JP2009267695A - Image processing apparatus, control method for the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To hold evaluation about a partial area of a photographic image through a simple operation. <P>SOLUTION: Partial areas in the image are specified, and rating information showing, for example, failures or successes in photography is set by partial areas and is recorded, associated with the image. For example, a digital camera reads the image from a recording medium and reproduces the image, with a part of the image being enlarged and displayed by using zoom function. The enlarged and displayed partial area is specified as an object to be given the rating information. The image is recorded, with the position of the partial area and the rating information being associated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for storing and reproducing an image, and a control method and program thereof.

Conventionally, it is common to print images taken with a digital camera and distribute them to a plurality of people. At that time, the user operates the digital camera to make print designation by recording which images are to be printed on a recording medium in accordance with a standard such as DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) (for example, patents). Reference 1). Here, the user plays back the image captured by the digital camera, displays the enlarged partial area that is the main part of the shooting, for example, the main building or the face of the person in the landscape, and whether the shooting was successful. Determine if it failed. Then, the user designates an image that is determined to have been successfully photographed as a print target, and does not designate an image that has been determined to have been photographed as a print target.
JP 2002-044577 A

  Here, for example, there are cases where a plurality of persons are shown in the image and one person has succeeded in photographing but the other persons have failed to photograph, but the user appropriately determines the appearance of each person and Whether or not an image is to be printed can only be set for the entire image. As for the reason for the determination, there is no choice but to keep in mind the existence of successful and unsuccessful areas in the image and the state of each reflection. If there are a large number of images, it is very difficult for the user to keep memorizing them accurately. Therefore, when the user replayed the image at a later date, the user had to enlarge and display the image again in the same manner and make a determination regarding the detailed image appearance.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to maintain evaluation of a partial region of an image by a simple operation.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one of the inventions according to the present application is an image processing apparatus, wherein reproduction means for reproducing an image, designation means for designating a partial area of the image, and mark information about the partial area And a storage means for storing the partial area and the mark information in association with the image.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to retain the evaluation of a partial area of an image, and it is possible to save the user from reconfirming the details every time the image is reproduced.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, a preferred embodiment of an image processing method, an image processing apparatus, and an image processing program of the best mode will be described first by taking a digital camera as an example. Note that the present invention is not limited thereby.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 101 denotes a photographic lens, and reference numeral 102 denotes a photographic lens driving unit for changing the zoom magnification of the photographic lens 101 and adjusting the focus. Reference numeral 103 denotes an image sensor that photoelectrically converts a subject image generated by the photographing lens 101 to generate electronic image data. Data processing 104 performs image processing such as generating image data by performing predetermined processing on the image signal obtained by the image sensor 103, or converting the image data to be displayed, edited, or saved Part. A primary memory 105 temporarily stores image data. Reference numeral 106 denotes a distance measuring unit that measures the subject distance in the photographing region of the photographing lens 101. Reference numeral 107 denotes a display unit that displays information such as image data, and reference numeral 108 denotes an operation unit for performing various settings of the digital camera 100. A central processing element (CPU) 109 controls various operations of the digital camera 100, and a storage memory 110 stores image data and information associated with the image data. The storage memory 110 includes media that can be detached from the digital camera 100.

  FIG. 2 is a rear view of the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a display screen that is included in the above-described display unit 107 and includes, for example, an LCD panel. Reference numeral 202 denotes a cross key for moving the cursor or the like displayed on the display screen 201 up, down, left, or right, or moving the position of the displayed image region up, down, left, or right to designate the position. Reference numerals 206, 207, 208, and 209 denote buttons for instructing movement to the upper, lower, left, and right, respectively. In the present embodiment, the buttons for specifying the vertical and horizontal positions are individually described. However, even with a pointing device or a multi-controller that can specify the position in any direction including vertical, horizontal, and diagonal directions with a single button. good. Reference numeral 203 denotes a menu button for instructing to display or hide the menu screen on the display screen 201. Reference numeral 204 denotes a set button for determining the currently selected content according to the operation content, such as when selecting a menu or function displayed on the display screen 201. Reference numeral 212 denotes a function button for specifying a function by being used in combination with other operation buttons. Reference numeral 205 denotes a mode switch for switching between operations of the digital camera and for selecting either a shooting mode for shooting an image or a playback mode for playing back and displaying an image.

