JP2008262210A - Image selection device, computer program and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve operability when selecting a desired image among a plurality of images. <P>SOLUTION: A candidate image area A1 and a non-candidate area A2 are displayed in an operational field FL23 of a sub-window WD2 so as to be switchable when an input operation from an operator is given. Thumbnails of a plurality of image data are displayed on the candidate area A1. The operator selects and indicates the thumbnails on the candidate area A1 by a click operation, thereafter, clicks a switching button CB and, thereby, can switch an image data corresponding to the thumbnail into the area which is not included in the selected candidate area. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for displaying a list of a plurality of images in a predetermined display area and selecting a desired image from a plurality of images in the display area in response to an input operation from an operator.

  In recent years, electronic still cameras, so-called digital cameras, have been developed and are becoming popular. Using a digital camera, you can easily and economically take many photos. For this reason, it is important to select an excellent sheet (or a plurality of sheets) from a large number of photographed images.

  There is application software for image editing that can perform the sorting operation. Application software for image editing captures a photographic image taken with a digital camera into a personal computer, and displays or processes the image. Such software usually has a function of reducing a plurality of image data in a folder to a predetermined size and displaying the list in a window, and accepting a click operation by an operator. And a function for selecting a desired one from the reduced images (thumbnails) displayed therein. These functions make it possible to select the photographic image.

  However, in the conventional technique, it is necessary to select the best one in the sorting operation once. The selection process is repeated several times, such as narrowing down several candidate images to be selected and further narrowing down the candidate images from the candidate images. It was difficult to decide. In order to perform the sorting operation multiple times in this way, a new folder is created each time the sorting operation is performed, the sorted images are transferred to the folder, and then the images in the folder are displayed in the window. Then, it was necessary to select from the window, and workability was bad.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to improve workability when selecting a desired image from a plurality of images.

  As means for solving at least a part of the problems described above, the following configuration is adopted.

A first image selection device according to the present invention includes:
In the image selection device that displays a list of a plurality of images in a predetermined display area and receives a user's input operation and selects a desired image from the plurality of images in the display area.
Candidate / non-candidate storage means for storing whether each of the plurality of images corresponds to a candidate image that is a candidate for selection or a non-candidate image that is not a candidate;
Candidate image display control means for displaying an image stored as a candidate image by the candidate / non-candidate storage means in the display area;
Image instruction means for instructing one or a plurality of images from the images displayed in the display area by the candidate image display control means in response to an input operation from the operator;
Change instruction means for instructing to change a candidate image to a non-candidate image according to an input operation from the operator;
And a change execution unit that changes the memory in the candidate / non-candidate storage unit for the image determined by the instruction from the image instruction unit to an image other than a candidate when the instruction is given by the change instruction unit. .

  Here, the plurality of images include an image represented by image data and a so-called thumbnail obtained by reducing the image represented by the image data.

  According to the first image selection device configured as described above, an image stored as a candidate image in the candidate / non-candidate storage means is displayed in the display area. One or more images are instructed from these displayed images in response to an input operation from the operator. Also, an instruction to change the candidate image to a non-candidate image is given in response to an input operation from the operator. When this instruction is given, the image determined by the instruction is stored as a non-candidate image in the candidate / non-candidate storage unit.

  For this reason, according to the first image selection device, the operator selects an image on the candidate area, and simply inputs an instruction to change the candidate image to a non-candidate image. You can narrow down in order. Therefore, when selecting a desired image from a plurality of images, it is not necessary to create a new folder or perform extra work such as work, so that workability can be improved.

  The “image determined by the instruction by the candidate image instruction unit” in the setting switching unit is an aspect that is one or more images instructed by the candidate image instruction unit, and one or a plurality of images instructed by the candidate image instruction unit. And a mode of remaining candidate images excluding images.

  In the first image selection device of the present invention, an area display for switching the candidate area for displaying the candidate image and the candidate external area for displaying the non-candidate image in the display area so as to be switchable. Control means, and area switching means for switching the display of the display area between the candidate area and the candidate outside area in response to an input operation from the operator, and the candidate image display control means includes the area When switching to the candidate area is performed by the switching means, it is possible to provide a means for executing display of the image in the candidate area.

  According to this configuration, the candidate area and the candidate outside area can be switched and displayed, and the candidate image can be displayed in the candidate area when the display is switched to the candidate area.

  In an image selection device capable of switching and displaying the candidate area and the candidate external area (hereinafter referred to as “area selectable image selection device”), the area switching means switches to the candidate external area. When an image is made, it can be configured to include a non-candidate image display control means for displaying an image stored in the candidate outside area as an image stored as a non-candidate image by the candidate / non-candidate storage means.

