JP2008017498A - Image reproducing apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reproducing apparatus for efficiently displaying photographed images as a list. <P>SOLUTION: The image reproducing apparatus is provided with a flash memory 48 for recording an image while adding its recording time information thereto, and a control part 42 for sorting the images recorded in the memory 48 for each date on the basis of the added time information and displaying the sorted images for each date as a list of calendar images on a display part 18 while limiting the number of images to be displayed into one per day. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reproduction apparatus and program suitable for a digital still camera or the like.

  Recently, in place of cameras using silver halide films, digital still cameras that can acquire captured images as digital data have become widespread.

  In this type of digital still camera, there has been proposed a method in which a reduced image of a captured image recorded in the playback mode is displayed in a calendar every period (year / month / day). (For example, refer to Patent Document 1.)

JP 11-215457 A

  In Patent Document 1, an example is shown in which all images corresponding to each date are displayed on a calendar screen. However, it is assumed that a large number of captured images corresponding to a certain date are recorded, and that all captured images cannot be displayed in the area assigned to the date for one day on the calendar screen. In addition, an efficient display method in such a case is not presented.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image reproduction apparatus and program capable of efficiently displaying a list of captured images.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided recording means for associating and recording information on a photographing time with a photographed image, and information on photographing time recorded on the photographed image recorded on the recording means in association with the photographed image. Classification means for classifying into predetermined time units based on the above, a display control means for displaying a list of photographed images for each predetermined time period classified by the classification means, and display for each predetermined time unit by the display control means And limiting means for limiting the number of captured images.

  With such a configuration, the number of photographed images to be displayed is limited for each predetermined period unit to which the photographing time belongs, so a larger number of predetermined period unit columns can be displayed in a list simultaneously, or each predetermined period unit Visibility can be greatly improved by increasing the size of the captured image displayed each time.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, when there are more photographed images classified for each predetermined period than the number restricted by the restricting means, the photographed images included in the predetermined period Selecting means for selecting a photographed image having information earlier in photographing time as a representative photographed image for the predetermined period, and the display control means selects the photographed image selected by the selecting means as the photographed image. It includes means for displaying as a photographed image representative of a predetermined period.

  With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 1 above, in the case where all the captured images classified for the same predetermined period cannot be displayed at a time, the imaging having information with earlier imaging time Since an image is automatically selected as a representative photographed image for the predetermined period and a list of the photographed images is displayed, for example, by displaying the top side of a series of photographed images on a time series, the subsequent photographing The contents of the image can be displayed as a simple representation.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, when there are more photographed images classified for each predetermined period than the number restricted by the restricting means, the photographed images included in the predetermined period Selecting means for selecting an arbitrary photographed image as a representative photographed image for the predetermined period, and the display control means represents the photographed image selected by the selecting means for the predetermined period. A means for displaying as a photographed image is included.

  With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 1, since the user can arbitrarily select a representative captured image, the entire captured image including the captured image for the user within a predetermined period can be selected. Becomes easier to recognize.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the limiting unit limits the number of captured images to be displayed simultaneously for each predetermined period unit, and the display control unit includes the predetermined period unit. And a means for sequentially switching and displaying the photographed images to be displayed when there are a plurality of photographed images classified into the above.

  With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 1 above, in order to switch and display the captured images in order to display a slide image, for example, one for each predetermined period unit, Not only can the contents of all the photographed images displayed in a list be visually recognized in the images displayed in the list, but it can also be enjoyed as an interior that performs dynamic display using the original image.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the designation means for designating an arbitrary predetermined period on the photographed images displayed as a list by the display control means, and the designation means The image processing apparatus further includes editing means for collectively executing a predetermined editing process on the captured images included in the specified predetermined period.

  According to such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, an arbitrary predetermined period is specified on the list display, and editing processing regarding the specified arbitrary predetermined period is collectively performed. Therefore, it is possible to easily specify a predetermined period as an editing work target while viewing the list display, and at the same time, it is possible to further simplify the editing work on the photographed image.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the recording unit records information on a photographing time and information on a type in association with the photographed image, and the restricting unit includes the display control unit. Thus, the number and type of captured images displayed for each predetermined period unit are limited together.

  With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 1 above, a list is displayed by limiting types such as a difference between a moving image and a still image, a difference in definition of an image, and the like. The whole content can be made uniform.

  The invention according to claim 7 is a recording means for recording a photographed image, a classification means for classifying the photographed image recorded in the recording means for each predetermined group unit, and a predetermined group classified by the classification means. Display control means for displaying a list by limiting the number of captured images per unit to only one per group and sequentially switching the displayed captured images when there are a plurality of captured images corresponding to one group. It is characterized by that.

  With such a configuration, the number of captured images to be displayed is limited to one for each predetermined group unit to which the shooting time belongs, so that more predetermined group unit columns can be displayed in a list simultaneously, In addition to greatly improving the visibility by increasing the size of the captured image displayed for each predetermined period unit, when there are a plurality of captured images corresponding to one group, the captured images to be displayed are sequentially displayed. Since the display is switched, even when there are a plurality of photographed images in one group, the contents of all the photographed images displayed in a list can be visually recognized in the images of the list display.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 7, in which designation means for designating an arbitrary group on the photographed images displayed as a list by the display control means and the group designated by the designation means And editing means for collectively executing predetermined editing processing on the captured image.

  With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 7 above, in order to designate an arbitrary group on the list display and collectively execute editing processing on the designated arbitrary group, The target group can be easily specified while looking at the list display, and at the same time, the editing work on the photographed image can be simplified.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the invention according to claim 7, wherein the display control means performs a predetermined operation from a state in which one representative photographed image is selected and displayed for each group. Thus, when there are a plurality of photographed images corresponding to one group, the state is shifted to a state in which photographed images to be displayed are sequentially switched and displayed.

  With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 7, the user can shift to a state in which a plurality of photographed images belonging to the group are sequentially switched and displayed by a simple designation operation. The contents can be confirmed by performing the designation operation only when the user wants to confirm an undisplayed image.

  The invention according to claim 10 is a recording means for recording a photographed image, a classification means for classifying the photographed image recorded in the recording means for each predetermined group unit, and a predetermined group classified by the classification means. Display control means for displaying a list of photographed images for each unit, designation means for designating an arbitrary group on the photographed images displayed as a list by the display control means, and photographed images belonging to the group designated by the designation means On the other hand, there is provided an editing means for collectively executing a predetermined editing process.

  With such a configuration, since a list of captured images is displayed in units of a predetermined group, the group to which the image belongs can be visually recognized from the contents of the displayed captured image, and any group can be easily specified. Editing work related to groups can be simplified.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to the tenth aspect, the designation means designates a plurality of groups simultaneously on the photographed images displayed in the list, and the editing means is designated by the designation means. In addition, a predetermined editing process is collectively executed on captured images belonging to a plurality of groups.

  With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 10 above, a plurality of arbitrary groups are designated on the list display, and editing processing related to the plurality of designated arbitrary groups is executed collectively. In addition, it is possible to easily specify a plurality of groups to be edited while looking at the list display, and at the same time, it is possible to further simplify the editing work on the photographed image.

  The invention described in claim 12 further comprises selection means for selecting the type of editing processing by the editing means in the invention described in claim 10 or 11, wherein the editing means is the type selected by the selection means. The editing process is collectively executed.