  FIG. 3 is a top view of the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment, in which 301 is a power switch. Reference numeral 302 denotes a shutter button for taking an image. Reference numeral 303 denotes a multi-function lever (also referred to as a zoom lever) whose function is switched in accordance with the mode switch in FIG. The multi-function lever 303 is used to input an instruction to adjust the enlargement or reduction of the subject to be photographed when the mode switch 205 is in the photographing mode. Further, when the mode switch is in the playback mode, it is for adjusting the enlargement or reduction of the displayed image and inputting an instruction to switch between the multiple image display and the single image display. In this embodiment, the display image enlargement or reduction display adjustment is described as being realized by one multi-function lever 303. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a reduction button and an enlargement button may be provided separately.

  The cross key 202, menu button 203, set button 204, mode switch 205, function button 212, power button 301, shutter button 302, and multi-function lever 303 are included in the operation unit 108 of FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the data processing unit 104 according to the present embodiment. In the figure, 401 is an image data analysis unit that analyzes image data and obtains mark information data. Reference numeral 402 denotes an area recognition unit that recognizes a partial area of an image designated by an enlargement operation or automatic recognition and identifies its position. Reference numeral 403 denotes a mark information generation unit that generates mark information designated by the operation of the operation unit 108 as data. Reference numeral 404 denotes an image data generation unit that generates a mark information data file in order to store image data entities such as JPEG in association with mark information. A data storage unit 405 stores the generated mark information data file in the storage memory 110 in association with the image file. A control unit 406 controls each processing unit of the data processing unit 104 and is included in the CPU 109.

  Next, an operation for specifying a partial area included in an image and setting rating information using the digital camera 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  When the power button 301 of the digital camera 100 is pressed and the mode switch 205 is set to the playback mode, one image with the latest shooting date and time is displayed on the display screen 201. Even if the multi-function lever 303 is pulled (rotated), it provides operability such that the lever itself returns to its original state, so that the operation of pulling the lever can be repeated. Here, the direction of pulling (rotating) clockwise will be described as an enlargement direction, and the direction of pulling (rotating) counterclockwise will be described as a reduction direction. When the multi-function lever 303 is operated in the reduction direction (counterclockwise direction) while one image is displayed on the display screen 201, a plurality of images recorded by shooting are displayed on the display screen 201. The number of displayed images at this time is determined in advance as a fixed value according to the reduction ratio. On the other hand, when the multifunction lever 303 is operated in the enlargement direction (clockwise) while a plurality of images are displayed on the display screen 201, one image selected from the plurality of images is displayed on the entire surface of the display screen 201. Is displayed. When the multifunction lever 303 is further operated in the enlargement direction while one image is displayed on the display screen 201, a part of the image is enlarged and displayed on the display screen 201. The center of the partial area displayed during the enlarged display is the same as the center of the image displayed immediately before the enlarged display. The rate of enlargement each time the multifunction lever 303 is operated once is a predetermined fixed value. Further, when the multifunction lever 303 is operated in the enlargement direction, the partial area can be further enlarged and displayed on the display screen 201 based on the fixed enlargement ratio. When the multifunction lever 303 is operated in the reduction direction while the partial area is enlarged and displayed on the display screen 201, the original state is restored from the enlarged state and displayed on the display screen 201. Therefore, the user can display the partial area on the display screen 201 at a desired enlargement ratio by repeating enlargement or reduction using the multi-function lever 303. When the position of the partial area displayed on the display screen 201 is to be moved, the user operates using the cross key 202. By pressing the upper key 207, the lower key 209, the left key 206, and the right key 208, the position of the partial area displayed on the display screen can be moved by the amount of the grid interval value that is set in advance as a fixed value. it can. The amount and direction of movement can be adjusted continuously by repeatedly pressing the cross key 202. In addition, when a left key 206 and a right key 208 of the cross key 202 are pressed while one image is displayed on the display screen 201, a plurality of images stored in the digital camera 100 are sequentially displayed on the display screen. 201 can be displayed.

