JP2007222509A - Picture reproducing device and imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a picture reproducing device such as a digital camera capable of reproducing the picture of a user, in which a game can be played using the picture of the user, especially the game can be smoothly played, and game operation can be performed without sense of incongruity. <P>SOLUTION: When there is the picture of the user in the memory card of the digital camera 10, a picture for a game is displayed in a liquid crystal monitor 38 using the picture of the user during the game (Fig.5(A)), and on the other hand, when a camera is not loaded with the memory card or when the picture is not recorded on the memory card, an opening picture employed at the time of the starting of the camera is employed in the game instead of the picture of the user (Fig.5(B)). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reproducing apparatus and an imaging apparatus, and particularly uses a digital camera, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a digital audio player having an image reproducing function, and the like that can reproduce a captured user image as a game apparatus. In case of technology.

  Conventionally, a digital camera capable of playing a game has been proposed (Patent Document 1). This digital camera has a first mode that functions as an imaging device and a second mode that functions as a game device. By switching between these modes, one digital camera can enjoy the functions of both. It is like that.

  In addition, a game apparatus has been proposed that can use a user's image taken with a digital camera in a game (Patent Document 2).

This game apparatus has a connection part with a digital camera, and uses a user image (such as a part of a person's face) captured from the digital camera in the game.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-41501 JP 2001-269479 A

  Although the digital camera described in Patent Document 1 can play a game, it does not use a user's image taken by the digital camera in the game.

  On the other hand, the game device described in Patent Document 2 uses a user's image for a game, and the user's image is captured from the digital camera via a connection unit with the digital camera.

  The present invention can play a game using a user's image in a device such as a digital camera that can reproduce the user's image, and can play a game smoothly, and the game operation is not uncomfortable. An object of the present invention is to provide an image reproducing apparatus and an imaging apparatus that can be used.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1 includes a display unit, an image reproducing unit for displaying a user image recorded on a recording medium on the display unit, and a game program using the image. Is stored, and a program stored in the storage unit is executed, and a user image stored in the recording medium is used during a game to display a game image on the display unit. Game execution means, and the game execution means uses an image stored in advance in a built-in memory for use in operation of the device when there is no user image.

  As a result, even when there is no user image in the image playback device, the game can be played. The built-in memory and the storage means may be the same or different.

  As described in claim 2, in the image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, when there is no user image, there is no detachable recording medium in the device, or the user image is recorded on the recording medium. This is the case. Normally, a store demo machine is not loaded with a memory card, but even in this case, a game can be played.

  3. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image stored in the built-in memory is an opening image at startup, an ending image at stop, a GUI image, or a screen saver. It is an image for use. These images are originally used in the image reproducing device and are not specially prepared for the game.

  An image reproducing apparatus according to a fourth aspect stores display means, image reproducing means for displaying a user image recorded on a recording medium on the display means, and a game program for generating sound effects during the game. Storage means, voice data prepared for the device in advance, voice data storage means for storing voice data including voice data indicating the key operation sound of the device, and when the device is in operation other than the game A sound generating means for generating sound based on the sound data stored in the sound data storing means at the time of the operation, and a sound stored in the sound data storing means by causing a program stored in the storage means to be executed. Game execution means for generating sound effects during the game from the sound generation means based on the data.

  Since the audio data used in the image playback device and the audio data used in the game can be shared, it is not necessary to prepare audio data dedicated to the game, or the types of audio data dedicated to the game can be reduced, Cost can be reduced. Moreover, it can emphasize that it is a game using an image reproducing apparatus by using the same sound.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image reproducing device according to the fourth aspect, the sound data storage means stores sound data indicating a warning sound or error sound of the device together with a key operation sound of the device. Yes.

  As described in claim 6, in the image reproduction device according to claim 4 or 5, the program stored in the storage means is a program of a game using a user image, and the game execution means The image of the game is displayed on the display means using the user image stored in the recording medium during the game.

  An image reproducing apparatus according to claim 7 is a storage that stores display means, image reproducing means for displaying a user image recorded on a recording medium on the display means, and a game program that uses the user image. Means for executing a program stored in the storage means, and using a user image stored in the recording medium during a game to display a game image on the display means, The game executing means converts the user image used in the game into an image suitable for the game and holds it for the game before the game starts.