  According to this configuration, when the display is switched to the candidate outside area, the non-candidate image can be displayed in the candidate outside area. Therefore, the operator can easily grasp the candidate image and the candidate external image simply by switching the display between the candidate area and the candidate external area, thereby further improving the workability of image narrowing. Can do.

  In the image selection device capable of switching the area, the change instruction means may be provided in the candidate area and provided with a button switch for generating the instruction.

  According to this configuration, the operator can change the image determined by the instruction from the image instruction unit from the candidate image to the non-candidate image only by operating the button switch provided in the candidate area. Therefore, it is more excellent in operability.

  Further, in the image switching device capable of switching the area, one or more images among the images displayed in the candidate outside area are input to the operator according to an input operation from the operator. A second image instruction means for instructing according to an input operation from the operator, and a second change instruction means for instructing to change a non-candidate image to a candidate image. When an instruction is given, a second change executing means for changing the storage in the candidate / non-candidate storage means for the image determined by the instruction from the second image instruction means to a candidate image can be provided.

  According to this configuration, the non-candidate image displayed in the candidate outside area can be changed to a candidate image. For this reason, since the candidate image and the non-candidate image can be changed to each other by a simple operation, the workability is more excellent.

  In the image selection device capable of area switching, the area display control means includes means for forming the candidate area and the candidate outside area in a card shape, and the area switching means includes the candidate area or the candidate area. A tab provided at the end of the card constituting the external area may be provided with means for switching the display of both areas when instructed by an input operation from the operator.

  According to this configuration, the operator can recognize the candidate area and the candidate outside area as card types. Further, the display between the candidate area and the candidate outside area can be switched only by performing an operation of designating a tab provided in the card type area. Therefore, it is excellent in operability.

  In the image switching device capable of area switching, a final selection image instruction means for instructing one of the images displayed in the candidate area as a final selection image in response to an input operation from the operator; An image data input unit that reads out image data corresponding to the final selected image from a storage unit that is a storage location may be provided.

  According to this configuration, the final image can be read from the storage location with good workability from the plurality of image data stored in the storage unit.

The second image selection device of the present invention is:
In the image selection device that displays a list of a plurality of images in a predetermined display area and receives a user's input operation and selects a desired image from the plurality of images in the display area.
In the display area, input from the operator is a candidate area for displaying candidate images that are candidates for selection and a candidate outside area for displaying non-candidate images that are not candidates for selection. Area display control means for receiving a switchable display,
Candidate image display control means for displaying the plurality of images as the candidate images in the candidate area;
Candidate image instruction means for instructing one or more images from candidate images in the candidate area in response to an input operation from the operator;
Change instruction means for instructing to change a candidate image to a non-candidate image in response to an input operation from the operator;
Setting change means for deleting a candidate image determined by an instruction from the candidate image instruction means from the display of the candidate area and setting it as the non-candidate image when the instruction is given by the change instruction means. This is the gist.

  According to the second image selection device configured as described above, a plurality of images are displayed as candidate images in the candidate area displayed by switching to the display area. One or a plurality of images are instructed from among these candidate images in response to an input operation from the operator. Also, an instruction to change the candidate image to a non-candidate image is given in response to an input operation from the operator. When this instruction is given, the candidate image determined by the instruction is deleted from the display of the candidate area, and the setting is moved as a non-candidate image.

  Therefore, according to the second image selection device of the present invention, the operator simply selects an image on the candidate area and inputs an instruction to change the candidate image to a non-candidate image. Candidate images can be narrowed down in order. Therefore, when selecting a desired image from a plurality of images, it is not necessary to create a new folder or perform extra work such as work, so that workability can be improved.

The image selection method of the present invention includes:
An image selection method for displaying a list of a plurality of images in a predetermined display area and selecting a desired image from a plurality of images in the display area in response to an input operation from an operator.
(A) The display area includes a candidate area for displaying candidate images that are candidates for selection, and a candidate outside area for displaying non-candidate images that are not candidates for selection. Receiving the input operation from and displaying the changeable display,
(B) displaying the plurality of images as the candidate images in the candidate area;
(C) instructing one or a plurality of images from candidate images in the candidate area in response to an input operation from the operator;
(D) instructing to move a candidate image to a non-candidate image in response to an input operation from the operator;
(E) a step of deleting a candidate image determined by the instruction in the step (c) from the display of the candidate area and setting it as the non-candidate image when the instruction is made in the step (d). The gist is to provide.