  As described above, the digital camera 100 designates the partial area range in response to the operation of the multifunction lever 303 in the enlargement or reduction direction, and designates the partial area position in response to the operation of pressing the cross key 202. Can do. Therefore, the user can designate the enlarged partial area as an object to be given a rating after instructing the enlarged display to confirm the image in detail, so that the operation is simplified.

  Next, in accordance with the user's operation, the digital camera 100 designates a partial area included in the image, and describes an operation for setting the rating information indicating whether the photographing is successful, whether the image looks like, or the like. To do.

  First, the digital camera 100 is operated, and one image is displayed on the entire display screen 201. Next, when the multifunction lever 303 is operated in the enlargement direction or is operated by pressing the cross key 202, a specific partial region of the image is enlarged and displayed on the display screen 201. For example, FIG. 6 shows a state where a partial area as indicated by a dotted line frame 501 in FIG. 5 is enlarged and displayed on the display screen 201. If the partial area of the enlarged image is something that the user likes, such as a smile, focus, or the result of shooting as intended by the user, The setting of “OK” is instructed. Specifically, the user presses the set button 204 and inputs an instruction to the digital camera 100. In response to the operation of pressing the set button 204, the digital camera 100 sets “partial OK” as the mark type of the partial area of the currently displayed image. Then, a “partial OK mark” 701 indicating that the partial area of the currently displayed image is OK is displayed on the display screen 201 as shown in FIG. By confirming the display of such a partial area of the image and the “partial OK mark” 701, the user can recognize that OK is set in the partial area.

  On the other hand, if the user does not like the partial area of the enlarged image displayed, such as when the partial area of the image is closed, out of focus, or the shooting result is different from the user's intention, Instruct the setting. Specifically, the user presses the set button 204 and inputs an instruction to the digital camera 100. In the present embodiment, when the set button 204 is repeatedly pressed, settings of “partial OK” and “partial NG” appear in order. In response to the operation of pressing the set button 204, the digital camera 100 sets “partial NG” as the mark type of the partial area of the currently displayed image. Then, a “partial NG mark” 801 indicating that the partial area of the currently displayed image is NG is displayed on the display screen 201 as shown in FIG. By confirming the display of such a partial area of the image and the “partial NG mark”, the user can recognize that NG is set in the partial area.

  Further, the user can set “partial OK level” or “partial NG level” as a value indicating the degree of likes or dislikes by the user.

  Specifically, in the digital camera, when the partial area is enlarged and displayed on the display screen 201 and the function button 212 is pressed and the up key 207 or the down key 209 of the cross key is pressed, “Partial OK level” or “Partial NG level” is set. Each time the upper key 207 is pressed once, the partial OK level increases by one, and every time the lower key 209 is pressed once, the “partial OK level” decreases. For example, if the user likes the partial area shown in FIG. 7 and the upper key 207 is pressed three times, the partial OK level becomes 3, and “OK-3” 1701 as shown in FIG. Is displayed. The level value may be dynamically displayed each time the upper key 207 or the lower key 209 is pressed.

  In this way, the user can set the rating in detail for the partial area of the image.

  If the user determines that the partial area of the image displayed in an enlarged manner is neither “OK” nor “NG”, nothing is set for the mark type of the partial area. Specifically, the user presses the set button 204 and inputs an instruction to the digital camera 100. In this embodiment, when the set button 204 is repeatedly pressed, a setting of “not specified” appears in addition to “partial OK” and “partial NG”. Then, only a partial area of the image is displayed on the display screen 201, which is the same as when the image is enlarged and displayed. By confirming the display of such a partial area of the image, the user can recognize that nothing is set in the partial area.

