JP2008118240A - Reproducing unit and reproducing method, recording device and recording method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the waiting time of a user in photographing when generating a composited image. <P>SOLUTION: A photographing control section 62 photographs an object based on the value of a photographing parameter. A recording control section 63 records an original image obtained by photographing and an image for processing in a built-in memory. A preparation section 64 prepares management information managing the original image and the image for processing. The recording control section 63 also records the management information in the built-in memory. A composite section 76 composites the original image read from the built-in memory and the image for processing to generate a composited image when an operation mode is a reproduction one for reproducing an image. A display control section 73 displays the composited image, which can be applied to, for example, a digital still camera. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a playback device and a playback method, a recording device and a recording method, and a program, and more particularly to a playback device and a playback that can reduce a user's waiting time at the time of shooting when generating a composite image. The present invention relates to a method, a recording apparatus, a recording method, and a program.

  A CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or the like is generally used as an image pickup device of a digital still camera. The dynamic range related to the gradation of this image pickup device is larger than that of a silver salt photographic film used in a silver salt camera. narrow. As a result, when the luminance difference in the subject is large, there is a problem that overexposure and underexposure occur in an image captured by a digital still camera.

  In view of this, there has been considered an imaging device that shoots the same subject with a plurality of different exposure amounts, combines a plurality of images obtained as a result, generates a wide dynamic range composite image with a wide dynamic range, and displays it ( For example, see Patent Document 1). This photographing apparatus determines whether or not an appropriate wide dynamic range composite image can be obtained based on predetermined information, and displays a mismatch when the determination result and the photographing mode do not match.

  By the way, in recent years, since the number of pixels of a digital still camera has been increasing, the amount of information of one image has been increasing, and accordingly, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) mounted inside the digital still camera It cannot be said that the processing capability of the processor has been sufficiently improved. Therefore, when performing a compositing process (hereinafter, referred to as a wide dynamic compositing process) for compositing a plurality of images to generate a wide dynamic range composite image within the digital still camera, the quality of the wide dynamic range composite image is maintained. However, it is difficult to perform the wide dynamic composition process in a short time.

  On the other hand, if it is evaluated that the appropriateness of the wide dynamic composition processing in the photographing apparatus is low, an imaging device that records in a recording format that enables wide dynamic composition processing in an external processing device having a relatively high processing capability is conceivable. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2). However, when performing wide dynamic composition processing using an external processing device, the user needs to prepare a processing device in addition to the imaging device in order to perform wide dynamic composition processing, which is troublesome and expensive. Therefore, it is desirable to perform wide dynamic composition processing inside the photographing apparatus.

JP 2000-92378 A

JP 2002-271686 A

  As described above, when the wide dynamic composition process is performed inside the photographing apparatus, it is difficult to perform the wide dynamic composition process in a short time. Therefore, when the photographing apparatus performs wide dynamic composition processing during photographing, a long time is required for one photographing, and the user has to wait for a long time until the next photographing is possible. As a result, it was difficult for the user to perform shooting with a short shooting interval.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and is intended to reduce the waiting time of the user at the time of shooting when generating a composite image.

  In the playback device according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the predetermined parameter related to shooting is the first value, the first image that is the image of the subject obtained as a result of the shooting, and the predetermined parameter is the first value. A reproducing apparatus for reproducing a recording medium for recording a second image, which is an image of the subject obtained as a result of the photographing, in the case of a value of 2, the first and second images are recorded from the recording medium. A reading means for reading, a combining means for generating a combined image by combining the read first image and the second image when the operation mode is a reproduction mode for reproducing an image; and the combining Display control means for displaying an image.

  The first image and the second image can be recorded on different recording media.

  When the user gives an instruction to reproduce the first image, the recording medium further includes a determination unit that determines whether a second image corresponding to the first image is recorded on the recording medium. Also records management information for managing the first and second images recorded on the recording medium, and the determination means uses the second information corresponding to the first image based on the management information. It is determined whether or not an image is recorded on the recording medium, and the display control means also determines that the first image when it is determined that the second image corresponding to the first image is recorded. At the same time, information indicating that a second image corresponding to the first image is recorded can be displayed.

  The playback device generates a first small-size image in which the image size of the first image is reduced from the first image, and reduces the image size of the second image from the second image. Generating means for generating the second small-size image, and receiving means for accepting the user's approval, and the combining means also combines the first small-size image and the second small-size image. Generating a small size composite image, and the display control means also displays the small size composite image, and the composite means accepts the small size composite image when the user accepts the small size composite image. The first image corresponding to the synthesized image and the second image can be synthesized to generate the synthesized image.

  The reproduction apparatus can further include recording control means for recording the composite image on the recording medium.

  The display control means can also display the first image as a slide show or display a morphing animation during the synthesis of the first image and the second image.

  The playback method according to the first aspect of the present invention provides a first image, which is an image of a subject obtained as a result of the shooting, when the predetermined parameter relating to shooting is a first value, and the predetermined parameter is the first parameter. In a reproducing method of a reproducing apparatus for reproducing a recording medium for recording a second image that is an image of the subject obtained as a result of the photographing when the value is 2, the first and second from the recording medium When the operation mode is a playback mode for reproducing an image, the read first image and the second image are combined to generate a combined image, and the combined image is displayed. Including a step.

  The program according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a first image that is an image of a subject obtained as a result of the shooting and a second parameter that is a second parameter when the predetermined parameter related to shooting is a first value. In a program for causing a computer to perform a reproduction process for reproducing a recording medium for recording a second image that is an image of the subject obtained as a result of the photographing, the first medium is recorded from the recording medium. And the second image are read, and when the operation mode is a playback mode for reproducing the image, the read first image and the second image are combined to generate a combined image, and the combined Including displaying an image.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for recording an image used for composition, a setting means for setting a value of a predetermined parameter used for photographing to the first or second value, and a setting Shooting means for shooting the subject based on the value of the predetermined parameter, and a first image that is an image of the subject obtained as a result of the shooting when the value of the predetermined parameter is the first value. A recording control means for recording an image and a second image, which is an image of the subject obtained as a result of the photographing, on the recording medium when the predetermined parameter is the second value; Creating means for creating management information for managing the recorded first and second images, wherein the management information includes the first image and a second image corresponding to the first image; Contains information to associate with It said recording control means, the management information also is recorded on the recording medium.

  The recording control means can record the first image and the second image on different recording media.