The computer program of the present invention is:
A computer program for displaying a list of a plurality of images in a predetermined display area and selecting a desired image from a plurality of images in the display area in response to an input operation from an operator,
(A) The display area includes a candidate area for displaying candidate images that are candidates for selection, and a candidate outside area for displaying non-candidate images that are not candidates for selection. A function to display the switchable display in response to an input operation from
(B) a function of displaying the plurality of images as the candidate images in the candidate area;
(C) a function of instructing one or more images from candidate images in the candidate area in response to an input operation from the operator;
(D) a function for instructing a candidate image to be transferred to a non-candidate image in response to an input operation from the operator;
(E) a function of deleting a candidate image determined by the instruction by the function (c) from the display of the candidate area and setting it as the non-candidate image when the instruction is made by the function (d); The gist of this is to make the computer implement.

  The image selection method and computer program having the above configuration have the same operations and effects as the first image selection apparatus of the present invention, and improve workability when selecting a desired image from a plurality of images. There is an effect that can be made.

  The recording medium of the present invention is characterized by a computer-readable recording medium that records the computer program of the present invention. This recording medium has the same operations and effects as the computer program of the present invention.

  The present invention includes other aspects as follows. The 1st aspect is an aspect as a program supply apparatus which supplies the computer program of this invention via a communication path. In this first aspect, the above-described method and apparatus are realized by placing a computer program on a server or the like on a computer network, downloading a necessary program to a computer via a communication path, and executing the program. Can do. In the second aspect, the above-described second image selection apparatus of the present invention is regarded as a method invention. The third aspect is an aspect in which the second aspect is regarded as a computer program.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples. This embodiment will be described in the following order.
A. Device configuration:
B. Computer processing:
C. Action / Effect Other embodiments:

A. Device configuration:
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a computer system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. The computer system of this embodiment mainly includes a personal computer 10 as an image selection device constituting the present invention. The personal computer 10 includes a computer main body 12, a liquid crystal display 14, a keyboard 16, and a mouse 18.

  The computer main body 12 reads image data of a photographic image taken by the digital camera 20 via a memory card or a cable, displays a list of photographic image thumbnails on the liquid crystal display 14, and selects the best photographic image from the thumbnail. . Then, the selected photographic image is processed or the photographic image is printed by the printer 30.

  The computer main body 12 includes a ROM, a RAM, a display image memory, a mouse interface, a keyboard interface, and the like connected to each other by a bus around a CPU as a central processing unit. The computer main body 12 includes a built-in hard disk drive, CD-R / RW drive, and the like. The hard disk drive stores a large number of image data of photographic images taken by the digital camera 20.

  In the figure, the computer main body 12 is shown by blocks of functions realized internally. The control unit 40 configured by a collection of these functional blocks is configured by software. That is, the control unit 40 is realized by the CPU executing software (computer program) installed in the computer main body 12. Here, this software is photo retouching software, and is provided by a CD-ROM.

  This software is provided as a configuration stored in another portable recording medium (portable recording medium) such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, and an IC card in place of the CD-ROM. can do. The software can also be provided via a network from a specific server connected to an external network. The network may be the Internet or a computer program obtained by downloading from a specific homepage. Alternatively, it may be a computer program supplied in the form of an email attachment.

  The configuration of the control unit 40 is as follows. The control unit 40 includes a candidate / non-candidate storage unit 41, a candidate image display control unit 42, an image instruction unit 43, a change instruction unit 44, and a change execution unit 45. The candidate / non-candidate storage unit 41 stores whether each of the plurality of images corresponds to a candidate image that is a selection candidate or a non-candidate image. Specifically, the candidate / non-candidate storage unit 41 has both a candidate / non-candidate registration table (to be described later) prepared on the RAM and a function for accessing this table.

  The candidate image display control unit 42 displays the image stored as a candidate image by the candidate / non-candidate storage unit 41 in the display area A on the screen of the liquid crystal display 14. This displayed image is a thumbnail TN of image data. The image instruction unit 43 instructs one or more images from the thumbnails TN. This instruction is made in response to a click operation received from the mouse 18 via the input unit 50.

  The change instruction unit 44 instructs to change the candidate image to a non-candidate image. This instruction is also given in response to a click operation received from the mouse 18 via the input unit 50. The change execution unit 45 stores, in the candidate / non-candidate storage unit 41, the candidate image from the candidate image for one or more images instructed by the image instruction unit 43 when the change instruction unit 44 gives the instruction. Change to

B. Computer processing:
Each part 41 thru | or 45 of the control part 40 is implement | achieved by executing photo retouching software with CPU of the computer main body 12. FIG. The photo retouching software has various functions other than the units 41 to 45. In order to explain the outline of the photo retouching software, the initial state of the application window provided by the photo retouching software will be described first.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an initial state of the application window WD1. The application window WD1 constitutes a graphical user interface (GUI). As shown in the figure, in the process menu field L1, there are four types of “input”, “modify”, “print”, and “output”. Buttons BT1, BT2, BT3 and BT4 are provided. The operator clicks these buttons BT <b> 1 to BT <b> 4 with the mouse 18, and can proceed with the work of processing and outputting the photographic image taken with the digital camera 20 on the screen of the CRT display 12. .