  When there are a plurality of games using the user image, the user image is converted into an image suitable for each game. Since the user's image is converted before the game starts, conversion processing in the game is unnecessary, and image display is possible without delaying the game processing.

  8. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the user image recorded on the recording medium is a still image, and the game execution means includes the number of pixels of the user still image or The still image of the user is converted so that the aspect ratio matches the number of pixels or the aspect ratio of the image displayed during the game.

  The image reproduction device according to claim 7, wherein the user image recorded on the recording medium is a moving image, and the game execution means includes the number of pixels of the user's moving image, an aspect ratio, The moving image of the user is converted so that the frame rate or recording time matches the number of pixels, aspect ratio, frame rate or recording time of the moving image displayed during the game. It is possible to play a video without slowing down the video even during a game. In addition, when there is a limit on the playback time of the moving image used in the game (for example, one minute), if the user's moving image has a recording time longer than the time limit, the moving image is cut so as to reach the time limit. When the user's moving image has a recording time shorter than the time limit, the user's moving image is repeatedly reproduced.

  An image reproduction apparatus according to claim 10 uses a display means, an image reproduction means for displaying an image with a user's voice recorded in a recording medium on the display means, and an image with a user's voice in a game. Storage means for storing a game program for generating sound effects during the game, sound generating means for generating sound effects during playback of the image with sound, and sound generation means for generating sound effects during the game; Game executing means for executing a stored program, and displaying an image for a game on the display means by using an image with a sound of a user stored in the recording medium during the game, The execution means is configured to lower or turn off the sound volume of the image with sound during the game than the sound volume during normal playback of the image with sound. It is a symptom.

  Since the volume of an image with sound reproduced during the game is set lower than the volume during normal reproduction or turned off, the sound effect of the game can be easily heard.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the image reproduction device according to the tenth aspect, the image with the voice of the user is a still image with a voice memo or a moving image with a voice.

  An image pickup apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention includes an image pickup means for picking up an image, a recording means for storing an image picked up by the image pickup means in the storage medium, and the image reproduction apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects. It is characterized by having.

  The imaging device according to claim 12, wherein the shutter button is used for a scene for shooting a bullet in a game or a scene for hitting a ball, and the zoom key is used for enlargement / reduction of a screen during the game. A mode lever for selecting a shooting mode is used for a game screen switching operation. By appropriately assigning the operation keys of the unique functions of the imaging apparatus as game operation keys, it is possible to prevent the game operation from being uncomfortable.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, in an image reproduction apparatus and imaging devices, such as a digital camera which can reproduce | regenerate a user's image, a game can be played using the user's image, and a game can be performed smoothly. wear. Further, the memory capacity required for the game can be reduced and the game operation can be performed without a sense of incongruity.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an image reproducing apparatus and an imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging device (digital camera) 10 according to the present invention as seen obliquely from the front. FIG. 1A shows a state in which a lens barrel 12 is retracted into a camera housing and a lens cover 14 is closed. FIG. 5B shows the state in which the lens barrel 12 is extended.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the digital camera 10 as viewed obliquely from the rear.

  The digital camera 10 has functions as a game device in addition to the original functions of recording and reproducing still images and moving images. On the top surface, a power button 20, a shutter button 22, and a mode lever 24 are provided. Is provided. By rotating the mode lever 24, it is possible to set any one of a scene position in which an auto shooting mode, a manual shooting mode, a portrait mode, a landscape mode, a night view mode, and the like can be selected, and a moving image shooting mode. ing.

  A shutter button 22 provided in the center of the mode lever 24 is turned on when the shutter button 22 is half-pressed to perform shooting preparation such as focus lock, photometry, and the like. S2.

  On the back of the digital camera 10, as shown in FIG. 2, a zoom key 26, a playback button 28, a photo mode button 30 for displaying a menu screen for setting the number of pixels, sensitivity, and the like, and a multi-function cross key comprising up / down / left / right keys 32, a menu / OK button 34, a display / return button 36, and a liquid crystal monitor 38 are provided.