  The management information can also include information indicating whether or not a second image corresponding to the first image is recorded on the recording medium.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording method of a recording apparatus for recording an image used for composition, wherein a predetermined parameter value used for photographing is set to the first or second value and set. A first image that is an image of the subject obtained as a result of the photographing when the subject is photographed based on the value of the predetermined parameter and the value of the predetermined parameter is the first value; When the predetermined parameter is the second value, a second image that is an image of the subject obtained as a result of the photographing is recorded on a recording medium, and the first image recorded on the recording medium is recorded. Generating management information for managing the second image and recording the management information on the recording medium, wherein the management information includes the first image and a second image corresponding to the first image. To associate with other images Including.

  The program according to the second aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to perform a recording process for recording an image used for composition, and sets a value of a predetermined parameter used for photographing to the first or second value. When the subject is photographed based on the set value of the predetermined parameter and the value of the predetermined parameter is the first value, the first image that is the subject obtained as a result of the photographing When the predetermined parameter is the second value, the image and the second image that is the image of the subject obtained as a result of the shooting are recorded on the recording medium and recorded on the recording medium. Creating management information for managing the first and second images and recording the management information on the recording medium, the management information corresponding to the first image and the first image; Do It includes information associating the second image.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, when a predetermined parameter related to shooting is a first value, a first image that is an image of a subject obtained as a result of the shooting, and the predetermined parameter is a second value. If the value is a value, the first and second images are read from a recording medium that records the second image that is the image of the subject obtained as a result of the shooting, and the operation mode reproduces the image. In the reproduction mode, a composite image is generated by combining the read first image and the second image, and the composite image is displayed.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, the value of the predetermined parameter used for shooting is set to the first or second value, and the subject is shot based on the set value of the predetermined parameter. When the value of the predetermined parameter is the first value, the first image that is the image of the subject obtained as a result of the shooting, and the shooting when the predetermined parameter is the second value And a second image, which is an image of the subject obtained as a result of the above, is recorded on a recording medium, management information for managing the first and second images recorded on the recording medium is created, and the management information Is recorded on the recording medium. The management information includes information associating the first image with a second image corresponding to the first image.

  The recording device may be an independent device or a block that performs recording processing of the recording / reproducing device.

  As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a composite image can be generated. In addition, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when a composite image is generated, the waiting time of the user at the time of shooting can be shortened.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, an image used for composition can be recorded. In addition, according to the second aspect of the present invention, when generating a composite image, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the user at the time of shooting.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Correspondences between the constituent elements of the present invention and the embodiments described in the specification or the drawings are exemplified as follows. This description is intended to confirm that the embodiments supporting the present invention are described in the specification or the drawings. Therefore, even if there is an embodiment which is described in the specification or the drawings but is not described here as an embodiment corresponding to the constituent elements of the present invention, that is not the case. It does not mean that the form does not correspond to the constituent requirements. Conversely, even if an embodiment is described here as corresponding to a configuration requirement, that means that the embodiment does not correspond to a configuration requirement other than the configuration requirement. It's not something to do.

The playback device according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
When the predetermined parameter related to shooting is the first value, the first image (for example, the original image 31 in FIG. 1) that is the image of the subject obtained as a result of the shooting, and the predetermined parameter is the second value If the value is a value, a recording medium (for example, the built-in memory 18 or 19 in FIG. 1) that records a second image (for example, the processing image 34 in FIG. 1) that is the image of the subject obtained as a result of the shooting. ) (For example, the playback unit 52 in FIG. 2)
Reading means for reading the first and second images from the recording medium (for example, the reading unit 71 in FIG. 2);
When the operation mode is a reproduction mode for reproducing an image, the first image and the second image that are read out are combined to generate a combined image (for example, the combined image 33 in FIG. 1). Means (for example, the combining unit 76 in FIG. 2);
Display control means (for example, the display control unit 73 in FIG. 2) for displaying the composite image.

The playback device according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
When the user instructs the reproduction of the first image, determination means for determining whether or not a second image corresponding to the first image is recorded on the recording medium (for example, the determination in FIG. 2) (Part 72)
Further comprising
The recording medium also records management information (for example, management information 32 in FIG. 1) for managing the first and second images recorded on the recording medium,
The determination means determines whether a second image corresponding to the first image is recorded on the recording medium based on the management information;
When it is determined that the second image corresponding to the first image is recorded, the display control unit also includes the second image corresponding to the first image together with the first image. Information indicating that it is recorded (for example, the icon 100 in FIG. 3) is displayed.

The playback device according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
A first small-size image (for example, a small-size original image) in which the image size of the first image is reduced is generated from the first image, and the image of the second image is generated from the second image. Generation means (for example, the generation unit 75 in FIG. 2) for generating a second small-size image (for example, a small-size processing image) with a reduced size;
Receiving means for receiving user approval (for example, the receiving unit 74 in FIG. 2);
The synthesizing unit also synthesizes the first small-size image and the second small-size image to generate a small-size composite image (for example, a small-size composite image),
The display control means also displays the small size composite image,
When the user's approval for the small size composite image is received, the combining unit generates the composite image by combining the first image and the second image corresponding to the small size composite image. .

The playback device according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
Recording control means for recording the synthesized image on the recording medium (for example, the recording control unit 77 in FIG. 2).
Is further provided.

The reproduction method according to the first aspect of the present invention includes:
When the predetermined parameter related to shooting is the first value, the first image (for example, the original image 31 in FIG. 1) that is the image of the subject obtained as a result of the shooting, and the predetermined parameter is the second value If the value is a value, a recording medium (for example, the built-in memory 18 or 19 in FIG. 1) that records a second image (for example, the processing image 34 in FIG. 1) that is the image of the subject obtained as a result of the shooting. In the playback method of the playback device (for example, the playback unit 52 in FIG. 2)
Reading the first and second images from the recording medium (for example, steps S21 and S26 in FIG. 6),
When the operation mode is a playback mode for playing back an image, the read first image and the second image are combined to generate a combined image (for example, the combined image 33 in FIG. 1) ( For example, step S34) in FIG.
The composite image is displayed (for example, step S38 in FIG. 6).
Includes steps.

The recording apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention is
In a recording apparatus (for example, the recording unit 51 in FIG. 2) that records an image used for composition,
Setting means (for example, setting unit 61 in FIG. 2) for setting the value of a predetermined parameter used for photographing to the first or second value;
Photographing means (for example, the CCD 11 in FIG. 1) for photographing a subject based on the set value of the predetermined parameter;
When the value of the predetermined parameter is the first value, a first image (for example, the original image 31 in FIG. 1) that is an image of the subject obtained as a result of the shooting, and the predetermined parameter In the case of the second value, a recording control unit (for example, FIG. 1) that records on the recording medium a second image (for example, the processing image 34 in FIG. 1) that is the image of the subject obtained as a result of the photographing. 2 recording control unit 63) and creation means (for example, management information 32 of FIG. 1) for creating management information (for example, management information 32 of FIG. 1) for managing the first and second images recorded on the recording medium. Creating unit 64), and
The management information includes information associating the first image with a second image corresponding to the first image,
The recording control means also records the management information on the recording medium.