  When the application window WD1 is initially displayed, the “input” button BT1 is selected, and the tool bar FL2 has “narrowed input” and “from file” for designating a method of inputting photos. Buttons BT5, BT6, and BT7 for “input” and “input from TWAIN” are provided. The operator can execute a routine of image selection processing that realizes each of the units 41 to 45 of the control unit 40 by clicking on the “restriction input” button BT5 with the mouse 18. The image selection processing routine will be described in detail below.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a routine of image selection processing. This flowchart is a general flowchart showing an outline of processing. As shown in the figure, when the process is started, the CPU of the computer main body 12 first executes a process of displaying a list of thumbnails of a plurality of image data in the display area A (step S100). Next, a process of selecting and instructing thumbnails in the display area and changing the image data for the selected thumbnails to a non-candidate image is performed (step S200). Then, if necessary, the display area A display is switched (switching between a candidate area A1 and a candidate outside area A2 described later) (step S300).

  Subsequently, a process of selecting one final image from the candidate images is performed (step S400). Thereafter, the image data corresponding to the selected one image is read from the storage location onto the memory and displayed on the liquid crystal display 14 (step S500). Thus, this image selection processing routine ends. By this image selection processing routine, the operation of inputting image data stored in a storage medium such as a hard disk drive is completed. Thereafter, the buttons BT2 to BT4 provided in the application window WD1 are clicked as necessary, and the operations of “modify”, “print”, and “output” corresponding to the buttons BT2 to BT4 are input as described above. This is applied to the image data. Since the operations of “modification”, “printing”, and “output” are not related to the present invention, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing details of the list display process executed in step S100. As shown in the figure, when the process is started, the CPU of the computer main body 12 first determines whether or not it is the first time after the execution of this image selection process routine is started (step S110). If it is determined that this is the first time, a process of displaying the sub-window WD2 on the liquid crystal display 14 in the initial state is performed (step S120). The sub window WD2 corresponds to the display area A described above.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the sub-window WD2 in the initial state. The sub-window WD2 also constitutes a GUI, and as shown in the figure, a toolbar FL21, a file designation field FL22, and a work field FL23 are provided. The file designation field FL22 is a field for designating the storage location of image data to be selected using “file” or “folder”. This designation follows the click operation of the mouse 18 by the operator. In addition to the hard disk drive, a storage location on another recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be designated, and the recording medium of the digital camera 20 can also be designated directly.

  The work field FL23 displays a list of image data stored in the file or folder designated in the file selection field FL22 in thumbnails, and the list is displayed in response to a click operation of the mouse 18 by the operator. This is a field for selecting a desired one from the image data. In the initial state, a candidate area A1, which will be described in detail later, is displayed in the work field FL23.

  Returning to FIG. 4, when the initial state of the sub-window WD2 is displayed in step S120, the CPU of the computer main body 12 then receives a click operation of the mouse 18 by the operator on the file designation field FL22, and selects it. A process of selecting “file” or “folder”, which is the storage location of the image data, is performed (step S125). Subsequently, the CPU performs a process of registering all the image data stored in the “file” or “folder” selected in step S125 in the candidate / non-candidate registration table (step S130). FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of the candidate / non-candidate registration table TBL. As shown in the drawing, the candidate / non-candidate registration table TBL is composed of a field Ta of “candidate image” and a field Tb of “non-candidate image”, and the field Ta contains image data that is a candidate image. In the field Tb, the file name of the image data to be a non-candidate image is stored.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the folder designated in the file designation field FL22 is a folder named “20021102”, in step S130, all the image data stored in the folder, that is, “image data”. 1 ”,“ image data 2 ”,...,“ Image data 20 ”are registered with their data names in the field Ta of“ candidate images ”in the candidate / non-candidate registration table TBL. At the time of step S130, no data is stored in the “non-candidate image” field Tb.

  Returning to FIG. 4, after executing step S130, the CPU sets the flag F to 0 (step S140), and advances the process to step S150. On the other hand, if the determination in step S110 is negative, that is, if it is not the first time, the process proceeds to step S150 without executing the processes in steps S120 to S140.

  In step S150, the CPU determines whether or not the flag F is 0. If the flag F is determined to be 0, the CPU displays the candidate area A1 in the work field F23 of the sub-window WD2 (when there is an image already displayed in the work field F23). The image is erased and displayed) (step S160) and the thumbnail of the image data registered as “candidate image” is displayed in the candidate area A1 (step S170). .