  The liquid crystal monitor 38 can display a moving image (through image) and can be used as an electronic viewfinder, and can display a captured image (preview image), a reproduced image read from a memory card loaded in the camera, and the like. Can do. Further, the liquid crystal monitor 38 displays various menu screens for manually setting the camera operation mode, white balance, image pixel number, sensitivity, and the like in accordance with the operation of the menu / OK button 34 or the photo mode button 30. Then, a screen for a graphical user interface (GUI) capable of setting manual setting items in accordance with the operation of the cross key 32 and the menu / OK button 34 is displayed. Further, the liquid crystal monitor 38 displays a game screen when a game is played with the digital camera 10 as will be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an internal configuration of the digital camera 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  In the figure, a CPU 50 includes the power button 20, shutter button 22, mode lever 24, zoom key 26, playback button 28, photo mode button 30, cross key 32, menu / OK button 34, and display / return button 36 described above. The integrated control of each circuit in the digital camera 10 is performed based on the input from the operation switch 52, and the process according to the camera control program or the game program is executed.

  The CPU 50 exchanges necessary data with the SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM) 54, the ROM 56, and the EEPROM 58.

  The ROM 56 stores a camera control program, an opening image at start-up, an ending image at stop, a GUI image such as a menu image used for operating the digital camera 10, an image for a screen saver, and a progress display during processing. An image (such as an hourglass image whose scale changes), key operation sound (shutter sound, etc.), sound data indicating a warning sound, error sound, etc., a game program, etc. are recorded. Various parameters relating to camera control such as information are stored.

  First, when the power button 20 is operated, the CPU 50 detects this, turns on the power in the camera, displays the opening image stored in the ROM 56 for a certain period, and then enters the shooting standby state in the shooting mode. In this photographing standby state, the CPU 50 extends the retractable lens barrel 12 through the lens driving unit 60 (see FIG. 1A), and normally displays a moving image (through image) on the liquid crystal monitor 38.

  A user (photographer) performs framing while viewing a through image displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38, confirms a subject to be photographed, confirms an image after photographing, and sets photographing conditions.

  When the shutter button 22 is pressed in the shooting standby state, the CPU 50 detects this, performs focus control, photometry, and exposure control, drives the focus lens and diaphragm in the optical unit 62 via the lens driving unit 60, and A subject image is formed on the light receiving surface of the CCD 64 via the optical unit 62. The CCD 64 converts the subject image formed on the light receiving surface into a signal charge having an amount corresponding to the amount of light. The signal charges converted in this way are read to the shift register by the read gate pulse applied from the clock generation circuit 66, and sequentially read as a voltage signal corresponding to the signal charge by the register transfer pulse.

  The voltage signal output from the CCD 64 is subjected to analog processing such as correlated double sampling and amplification by the analog processing circuit 68 and then applied to the A / D converter 70 as R, G, B signals for each pixel. . The A / D converter 70 converts the analog R, G, and B signals sequentially added from the analog processing circuit 68 into digital R, G, and B signals, respectively. These R, G, and B signals are temporarily stored in the SDRAM 54.

  The image signal processing circuit 72 reads R, G, and B raw data stored in the SDRAM 54, applies a digital gain corresponding to the light source type to these, and adjusts the white balance, and also performs gamma (gradation characteristics). Processing and sharpness processing are performed to generate R, G, and B signals, and further YC signal processing is performed to generate a luminance signal Y and chroma signals Cr and Cb (YC signals), and the YC signals are stored in the SDRAM 54 again.

  The YC signal stored in the SDRAM 54 as described above is compressed into a predetermined format by the compression / expansion circuit 74 and then recorded on the memory card 78 that is detachable from the digital camera 10 via the interface circuit 76.

  When the menu / OK button 34 is pressed while the through image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38, a menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38. While the menu screen is displayed, the cross key 32 is operated to select desired items such as shooting conditions and image sizes, or by pressing the menu / OK button 34 again to confirm the selection items. Execution of processing can be instructed. The display / return button 36 is used to switch the display on the liquid crystal monitor 38 or to return to the previous operation state. When a voice memo is selected on the menu screen, a voice such as a comment on the photographed image can be recorded for a certain time (for example, 30 seconds) after photographing. The recorded audio file is recorded on the memory card 78 in association with the image file.

  On the other hand, when the playback mode is selected by operating the playback button 28, the image file of the last frame recorded on the memory card 78 is read out via the interface circuit 76. The compressed data of the read image file is expanded into an uncompressed YC signal via the compression / expansion circuit 74.