The recording method according to the second aspect of the present invention includes:
In a recording method of a recording apparatus (for example, the recording unit 51 in FIG. 2) for recording an image used for composition,
The value of a predetermined parameter used for photographing is set to the first or second value (for example, step S1 in FIG. 5),
The subject is photographed based on the set value of the predetermined parameter (for example, step S3 in FIG. 5),
When the value of the predetermined parameter is the first value, a first image (for example, the original image 31 in FIG. 1) that is an image of the subject obtained as a result of the shooting, and the predetermined parameter In the case of the second value, a second image (for example, the processing image 34 in FIG. 1) that is the image of the subject obtained as a result of the shooting and a recording medium (for example, the built-in memory 18 in FIG. 1 or 19) (for example, step S6 in FIG. 5),
Creating management information for managing the first and second images recorded on the recording medium (for example, step S7 in FIG. 5);
The management information is recorded on the recording medium (for example, step S8 in FIG. 5).
Including steps,
The management information includes information associating the first image with a second image corresponding to the first image.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a digital still camera 1 to which the present invention is applied.

  A digital still camera 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a CCD 11, an S / H (Sample / Hold) circuit 12, an AGC (Automatic Gain Control) circuit 13, an A / D (Analog / Digital) conversion circuit 14, a signal processing unit 15, and a microcomputer. (Hereinafter referred to as a microcomputer) 16, RAM (Random Access Memory) 17, built-in memories 18 and 19, external I / F (InterFace) 20, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 21, and input unit 22. When the playback mode is for playing back a shot image, the shot image is synthesized.

  The CCD 11 shoots a subject under the control of the microcomputer 16 and supplies an analog image signal obtained as a result to the S / H circuit 12. Here, the CCD 11 is employed as the image sensor, but for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor or the like can be employed as the image sensor instead of the CCD 11.

  The S / H circuit 12 performs correlated double sampling on the analog image signal supplied from the CCD 11, for example, and supplies it to the AGC circuit 13. The AGC circuit 13 adjusts the gain of the analog image signal supplied from the S / H circuit 12 and supplies it to the A / D conversion circuit 14.

  The A / D conversion circuit 14 performs A / D conversion on the analog image signal supplied from the AGC circuit 13, and supplies the digital image signal obtained as a result to the signal processing unit 15 as a captured image. The signal processing unit 15 performs digital signal processing such as noise removal processing on the captured image, and supplies the captured image obtained as a result to the microcomputer 16.

  The microcomputer 16 includes a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM. The CPU of the microcomputer 16 executes various processes according to programs stored in the ROM. The RAM stores data on the results of the CPU processing.

  For example, the microcomputer 16 sets shooting-related parameters (hereinafter referred to as shooting parameters) such as the exposure amount and ISO sensitivity based on the captured image and the shooting mode from the signal processing unit 15, and based on the parameters, the CCD 11. To control the shooting of the subject.

  Here, as a photographing mode of the digital still camera 1, the same subject is photographed with a plurality of different exposure amounts including a normal exposure mode in which an image is captured with an appropriate exposure amount (hereinafter referred to as an appropriate exposure amount) in the CCD 11. In addition, there is a wide dynamic range shooting mode for acquiring a shot image that is a basis of a wide dynamic range composite image. This shooting mode is set by a user command, for example.

  When the shooting mode is the normal shooting mode, the microcomputer 16 records the captured image supplied from the signal processing unit 15 in the built-in memory 18 as the original image 31. On the other hand, when the shooting mode is the wide dynamic range shooting mode, the microcomputer 16 takes a shot image shot when the exposure amount as the shooting parameter is an appropriate exposure amount among the shot images supplied from the signal processing unit 15. Is recorded in the built-in memory 18 as the original image 31, and the photographed image taken at other exposure amounts is recorded in the built-in memory 19 as the processing image 34.

  Further, the microcomputer 16 creates management information 32 for managing the original image 31 recorded in the internal memory 18 and the processing image 34 recorded in the internal memory 19, and supplies the management information 32 to the internal memory 18 for recording. Let The management information 32 indicates, for example, whether the path of the processing image 34 corresponding to the original image 31 and the processing image 34 corresponding to the original image 31 are recorded in the built-in memory 19 in the path of the original image 31. It is composed of information that associates a flag to be expressed (hereinafter referred to as a write flag), the number of processing images 34 corresponding to the original image 31, and the like.

  The number of processing images 34 may be changed according to the remaining storage capacity of the internal memory 19 at the time of shooting, or the processing images provided in the wide dynamic range shooting mode selected by the user. It may be changed according to the mode for every 34 sheets.

  When the operation mode is the playback mode, the microcomputer 16 performs a combining process for combining the original image 31 and the processing image 34 corresponding to the original image 31, and a composite image 33 such as a single wide dynamic range composite image obtained as a result. Is temporarily stored in the RAM 17 or recorded in the built-in memory 18 as necessary.

  Further, the microcomputer 16 causes the LCD 21 to display the composite image 33 or the like temporarily stored in the RAM 17. Further, the microcomputer 16 reads the original image 31 and the composite image 33 recorded in the built-in memory 18 and records them on the external medium 2 provided outside the digital still camera 1 via the external I / F 20. As a result, the original image 41 identical to the original image 31 and the composite image 42 identical to the composite image 33 are recorded on the external medium 2.

  The RAM 17 temporarily stores the composite image 33 supplied from the microcomputer 16. The built-in memory 18 is configured by a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, for example, and records an original image 31, management information 32, and a composite image 33 supplied from the microcomputer 16. The built-in memory 19 is configured by a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, for example, and records the processing image 34 supplied from the microcomputer 16.

  Thus, since the original image 31 and the composite image 33 are recorded in the internal memory 18 different from the processing image 34, the original image 31, the composite image 33, and the processing image 34 are recorded in one internal memory. Compared to the case, the original image 31 and the composite image 33 can be easily managed.

  Therefore, for example, the original image 31 or the composite image 33 to be reproduced can be easily retrieved from the built-in memory 18. In addition, the original image 31 used for composition can be accessed in a short time.