  With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention described in claim 10 or 11, the editing process of the type desired by the user is executed for the captured images belonging to an arbitrary group designated on the list display. be able to.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording means for recording a photographed image, a classification means for classifying the photographed image recorded in the recording means into predetermined group units, and a predetermined group classified by the classification means. It is characterized by comprising a display control means for displaying a list of photographed images for each unit and a restricting means for restricting the types of photographed images displayed for each predetermined group by the display control means.

  With such a configuration, the types of captured images to be displayed in a predetermined group unit are limited and displayed as a list, so that a larger number of group units can be displayed in a list at the same time, or an image can be displayed for each group unit. Visibility can be greatly improved by increasing the size of the image, and lists are displayed by limiting the types such as differences between moving images and still images, differences in image definition, etc. The whole content can be made uniform.

  The invention described in claim 14 further comprises selection means for arbitrarily selecting the type of photographed image in the invention described in claim 13, wherein the restricting means determines the type of photographed image selected by the selection means. Based on this, the types of captured images displayed for each predetermined group unit are limited.

  With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention of the thirteenth aspect, by selecting the type arbitrarily, it is possible to easily switch the type of captured images displayed in a list according to the user's preference. it can.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the seventh to fourteenth aspects, the recording unit records shooting time information in association with a shot image, and the classification unit includes the recording unit. The recorded photographic images are classified into predetermined time units based on information of the photographing time recorded in association with the photographic images, and the display control means is arranged for each predetermined time unit classified by the classification means. The photographed images are displayed in a list.

  With such a configuration, in addition to the operation of the invention according to any one of claims 7 to 14, it is also possible to display a list of photographed images for each predetermined period to which the photographing time belongs. It is possible to visually recognize a predetermined period unit to which the shooting time belongs from the contents of.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a classification step for classifying a photographed image recorded in association with photographing time information in the recording unit into predetermined time units based on the photographing time information; The computer executes a restriction step for limiting the number of photographed images to be displayed on the computer, and a display control step for displaying a list of the photographed images for each predetermined period classified by the classification step according to the number restricted by the restriction step. It is characterized by making it.

  With such program contents, the number of captured images to be displayed is limited for each predetermined period unit to which the shooting time belongs, so that more predetermined period unit columns can be displayed in a list simultaneously, or each predetermined period Visibility can be greatly improved by increasing the size of the captured image displayed for each unit.

  According to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a grouping step for classifying the photographed images recorded in the recording unit for each predetermined group unit, and one group of the photographed images for each predetermined group unit classified by the classification step. The display control step is executed by causing the computer to execute a display control step of sequentially displaying and displaying the photographed images to be displayed when there are a plurality of photographed images corresponding to one group.

  With such a program content, the number of captured images to be displayed for each predetermined group unit to which the shooting time belongs is limited to one, so that it is possible to display a list of more predetermined group units simultaneously, or In addition to greatly improving the visibility by increasing the size of the captured image displayed for each predetermined period unit, in the case where there are a plurality of captured images corresponding to one group, the captured image to be displayed is displayed. Since the switching display is performed sequentially, even when there are a plurality of photographed images in one group, the contents of all the photographed images displayed in a list can be visually recognized in the images of the list display.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, a classification step for classifying the photographed images recorded in the recording unit for each predetermined group unit, and a list of the photographed images for each predetermined group unit classified by the classification step. A display control step, a designation step for designating an arbitrary group on the photographed images listed in the display control step, and a predetermined editing process for the photographed images belonging to the group designated in the designation step. The editing step to be executed is executed by a computer.

  With such program contents, a list of captured images is displayed in units of predetermined groups, so that the group to which it belongs can be visually recognized from the contents of the displayed captured images and any group can be easily specified. Editing work for any group can be simplified.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a classification step for classifying a captured image recorded in the recording unit for each predetermined group unit, and a captured image displayed for each predetermined group unit classified by the classification step. It is characterized in that the computer executes a restriction step for restricting the type and a display control step for displaying a list of captured images for each predetermined group unit that has undergone the restriction step.

  With such program contents, the list of the captured images to be displayed in a predetermined group unit is limited and displayed as a list, so that a larger number of group unit columns can be displayed at the same time or displayed for each group unit. Visibility can be greatly improved by increasing the size of the captured image, and a list is displayed by limiting the types such as differences between moving images and still images, differences in image definition, etc. The entire content can be unified.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the number of photographed images to be displayed is limited for each predetermined period unit to which the photographing time belongs, so that more predetermined period unit columns can be displayed in a list simultaneously, or each predetermined period can be displayed. Visibility can be greatly improved by increasing the size of the captured image displayed for each period unit.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the first aspect of the invention, in the case where all of the photographed images classified for the same predetermined period cannot be displayed at once, information with earlier photographing time is obtained. Since the captured image is automatically selected as a representative captured image for the predetermined period and the list of captured images is displayed, for example, by displaying the top side of a series of time-series captured images, The contents of the subsequent captured image can be displayed as a simple representation.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, since the user can arbitrarily select a representative photographed image, the user can photograph within a predetermined period including the photographed image. It becomes easier to recognize the entire image.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, the photographed images are sequentially switched and displayed as if, for example, one slide image is displayed every predetermined period. Therefore, not only can the contents of all photographed images displayed in a list be visually recognized in the images displayed in the list, it can also be enjoyed as an interior in which dynamic display is performed using original images.

  According to the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 4, an arbitrary predetermined period is designated on the list display, and editing processing relating to the designated arbitrary predetermined period is performed. Since it is executed collectively, it is possible to easily specify a predetermined period to be edited while looking at the list display, and at the same time, it is possible to further simplify the editing work on the photographed image.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, the list display is performed by restricting the types such as the difference between the moving image and the still image and the difference in the definition of the image. The entire content can be unified.

  According to the invention described in claim 7, since the number of captured images to be displayed for each predetermined group unit to which the shooting time belongs is limited to one, more predetermined group unit columns can be displayed in a list simultaneously, Alternatively, by increasing the size of the captured image displayed for each predetermined period unit, the visibility can be greatly improved, and in addition, when there are a plurality of captured images corresponding to one group, the captured image to be displayed is displayed. Since a plurality of captured images are included in one group, the contents of all the captured images displayed in a list can be visually recognized in the list display image.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 7, in order to specify an arbitrary group on the list display and collectively execute editing processing regarding the specified arbitrary group, It is possible to easily specify a group to be edited while looking at the list display, and at the same time, it is possible to further simplify the editing work on the photographed image.

  According to the ninth aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the seventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to shift to a state in which a plurality of photographed images belonging to the group are sequentially switched and displayed by a simple designation operation. The contents can be confirmed by performing the designation operation only when the user wants to confirm an undisplayed image.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, since a list of photographed images is displayed in predetermined group units, the group to which the photographer belongs can be visually recognized from the contents of the displayed photographed image, and an arbitrary group can be easily specified. Editing work for any group.

  According to the invention of claim 11, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 10, a plurality of arbitrary groups are designated on the list display, and editing processing relating to the plurality of designated arbitrary groups is executed collectively. Therefore, it is possible to easily specify a plurality of groups to be edited while looking at the list display, and at the same time, it is possible to further simplify the editing work on the photographed image.