  The expanded YC signal is held in the VRAM 80, converted into a signal format for display by the encoder 82, and output to the liquid crystal monitor 38. As a result, the last frame image recorded on the memory card 78 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38.

  Thereafter, when the forward frame advance switch (the right key of the cross key 32) is pressed, the frame is advanced in the forward direction, and when the reverse frame advance switch (the left key of the cross key 32) is pressed, the frame is advanced in the reverse direction. . Then, the image file at the frame position where the frame is advanced is read from the memory card 78, and the image is reproduced on the liquid crystal monitor 38 in the same manner as described above.

  In addition, when reproducing an image with a voice memo (still image) or a moving image with audio, audio is reproduced along with the reproduction of these images. That is, when reproducing an image with a voice memo, the audio data associated with the image data is read and output to the audio control circuit 84. The audio control circuit 84 converts the audio data into an analog audio signal and outputs it to the speaker 88 via the amplifier 86. Thereby, the voice recorded with the voice memo is generated from the speaker 88. Also, during playback of a moving image with sound, the sound recorded during recording of the moving image can be generated from the speaker 88 in the same manner as described above.

[When functioning as a game device]
Next, a case where the digital camera 10 is caused to function as a game device will be described.

  When an image is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38 in the playback mode, the digital camera 10 operates the menu / OK button 34 to display a menu screen including game selection items, and then operates the cross key 32. The game can be selected by operating the menu / OK button 34 again to confirm the selection of the game. The game can be selected by operating the menu / OK button 34 and the cross key 32.

  The ROM 56 of the digital camera 10 stores four types of game programs that use the user's images. When any one of the four types of games is selected, the CPU 50 stores the game programs in the ROM 56. Are read and stored in the SDRAM 54, and the image (user image) reproduced before the game selection is held in the SDRAM 54.

  Then, the CPU 50 causes the game program held in the SDRAM 54 to be executed in response to a game operation input through the operation switch 52 and causes the liquid crystal monitor 38 to display a game image. In addition, the game program uses the user image held in the SDRAM 54 as a part of the game image and causes the liquid crystal monitor 38 to display the image.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the four types of games using the user's image (FIG. 4A) are puzzle games, block breaking games, labyrinth games, and shooting games as shown in FIGS. It is.

(1) Puzzle game (Fig. 4 (B))
In this puzzle game, a user's image is divided into 16 blocks, 15 blocks with numbers are generated, 15 blocks are moved one block at a time, and each block is arranged in order from 1 to 15. When the blocks are arranged in order from 1 to 15, the user's image is completed.

(2) Block breaking game (FIG. 4C)
This game is a game in which a block is broken by hitting a ball against the block. The user's image is hidden under the block, and when all the blocks are broken, all the user's images appear.

(3) Maze game (Fig. 4 (D))
In this game, the user's image is incorporated in the goal of the maze, and the user's image is reached through the maze.

(4) Shooting game (Fig. 4 (E))
In this game, the user's image divided into four is hidden in the lower left of the game screen, and each time the opponent is shot down, the user's image appears, and when the opponent is defeated four times, the user's image is completed and the game It is a clear game.

<Use of opening image>
As described above, the selection and start of the game are selected on the menu screen in the playback mode. However, in the game on the assumption that the user's image is used, if there is no user image, the game itself is displayed. I can't enjoy it.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, when there is no user image, the opening image prepared in advance in the digital camera 10 is used for the game instead of the user image, thereby enabling the game to be executed. ing.

  FIG. 5 is a rear view of the digital camera when the puzzle game is selected. FIG. 5A shows the case where the user's image is used in the puzzle game, and FIG. 5B shows the opening image. Is shown for a puzzle game.

  That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, the CPU 50 determines whether or not a game start is instructed (step S10). If YES, there is a user image that can be used for the game. Is determined (step S12).

  If an image is recorded on the memory card 78 attached to the digital camera 10, it is determined that there is a user image, and if the memory card 78 is not attached to the digital camera 10, or the memory card 78 is If no image has been recorded even though it is attached, it is determined that there is no user image.

  If it is determined in step S12 that there is a user image, the CPU 50 reads out the user image stored in the memory card 78 and reproduced in the playback mode before selecting the game, The image is converted into a usable image and stored in the SDRAM 54 (step S14), and then the game is started (step S16).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that there is no user image, the CPU 50 reads the opening image stored in the ROM 56, converts it into data usable for the game, and holds it in the SDRAM 54 (step S18). Thereafter, the game is started (step S16).