  When the mark type is set for the partial area of the image displayed on the display screen 201 in an enlarged manner, the multifunction lever 303 is operated to return the enlargement ratio and return to the normal size as shown in FIG. To display the image. Alternatively, the position of the partial area is changed by operating the cross key 202, and the above-described operation is repeated for a plurality of partial areas in the same image to sequentially specify the part OK or the part NG. it can. Alternatively, the cross key 202 is operated to switch from the image currently displayed on the display screen 201 to the next image. Alternatively, the shooting mode is changed to the shooting mode by operating the mode switch 205 or the shutter button 302.

  As described above, when the mark type is set for the partial area of the image displayed on the display screen 201 in an enlarged manner and the next operation is performed, the digital camera 100 sets the mark type to the position of the partial area. It is automatically recorded in association with image data together with information.

  Alternatively, when the setting of the mark type is completed for the partial area of the image displayed on the display screen 201 in an enlarged manner and the next operation is performed, a recording confirmation dialog 1801 as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. The user may select whether or not to record the mark type. When the recording button 1802 is pressed, the digital camera 100 automatically records the mark type in association with the position information of the partial area and the image data, whereas when the cancel button 1803 is pressed, the recording is performed. do not do.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the mark type is indicated by a character string such as “OK” or “NG” has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the mark type is displayed or the color or shape of the frame is changed. Or may be displayed.

  In the present embodiment, the example in which the range of the partial area is specified by enlarging the image using the zoom lever has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the image may be divided, grid lines may be displayed at a predetermined interval, and one of the divided areas may be designated using a cross key or a pointing device.

  Next, in the digital camera 100 of this embodiment, a procedure for setting a mark type indicating a rating such as OK or NG in a partial area of an image and recording it in association with an image file will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. .

  In step S1101, the area recognition unit 402 recognizes the partial area designated by receiving the operation of the cross key 202 or the multi-function lever 303 as described above for the image currently displayed on the display screen 201. Then, the position of the partial area is acquired.

  In step S1121, the display control unit 417 draws a rectangle indicating a partial area on the entire image and displays the rectangle on the display unit 107 as shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the lower left coordinates (200, 400) -upper right coordinates (800, 900) are obtained as the positions of the partial areas.

  In step S1102, the control unit 406 determines whether to set a mark type for the partial area. Specifically, the control unit 406 detects whether the set button 204 of the operation unit 108 has been pressed. When the pressing is detected, it is determined that the mark type is set, and the process proceeds to step S1103. If the pressing is not detected, it is determined that the mark type is not set, and the process proceeds to step S1106.

  In step S1103, the control unit 406 receives an input of a mark type for the partial area. Each time the pressing of the set button 204 is detected, the mark types input in the order of “no setting”, “partial OK”, and “partial NG” are circulated and changed. For example, in the state shown in FIG. 5, the current setting is “no setting”. Therefore, if the pressing of the set button 204 is detected only once, “partial OK” is input as the mark type.

  Further, in step S1103, the control unit 406 may receive an input of a mark level indicating the degree of the mark type. When the upper key 207 or the lower key 209 of the cross key is pressed while the function button 212 is pressed, a value of “partial OK level” or “partial NG level” is set.

  In step S1104, the mark information generation unit 403 generates mark information data according to the mark type input in step S1103, and stores the mark information data in the mark information data table 1200 as shown in FIG. Here, the mark information generation unit 403 newly generates “Area_1” as the area ID 1201 for the partial area. Then, mark information data 1204 is generated as a set by associating the area ID 1201, the area position 1202, and the mark type 1203. The area position 1202 is the lower left coordinates (200, 400) −the upper right coordinates (800, 900), and the mark type is “partial OK”.