  According to the invention described in claim 12, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 10 or 11, for a captured image belonging to an arbitrary group in which editing processing of the type desired by the user is designated on the list display. Can be executed.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, since the types of captured images to be displayed in a predetermined group unit are limited and displayed as a list, a larger number of group unit columns can be displayed simultaneously or displayed for each group unit. Visibility can be greatly improved by enlarging the size of the captured image to be displayed, and list display can be performed by limiting types such as differences between moving images and still images, differences in image definition, etc. The entire content can be unified.

  According to the invention described in claim 14, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 13, the type of photographed images displayed in a list can be easily switched according to the user's preference by arbitrarily selecting the type. I can do it.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the above-described seventh to fourteenth aspects, a list of photographed images can be displayed in units of a predetermined period to which the photographing time belongs. A predetermined period unit to which the shooting time belongs can be visually recognized from the contents of the shot image.

  According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, since the number of photographed images to be displayed is limited for each predetermined period unit to which the photographing time belongs, it is possible to display a list of more predetermined period unit fields at the same time, or for each predetermined period. Visibility can be greatly improved by increasing the size of the captured image displayed for each period unit.

  According to the invention described in claim 17, since the number of photographed images to be displayed for each predetermined group unit to which the photographing time belongs is limited to one, it is possible to simultaneously display a list of more predetermined group unit columns, Alternatively, by increasing the size of the captured image displayed for each predetermined period unit, the visibility can be greatly improved, and in addition, when there are a plurality of captured images corresponding to one group, the captured image to be displayed is displayed. Since a plurality of captured images are included in one group, the contents of all the captured images displayed in a list can be visually recognized in the list display image.

  According to the invention described in claim 18, since the photographed images are displayed as a list in a predetermined group unit, the group to which the photographed images belong can be visually recognized from the contents of the photographed images displayed, and an arbitrary group can be easily specified. Editing work for any group.

  According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, since the types of captured images to be displayed in a predetermined group unit are limited and displayed as a list, a larger number of group unit columns can be displayed at the same time or displayed for each group unit. Visibility can be greatly improved by enlarging the size of the captured image to be displayed, and list display can be performed by limiting types such as differences between moving images and still images, differences in image definition, etc. The entire content can be unified.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a digital still camera will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an external configuration in a state where a digital still camera 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is placed on a cradle 11 that also serves as a charging stand. The digital still camera 10 is mounted on the cradle 11 with its back side facing forward, so that the built-in battery can be charged, and the cradle 11 can be connected via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable (not shown). For example, it is assumed that image data can be transmitted and received by connecting to a personal computer.

  The digital still camera 10 is a housing having a metal exterior that is about the size of a cigarette box, for example, and a power key 12 and a shutter key 13 are arranged on the upper surface thereof.

  On the back of the digital still camera 10, a mode key 14, an optical finder 15, a focus indicator 16, a strobe indicator 17, a display unit 18, a zoom key 19, a menu (MENU) key 20, a ring key 21, and a set (SET) key are provided. 22 and a display (DISP) key 23 are provided.

  The power key 12 turns on / off the power of the digital still camera 10.

  The shutter key 13 performs image shooting when operated in the shooting mode.

  A mode key 14 is a key switch for switching between a photographing mode (REC) and a playback mode (PLAY), which are basic modes, by a slide operation, and is set to the playback mode side in the figure.

  The optical viewfinder 15 is for optically viewing the field of view of the subject image.

  The focus indicator 16 is disposed in the vicinity of the optical viewfinder 15 and indicates that the focus is locked in a state where the user removes the optical viewfinder 15, for example, by lighting a red LED.

  The strobe indicator 17 is positioned in the vicinity of the optical viewfinder 15 and indicates that the charging of the strobe has been completed with the user removing the optical viewfinder 15, for example, by lighting a green LED.

  The display unit 18 is configured by a color TFT liquid crystal panel having a backlight, for example, a size of about 2 inches diagonal, and displays an image to be captured at that time on the monitor in the shooting mode, while this digital still in the playback mode. The data is read from a flash memory (described later) that is a recording medium of the camera 10 and selectively displayed, or the calendar is displayed while being placed on the cradle 11.

  The zoom key 19 changes the focal length of the photographing lens steplessly to the telephoto (T) side or the wide angle (W) side in the photographing mode.

  The menu key 20 displays various mode settings and the like on the display unit 18 as menu items.

  The ring key 21 is used to change the item displayed on the display unit 18 in the up, down, left, and right directions according to the operation position of the ring-shaped operation key, and the menu item selected by the set key 22 located at the center thereof. Select and set.

  The display key 23 switches on / off the display on the display unit 18 and switches the display form on the display unit 18.

  The cradle 11 is provided with a “PHOTO” key 24, a USB key 25, a charge (CHARGE) indicator 26, and a USB indicator 27 as shown in the figure. A USB connector terminal is provided.

  By placing the digital still camera 10 on the cradle 11 and connecting the AC cable of the cradle 11 to a household outlet, the rechargeable battery provided in the digital still camera 10 can be charged. At this time, the charging indicator 26 is lit when charging is being performed.

  Further, by operating the “PHOTO” key 24, the image data recorded in the digital still camera 10 is displayed on the display unit 18, and the digital still camera 10 and the cradle 11 are displayed on an electronic photo stand (photo frame). ) Can also be used.

  In addition, the cradle 11 on which the digital still camera 10 is placed is connected to an information device such as a personal computer (not shown) using a USB cable, and the USB key 25 is operated, whereby the digital still camera 10 and the information device are connected. Image data can be easily transferred to and from. When the image data is transferred, the USB indicator 27 is lit.

  Next, a circuit configuration in the digital still camera 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the monitoring state in the photographing mode, the CCD 33, which is an imaging element disposed behind the photographing optical axis of the lens optical system 32 including the photographing lens, whose focus position and aperture position are moved by driving the motor (M) 31. Are scanned and driven by a timing generator (TG) 34 and a vertical driver 35, and output a photoelectric conversion output corresponding to a light image formed at regular intervals for one screen.

  This photoelectric conversion output is appropriately gain-adjusted for each primary color component of RGB in the state of an analog value signal, then sampled and held by a sample hold (S / H) circuit 36, and digital data by an A / D converter 37 The color process circuit 38 performs color process processing including pixel interpolation processing and γ correction processing to generate digital luminance signals Y and color difference signals Cb and Cr, which are transmitted to a DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller 39. Is output.

  The DMA controller 39 once uses the luminance signal Y and the color difference signals Cb and Cr output from the color process circuit 38 by using the composite synchronization signal, the memory write enable signal, and the clock signal from the color process circuit 38 once. And the DMA transfer to the DRAM 41 used as a buffer memory via the DRAM interface (I / F) 40.

  The control unit 42 includes a CPU, a ROM in which an operation program executed by the CPU including a calendar display process to be described later is stored, a RAM used as a work memory, and the like. The entire digital still camera 10 After the DMA transfer of the luminance and chrominance signals to the DRAM 41, the luminance and chrominance signals are read from the DRAM 41 via the DRAM interface 40 and written to the VRAM 44 via the VRAM controller 43.

  The digital video encoder 45 periodically reads the luminance and color difference signals from the VRAM 44 via the VRAM controller 43, generates a video signal based on these data, and outputs the video signal to the display unit 18.