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the sub-window WD2 after the execution of steps S160 and S170. As shown in the drawing, the candidate area A1 displayed in the work field F23 of the sub-window WD2 has a card shape, and an “input candidate” tab TB1 is provided in the upper left corner. Note that a tab TB2 “not candidate” is provided on the right side of the tab TB1, and when the tab TB2 is clicked by the mouse 18, the display in the work field F23 is displayed in a candidate outside area A2, which will be described later. Switching is possible.

  In step S170 in FIG. 4, in detail, the CPU sequentially reads out the data names stored in the “candidate image” field Ta of the candidate / non-candidate registration table TBL, and reads the image data corresponding to the data name. Read from the storage location, create thumbnails from the image data (if the image data is in a data format that includes thumbnails, read the thumbnails of the image data corresponding to the data names), and select the thumbnails Display in the service area A1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, thumbnails TN of image data registered as candidate images in the candidate / non-candidate registration table TBL are displayed in a list in the candidate area A1.

  On the other hand, if negative determination is made in step S150, that is, if it is determined that the flag F is not 0 (= value 1), the CPU displays the candidate outside area A2 in the work field F23 of the sub window WD2. (When there is an image already displayed in the work field F23, the image is erased and displayed) (step S180) and the thumbnail of the image data registered as “non-candidate image” Is displayed in the candidate outside area A2 (step S190). Like the candidate area A1, the candidate outside area A2 has a candidate card shape, and tabs TB1 and TB2 for “input candidates” and “not candidates” are provided in the upper left.

  More specifically, the processing in step S180 is different from the candidate area A1 in the candidate outside area A2, that is, the display of the change button CB, which will be described later, and the tabs TB1 and TB2 on the entire surface. Only the display of whether or not is redrawn, and the display of the candidate area A1 is used for the common part. With this configuration, display speed can be increased. Of course, the entire candidate outside area A2 can be redrawn.

  In step S190, in detail, the CPU sequentially reads out the data names stored in the “non-candidate image” field Tb of the candidate / non-candidate registration table TBL, and stores the image data corresponding to the data name. The thumbnails are read out from a place, for example, a hard disk drive, and thumbnails are created from the image data (or thumbnails included in the image data are read out), and the thumbnails are displayed in the candidate outside area A2. After executing step S170 or S190, the process returns to “RETURN” and the list display processing routine is temporarily terminated.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing details of the candidate / non-candidate change process executed in step S200. As shown in the figure, when the process is started, the CPU of the computer main body 12 first selects and instructs the thumbnails in the candidate area A1 (or the non-candidate area A2) listed in step S100 (step S210). . This selection instruction is performed by a click operation using the mouse 18 by the operator. The thumbnail to be selected is determined by the operator to be an image that is a candidate for selection (or an image that is not a candidate), and one or more images are specified. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the candidate area A1 of the subwindow WD2 after the selection instruction is given. As shown in the figure, the fourth, eighth, tenth, and twelfth thumbnails TN (hereinafter referred to as thumbnails [4], [8], [10], and [12]) that have been selected are displayed with high brightness. Is done.

  Returning to FIG. 8, next, the CPU determines whether or not the change button CB provided in the candidate area A1 (or the candidate non-candidate area A2) displayed in the work field FL23 is clicked by the mouse operation by the operator. (Step S220). The change button CB is a button switch provided in the upper left of both areas A1 and A2, more specifically, directly below the “input candidate” tab TB1, and the candidate image is set to a non-candidate image or the non-candidate image is set to a candidate image. This is for instructing to switch (change). The change button CB in the candidate area A1 displays a character string “out of candidate” (see FIG. 9), and the change button CB in the non-candidate area A2 has a character “to input candidate”. A column is displayed (see FIG. 13).

  If it is determined in step S220 that the change button CB has been clicked, the CPU advances the process to step S230. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S220, the process in step S220 is repeated to wait for the change button CB to be clicked. Although not described in the flowchart, if there is another input operation when the process of step S220 is repeated, the process proceeds to “return” and this routine is temporarily ended.

  In step S230, the CPU determines whether or not the current flag F is 0. Here, if it is determined that the flag F has a value of 0, it is assumed that the currently displayed area is the candidate area A1, and the CPU selects image data corresponding to the thumbnail instructed to be selected in step S210. It is registered in “non-candidate image” (step S240). Specifically, the data name of the image data corresponding to the thumbnail stored in the “candidate image” field Ta of the candidate / non-candidate registration table TBL is moved to the “non-candidate image” field Tb (move). Delete the original data name).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S230 that the flag F is not 0 (= 1), it is determined that the currently displayed area is the candidate outside area A2, and the CPU selects the thumbnail that is instructed to be selected in step S210. Is registered in the “candidate image” (step S250). Specifically, the data name for the image data corresponding to the thumbnail stored in the “non-candidate image” field Tb of the candidate / non-candidate registration table TBL is moved to the field Ta of “candidate image” (move) Delete the original data name).