  Further, since the built-in memories 18 and 19 are constituted by nonvolatile memories, even when the power of the digital still camera 1 is turned off, the recorded original image 31, composite image 33, and processing The image 34 is not erased.

  The external I / F 20 exchanges data with the external medium 2. For example, the external I / F 20 supplies the original image 31 and the composite image 33 supplied from the microcomputer 16 to the external medium 2. As a result, the original image 31 is recorded as the original image 41 and the composite image 33 is recorded as the composite image 42 on the external medium 2.

  The LCD 21 displays a composite image 33 or the like temporarily stored in the RAM 17 under the control of the microcomputer 16. The input unit 22 includes various buttons, a touch panel, and the like, and inputs an operation signal representing the operation to the microcomputer 16 in response to an operation from the user.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the microcomputer 16 of FIG.

  The microcomputer 16 in FIG. 2 includes a recording unit 51 and a reproduction unit 52.

  The recording unit 51 includes a receiving unit 60, a setting unit 61, a shooting control unit 62, a recording control unit 63, and a creation unit 64, and takes and records a shot image.

  The accepting unit 60 accepts an operation signal for an operation related to photographing among the operation signals input from the input unit 22 of FIG. For example, the receiving unit 60 receives an operation signal for an operation for selecting a normal shooting mode or a wide dynamic range shooting mode as a shooting mode. The receiving unit 60 sets the operation mode to the normal shooting mode or the wide dynamic range shooting mode according to the operation signal, and supplies the set operation mode to the setting unit 61.

  The receiving unit 60 receives an operation signal for an operation for instructing shooting, and commands the shooting control unit 62 to perform shooting in accordance with the operation signal.

  The setting unit 61 sets the value of the shooting parameter based on the shot image supplied from the signal processing unit 15 of FIG. 1 and the shooting mode supplied from the receiving unit 60, and controls the value of the shooting parameter. To the unit 62. The imaging control unit 62 controls the CCD 11 in FIG. 1 based on the command from the receiving unit 60 and the value of the imaging parameter from the setting unit 61, and images the subject.

  When the shooting mode is the normal shooting mode, the recording control unit 63 records the shot image as the original image 31 in the built-in memory 18 of FIG. In this case, the recording control unit 63 supplies the path of the original image 31 recorded in the built-in memory 18 to the creation unit 64.

  On the other hand, when the shooting mode is the wide dynamic range shooting mode, the recording control unit 63 uses, as the original image 31, a shot image shot when the exposure amount as the shooting parameter is the appropriate exposure amount among the shot images. The image is recorded in the built-in memory 18, and other captured images are recorded in the built-in memory 19 as processing images 34. In this case, the recording control unit 63 supplies the creation unit 64 with the path of the original image 31, the path of the corresponding processing image 34, and the number of processing images 34 corresponding to the original image 31.

  The recording control unit 63 records the management information 32 supplied from the creation unit 64 described later in the built-in memory 18. Further, the recording control unit 63 manages the remaining storage capacity of the built-in memories 18 and 19. If the original image 31 or the processing image 34 to be recorded cannot be recorded due to a shortage of the remaining amount, the recording control unit 63 causes the LCD 21 to display an alert indicating that the remaining amount of the built-in memory 18 or 19 is insufficient. .

  The creation unit 64 manages the management information 32 based on at least one of the path of the original image 31, the path of the processing image 34, and the number of the processing images 34 corresponding to the original image 31 supplied from the recording control unit 63. Create The creation unit 64 supplies the management information 32 to the recording control unit 63.

  The reproduction unit 52 includes a reading unit 71, a determination unit 72, a display control unit 73, a reception unit 74, a generation unit 75, a synthesis unit 76, and a recording control unit 77, and reproduces the built-in memory 18.

  Based on the command from the receiving unit 74 and the management information 32 recorded in the built-in memory 18, the reading unit 71 reads the original image 31 or the composite image 33 to be reproduced from the built-in memory 18 and stores it in the RAM 17. Let Further, the reading unit 71 reads out the processing image 34 corresponding to the original image 31 to be reproduced based on the management information 32 from the built-in memory 19 and supplies it to the RAM 17 for storage.

  The determination unit 72 reads a write flag corresponding to the original image 31 to be reproduced in the management information 32 recorded in the built-in memory 18 in response to a command from the reception unit 74. The determination unit 72 determines whether or not the processing image 34 corresponding to the reproduction target is recorded in the built-in memory 19 based on the writing flag, that is, when the reproduction target is the wide dynamic range shooting mode. It is determined whether or not it is a captured image, and the determination result is supplied to the display control unit 73.

  The display control unit 73 reads the original image 31 from the RAM 17 and displays the original image 31 on the LCD 21 according to the determination result from the determination unit 72, or together with the original image 31, the shooting mode has a wide dynamic range shooting. An icon indicating that the photographed image is photographed in the mode is displayed on the LCD 21.

  The display control unit 73 also generates a small-size original image with a reduced image size of the original image 31 and a composite image with a reduced image size (hereinafter referred to as a small-size composite image) generated by the generation unit 75 described later. Read from the RAM 17 and display on the LCD 21. Further, the display control unit 73 reads the composite image 33 from the built-in memory 18 and displays it on the LCD 21.

  The accepting unit 74 accepts an operation signal for an operation related to reproduction among the operation signals supplied from the input unit 22. For example, the reception unit 74 receives an operation signal for an operation for setting a reproduction mode by the user, and sets the operation mode to the reproduction mode according to the operation signal. The receiving unit 74 receives an operation signal for an operation for designating a reproduction target by the user, and instructs the reading unit 71 and the determination unit 72 to reproduce the reproduction target in accordance with the operation signal. Further, the accepting unit 74 accepts an operation signal for an operation for approving the composite image 33, and instructs the recording control unit 77 to record in accordance with the operation signal.

  The generation unit 75 reads the original image 31 from the RAM 17, generates a small-size original image, and stores it in the RAM 17. Further, the generation unit 75 reads the processing image 34 from the RAM 17, generates a small size processing image in which the image size of the processing image 34 is reduced, and stores it in the RAM 17.

  The synthesizing unit 76 reads the small size original image and the small size processing image from the RAM 17. The synthesizing unit 76 performs a small size synthesizing process for generating the small size synthesized image by synthesizing the small size original image and the small size processing image, and supplies the small size synthesized image obtained as a result to the RAM 17 for storage. .

