a desired subject on the same screen.

  Further, the present embodiment includes means for cutting out and outputting a predetermined area of an image directly from image information according to an enlargement condition. In this case, a high-quality enlarged image can be obtained as compared with a case where an image that has been subjected to adjustment such as thinning out the image information according to the size of the display unit is enlarged again. In particular, when the directly cut image can be displayed as it is, it is preferable because the image processing speed is high and an enlarged display with excellent image quality and processing speed is achieved.

  It is also possible to cut out a region corresponding to the enlarged position from the image information and adjust the image information according to the display unit. As a specific example, an area to be enlarged is designated by an image frame similar to the display screen, and this area is displayed on the entire display screen, so that the enlarged display is automatically performed with a desired enlargement factor and enlargement position enlargement condition. be able to. When the images are switched, the desired image region can be enlarged and continuously displayed by extracting the image region corresponding to the enlargement condition and displaying it on the display unit as described above. This is also preferable because the image quality is high and the overall processing speed is fast compared to the case where the entire image information is adjusted to be thinned out according to the size of the display unit.

The present invention relates to a method for reproducing an image on a display device, and relates to a display method including a step of enlarging an image and a step of enlarging and sequentially reproducing the image sequentially. Here, a step of setting an enlargement condition such as an enlargement magnification or an enlargement position of the image may be provided.
Furthermore, regarding the step of sequentially enlarging and continuously reproducing the images, the method includes a step of sequentially specifying one image from a plurality of images, and a step of enlarging and continuously reproducing the image specified in the step. Can do.
Further, the method may further include a step of recognizing and extracting specific image information in the image before or after the step of enlarging the image, and a step of enlarging and continuously reproducing the extracted specific image information. it can.

The display method of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2. A step for enlarging and continuously reproducing an image from a state in which the image is normally reproduced is set (202: ZOOM frame advance setting). A step of enlarging the image by (203: ZOOM processing), a step of setting an enlargement position (204: setting of the ZOOM position), a step of enlarging the image sequentially, and a step of successively reproducing the image (206: continuous by the ZOOM position) Playback) allows the image to be enlarged and continuously played back. When the enlarged continuous playback mode is canceled (207: frame advance end command), a normal image is displayed. It is also possible to set to automatically cancel the enlarged continuous reproduction mode when the enlarged reproduction of the scheduled image ends or when all the recorded images are enlarged.
Here, setting of a mode for enlarging and continuously reproducing (202: ZOOM frame advance setting) is performed by enlarging the image by the step of enlarging the image (203: ZOOM processing) and setting the enlargement position (204 : It may be performed after setting the enlargement position by ZOOM position setting).

In addition, the method includes a step of saving an image output in association with the enlargement condition and / or a step of outputting the image output in association with the enlargement condition to the outside, and further outputting the image in association with the enlargement condition to be stored. By including the step of displaying the displayed image, it can be enlarged again under the same conditions and continuously reproduced.
In addition, the step of saving the image output in association with the enlargement condition and / or the step of outputting the image output in association with the enlargement condition to the outside and the output of the image in association with the enlargement condition are further stored. By providing a step of displaying a plurality of images on the same display unit, it is possible to display a list of images that have been enlarged and continuously reproduced on a multi-screen.

  The present invention also relates to a program for causing a computer to execute the above method. The operator can enlarge and continuously display images by installing the program in a display device or an external device that controls the program.

  The present invention can be used for an apparatus for displaying an image and various apparatuses or systems including the display apparatus.

It is drawing of the display part and operation part of an electronic camera main body. It is drawing of the flowchart of expansion continuous reproduction operation. It is a block diagram of an electronic camera. It is drawing of the normal display screen and the screen which carries out expansion continuous display. It is drawing of the normal display screen and the screen which carries out expansion continuous display. It is drawing of the normal display screen and the screen which carries out expansion continuous display. It is drawing of the normal display screen and the screen which carries out expansion continuous display.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Mode change switch 101 LCD monitor 102 Enlargement continuous reproduction mode setting switch 103 Enlargement magnification change switch 104 Enlargement position change switch / image change switch

Claims (6)

A display device having a mode for continuously playing back images,
An enlargement means for enlarging and outputting the image;
Setting means for setting an enlargement condition in the enlargement means,
A display device characterized in that, during the mode, images are sequentially enlarged and reproduced continuously by the enlargement means. A display device comprising a mode for continuously reproducing the image according to claim 1,
A designation means for sequentially designating one image from a plurality of images;
A display device characterized in that, during the mode, the images sequentially designated by the designation means are enlarged by the enlargement means, and the images are enlarged and continuously reproduced. A display device having a mode for continuously reproducing the image according to claim 1,
The set enlargement condition includes at least an enlargement ratio or an enlargement position,
A display device characterized in that, during the mode, images are sequentially enlarged and continuously reproduced under the set enlargement condition. A display device comprising a mode for continuously playing back the image according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Means for recognizing and extracting specific image information in the image;
The display device, wherein the extracted specific image information is enlarged according to the enlargement condition and continuously reproduced during the mode. A display device having a mode for continuously reproducing the image according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A display device comprising: means for storing an image output in association with the enlargement condition; and / or means for outputting an image output in association with the enlargement condition to the outside. A display device comprising a mode for continuously playing back the image according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A display device comprising means for displaying the enlarged and continuously reproduced images on the same display unit.

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