  In this embodiment, the game can be selected from the playback mode menu screen, and the image reproduced immediately before the game selection is used for the game. Therefore, the user image is selected again at the start of the game. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the user image may be selected at the start of the game. When there is no user image, the opening image is used for the game. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an ending image or a GUI image may be used. Further, in a game using a moving image, when there is no moving image of the user, an image for screen saver, an image for progress display during processing, and the like can be used.

<Use of digital camera key operation sounds, etc.>
As described above, the ROM 56 of the digital camera 10 stores voice data indicating key operation sounds (such as shutter sounds), warning sounds, and error sounds in advance, and the digital camera 10 relates to key operations and the like. The sound is generated.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, a key operation sound or the like is generated even during the game, and the key operation sound or the like used in the user interface of the digital camera 10 is used as the key operation sound at that time. I am doing so.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the sound is reproduced in the game (step S20). If YES, the CPU 50 determines whether or not there is audio data that can be used in the camera system (step S20). S22).

  If there is audio data that can be used in the camera system, the CPU 50 sets the audio data as audio data to be used in the game (step S24), and generates audio based on the set audio data (step S24). S26).

  On the other hand, when there is no audio data usable in the camera system, the CPU 50 sets audio data prepared for the game (step S28), and generates audio based on the set audio data (step S28). S26).

  For example, in the case of a puzzle game, a sound effect “Kasha” is generated every time a number block moves, and a shutter sound is used as this sound effect.

  As described above, by using the key operation sound used in the user interface of the digital camera 10 as the key operation sound during the game, it becomes possible to perform the key operation in the game without a sense of incongruity with the normal camera operation. Since the memory capacity required for audio data can be reduced, the cost of the memory can be reduced.

  Note that not only the shutter sound but also sound data such as warning sound and error sound can be shared by the game.

<Shared digital camera operation keys>
When the operation keys of the digital camera 10 are shared as game operation keys, the keys generally required for the game are a cross key 32, a play button 28 arranged in the vicinity of the cross key 32, a photo mode button 30, a menu / It is conceivable to use an OK button 34, a display / return button 36, or the like.

  In the third embodiment of the present invention, the shutter button 22, the mode lever 24, and the zoom key 26, which are operation keys of unique functions of the digital camera 10, are used as game operation keys. The shutter button 22, the mode lever 24, and the zoom key 26 are assigned as game operation keys that instruct an operation that is the same as or similar to the operation of the unique function of the digital camera 10.

  That is, when the zoom key 26 is used during shooting or during a game, it is determined whether or not the zoom key 26 is operated as shown in FIG. 8 (step S30). If YES, it is determined whether or not the operation is during a game. It discriminate | determines (step S32). If the game is being played, the game screen is zoomed (step S34). If the game is not being played, the through image, the playback image, etc. are enlarged / reduced (step S36).

  The shutter button 22 is used as an operation key for releasing a shutter at the time of shooting, but is assigned as an operation key for shooting a bullet at a shooting game. In ball games such as a baseball game, a soccer game, and a tennis game, the shutter button 22 is assigned as an operation key for hitting or kicking a ball.

  Further, the mode lever 24 is used for selecting a scene position at the time of shooting, but is assigned as an operation key for switching a game screen at the time of a game.

  Thus, by appropriately assigning the operation keys of the unique functions of the digital camera 10 as game operation keys, it is possible to prevent a sense of incongruity in the game operation.

<Optimization of user images for games>
The pixel size and aspect ratio of the user image do not necessarily match the pixel size and aspect ratio of the user image displayed on the screen during the game. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the pixel size and aspect ratio of the user image displayed on the screen during the game may differ depending on the type of game.

  In the fourth embodiment of the present invention, before starting the game, the user's image used for the game is read from the memory card 78 to the SDRAM 54, and the image signal processing circuit 72 uses the pixel size optimum for reproduction during the game. After the conversion to the aspect ratio is performed and the image data after the conversion processing is held in the SDRAM 54 (SDRAM 54 in which the game program read from the ROM 56 is expanded), the game is started.