  The synthesizing unit 76 reads the original image 31 and the processing image 34 from the RAM 17. The synthesizing unit 76 performs a synthesizing process for generating the synthesized image 33 by synthesizing the original image 31 and the processing image 34, and supplies the synthesized image 33 obtained as a result to the display control unit 73 for display. Further, the composition unit 76 supplies the composite image 33 to the recording control unit 77.

  The recording control unit 77 records the synthesized image 33 supplied from the synthesizing unit 76 in the built-in memory 18 in response to a command from the receiving unit 74. The recording control unit 77 updates the management information 32. In addition, the recording control unit 77 refers to the management information 32 and deletes the processing image 34 corresponding to the composite image 33 recorded in the built-in memory 18 from the built-in memory 19.

  The recording control unit 77 manages the remaining storage capacity of the built-in memory 18. When the composite image 33 that is the recording target cannot be recorded due to the shortage of the remaining amount, the recording control unit 63 issues a command for displaying an alert indicating the shortage of the remaining amount of the internal memory 18 to the display control unit 73. And the alert is displayed on the LCD 21.

  FIG. 3 is a rear view of the digital still camera 1 of FIG. 1 when the original image 31 captured when the operation mode is the wide dynamic range shooting mode is reproduced.

  As shown in FIG. 3, an LCD 21 is provided on the back side of the digital still camera 1 on the left side in the drawing, and a touch panel 90 is stacked on the LCD 21. Further, on the right side of the LCD 21 in the figure, a zoom button 91, an on-screen key button 92, and a screen display button 93 are provided in order from the top. Further, a mode switch 94 is provided on the right side surface of the digital still camera 1.

  In FIG. 3, since the original image 31 captured when the operation mode is the wide dynamic range shooting mode is reproduced, the LCD 21 displays the captured image captured in the wide dynamic range shooting mode together with the original image 31. An icon 100 indicating the presence is displayed.

  The touch panel 90 detects a user operation on the touch panel 90 and inputs an operation signal of the operation to the microcomputer 16. For example, when the user operates an on-screen key button 92 to be described later, touches the display position of the icon 100 on the touch panel 90 with a finger or the like, and then performs an operation for approving the start of the synthesis process, the touch panel 90 inputs an operation signal representing an operation for starting the synthesis process to the microcomputer 16. That is, the icon 100 has a function for instructing the start of the synthesis process.

  The zoom button 91 is operated, for example, when zooming in or zooming out during shooting. The on-screen key button 92 is operated when performing an operation using the touch panel 90. The screen display button 93 is operated when turning on or off the display of the LCD 21. The mode switch 94 is operated when the operation mode is set to the shooting mode or the playback mode.

  In FIG. 3, when the user touches the display position of the icon 100 on the touch panel 90 with a finger or the like and performs an operation for approving the start of the composition process, the composition process is started. Small size composite images 101 to 103 and a small size original image 104 are displayed.

  The small size composite image 101 is an image obtained by reducing the image size of the wide dynamic range composite image in the composite image 33. The small-size composite image 102 is an image obtained by reducing a composite image having a larger exposure amount than the appropriate exposure amount in the composite image 33. The small size composite image 103 is an image obtained by reducing the image size of the composite image having a larger exposure amount than the composite image corresponding to the small size composite image 102 in the composite image 33. That is, the small size composite image 102 is brighter than the small size original image 104, and the small size composite image 103 is brighter than the small size composite image 102.

  The user causes the corresponding composite image 33 or original image 31 to be displayed by touching the display position of any one of the small-size composite images 101 to 103 and the small-size original image 104 on the touch panel 90 with a finger or the like.

  That is, when the small size composite images 101 to 103 are selected by the user, a composite image 33 corresponding to the selected small size composite images 101 to 103 is generated and displayed on the LCD 21. On the other hand, when the small-size original image 104 is selected by the user, the original image 31 corresponding to the small-size original image 104 is displayed on the LCD 21.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a photographing process in which the recording unit 51 in FIG. 2 photographs a subject will be described. This photographing process is started, for example, when the operation mode is set to the photographing mode.

  In step S <b> 1, a shooting parameter value is set based on a previously shot image and a shooting mode supplied from the receiving unit 60, and the shooting parameter value is supplied to the shooting control unit 62.

  After the processing of step S1, the process proceeds to step S2, and the accepting unit 60 determines whether or not photographing is instructed by the user, that is, whether or not an operation signal for an operation for instructing photographing is accepted. If it is determined that the shooting has not been performed, the process waits until shooting is instructed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S2 that the user has instructed photographing, the accepting unit 60 instructs the photographing control unit 62 to perform photographing, and the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S <b> 3, the shooting control unit 62 controls the CCD 11 based on the shooting command supplied from the receiving unit 60 and the shooting parameter value supplied from the setting unit 61, thereby shooting a subject.

  After the processing in step S3, the process proceeds to step S4, where the recording control unit 63 determines whether the shooting mode is the wide dynamic range shooting mode and determines that the shooting mode is not the wide dynamic range shooting mode, that is, the operation mode. When it is determined that is in the normal shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S5, the recording control unit 63 causes the built-in memory 18 to record the photographed image acquired by photographing in step S3 as the original image 31. At this time, the recording control unit 63 supplies the path of the original image 31 to the creation unit 64.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S4 that the operation mode is the wide dynamic range shooting mode, the process proceeds to step S6, and the recording control unit 63 uses the shooting parameter acquired as the shooting parameter in the shooting in step S3. A photographed image taken when the exposure amount is an appropriate exposure amount is recorded in the built-in memory 18 as an original image, and other photographed images are recorded in the built-in memory 19 as processing images 34.

  At this time, the recording control unit 63 supplies the path of the original image 31, the path of the corresponding processing image 34, and the number of processing images 34 corresponding to the original image 31 to the creation unit 64.

  After the processing of step S5 or S6, the process proceeds to step S7, where the creation unit 64 passes the original image 31 path, the processing image 34 path, and the processing image corresponding to the original image 31 supplied from the recording control unit 63. The management information 32 is created based on at least one of the 34 sheets. Then, the creation unit 64 supplies the created management information 32 to the recording control unit 63.

  After the process of step S7, the process proceeds to step S8, where the recording control unit 63 records the management information 32 supplied from the creation unit 64 in the built-in memory 18, and ends the process.

  As described above, the digital still camera 1 records the original image 31, the processing image 34, and the management information 32 in the photographing process. Therefore, after the photographing process, the digital still camera 1 refers to the management information 32 and the original image 31. Synthesis processing can be performed using the processing image 34. Therefore, the digital still camera 1 does not need to perform the compositing process at the time of the image capturing process, and can shorten the time required for the image capturing process compared to the case of performing the compositing process at the time of the image capturing process. As a result, the waiting time of the user from the time when a certain image is taken until the next image can be taken is shortened, so that the user can immediately take an image at a desired timing.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, a reproduction process in which the reproduction unit 52 in FIG. 2 reproduces the original image 31 or the composite image 33 will be described. This reproduction process is started, for example, when an operation for designating a reproduction target is performed by the user when the operation mode is the reproduction mode.