  If a partial OK level or a partial NG level is set, it is stored in a mark information data table 1600 as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 1601 denotes an area ID, 1602 denotes an area position, 1603 denotes a mark type, and 1605 denotes a mark level that represents the degree of partial OK or the degree of partial NG as a numerical value. Similarly to the case of FIG. 12, the mark information data shown in FIG. 16 is also managed as a set in association with the area ID, area position, mark type, and mark level for one partial area.

  In this way, detailed ratings are maintained for partial regions of the image, so that the user can obtain a lot of information when he / she later checks the image and recognizes the previous evaluation of the image. It becomes easy.

  In step S1105, the display control unit 417 displays the mark state on the display screen 201 in accordance with the mark information data generated in S1104. In FIG. 7, “partial OK” 701 is displayed as the mark type on the partial area.

  In step S1106, the control unit 406 detects whether or not an operation for changing the position or range of the partial area currently being displayed has been performed by operating the cross key 202 or the multi-function lever 303. If a change operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S1109. If no change operation has been detected, the process proceeds to step S1107.

  In step S <b> 1107, the control unit 406 detects whether an operation to change the image displayed on the display unit 107 to the next image is performed by operating the cross key 202 or the like. If a change operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S1109. If no change operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S1108.

  In step S1108, the control unit 406 is instructed to end the reproduction display of the image, such as changing from the reproduction mode to the photographing mode by operating the mode switch 205 or the shutter button 302, or turning off the power using the power button 301. Detect whether or not. If an instruction to end image display is detected, the process proceeds to step S1109. If no instruction is detected, the process returns to step S1102.

  In step S1109, the mark information data table 1200 including the mark information data 1204 generated by the mark information generation unit 403 in step S1104 is stored in association with the image file. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the image data generation unit 404 generates a mark information data file 1303 from the mark information data 1204, and the data storage unit 405 associates the mark information data file 1303 with the image file 1300. Save in the save memory 110. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14, the mark information data 1403 is stored in the header area 1401 of the image file 1400 and saved as one image file.

  Before the mark information data is saved in step S1109, the above-described recording confirmation dialog as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. When the user instructs “record”, the saving process in step S1109 is executed. Also good.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the result of partial evaluation of an image by a user can be recorded in association with the image. Therefore, when the image is reproduced later, the evaluation result can be read and displayed, so that the user can easily confirm the image. In addition, it is possible to save the trouble of enlarging the image and confirming the details every time the user reproduces the image.

(Second Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, as described in the first embodiment, a case will be described in which an image file in which mark information data is already associated and recorded is reproduced, and the mark information data is updated and recorded.

  First, the digital camera 100 reads an image file in which mark information data has already been recorded in association with each other as described in the first embodiment, and displays one image on the display screen 201. For example, when four pieces of mark information data are recorded in association with an image file, the digital camera 100 reads out mark information data as shown in FIG. 12 associated with the image file. Then, the digital camera 100 displays a rectangular frame indicating each partial area and the respective mark types 901 to 904 on the display screen 201 according to the mark information data as shown in FIG. In the initial state, the partial area with the smallest area ID is selected from the mark information data, and the rectangular frame indicating the partial area is different from the rectangular frames of the other partial areas as indicated by reference numeral 901 in FIG. Displayed in shape (eg, thick line or different color).

  Further, when a partial OK level or a partial NG level is set in the partial area of the image, the mark level is also displayed as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 shows that the partial area 1001 is at the partial OK level 3, the partial area 1002 is in the selected state at the OK level 1, the partial area 1003 is at the OK level 5, and the partial area 1004 is the partial NG. .

  Then, when the left key 206 or the right key 208 is pressed while the function button 212 is being pressed, the digital camera 100 sequentially moves the partial areas in the selected state, so that the user can select a partial area desired by the user. You can choose.