  That is, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the game is started as shown in FIG. 9 (step S40). If YES, is the pixel number and aspect ratio of the user image data used in the game optimal for the game? It is determined whether or not (step S42).

  If it is optimal for the game, the CPU 50 copies the user image data read from the memory card 78 to the SDRAM 54 (step S44), and then starts the game (step S46). Although the image data recorded on the memory card 78 is compressed, the SDRAM 54 holds the image data expanded by the compression / expansion circuit 74.

  On the other hand, if it is not optimal for the game, the CPU 50 uses the image signal processing circuit 72 to convert the user image data read from the memory card 78 so that it has the optimal number of pixels and aspect ratio for the game, and copies it to the SDRAM 54. Then, the game is started (step S46).

  Further, when the image used in the game is a user's moving image, the user's moving image used for the game is read from the memory card 78 to the SDRAM 54 before starting the game, and is reproduced by the image signal processing circuit 72 during the game. Conversion processing is performed to an optimal pixel size, aspect ratio, frame rate, and recording time, and after the conversion processing is held in the SDRAM 54, the game is started.

  That is, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the game is started as shown in FIG. 10 (step S50). If YES, the number of pixels of the moving image data of the user used in the game, the aspect ratio, the frame rate, and the recording are determined. It is determined whether the time is optimal for the game (step S52).

  If it is optimal for the game, the CPU 50 copies the moving image data of the user read from the memory card 78 to the SDRAM 54 (step S54), and then starts the game (step S56).

  On the other hand, if it is not optimal for the game, the CPU 50 uses the image signal processing circuit 72 to obtain the optimal number of pixels, aspect ratio, frame rate, and recording time for the user's moving image data read from the memory card 78. The conversion process is performed and copied to the SDRAM 54 (step S58), and then the game is started (step S56).

  Only when the recording time of the user's moving image is longer than the moving image playback time in the game, the moving image is cut to match the moving image playback time of the game. When the recording time of the user's moving image is short, the user's moving image is repeatedly reproduced according to the length of the game.

  Thus, before starting the game, the user's image is processed so as to be an image most suitable for reproduction during the game and is held in the SDRAM 54, and then the game is started, so the game processing is delayed. In addition, image reproduction can be performed in parallel.

<Use of images with user's sound for games>
When using an image with a user's sound (for example, a moving image with sound or a still image with a voice memo) in a game, the sound accompanying the reproduction of the image with the user's sound overlaps with the sound effect of the game, and the sound effect of the game is heard It becomes difficult.

  In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, when an image with a user's voice is used during a game, the volume setting of the voice is set lower than the normal volume to make it easier to hear the sound effect of the game.

  That is, the CPU 50 determines whether or not the sound of the image with the user's sound is reproduced as shown in FIG. 11 (step S60). If YES, it determines whether or not the game is in progress (step S62). ).

  Then, when reproducing the sound of the image with sound during the game, the CPU 50 sets the sound reproduction volume of the sound with sound during the game to be lower than the sound volume during normal reproduction in the sound control circuit 84 ( In step S64, the sound is reproduced (step S66).

  On the other hand, when reproducing the sound of the image with sound during normal image reproduction, the CPU 50 sets the sound reproduction volume of the sound with sound to the sound control circuit 84 to the sound volume during normal reproduction (step S68). The audio is reproduced (step S66).

  In this embodiment, the volume setting during normal playback is set to 2.5 W and the volume setting during the game is set to 1.5 W. However, the volume setting during the game may be set to 0 (volume off). Good. Thereby, it becomes easy to hear the sound effect of the game generated during the game.