  As described above, the display unit 18 functions as a monitor display unit (electronic finder) in the shooting mode. By performing display based on the video signal from the digital video encoder 45, the display unit 18 receives from the VRAM controller 43 at that time. An image based on the stored image information is displayed in real time.

  When the shutter key 13 constituting the key input unit 46 is operated at a timing when still image shooting is desired in a state where an image at that time is displayed in real time as a monitor image on the display unit 18 as described above, a trigger signal is generated. Is generated.

  In response to this trigger signal, the control unit 42 immediately stops the path from the CCD 33 to the DRAM 41 immediately after the completion of the DMA transfer of the luminance and color difference signals for one screen being captured from the CCD 33 to the DRAM 41. Transition to record save state.

  In this recording and storage state, the control unit 42 transmits the luminance and color difference signals for one frame written in the DRAM 41 to the vertical 8 pixels × horizontal 8 pixels for each of Y, Cb, and Cr components via the DRAM interface 40. Are read out in units called basic blocks of the data and written in a JPEG (Joint Photographic Coding Experts Group) circuit 47. The JPEG circuit 47 uses an ADCT (Adaptive Discrete Cosine Transform), an entropy coding system. Data compression is performed by processing such as conversion.

  Then, the obtained code data is read out from the JPEG circuit 47 as a data file of one image, and a flash memory which is a nonvolatile memory enclosed in a memory card which is detachably mounted as a recording medium of the digital still camera 10 Write to 48.

  At this time, for the image data file to be written in the flash memory 48, for example, a predetermined number of digits consisting of a date and time obtained from a clock unit (not shown) when the shutter key 13 is operated, and a serial number, for example, “03033112340001.jpg” It is assumed that a file name such as is automatically added and recorded.

  Incidentally, the file name “0303311122340001.jpg” is a still image compressed by the “0001” -th JPEG format taken at “03”, “31”, “31”, “12”, “34”, “(20) 03”. Indicates data.

  The flash memory 48 may be built in the digital still camera 10 separately from the removable memory card, or may be a combination of both the memory card and the built-in memory.

  Then, along with the compression processing of the luminance and color difference signals for one frame and the completion of writing all the compressed data to the flash memory 48, the control unit 42 activates the path from the CCD 33 to the DRAM 41 again.

  Further, a USB interface (I / F) 49 is further connected to the control unit 42. The USB interface 49 performs communication control when image data or other data is transmitted / received to / from an external information device, for example, a personal computer, which is wired via the USB connector 50.

  Further, when the digital still camera 10 is placed on the cradle 11 as shown in FIG. 1 above, an external information device such as a personal computer connected via the cradle 11 with a USB cable (not shown). The USB interface 49 controls transmission / reception of image data and the like.

  The key input unit 46 includes the power key 12, the mode key 14, the zoom key 19, the menu key 20, the ring key 21, the set key 22, and the display key 23 in addition to the shutter key 13 described above. The signals accompanying these key operations are sent directly to the control unit 42.

  However, at the time of shooting a moving image instead of a still image, while the shutter key 13 of the key input unit 46 continues to be operated, the above-described recording of the still image data in the DRAM 41 is continuously performed, When the operation of the shutter key 13 ends or a predetermined time limit, for example, 30 seconds elapses, the series of still image data is sequentially compressed by the JPEG circuit 47, and then the series of still image data compressed is compressed. A motion JPEG moving image data file is generated and recorded in the flash memory 48.

  Further, in the playback mode, the control unit 42 selectively reads out the image data recorded in the flash memory 48, and the image data compressed by the JPEG circuit 47 in a procedure opposite to the procedure of data compression in the shooting mode is obtained. The decompressed image data is held in the DRAM 41 via the DRAM interface 40, and the content held in the DRAM 41 is stored in the VRAM 44 via the VRAM controller 43. The image data is periodically read out from the VRAM 44. A video signal is generated and reproduced by the display unit 18.

  When the selected image data is not a still image but a moving image, playback of the individual still image data constituting the selected moving image data file is executed continuously in time, and all the still image data is played back. When the operation is finished, the image is reproduced and displayed using only the still image data positioned at the head of the moving image data until the next reproduction instruction is given.

  Next, FIG. 3 shows a circuit configuration in the cradle 11. The cradle 11 connects a USB interface (I / F) 52, a charge control unit 53, a key input unit 54, and an indicator unit 55 to the control unit 51, with a control unit 51 that controls the cradle 11 as a whole. Configured.

  The USB interface 52 transfers image data and the like transmitted and received between an information device such as a personal computer (not shown) connected to the outside via a USB cable 56 and the digital still camera 10 connected to the USB connector 57. Take control.

  The charging control unit 53 rectifies the AC power source obtained when the AC plug 59 is connected to a household outlet (not shown) via the AC cord 58, and converts the AC power source to a DC power source having a necessary voltage to each circuit in the cradle 11. On the other hand, a DC power supply for charging is supplied to the digital still camera 10 placed on the cradle 11 via the power line of the USB connector 57 while being supplied after being transformed.

  The key input unit 54 includes the “PHOTO” key 24 and the USB key 25, and these key inputs are directly input to the control unit 51.

  The indicator unit 55 includes the charging indicator 26 and the USB indicator 27, and emits light based on a control signal from the control unit 51.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is executed when the digital still camera 10 is placed on the cradle 11 as shown in FIG. 1 and the calendar display image registration mode in the playback mode which is the basic mode is set. The contents of processing by the control unit 42 are mainly shown.

  At the beginning of the process, it is determined whether there is at least one image registered in advance corresponding to each date of the current month obtained from a clock unit (not shown) (step A01). This is determined, for example, based on whether or not at least one file name of image data is registered as a user corresponding to each date of the current month in the management data stored in advance in the control unit 42.

  If it is determined that none is registered, the calendar image is reproduced so that the image data having the file name corresponding to the date is inserted in each date field on the calendar of the current month, It is displayed on the display unit 18 (step A02).

  In this case, if there is no image data of the file name corresponding to the date, only the numerical value of the date is displayed in the date column, and conversely, the image data of the file name corresponding to the date is 1 If there are two or more, the one with the earliest time information, in other words, the one at the top of the time axis is selected as the representative image for that date, read from the flash memory 48, and read in the date field. A simple image that matches the size is created and displayed in a calendar image.

  FIG. 5 exemplifies the calendar image displayed on the display unit 18 in this way. In this month, image data corresponding to the 5th, 10th, 23rd, and 27th is recorded in the flash memory 48, and these are read to generate and display a calendar image.

  If it is determined in step A01 that at least one image data file name is registered for each date of the current month, the user registration is displayed in each date field on the calendar of the current month. If there is no image data registered or user-registered image data, the calendar image is reproduced by inserting the image data having the file name corresponding to the date and displayed on the display unit 18 (step A03).

  In this case, when there is no image data having a file name corresponding to the date, only the numerical value of the date is displayed in the date column.

  On the other hand, if there is one or more image data with the file name corresponding to the date, the user-registered one is preferentially selected as the representative image, and if there is no user-registered, Among them, the one with the earliest time information, in other words, the one on the time axis at the head is selected as a representative image of the date, and a simple image that is read from the flash memory 48 and matched to the size of the date column is selected. It is created and displayed in a calendar image.