  After execution of step S240 or S250, the CPU deletes the thumbnail clicked in step S220 from the display of the candidate area A1 (or candidate outside area A2) (step S260). Thereafter, the process returns to “RETURN” and the thumbnail movement processing routine is temporarily terminated.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the candidate area A1 after the thumbnail movement process is completed. As shown in the figure, the thumbnails [4], [8], [10], and [12] instructed to be selected are deleted from the candidate area A1 of the sub window WD2. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of the candidate / non-candidate registration table TBL at this time. As shown in the drawing, in the “non-candidate image” field Tb of the candidate / non-candidate registration table TBL, the data names of the image data corresponding to the thumbnails [4], [8], [10], and [12] are shown. Are moved from the field Ta of the “candidate image” and stored.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing details of the display switching process executed in step S300. As shown in the figure, when the processing is started, the CPU of the computer main body 12 determines whether or not the “non-candidate” tab TB2 has been clicked by the mouse 18 (step S310). It is determined whether or not the tab TB1 is clicked with the mouse 18 (step S320). If it is determined in step S310 that the “non-candidate” tab TB2 has been clicked, the flag F is set to 1 (step S330). If it is determined in step S320 that the “input candidate” tab TB1 has been clicked, the flag F is set to 0 (step S340).

  After executing step S330 or S340, the CPU advances the process to step S350 to execute a list display process. This list display process is the list display process described above with reference to FIG. After the execution of step S350, the process returns to “RETURN” to end the display switching routine. Even when negative determinations are made in steps S310 and S320, the process returns to “return” and the display switching routine is temporarily terminated.

  That is, according to the display switching process, when the “non-candidate” tab TB2 is clicked, the flag F is switched to the value 1 indicating the non-candidate area A2. Area A2 is displayed. On the other hand, when the “input candidate” tab TB1 is clicked, the candidate area A1 is displayed in the list display process by switching the flag F to the value 0 indicating the candidate area A1. To do.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the sub-window WD2 in which the candidate outside area A2 is displayed. When thumbnails [4], [8], [10], and [12] are selected and instructed as illustrated in FIG. 9, when the display is switched to the candidate external area A2 side in the display switching process, As shown in FIG. 13, the thumbnails [4], [8], [10], and [12] instructed to be selected are displayed in the candidate outside area A2 of the sub window WD2.

  Through the processing in steps S100 to S300 described above, the operator can collect and display images that are candidates for selection from a large number of thumbnails in the candidate area A1. In FIG. 3, step S200 is only performed once, but in practice, step S200 can be repeatedly performed as necessary by an operation using the mouse 18 of the operator. As a result, it is possible to narrow down the number of candidate images to be selected and further narrow down candidate images from among the candidate images.

  After the display is switched to the candidate area A1 in step S300, the CPU performs a process of selecting a final thumbnail from the candidate area A1 (step S400). In this process, one thumbnail is selected in response to a click operation by the operator using the mouse 18. Thereafter, the CPU waits for the “Open” button BT8 (see FIG. 10) to be clicked, reads the image data corresponding to the thumbnail selected in step S400 from the storage location, and operates the application window WD1. Processing for displaying the image data in the field FL3 is performed (step S500). Note that the display of the sub window WD2 is erased from the liquid crystal display 14 because the image input operation is completed. Thereafter, this image selection processing routine is terminated.

  Of the image selection processing having such a configuration, the processing of steps S110 to S130 corresponds to the candidate / non-candidate storage unit 41 (FIG. 1), and the processing of step S170 corresponds to the candidate image display unit control 42 (FIG. 1). The process of step S210 corresponds to the image instruction unit 43 (FIG. 1), the process of step S220 corresponds to the change instruction unit 44 (FIG. 1), and the processes of steps S230 and S240 are the change execution unit 45. This corresponds to (FIG. 1).

C. Operation / Effect According to the present embodiment configured as described above, an operator can select a thumbnail by clicking the thumbnail on the candidate area A1, and then click the change button CB. Can be changed to a non-candidate image. For this reason, the operator can narrow down candidate images in order. Therefore, when selecting a desired image from a plurality of images, it is not necessary to create a new folder or perform extra work such as work, so that workability can be improved.

  In this embodiment, since the non-candidate image displayed in the candidate outside area A2 can be changed to a candidate image, the image data that has been temporarily excluded can be returned to the candidate. For this reason, it is more excellent in workability.

  Further, in this embodiment, the selection of the thumbnail image data for which the selection has been instructed / registration outside the candidates can be changed by simply clicking a button switch called a change button CB, which is excellent in operability.