  Here, when the set button 204 is pressed while the function button 212 is being pressed, the digital camera 100 enlarges and displays the selected partial area on the display screen 201. As shown in FIG. 7, the selected partial area is enlarged, and the mark type and mark level associated with the partial area are displayed on the display screen 201.

  If the user wants to change the mark type or mark level currently set in association with the partial area, the user presses the set button 204. The digital camera 100 changes the mark type every time the set button 204 is pressed. For example, FIG. 7 shows that the partial OK is set in the partial area 700. However, if the user does not like it when looking closely, and wants to change to the partial NG, the set button 204 is pressed, The area 700 can be changed to set a partial NG. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, it is displayed that it is a partial NG. Further, when the set button 204 is further pressed, it can be changed to no designation.

  When the user finishes confirming or changing the mark information data for each partial area, the right key 208 or the left key 206 of the digital camera 100 is pressed. Then, the digital camera 100 performs an operation of switching to display the next image on the display screen 201 after updating to the newly set mark information data. Alternatively, when the mode switch 205 or the shutter button 302 is operated, the mark information data is updated to the newly set mark, and then the mode is changed from the reproduction mode to the shooting mode.

  Next, an operation of reproducing and displaying an image and updating mark information data recorded in association with the image will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S1501, if the mark information data is recorded in association with the image file displayed on the display screen 201, the image data analysis unit 401 reads the mark information data.

  In step S1502, the area recognition unit 402 refers to the mark information data and acquires coordinates indicating the position of each partial area.

  In step S1503, the display control unit 417 draws a frame line indicating the partial area on the image. Further, the mark type and the mark level acquired from the mark information data read in step S1501 are drawn near the partial area.

  In step S1504, the partial area having the minimum area ID is selected, and the display control unit 417 draws the frame line indicating the partial area in a conspicuous shape different from the frame lines indicating other partial areas, such as a thick line. Then, the display control unit 417 displays an image on the display screen 201 as shown in FIG.

  In step S1505, control unit 406 detects whether an operation for selecting a partial region has been received. Here, it is detected whether the right key 208 or the left key 206 is pressed while the function button 212 is pressed. If an operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S1506. If no operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S1507.

  In step S1506, the control unit 406 selects a partial area in response to an operation by the user. Here, each time the right key 208 is pressed, partial areas are moved and selected in descending order of area ID, and each time the left key 206 is pressed, the partial areas are moved and selected in ascending order of area ID. Then, a frame line indicating the selected partial area is drawn in a shape different from that of the other partial areas, and is displayed on the display screen 201 to indicate that it is in a selected state.

  In step S1507, the control unit 406 detects whether an instruction to enlarge and display the partial area selected in step S1506 has been received. Here, it is detected whether the function button 212 and the set button 204 are pressed simultaneously. If an instruction is detected, the process proceeds to step S1508. If no instruction is detected, the process proceeds to step S1509.

  In step S1508, the display control unit 417 enlarges and displays the partial area selected in step S1506 on the display screen 201. Here, the mark type and mark level associated with the partial area are also displayed.

  Then, the processing from step S1102 onward in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is executed in order to newly set the mark type and mark level for the partial area, and update and save it.

  In this embodiment, in step S1103, the value of the mark type that has already been set in the partial area starts at the top, and the value changes in a cycle every time pressing of the set button 204 is detected. For example, in the case of the mark information data 1604 in FIG. 16, every time a press of the set button 204 is detected, “partial NG” and “non-designated” change in order from “partial OK”. Also, as shown in FIG. 16, the mark level 1605 can be changed in the same manner. In step S1110, the existing value is updated and recorded according to the newly set mark type and mark level.

  In step S1509, the control unit 406 detects whether an operation for changing the image displayed on the display screen 201 to the next image has been received. If an operation is detected, the current image display process is terminated. If no operation is detected, the process proceeds to step S1510.