  In step S <b> 21, the reading unit 71 reads the original image 31 or the composite image 33 to be reproduced based on the reproduction instruction to be reproduced from the receiving unit 74 and the management information 32 recorded in the built-in memory 18. The data is read from the built-in memory 18 and supplied to the RAM 17 for storage.

  After the processing of step 21, the process proceeds to step S <b> 22, and the determination unit 72 corresponds to the reproduction target of the management information 32 recorded in the built-in memory 18 in response to the reproduction target reproduction command from the reception unit 74. Read the write flag.

  After the processing of step S22, the process proceeds to step S23, and the determination unit 72 determines whether or not the read write flag is on, that is, the captured image captured when the imaging mode is the wide dynamic range imaging mode. And the determination result is supplied to the display control unit 73.

  In step S23, when it is determined that the write flag is not on, that is, the write flag is off, the process proceeds to step S24, and the display control unit 73 performs the reproduction target from the RAM 17 according to the determination result from the determination unit 72. Is read out and displayed on the LCD 21 (FIG. 1), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the write flag is on, the process proceeds to step S25, and the display control unit 73 reads the original image 31 to be reproduced from the RAM 17 in accordance with the determination result from the determination unit 72. The original image 31 and the icon 100 (FIG. 3) are displayed on the LCD 21.

  After the process of step S25, the process proceeds to step S26, where the reading unit 71 reads the processing image 34 corresponding to the original image 31 to be reproduced from the built-in memory 19 based on the management information 32, and supplies it to the RAM 17 Remember. The process of step S26 may be performed after it is determined in step S27 described later that the display position of the icon 100 is touched within a certain time.

  After the process of step S26, the process proceeds to step S27, and the accepting unit 74 determines whether or not the display position of the icon 100 on the touch panel 90 is touched within a predetermined time by the user, and determines that it is not touched. The process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S27 that the display position of the icon 100 has been touched within a certain time, the display control unit 73 causes the LCD 21 to display a confirmation dialog box for confirming whether to start the synthesis process. The process proceeds to step S28.

  In step S <b> 28, the receiving unit 74 determines whether or not to start the synthesis process, that is, whether or not an operation for approving the start of the synthesis process has been performed by the user in the confirmation dialog box. For example, as a confirmation dialog box, a message “Do you want to start synthesis processing?”, A YES button operated when the start is approved, and a NO button operated when the start is not approved are displayed on the LCD 21. In this case, the receiving unit 74 determines whether any display position of the YES button or the NO button has been touched by the user.

  If it is determined in step S28 that the synthesis process is started, the process proceeds to step S29, in which the generation unit 75 reads the original image 31 and the processing image 34 from the RAM 17 and reduces the image size of the original image 31. An image and a small-size processing image in which the image size of the processing image 34 is reduced are generated. The generation unit 75 supplies the small-size original image and the small-size processing image to the RAM 17 for storage.

  After the processing of step S29, the process proceeds to step S30, where the composition unit 76 reads the small size original image and the small size processing image from the RAM 17, and uses the small size original image and the small size processing image to perform the small size composition processing. I do. The synthesizing unit 76 supplies the small size synthesized images 101 to 103 obtained as a result of the small size synthesizing process to the RAM 17 for storage.

  After the processing in step S30, the process proceeds to step S31, and the display control unit 73 reads out the small size composite images 101 to 103 and the small size original image 104 from the RAM 17 and displays them on the LCD 21. As described above, since the small-size composite images 101 to 103 and the small-size original image 104 are displayed at the time of reproduction with a sufficient time compared with the shooting that needs to be performed immediately at a desired timing, the user can select them. Look slowly and select what you want.

  In step S32, the reception unit 74 determines whether a desired image has been selected from the small size composite images 101 to 103 and the small size original image 104 by the user, that is, the user has selected the small size composite images 101 to 103, and It is determined whether any display position of the small-size original image 104 is touched. If it is determined that the desired image is not selected, the process waits until the desired image is selected.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S32 that the desired image has been selected, the process proceeds to step S33, where it is determined whether the image selected by the user is the small-size original image 104.

  If it is determined in step S33 that the image selected by the user is not the small-size original image 104, that is, any of the small-size composite images 101 to 103 is touched by the user, the process proceeds to step S34.

  In step S34, the synthesizing unit 76 stores the original image 31 and the processing image 34 corresponding to the small-size original image and the small-size processing image used for generating the small-size composite images 101 to 103 touched by the user in the RAM 17. And the composition process is started using the original image 31 and the processing image 34.

  As described above, the combining unit 76 performs in advance a small size combining process that can be performed in a shorter time than the combining process, and among the small size combined images 101 to 103 obtained as a result, the user's desired one is obtained. Since the composite process for generating the composite image 33 corresponding to the small-size composite images 101 to 103 is performed, a plurality of composite processes that require a longer time than the small-size composite process are generated in order to generate the composite image 33 desired by the user. There is no need to do it once. As a result, the user's waiting time until the desired composite image 33 is generated can be shortened.

  After the process of step S34, the process proceeds to step S35, and the display control unit 73 starts displaying the standby screen on the LCD 21. For example, the display control unit 73 starts displaying a standby screen for a morphing animation indicating the progress of the composition process, along with an alert indicating that the composition process is in progress.

  Note that the standby screen is not limited to the morphing animation and may be any screen that prevents the user from being aware of the waiting time. For example, the display control unit 73 may display the original image 31 and the synthesized image 33 recorded in the built-in memory 18 as a slide show during the synthesis process. The display of the standby screen may be turned on or off by the user.

  After the process of step S35, the process proceeds to step S36 in FIG. 7, and the synthesis unit 76 determines whether the synthesis process has been completed. If it is determined that the synthesis process has not been completed, the synthesis unit 76 waits until the synthesis process is terminated. To do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S36 that the combining process has been completed, the process proceeds to step S37, where the display control unit 73 ends the display of the standby screen started in step S35 of FIG. 6 and proceeds to step S38.

  In step S38, the display control unit 73 displays a composite image 33 obtained as a result of the composite processing and a confirmation dialog box for confirming whether or not to approve the composite image 33, and proceeds to step S39.