  Further, in this embodiment, the candidate area A1 and the candidate outside area A2 each have a card shape, and the tabs TB1 and TB2 are provided on the upper left of the card. The display of both areas A1 and A2 can be switched by simply clicking on the tabs TB1 and TB2. Therefore, the display can be easily switched between the candidate area A1 and the candidate outside area A2, and the workability is excellent.

D. Other embodiments:
The present invention is not limited to the above-described examples and embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are possible.

(1) In the above embodiment, the image displayed in the display area A is a thumbnail obtained by reducing the image represented by the image data. However, instead of this, the image data may be displayed as a list as it is. However, it is possible to display a part of the image data.

(2) In the first embodiment, the thumbnail clicked on the candidate area A1 is switched to the non-candidate image, but instead, the remaining thumbnails excluding the clicked thumbnail are replaced with that thumbnail. It is also possible to make the switching symmetrical.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the image instruction unit 43 and the change instruction unit 44 are configured to operate in accordance with the operation of the mouse 18 by the operator. It can also be set as the structure which operate | moves according to other input devices.

(4) In the above-described embodiment, the candidate area A1 and the candidate outside area A2 are each in the shape of a card, but may be replaced with other shapes such as a simple rectangular shape. The tabs TB1 and TB2 are not necessarily provided, and for example, the display of both areas A1 and A2 may be switched by operating the keyboard 16. Further, instead of the change button CB, a transition between the candidate image and the non-candidate image can be made according to the operation of the keyboard 16.

(5) In the above embodiment, the candidate area A1 and the candidate outside area A2 are displayed by switching to the same position on the screen, but instead, the area itself is assumed to be a common one. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the role of the area is switched between the candidate area A1 and the candidate outside area A2 each time a switching instruction is issued.

(6) In the above-described embodiment, the image data storage location is not moved, and whether a plurality of images correspond to candidate images or non-candidate images is registered in the candidate / non-candidate registration table. However, instead of this, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the image data is stored by moving the storage location of the image data. Moreover, it is not necessary to limit to a table, and it can be set as the structure which shows which is applicable by adding the code | symbol which shows whether it is a candidate image or a non-candidate image to each image data.

(7) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration is such that a plurality of images are classified into two types of candidate images and non-candidate images. Instead, “candidate images”, “next candidate images”, and “non-candidate images” Can be classified into three types. Thus, the classified images are displayed in three areas corresponding to the three types of classification, and the display of each area is switched. Furthermore, it can also be set as the structure classified into more than three numbers.

It is explanatory drawing which shows schematic structure of the computer system to which one Example of this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing which shows the initial state of this application window WD1. It is a flowchart which shows the routine of an image selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the list display process performed by step S100. It is explanatory drawing which shows subwindow WD2 of an initial state. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure of the candidate / non-candidate registration table TBL. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of subwindow WD2 after execution of step S160, S170. It is a flowchart for details of the candidate / non-candidate change process executed in step S200. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of candidate area A1 of subwindow WD2 after selection instruction | indication was made. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of area A1 for candidates after a thumbnail movement process is complete | finished. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the content of the candidate / non-candidate registration table TBL after a thumbnail movement process is complete | finished. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the display switching process performed by step S300. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of subwindow WD2 where candidate outside area A2 was displayed.

Explanation of symbols

10 ... Personal computer 12 ... Computer body 14 ... Liquid crystal display 16 ... Keyboard 18 ... Mouse 20 ... Digital camera 30 ... Printer 40 ... Control unit 41 ... Candidate / Non-candidate storage section 42 ... Candidate image display control section 43 ... Image instruction section 44 ... Change instruction section 45 ... Change execution section 50 ... Input section A ... Display area A1 .. . Candidate area A2 ... Non-candidate area TN ... Thumbnail WD1 ... Application window WD2 ... Subwindow TB1, TB2 ... Tab CB ... Change button

Claims (13)