  Accordingly, in the state where the calendar image is displayed in accordance with the presence or absence of the image data registered in step A02 or A03, it is determined whether any date in the calendar image has been designated ( In step A04), if not specified, the process of returning to the process from step A01 is repeatedly executed to wait for any date in the calendar image to be specified.

  In this case, the designation of the date in the calendar image is, for example, displayed in a specific color, for example, a red frame so as to distinguish the current date position in the calendar image displayed on the display unit 18 from other dates. Then, the display position of the frame is appropriately moved corresponding to the up / down / left / right operation of the ring key 21, and when the set key 22 is operated, the date displayed by the frame at that time is designated. Shall.

  If any date in the calendar image is specified, this is determined in step A04. Next, all the image data of the file name corresponding to the date is read from the flash memory 48, and replaced with the calendar image. A simple image with each image size reduced is created and displayed on a multi-screen so that it can be displayed as a list on the display unit 18 (step A05).

  While the image data corresponding to the same date is displayed on the multi-screen, it waits for any image data to be designated (step A06).

  Also in this case, the designation of the image data during the multi-screen display is performed by specifying a specific color, for example, red so as to distinguish the image positioned at the head of the multi-screen display displayed on the display unit 18 from other images, for example. When the set key 22 is operated after the display position of the frame is appropriately moved in accordance with the up / down / left / right operation of the ring key 21, the frame is displayed by the frame at that time. Specified image.

  If one image in the multi-screen is designated, this is determined in step A06, and the designated image is designated in the management data in the control unit 42 as being representative of the designated date. The file name of the image is stored in association with the designated date (step A07), and the user registration for one date is completed as described above, and the processing from step A01 is performed to continue the user registration for another date. Return.

  As described above, the date and time information at the time of recording is automatically set as the file name of the image data, and a limited number, for example, one image data is displayed for each date unit from the file name. The calendar image was displayed.

  Thereby, it is possible to easily visually recognize from which date the image was taken from the content and position of the image data being displayed on the calendar.

Furthermore, as compared with the case where the number of images displayed per date unit is not limited, it is possible to display a list of more date fields at the same time, or to increase the display size of the images displayed in each date field. As a result, the visibility of calendar display can be greatly improved. This effect is particularly great when calendar display is performed on a display unit having a small screen size.
In step A02 and step A03, the image data recorded in the flash memory 48 is read out, and a simple image is created by reducing it according to the size of each date field of the calendar. However, if the thumbnail image data specified in JPEG and recorded in association with the original image data is used for the calendar image display, the calendar image is displayed. Since the amount of data required for the image processing is smaller, the time required for displaying the calendar image can be shortened.

  Correspondingly, in the above embodiment, the file name of the image data recorded in the flash memory 48 for each date constituting the month is used as management data stored in the control unit 42 upon user registration. Although described as being stored, the file name of the above-described thumbnail image recorded in association with the image data may be stored instead of the original image data.

  Furthermore, since the data amount of the thumbnail image is significantly smaller than that of the main image, the thumbnail image data itself may be stored as corresponding to the management data and the date instead of the file name. .

  In addition, the management data for user registration as described above is not provided in the control unit 42, but only the image data recorded in the flash memory 48 is registered only with the user registration. When flag information is additionally set and a calendar image is displayed, it may be determined whether or not the specific flag information is additionally set.

  Further, for all dates, management data is created in advance to register the file name or thumbnail image of the image data positioned at the head on the time axis in the plurality of image data corresponding to each date, and user registration is performed. If there is, the management data for the corresponding date may be updated and set.

  In addition, the shooting date and time information is included in the file name of the image data. However, the shooting date and time information may be embedded in a specific area in the image file or may be associated with the image file. Information may be recorded.

Next, another operation of the above embodiment will be described.
FIG. 6 shows a control unit that is mainly executed when the digital still camera 10 is placed on the cradle 11 as shown in FIG. 1 and the calendar display mode in the playback mode which is the basic mode is set. The processing content by 42 is shown.

  At the beginning of the process, it is determined whether there is at least one image registered in advance corresponding to each date of the current month (step B01). This is determined, for example, based on whether or not at least one file name of image data is registered as a user corresponding to each date of the current month in the management data stored in advance in the control unit 42.

  If it is determined that none is registered, the calendar image is reproduced so that the image data having the file name corresponding to the date is inserted in each date field on the calendar of the current month, It is displayed on the display unit 18 (step B02).

  In this case, if there is no image data of the file name corresponding to the date, only the numerical value of the date is displayed in the date column, and conversely, the image data of the file name corresponding to the date is 1 If there are two or more, the one with the earliest time information, in other words, the one at the top of the time axis is selected as the representative image for that date, read from the flash memory 48, and read in the date field. A simple image that matches the size is created and displayed in a calendar image.

  If it is determined in step B01 that at least one image data file name has been registered for each date of the current month, the user registration is entered in each date field on the calendar of the current month. If there is no image data registered or user-registered image data, the calendar image is reproduced by inserting the image data having the file name corresponding to the date and displayed on the display unit 18 (step B03).

  In this case, when there is no image data having a file name corresponding to the date, only the numerical value of the date is displayed in the date column.

  On the other hand, if there is one or more image data with the file name corresponding to the date, the user-registered one is preferentially selected as the representative image, and if there is no user-registered, Among them, the one with the earliest time information, in other words, the one on the time axis at the head is selected as a representative image of the date, and a simple image that is read from the flash memory 48 and matched to the size of the date column is selected. It is created and displayed in a calendar image.

  Thus, in the state where the calendar image is displayed in accordance with the presence or absence of the image data registered in step B02 or B03, the menu key 20, the ring key 21 and the set key 22 are operated by the following operation. It is determined whether or not an instruction to select a “slide show” to be described later is given (step B04).

  Here, the “slide show” refers to sequentially switching the images to be displayed in a predetermined time, for example, 5 [seconds] when there are a plurality of corresponding images in each date field constituting the calendar image. It is a function.

  Thus, only when it is determined in step B04 that the display of “slide show” has been instructed, the “slide show” function for switching the display image in units of a fixed time is executed for each date field on the calendar image. (Step B05).

  In such a calendar image display state, it is determined whether any date in the calendar image is designated (step B06). If not, the process returns to step B04 again. By repeatedly executing the process, the display waits until any date is specified while displaying the calendar image.

  In this case, the designation of the date in the calendar image is, for example, displayed in a specific color, for example, a red frame so as to distinguish the current date position in the calendar image displayed on the display unit 18 from other dates. Then, the display position of the frame is appropriately moved corresponding to the up / down / left / right operation of the ring key 21, and when the set key 22 is operated, the date displayed by the frame at that time is designated. Shall.

  Then, when any date in the calendar image is designated, this is determined in the above step B06, and then the designated date field image is slightly enlarged, for example, than the other date field images. And highlighting (step B07), whether or not there has been an operation for instructing to display an image in the date field (step B08), whether or not there has been an operation for instructing deletion (step B09), By repeatedly determining whether or not there has been an operation for instructing protection (step B10), the system waits for any of these instructions.