  In this embodiment, a digital camera has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to a digital camera as long as it can reproduce a user's image. The present invention can also be applied to a digital audio player having a function.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an imaging apparatus (digital camera) according to the present invention as viewed obliquely from the front. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the digital camera as viewed obliquely from the rear. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the digital camera shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram used for explaining an example of a game in which a user image is used for the game. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing game images displayed on the liquid crystal monitor of the digital camera when there is a user image and when there is no user image. FIG. 6 is a flowchart used to explain the first embodiment in which the opening image is used in the game when there is no user image. FIG. 7 is a flowchart used for explaining the second embodiment in which the audio data of the camera system is shared with the audio data for the game. FIG. 8 is a flowchart used to describe a third embodiment in which operation keys (zoom keys) that are unique functions of a digital camera are used as game operation keys. FIG. 9 is a flowchart used to explain a fourth embodiment in which a user image is optimized for a game image. FIG. 10 is a flowchart used to explain a modification of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart used to explain a fifth embodiment for making it easier to hear game sound effects when an image with a user's voice is used in a game.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Imaging device (digital camera), 22 ... Shutter button, 24 ... Mode lever, 26 ... Zoom key, 28 ... Playback button, 38 ... Liquid crystal monitor, 50 ... CPU, 52 ... Operation switch, 54 ... SDRAM, 56 ... ROM, 58 ... EEPROM, 60 ... Lens drive unit, 62 ... Optical unit, 64 ... CCD, 72 ... Image signal processing circuit, 78 ... Memory card, 84 ... Audio control circuit, 88 ... Speaker

Claims (13)

Display means;
Image reproduction means for displaying on the display means an image of a user recorded in a recording medium;
Storage means for storing a game program using the user's image;
Game execution means for executing a program stored in the storage means, and using a user image stored in the recording medium during a game to display an image for a game on the display means,
An image reproducing apparatus characterized in that the game execution means uses an image stored in advance in a built-in memory for use for device operation when there is no user image.   The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the case where the user image is not present is a case where a detachable recording medium is not attached to the device, or a case where the user image is not recorded on the recording medium.   3. The image reproduction according to claim 1, wherein the image stored in the internal memory is an opening image at start-up, an ending image at stop, an image for GUI, or an image for screen saver. apparatus. Display means;
Image reproduction means for displaying on the display means an image of a user recorded in a recording medium;
Storage means for storing a game program for generating sound effects during the game;
Audio data storage means for storing audio data that is prepared in advance for the device and includes audio data indicating the key operation sound of the device;
Sound generating means for generating sound based on the sound data stored in the sound data storing means at the time of operation other than the game of the device and at the time of operation of the game;
Game execution means for executing a program stored in the storage means, and generating sound effects during the game from the sound generation means based on the sound data stored in the sound data storage means;
An image reproducing apparatus comprising:   5. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the sound data storage unit stores sound data indicating a warning sound or an error sound of the device together with a key operation sound of the device.   The program stored in the storage means is a program of a game that uses a user image, and the game execution means uses the user image stored in the recording medium during the game to display the display means. 6. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a game image is displayed on the screen. Display means;
Image reproduction means for displaying on the display means an image of a user recorded in a recording medium;
Storage means for storing a game program using the user's image;
Game execution means for executing a program stored in the storage means, and using a user image stored in the recording medium during a game to display an image for a game on the display means,
The image playback device, wherein the game execution means converts a user image used for a game into an image suitable for the game and holds it for the game before the game starts.   The user's image recorded on the recording medium is a still image, and the game execution means determines that the number of pixels or aspect ratio of the user's still image is equal to the number of pixels or aspect ratio of the image displayed during the game. 8. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the still image of the user is converted so as to match.   The user image recorded on the recording medium is a moving image, and the game execution means determines the number of pixels of the moving image to be displayed during the game, such as the number of pixels, aspect ratio, frame rate or recording time of the user's moving image. The image reproduction apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the moving image of the user is converted so as to match an aspect ratio, a frame rate, or a recording time. Display means;
Image reproduction means for displaying on the display means an image with the sound of the user recorded in the recording medium;
Storage means for storing a game program for using a user's voice-attached image in a game and generating sound effects during the game;
Sound generating means for generating sound during reproduction of the image with sound and generating sound effects during the game;
Game executing means for executing a program stored in the storage means, and displaying an image for a game on the display means by using an image with a sound of a user stored in the recording medium during a game; Prepared,
The game execution means makes the sound volume of the image with sound lower than the sound volume during normal playback of the image with sound during the game, or turns it off.   The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the image with voice of the user is a still picture with voice memo or a moving picture with voice. An imaging means for capturing an image;
Recording means for storing an image captured by the imaging means in the storage medium;
An image reproduction device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
An imaging apparatus comprising:   Use the shutter button for shooting scenes in the game or hitting the ball, use the zoom key to enlarge or reduce the screen during the game, or use the mode lever to select the shooting mode for game screen switching operations. The imaging apparatus according to claim 12.

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