In the image selection device that displays a list of a plurality of images in a predetermined display area and receives a user's input operation and selects a desired image from the plurality of images in the display area.
Candidate / non-candidate storage means for storing whether each of the plurality of images corresponds to a candidate image that is a candidate for selection or a non-candidate image that is not a candidate;
Candidate image display control means for displaying an image stored as a candidate image by the candidate / non-candidate storage means in the display area;
Image instruction means for instructing one or a plurality of images from the images displayed in the display area by the candidate image display control means in response to an input operation from the operator;
Change instruction means for instructing to change a candidate image to a non-candidate image according to an input operation from the operator;
A change execution unit that changes a memory in the candidate / non-candidate storage unit for an image determined by an instruction from the image instruction unit to an image other than a candidate when the instruction is given by the change instruction unit. Image selection device. The image selection device according to claim 1,
An area display control means for displaying a candidate area for displaying the candidate image and a candidate outside area for displaying the non-candidate image in the display area in a switchable manner;
An area switching means for switching the display of the display area between a candidate area and a candidate outside area in response to an input operation from the operator;
The candidate image display control means includes
An image selection apparatus comprising: means for executing display of the image in the candidate area when the area switching means switches to the candidate area. The image selection device according to claim 2,
Non-candidate image display control for displaying an image stored as a non-candidate image by the candidate / non-candidate storage unit in the candidate external area when the area switching unit switches to the candidate external area. An image selection device comprising means. The image selection device according to claim 2 or 3,
The change instruction means includes
An image selection device comprising a button switch provided in the candidate area for generating the instruction. The image selection device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
A second image instruction means for instructing one or a plurality of images from among images displayed in the candidate external area according to an input operation from the operator, according to an input operation from the operator;
A second change instruction means for instructing to change a non-candidate image to a candidate image in accordance with an input operation from the operator;
Second change executing means for changing the storage in the candidate / non-candidate storage means for the image determined by the instruction by the second image instruction means to a candidate image when the instruction is given by the second change instruction means. Image selection device. The image selection device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
The area display control means
A means for forming the candidate area and the candidate outside area in a card shape respectively,
The area switching means is
An image selection device comprising means for switching display of both areas when a tab provided at an end of a card constituting the candidate area or the candidate outside area is instructed by an input operation from an operator. The image selection device according to claim 2, wherein
A final selection image instruction means for instructing one of the images displayed in the candidate area as a final selection image in response to an input operation from the operator;
An image selection device comprising: image data input means for reading out image data corresponding to the final selected image from storage means as a storage location. In the image selection device that displays a list of a plurality of images in a predetermined display area and receives a user's input operation and selects a desired image from the plurality of images in the display area.
In the display area, input from the operator is a candidate area for displaying candidate images that are candidates for selection and a candidate outside area for displaying non-candidate images that are not candidates for selection. Area display control means for receiving a switchable display,
Candidate image display control means for displaying the plurality of images as the candidate images in the candidate area;
Candidate image instruction means for instructing one or more images from candidate images in the candidate area in response to an input operation from the operator;
Change instruction means for instructing to change a candidate image to a non-candidate image in response to an input operation from the operator;
Setting change means for deleting a candidate image determined by an instruction from the candidate image instruction means from the display of the candidate area and setting it as the non-candidate image when the instruction is given by the change instruction means. This is the gist. In the image selection method of displaying a list of a plurality of images in a predetermined display area and receiving an input operation from an operator and selecting a desired image from the plurality of images in the display area,
(A) All of the plurality of images are stored in a candidate / non-candidate registration table that stores whether each of the plurality of images corresponds to a candidate image that is a candidate for selection or a non-candidate image that is not a candidate. Registering as a candidate image,
(B) displaying an image registered as a candidate image in the candidate / non-candidate registration table in the display area;
(C) a step of instructing one or more images from among the images displayed in the display area in the step (b) according to an input operation from the operator;
(D) instructing to change a candidate image to a non-candidate image according to an input operation from the operator;
(E) when the instruction is made in the step (d), changing the registration in the candidate / non-candidate registration table for the image determined by the instruction in the step (c) to a non-candidate image. Image selection method as a feature. A computer program for displaying a list of a plurality of images in a predetermined display area and selecting a desired image from a plurality of images in the display area in response to an input operation from an operator,
(A) All of the plurality of images are stored in a candidate / non-candidate registration table that stores whether each of the plurality of images corresponds to a candidate image that is a candidate for selection or a non-candidate image that is not a candidate. A function for registering images as candidate images,
(B) a function of displaying an image registered as a candidate image in the candidate / non-candidate registration table in the display area;
(C) a function of instructing one or a plurality of images from the images displayed in the display area by the function (b) according to an input operation from the operator;
(D) a function of instructing to change a candidate image to a non-candidate image according to an input operation from the operator;
(E) When the instruction is made by the function (d), the computer realizes a function of changing the registration in the candidate / non-candidate registration table for the image determined by the instruction by the function (c) to the non-candidate image. Computer program to let you. The computer program according to claim 10, further comprising:
(F) a function for displaying a candidate area for displaying the candidate image and a candidate outside area for displaying the non-candidate image in the display area in a switchable manner;
(G) causing a computer to realize a function of switching display of the display area between a candidate area and a candidate outside area in response to an input operation from the operator;
The function (b) is
A computer program comprising a function for executing display of the image in the candidate area when the function (g) is switched to the candidate area. The computer program according to claim 11, further comprising:
When the function (g) is used to switch to the candidate outside area, the computer realizes a function of displaying an image registered as a non-candidate image in the candidate / non-candidate registration table in the candidate outside area. Computer program.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program according to any one of claims 10 to 12 is recorded.

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