  Specifically, the step B08 is determined based on, for example, whether or not a further set key 22 has been operated, and it is determined that the set key 22 has been further operated and there has been an operation instructing to display an image of the date field. Then, all of the image data of the file name corresponding to the date is read from the flash memory 48, a simple image with a reduced image size is created in place of the calendar image, and the image data can be displayed in a list on the display unit 18. The screen is displayed (step B11).

  While the image data corresponding to the same date is displayed on the multi-screen, it waits for any image data to be selected (step B12).

  In this case, the selection of the image data during the multi-screen display is performed by selecting a specific color, for example, a red frame so as to distinguish the image positioned at the head of the multi-screen display displayed on the display unit 18 from other images. When the set key 22 is operated after the display position of the frame is appropriately moved corresponding to the up / down / left / right operation of the ring key 21, the frame is displayed at that time. Assume that an image is selected.

  If one image in the multi-screen is selected, this is determined in step B12, and instead of the multi-screen display so far, the selected image is used to display the entire screen of the display unit 18 (step B13). 6), the process of FIG. 6 is temporarily terminated, and the display of the selected image data on the display unit 18 is continued thereafter.

  In step B09, specifically, the menu key 20 is operated in a state where a specific date is designated, a menu item “delete” is displayed, which is selected by operating the ring key 21, and subsequently the set key. When the operation of 22 is performed, it is determined that there is an operation for instructing the deletion. When it is determined that the operation is performed, the image data of the file name corresponding to the designated date is stored. After confirming that the protection designation described later has not been made, the flash memory 48 is erased all at once (step B14).

In this case, when performing batch deletion of image data, instead of executing an immediate deletion operation following the deletion operation, for example, “Are you sure you want to delete all images on the selected date?” On the display unit 18.
Yes, No "
In addition to displaying the above “No” portion as a cursor, the cursor is moved to the “Yes” portion by the operation of the left key of the ring key 21, and then the set key. The image data may be erased again when 22 is operated, and the image data may be erased by one operation step to prevent erroneous erasure.

  After executing batch erasure of the image data corresponding to the designated date in this manner, the process returns to step B01 again.

  In step B10, specifically, the menu key 20 is operated in a state where a specific date is designated, a menu item “Protect” is displayed, which is selected by operating the ring key 21, and subsequently the set key. When the operation 22 is performed, it is determined that there is an operation for designating protection. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, all the image data of the file name corresponding to the designated date are determined. On the other hand, batch processing is performed to additionally set protection designation information on the flash memory 48 (step B15).

  After executing batch erasure of the image data corresponding to the designated date in this manner, the process returns to step B01 again.

  In this way, by selecting the “slide show” function, image data is sequentially switched and automatically displayed so that slides are automatically displayed, one for each date field of the calendar image. This is an interior that not only allows the user of the camera 10 to perform any operation but also visually recognizes all the contents of the image data corresponding to each date while displaying a calendar image, and also performs dynamic display using the original image. A digital still camera 10 and a cradle 11 can be used.

  That is, as compared with the case where the number of images displayed for each date unit is not limited, a larger number of date fields can be displayed at the same time, or the display size of the images displayed in each date field can be increased. In addition to the above-described effects, all the contents of a plurality of image data corresponding to each date can be confirmed in the list display state.

  In addition, it is possible to specify (select) the date on which to execute batch processing on the calendar, and to execute editing processing such as deletion and protection specification for a plurality of image data corresponding to the specified date in batch. As a result, the editing work on the recorded image can be further simplified.

  Note that a display key, a delete key, and a protect key may be provided so that the display operation, the delete operation, and the protect operation in Steps B08 to B10 described above can be performed with a single key operation.

  With this configuration, it is possible to more easily perform batch processing on image data corresponding to the date specified on the calendar.

(Second Embodiment)
A second embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a digital still camera will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  As for the external configuration when the digital still camera according to the second embodiment of the present invention is placed on the cradle also serving as the charging stand, FIG. 1 is described above, and the circuit configuration of the digital still camera is described above. 2 and the circuit configuration of the cradle are basically the same as those of FIG. 3 described above, and the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 7 shows a control unit that is mainly executed when the digital still camera 10 is placed on the cradle 11 as shown in FIG. 1 and the calendar display mode in the playback mode as the basic mode is set. The processing content by 42 is shown.

  At the beginning of the processing, based on the image data recorded in the flash memory 48, the calendar image is reproduced by inserting the image data having the file name corresponding to the date into each date field on the calendar of the current month. Then, it is displayed on the display unit 18 (step C01).

  In this case, if there is no image data of the file name corresponding to the date, only the numerical value of the date is displayed in the date column, and conversely, the image data of the file name corresponding to the date is 1 If there are two or more, the one with the earliest time information, in other words, the one at the top of the time axis is selected as the representative image for that date, read from the flash memory 48, and read in the date field. A simple image that matches the size is created and displayed in a calendar image.

  Whether or not there is an operation for limiting the image data to be displayed with such a calendar image displayed (step C02), whether any date in the calendar image is designated (step C03), By repeatedly judging the above, it waits for these operations to be performed.

  Specifically, the above-described step C02 is performed when, for example, a menu item “Restrict Display Image” is displayed by the operation of the menu key 20, is selected by the operation of the ring key 21, and then the set key 22 is operated. If it is determined that the instruction operation has been performed, and it is determined that the instruction operation has been performed, the type of image permitted to be displayed on the calendar image is selected and set (step C04).

  This includes, for example, protected image data, image data for which printing has been designated with DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) information, still image image data with data file extension “.jpg”, data The user arbitrarily selects and sets the image data of the moving image with the file extension “.avi” or “.mpg”, the image data due to the difference in definition such as a high-definition image, etc. in advance on the menu. Shall be able to.

  When the type of image permitted to be displayed is set in step C04 in this manner, the image data recorded in the flash memory 48 is searched again based on the selected and set contents, and each date column on the calendar of the current month is displayed. The calendar image is reproduced by inserting the image data having the file name corresponding to the date and the type of image permitted to be displayed, and displayed on the display unit 18 (step C05).

  In this case as well, if there is one or more image data of the file name corresponding to the date and the type selected and set, the one with the earliest time information, in other words, the first position on the time axis The image to be selected is selected as the representative image of the date, read out from the flash memory 48, a simple image is created according to the size of the date field, and is inserted into the calendar image and displayed.

  In this way, it is determined whether or not any date in the calendar image is specified in the state where the calendar image in which the types of images permitted to be displayed are restricted by the user's selection setting is specified (step C06). If not, by repeatedly executing the process of returning to the calendar image display process in step C05, the process waits until one of the dates is specified while displaying the calendar image.

  In this case, the designation of the date in the calendar image is, for example, displayed in a specific color, for example, a red frame so as to distinguish the current date position in the calendar image displayed on the display unit 18 from other dates. Then, the display position of the frame is appropriately moved corresponding to the up / down / left / right operation of the ring key 21, and when the set key 22 is operated, the date displayed by the frame at that time is designated. Shall.

  When any date in the calendar image is designated, it is determined in step C06. Next, the image data corresponding to the designated date and permitted to be displayed is stored in the flash memory. All the images are read out from 48, a simple image having a reduced image size is created instead of the calendar image, and displayed on the display unit 18 as a list so that it can be displayed as a list (step C07).

  While the image data corresponding to the same date and the type permitted to be displayed is displayed on the multi-screen, it waits for any image data to be selected (step C08).