  In step S39, the reception unit 74 determines whether or not to record the composite image 33, that is, whether or not an operation for approving the composite image 33 has been performed by the user in the confirmation dialog box displayed in step S38.

  If it is determined in step S39 that the composite image 33 is not recorded, that is, if the composite image 33 is not an image desired by the user, the process returns to step S30 in FIG. 6, and the composition unit 76 performs a small size composition process. A new small-size composite image having a different exposure amount from the previous one is generated. After the process of step S30, the process proceeds to step S31, and the above-described process is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S39 that the composite image 33 is to be recorded, the receiving unit 74 instructs the recording control unit 77 to perform recording, and the process proceeds to step S40. In step S40, the recording control unit 77 records the composite image 33 in the built-in memory 18 in response to a recording command from the reception unit 74, and the process proceeds to step S41.

  In step S41, the recording control unit 77 refers to the management information 32, deletes the processing image 34 corresponding to the composite image 33 recorded in step S40 from the built-in memory 19, and proceeds to step S42.

  In step S <b> 42, the recording control unit 77 turns off the write flag associated with the path of the original image 31 corresponding to the processing image 34 deleted in step S <b> 41 in the management information 32. The pass and the number of images for processing 34 are deleted, and the process is terminated.

  If it is determined in step S28 in FIG. 6 that the synthesis process is not started, the process proceeds to step S43, and the display control unit 74 displays a confirmation dialog box for confirming whether the synthesis process should not be started. Then, the process proceeds to step S44.

  In step S44, the display control unit 74 determines whether or not to start the synthesis process, that is, whether or not the user has performed an operation for starting the synthesis process in the confirmation dialog box displayed in step S43. When it is determined that the synthesis process is started, the process proceeds to step S29, and the above-described process is performed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S44 that the synthesis process is not started, the process proceeds to step S41 in FIG. 7, and the recording control unit 77 refers to the management information 32 and corresponds to the original image 31 displayed in step S25. The processing image 34 to be deleted is deleted, and the process proceeds to step S42 to perform the above-described processing.

  If it is determined in step S33 of FIG. 6 that the image selected by the user is the small-size original image 104, the process proceeds to step S45, and the display control unit 73 performs processing for the small-size original image 104. A confirmation dialog box for confirming whether to delete the image 34 is displayed.

  After the processing in step S45, the process proceeds to step S46, and the accepting unit 74 determines whether or not to delete the processing image 34, that is, in the confirmation dialog box displayed in step S45, an operation for authorizing the deletion by the user. Determine if it has been done. For example, when a message “Do you want to discard the processing image?”, A YES button operated when approving the discard, and a NO button operated when not approving the discard are displayed as a confirmation dialog box, The reception unit 74 determines which display position of the YES button and the NO button has been touched by the user.

  If it is determined in step S46 that the processing image 34 is not to be deleted, the process returns to step S30, and the synthesizing unit 76 performs a small size synthesizing process and generates a new small size synthesized image having a different exposure amount from the previous time. To do. After the process of step S30, the process proceeds to step S31, and the above-described process is repeated.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S46 that the processing image 34 is to be deleted, the process proceeds to step S41 in FIG. 7, and the recording control unit 77 refers to the management information 32 and the small-size original image 104 touched by the user. Is deleted, the process proceeds to step S42, and the above-described processing is performed.

  As described above, since the digital still camera 1 performs the compositing process in the reproduction process, the time required for the image capturing process can be shortened as compared with the case where the compositing process is performed during the image capturing process. The waiting time of the user from the time until the next shooting becomes possible is shortened. In addition, during playback, there is more time than in shooting that needs to be performed immediately at a desired timing, so that the user's stress can be reduced compared to the case of performing composition processing during shooting processing. Further, when the user commands only shooting and does not command playback, the digital still camera 1 does not perform the synthesis process, so that the battery (not shown) of the digital still camera 1 can be extended.

  In the above description, when the operation mode is the playback mode, the playback processing of FIGS. 6 and 7 is performed. However, the operation mode plays back the original image 31 that was captured immediately before. Even in the preview mode, the playback process may be performed.

  In the above description, the icon 100 in FIG. 3 indicates that the captured image is captured when the capturing mode is the wide dynamic range capturing mode. For example, the icon 100 illustrated in FIG. The presence / absence and color of a frame added to the image, the display method (for example, blinking) of the original image 31, and the sound may be used.

  Further, although the digital still camera 1 is provided with the touch panel 90 on the LCD 21, the touch panel 90 may not be provided. In this case, for example, the user commands the start of the synthesis process by operating a menu button (not shown) of the input unit 22 or the like.

  Further, the original image 31 and the composite image 33 corresponding to the original image 31 may be displayed separately on the screen of the LCD 21, or the screen of the LCD 21 may be divided into two and displayed simultaneously. May be.

  Further, in the above description, one composite image 33 is recorded for each original image 31, but a plurality of composite images 33 may be recorded for each original image 31. Good. In this case, even after one composite image 33 is recorded, the recording control unit 77 does not delete the processing image 34 and does not update the management information 32.

  In the above-described combining process, the original image 31 and the processing image 34 having different exposure amounts are combined. However, the captured images having different shooting parameter values other than the exposure amount may be combined.

  Further, in the external medium 2, in addition to the original image 41 and the composite image 42, the same processing image as the processing image 34 recorded in the built-in memory 19, and the processing image and the original image 41 are associated with each other. Management information including information may be recorded.

  In this case, for example, a device such as a personal computer that can access the external medium 2 uses the original image 41 and the processing image recorded on the external medium 2 to perform a composition process in the same manner as the digital still camera 1. I do. Note that this apparatus may perform higher-level synthesis processing than the digital still camera 1 (for example, synthesis processing for performing more types of synthesis on one original image).

  When the processing image and management information that are the same as the original image 41, the composite image 42, and the processing image 34 are recorded on the external medium 2, the digital still camera 1 stores the original image recorded on the external medium 2. The original image 31, the synthesized image 33, the processing image 34, and the corresponding management information 32 that are the same as the image 41, the synthesized image 42, and the processing image may be deleted.

  Further, when the composite images 33 and 42 are recorded as files compliant with, for example, EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format), the number of the original image 31 and the processing image 34 used for composition, the composition processing, as additional information of the file It is possible to add information related to the composition such as the contents of. As a result, a device that accesses the digital still camera 1 or the external medium 2 can recognize what type of composite image the composite image 33 or 42 is obtained as a result of.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a personal computer that executes the above-described series of processing by a program. The CPU 201 executes various processes according to programs stored in the ROM 202 or the storage unit 209. The RAM 203 appropriately stores programs executed by the CPU 201 and data. The CPU 201, ROM 202, and RAM 203 are connected to each other via a bus 204.