  In this case, the selection of the image data during the multi-screen display is performed by selecting a specific color, for example, a red frame so as to distinguish the image positioned at the head of the multi-screen display displayed on the display unit 18 from other images. When the set key 22 is operated after the display position of the frame is appropriately moved corresponding to the up / down / left / right operation of the ring key 21, the frame is displayed at that time. Assume that an image is selected.

  If one image in the multi-screen is selected, this is determined in step C08, and instead of the multi-screen display so far, the selected image is used to display the entire screen of the display unit 18 (step C09). 7), the process of FIG. 7 is temporarily ended, and the display of the selected image data on the display unit 18 is continued thereafter.

  In step C03, when the set key 22 is further operated in a state where a specific date is specified, it is determined that there is a date specifying operation. When it is determined that the operation has been performed, Next, all the image data whose file names correspond to the designated date are read from the flash memory 48, and instead of the calendar image, a simple image with a reduced image size is created and displayed on the display unit 18. A multi-screen display is performed so that the list can be displayed (step C10).

  While the image data corresponding to the same date is displayed on the multi-screen, it waits for any image data to be selected (step C11).

  In this case, the selection of the image data during the multi-screen display is performed by selecting a specific color, for example, a red frame so as to distinguish the image positioned at the head of the multi-screen display displayed on the display unit 18 from other images. When the set key 22 is operated after the display position of the frame is appropriately moved corresponding to the up / down / left / right operation of the ring key 21, the frame is displayed at that time. Assume that an image is selected.

  If one image in the multi-screen is selected, this is determined in step C11, and instead of the multi-screen display so far, the selected image is used and displayed on the entire screen of the display unit 18 (step C09). 7), the process of FIG. 7 is temporarily ended, and the display of the selected image data on the display unit 18 is continued thereafter.

  As described above, the user arbitrarily selects the type of image data recorded in the flash memory 48 as individual image data constituting the calendar image by selecting and setting the type of image data recorded in the flash memory 48. Set to allow display.

  Thus, for example, by restricting the types such as a difference between a moving image and a still image, a difference in definition of an image, and the like, a calendar (list) display of images unnecessary for the user is prohibited and displayed on the calendar. Visibility can be improved by reducing the number of images, and the entire contents displayed on the display unit 18 can be unified according to the user's preference.

  In the first and second embodiments, when a desired date is specified on the calendar and display of image data corresponding to the date is specified, one image data corresponding to the date is stored. If there is no image data, it will immediately shift to full screen display without performing multi-screen display, and if there is no image data corresponding to the date, an error message will be displayed and image data cannot be displayed. Notify that there is.

  In the first embodiment, only one arbitrary date on the calendar image is designated, and desired batch processing such as data deletion and protection designation for image data corresponding to the designated date. However, if you specify multiple dates at the same time on the calendar and specify the contents of batch processing after that, the specified processing details will be applied to the image data corresponding to the specified dates. A batch process may be executed.

  As described above, by simultaneously specifying a plurality of target ranges of image data to be subjected to some batch processing, handling of image data recorded in the flash memory 48 can be further simplified.

  In the first embodiment, a “slide show” is displayed by the user in a state where a calendar image in which one representative image is selected from the image data corresponding to the date is displayed for each date field. It has been explained that when the function is selected and specified, the image data is automatically switched sequentially for a predetermined time and displayed within all date fields supported by multiple image data. The above-described “slide show” function may be automatically started from the beginning of displaying a calendar image, and the above-mentioned “slide” is performed only for one or a plurality of date columns selected and designated by the user. The function of “slide show” may be executed.

  Further, in the above-described “slide show” function, one image data displayed in one date field may be instantaneously switched to another image data at a certain time point, or in the date field. Then, it may be switched over a certain amount of time so that the two image data are scrolled.

  In the first embodiment, the image displayed in each date field is automatically scrolled in the calendar display mode. However, the image in the date field specified by the user can be scrolled manually. May be.

  Even in such a configuration, it is possible to obtain an effect that all the contents of the plurality of image data corresponding to each date can be confirmed in the calendar display state.

  In the first embodiment, in the calendar display image registration mode, when a user specifies a desired date, image data having file names corresponding to the date is displayed in a list on a multi-screen display, and from there Although the representative image is selected and registered, when the user specifies a desired date field while displaying the calendar image, the up and down key operation of the ring key 21 is performed on the image displayed in the date field, for example. The user can scroll manually, and the user can display a desired image by a manual scrolling operation, and for example, the displayed image can be registered as a representative image of the date column by operating the set key 22. .

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the operations of the calendar display image registration mode and the calendar display mode have been described separately. However, a desired image is selected during the calendar display mode, and the image becomes the representative of the date field. It may be registered.

  For example, when the image registration operation is performed in a state where the date field designated by the user in step B07 is highlighted with respect to other date fields during the operation of the calendar display mode in FIG. This can be realized by configuring the program so as to execute the processes of steps A05 to A07 in the fourth calendar display image registration mode.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the image data having the file name corresponding to the date as the representative image of each date field is the most on the time axis, particularly when the user does not register. Although it has been described that the first one is automatically selected, instead of selecting the first image taken on the date as the default representative image in this way, the one located in the middle, the last one Or the second and third positions may be used as a representative image for display.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when there is a delete operation or a protect operation, all the image data corresponding to the specified date is processed at once. However, the present invention is not limited to these two processes. Processing such as transfer of image data, designation of printing, and image conversion may be executed in a batch.

  Further, in the second embodiment, during the calendar display mode, the user performs an operation to limit the display image in a state where an image representative of the date is displayed in each date column in the calendar image. As described above, when selecting the type of image that is permitted to be displayed on the calendar image, only the selected type of image is used for the calendar image. However, when the calendar display mode is selected, the user sets it in advance. Only the type of image based on the type information of the image or the predetermined type of image information may be incorporated into the calendar image and displayed.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, only one image is displayed in each date column of the calendar image. However, a plurality of images may be displayed in one date column.

  For example, all the image data corresponding to the date may be read from the flash memory 48 and each pixel may be subjected to large-scale pixel thinning, so that multi-screen display is performed for each date field. It is also possible to use a predetermined number such as two or three at a time and display them in one date column.

  Moreover, although the said 1st and 2nd embodiment demonstrated as what displays the calendar image which displays the monthly calendar of a date unit, this invention is not limited to this, It classify | categorizes for every predetermined period unit. As long as a list display for a specific period is performed, the present invention may be applied to, for example, a display that displays a monthly calendar by month or a calendar by date by time.

  Further, in the first and second embodiments, the image data recorded in the control unit 42 has a file name based on the date and time when the image was taken, and classification is performed according to the file name. Although the case where it performs is demonstrated, it is not the shooting time but the shooting position (location) using the location information, the facility name, etc. acquired by the GPS (Global Positioning System) function, the use of the strobe, etc. The present invention may be applied to a list display of images classified according to conditions, image types such as moving images and still images, or classification codes arbitrarily set by the user.

  In the first and second embodiments, the present invention is applied to a digital still camera. However, a video movie camera, a mobile phone terminal with a camera function, or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) is described. The present invention can be applied to any device as long as it is a device with a photographing function having various display portions, such as a portable information terminal), a personal computer, or a television receiver.

  The first and second embodiments both describe the case where the present invention is applied to a device with a photographing function, but a mobile phone terminal or PDA (personal digital assistant) without a camera function. The present invention can be applied to any device that has various display units, such as a personal computer or a television receiver.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

  Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, at least one of the problems described in the column of the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved, and described in the column of the effect of the invention. In a case where at least one of the obtained effects can be obtained, a configuration in which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.

The perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the state which mounted the digital still camera which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention in the cradle which served as the charging stand. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the digital still camera according to the embodiment. The block diagram which shows the circuit structure of the cradle which concerns on the same embodiment. The flowchart which shows the processing content at the time of the calendar display image registration mode which concerns on the embodiment. The figure which illustrates the calendar display image which concerns on the same embodiment. The flowchart which shows the processing content at the time of the calendar display mode which concerns on the embodiment. The flowchart which shows the processing content at the time of the calendar display mode which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Digital still camera, 11 ... Cradle, 12 ... Power key, 13 ... Shutter key, 14 ... Mode key, 15 ... Optical finder, 16 ... Focus indicator, 17 ... Strobe indicator, 18 ... Display part, 19 ... Zoom key, 20 ... Menu (MENU) key, 21 ... Ring key, 22 ... Set (SET) key, 23 ... Display (DISP) key, 24 ... "PHOTO" key, 25 ... USB key, 26 ... Charge indicator, 27 ... USB indicator, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 31 ... Motor (M), 32 ... Lens optical system, 33 ... CCD, 34 ... Timing generator (TG), 35 ... Vertical driver, 36 ... Sample hold circuit (S / H), 37 ... A / D converter, 38 ... color process circuit, 39 ... DMA controller, 40 ... DRAM interface ( / F), 41 ... DRAM, 42 ... control unit, 43 ... VRAM controller, 44 ... VRAM, 45 ... digital video encoder, 46 ... key input unit, 47 ... JPEG circuit, 48 ... flash memory, 49 ... USB interface (I) / F), 50 ... USB connector, 51 ... control unit, 52 ... USB interface (I / F), 53 ... charge control unit, 54 ... key input unit, 55 ... indicator unit, 56 ... USB cable, 57 ... USB connector 58 ... AC cord, 59 ... AC plug.

Claims (19)

Recording means for associating and recording information of the shooting time with the shot image;
Classifying means for classifying the captured image recorded in the recording means for each predetermined period unit based on the information of the recording time recorded in association with the captured image;
Display control means for displaying a list of captured images for each predetermined period classified by the classification means;
An image reproducing apparatus comprising: a limiting unit that limits the number of photographed images displayed for each predetermined period by the display control unit. When there are more photographed images classified for each predetermined period than the number restricted by the restriction means, a photographed image having information earlier in photographing time is included in the prescribed period. Further comprising a selection means for selecting as a representative captured image,
2. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means includes means for displaying the photographed image selected by the selection means as a photographed image representative of the predetermined period. When there are more photographed images classified for each predetermined period than the number restricted by the restriction means, any photographed image included in the prescribed period is taken as a representative of the prescribed period. Further comprising selection means for selecting as
2. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means includes means for displaying the photographed image selected by the selection means as a photographed image representative of the predetermined period. The limiting means limits the number of captured images to be displayed simultaneously for each predetermined period unit to 1,
2. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means includes means for sequentially switching and displaying the photographed images to be displayed when there are a plurality of photographed images classified for each predetermined period. Designation means for designating an arbitrary predetermined period on the photographed images displayed as a list by the display control means;
The image according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: an editing unit that collectively executes a predetermined editing process on a photographed image included in a predetermined period specified by the specifying unit. Playback device. The recording means records the shooting time information and the type information in association with the shot image,
The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the restricting unit restricts the number and type of captured images displayed for each predetermined period by the display control unit. Recording means for recording captured images;
Classification means for classifying the captured images recorded in the recording means for each predetermined group unit;
The photographed images for each predetermined group classified by the classification unit are limited to only one photographed image per group, and when there are a plurality of photographed images corresponding to one group, the photographed images to be displayed are sequentially displayed. An image reproducing apparatus comprising: a display control means for switching display. Designation means for designating an arbitrary group on the captured images displayed in a list by the display control means;
8. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising an editing unit that collectively executes a predetermined editing process on the captured images included in the group specified by the specifying unit.   The display control means displays when there are a plurality of photographed images corresponding to one group by performing a predetermined operation from a state in which one representative photographed image is selected and displayed for each group. 8. The image reproducing device according to claim 7, wherein the captured image is shifted to a state of sequentially switching and displaying. Recording means for recording captured images;
Classification means for classifying the captured images recorded in the recording means for each predetermined group unit;
Display control means for displaying a list of photographed images for each predetermined group classified by the classification means;
Designation means for designating an arbitrary group on the photographed images displayed as a list by the display control means;
An image reproducing apparatus comprising: an editing unit that collectively executes a predetermined editing process on photographed images belonging to the group specified by the specifying unit. The designation means designates a plurality of groups simultaneously on the photographed images displayed in the list,
11. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the editing unit collectively executes a predetermined editing process on photographed images belonging to a plurality of groups designated by the designation unit. Further comprising selection means for selecting the type of editing processing by the editing means,
12. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the editing unit collectively executes editing processing of the type selected by the selection unit. Recording means for recording captured images;
Classification means for classifying the captured images recorded in the recording means for each predetermined group unit;
Display control means for displaying a list of photographed images for each predetermined group classified by the classification means;
An image reproducing apparatus comprising: a restricting unit that restricts a type of a captured image displayed for each predetermined group unit by the display control unit. It further comprises selection means for arbitrarily selecting the type of captured image,
14. The image reproducing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the restricting unit restricts a type of the photographed image displayed for each predetermined group based on the type of the photographed image selected by the selecting unit. The recording means records shooting time information in association with the shot image,
The classification means classifies the captured image recorded in the recording means for each predetermined period based on information of the recording time recorded in association with the captured image,
The image reproduction apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the display control unit displays a list of captured images for each predetermined period classified by the classification unit. A classification step for classifying a captured image in which recording time information is recorded in association with the recording unit into units of a predetermined period based on the shooting time information;
A limiting step for limiting the number of captured images to be displayed for each predetermined period unit;
A program for causing a computer to execute a display control step of displaying a list of photographed images for each predetermined period classified according to the classification step according to the number limited in the limitation step. A classification step for classifying the captured images recorded in the recording unit into predetermined group units;
The photographed images for each predetermined group classified in the classification step are limited to only one photographed image per group, and when there are a plurality of photographed images corresponding to one group, the photographed images to be displayed are sequentially displayed. A program for causing a computer to execute a display control step of switching display. A classification step of classifying the captured images recorded in the recording unit into predetermined group units;
A display control step for displaying a list of photographed images for each predetermined group classified by the classification step;
A designation step for designating an arbitrary group on the captured images listed in the display control step;
A program that causes a computer to execute an editing step that collectively executes a predetermined editing process on captured images belonging to the group specified in the specifying step. A classification step for classifying the captured images recorded in the recording unit into predetermined group units;
A limiting step of limiting the types of captured images displayed for each predetermined group unit classified in the classification step;
A program that causes a computer to execute a display control step of displaying a list of photographed images for each predetermined group unit that has undergone the restriction step.

Images