  An input / output interface 205 is also connected to the CPU 201 via the bus 204. The input / output interface 205 includes an imaging unit 206 for imaging a subject, an input unit 207 including a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a receiving unit that receives a command transmitted from a remote controller (not shown), a display, a speaker, and the like. An output unit 208 is connected. The photographing unit 206 photographs a subject in response to a command from the CPU 201. The CPU 201 executes various processes in response to commands input from the input unit 207. Then, the CPU 201 outputs the processing result to the output unit 208.

  The storage unit 209 connected to the input / output interface 205 includes, for example, a hard disk, and stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, captured images captured by the capturing unit 206, and the like. The communication unit 210 communicates with an external device via a network such as the Internet or a local area network.

  Further, the program may be acquired via the communication unit 210 and stored in the storage unit 209.

  A drive 211 connected to the input / output interface 205 drives a removable medium 212 such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, and drives the program or data recorded therein. Get etc. The acquired program and data are transferred to and stored in the storage unit 209 as necessary.

  In the present specification, the step of describing the program stored in the program recording medium is not limited to the processing performed in time series in the described order, but is not necessarily performed in time series. Or the process performed separately is also included.

  The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of one Embodiment of the digital still camera to which this invention is applied. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structural example of a microcomputer. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen. It is a figure which shows the other example of a screen. It is a flowchart explaining an imaging | photography process. It is a flowchart explaining a reproduction | regeneration process. It is another flowchart explaining a reproduction | regeneration process. And FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a personal computer.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital still camera, 11 CCD, 16 Microcomputer, 18, 19 Built-in memory, 22 Input part, 51 Recording part, 52 Playback part, 61 Setting part, 62 Shooting control part, 63 Recording control part, 64 Creation part, 71 Reading part , 72 determination unit, 73 display control unit, 74 reception unit, 75 generation unit, 76 synthesis unit, 77 recording control unit, 201 CPU, 202 ROM, 203 RAM, 209 storage unit, 212 removable media

Claims (13)

When a predetermined parameter related to shooting is a first value, a first image that is an image of a subject obtained as a result of the shooting, and a result of shooting when the predetermined parameter is a second value In a playback device for playing back a recording medium for recording a second image that is an image of the obtained subject,
Reading means for reading the first and second images from the recording medium;
When the operation mode is a reproduction mode for reproducing an image, a combining unit that combines the read first image and the second image to generate a combined image;
And a display control means for displaying the composite image. The playback apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first image and the second image are recorded on different recording media. A determination means for determining whether or not a second image corresponding to the first image is recorded on the recording medium when the user instructs the reproduction of the first image;
The recording medium also records management information for managing the first and second images recorded on the recording medium,
The determination means determines whether a second image corresponding to the first image is recorded on the recording medium based on the management information;
When it is determined that the second image corresponding to the first image is recorded, the display control unit also includes the second image corresponding to the first image together with the first image. The reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information indicating that the information is recorded is displayed. A first small-size image in which the image size of the first image is reduced is generated from the first image, and a second small-size image in which the image size of the second image is reduced from the second image. Generating means for generating a size image;
And a receiving means for receiving a user's selection,
The synthesizing unit also synthesizes the first small-size image and the second small-size image to generate a small-size synthesized image,
The display control means also displays the small size composite image,
When the selection for the small size composite image is received by the user, the combining unit generates the composite image by combining the first image and the second image corresponding to the small size composite image. The playback apparatus according to claim 1. The playback apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising recording control means for recording the composite image on the recording medium. The playback device according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit also displays the first image as a slide show or displays a morphing animation during the synthesis of the first image and the second image. When a predetermined parameter related to shooting is a first value, a first image that is an image of a subject obtained as a result of the shooting, and a result of shooting when the predetermined parameter is a second value In a reproducing method of a reproducing apparatus for reproducing a recording medium for recording a second image that is an image of the obtained subject,
Reading the first and second images from the recording medium;
When the operation mode is a playback mode for playing back an image, the read-out first image and the second image are combined to generate a combined image,
A reproduction method including the step of displaying the composite image. When a predetermined parameter related to shooting is a first value, a first image that is an image of a subject obtained as a result of the shooting, and a result of shooting when the predetermined parameter is a second value In a program for causing a computer to perform a reproduction process for reproducing a recording medium for recording a second image that is an image of the obtained subject.
Reading the first and second images from the recording medium;
When the operation mode is a playback mode for playing back an image, the read-out first image and the second image are combined to generate a combined image,
A program comprising the step of displaying the composite image. In a recording apparatus for recording an image used for composition,
Setting means for setting a value of a predetermined parameter used for photographing to the first or second value;
Photographing means for photographing a subject based on the set value of the predetermined parameter;
When the value of the predetermined parameter is the first value, the first image that is an image of the subject obtained as a result of the shooting, and when the predetermined parameter is the second value, Recording control means for recording on a recording medium a second image which is an image of the subject obtained as a result of photographing;
Creating means for creating management information for managing the first and second images recorded on the recording medium;
The management information includes information associating the first image with a second image corresponding to the first image,
The recording control unit records the management information on the recording medium. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the recording control unit records the first image and the second image on different recording media. The recording apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the management information includes information indicating whether or not a second image corresponding to the first image is recorded on the recording medium. In a recording method of a recording apparatus for recording an image used for composition,
The value of a predetermined parameter used for shooting is set to the first or second value,
Shoot the subject based on the predetermined parameter value set,
When the value of the predetermined parameter is the first value, the first image that is an image of the subject obtained as a result of the shooting, and when the predetermined parameter is the second value, A second image that is an image of the subject obtained as a result of shooting is recorded on a recording medium;
Creating management information for managing the first and second images recorded on the recording medium;
Recording the management information on the recording medium,
The management information includes information associating the first image with a second image corresponding to the first image. In a program for causing a computer to perform recording processing for recording an image used for composition,
The value of a predetermined parameter used for shooting is set to the first or second value,
Shoot the subject based on the predetermined parameter value set,
When the value of the predetermined parameter is the first value, the first image that is an image of the subject obtained as a result of the shooting, and when the predetermined parameter is the second value, A second image that is an image of the subject obtained as a result of shooting is recorded on a recording medium;
Creating management information for managing the first and second images recorded on the recording medium;
Recording the management information on the recording medium,
The management information includes information that associates the first image with a second image corresponding to the first image.

Images