  In step S1510, the control unit 406 is instructed to end the reproduction display of the image, such as changing from the reproduction mode to the photographing mode by operating the mode switch 205 or the shutter button 302, or turning off the power using the power button 301. Detect whether or not. If an instruction to end the image display is detected, the current image display processing is ended. If no instruction is detected, the process returns to step S1505.

  In addition, when displaying one image on the display screen 201, if mark information data is recorded in association with the image, a case where a partial region or a mark type based on the mark information data is also displayed has been described. Furthermore, when displaying one image, it may be set in advance whether or not information based on the mark information data is also displayed. For example, the digital camera 100 displays a menu on the display screen 201 when the menu button 203 is pressed. In the menu, menu items for performing various functions and environment settings of the digital camera 100 are displayed as shown in FIG. When “OK / NG partial frame display mode setting” is provided in this menu item and “ON” is selected in the menu selection 1902, as described above, information based on the mark information data is also displayed when displaying one image. . If “OFF” is selected here, the information based on the mark information data is not displayed, and the mark information data cannot be updated. This makes it easier for the user to view the image because unnecessary information is not displayed when only the image is to be confirmed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when an image is reproduced, the evaluation result for each partial area is displayed, and the evaluation content can be changed.

(Third embodiment)
In the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a digital camera has been described as an example. However, in this embodiment, a case where the present invention is applied to a computer apparatus will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the image processing system according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 20, reference numeral 2001 denotes an image input device that can convert an optical image into an electrical signal, perform predetermined image processing, and record it as digital information. As this image input device 2001, for example, there is a digital still camera that can take a still image and record it as image data. Also, a digital video camera that can shoot a moving image and record it as moving image data, a scanner that can read a document and output it as image data, and the like can be used. In addition to an apparatus that converts an optical image into an electrical signal and records it as image data, drivers for various storage media that can read and output image data from a storage medium that stores image data may be used instead.

  An information processing apparatus 2002 is realized by a personal computer (PC). Note that the present invention is not limited to a personal computer, and can be similarly realized by a mobile phone or a PDA. Reference numeral 2003 denotes a data transfer interface (I / F) for transferring captured image data between the image input apparatus 2001 and the PC 2002. Examples of the data transfer I / F 2003 include a wired interface represented by USB (Universal Serial Bus) and IEEE1394. Also, a wireless system interface such as IrDA or Bluetooth can be used, and the present invention is not limited by the type of I / F.

  Image data acquired by the image input device 2001 is transferred to a storage area of a storage device represented by a hard disk drive (HDD) of the PC 2002 via a data transfer I / F 2003. Regarding the image data transfer from the image input device 2001 to the PC 2002, the image data stored in the storage device in the image input device 2001 is batch transferred in accordance with an instruction from the OS installed in the PC 2002 or dedicated software. Is done. Further, the image data may be transferred to a data recording area secured in the information recording unit of the PC 2002 by the OS of the PC 2002 or dedicated software by a transfer command sent from the image input device 2001.

  An image processing application program 2004 is installed in the storage device of the PC 2002 and is operable. The PC 2002 activates the image processing application program 2004 and operates in accordance with the image processing application program 2004 to edit image data stored in the storage device. A user data storage database (DB) 2005 includes various data used in the processing of the image processing application program 2004 and is stored in a storage device. Instead of the user data storage DB 2005, a storage device represented by the HDD of the PC 2002 may be used.

  FIG. 21 is a block diagram for explaining the apparatus configuration of an information processing apparatus in which the image processing application program 2004 is installed.

  As illustrated in FIG. 21, the information processing apparatus includes a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 2102, a BMU (Bit Move Unit) 2103, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2106. In addition, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 2107 and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 2108 are included. A display 2101, a keyboard 2104, and a PD (Pointing Device) 2105 are also provided. In addition, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 2109, an FDD (Flexible Disk Drive) 2110, and a network I / F (Inter Face) 2111 are included.

  The display 2101 displays, for example, a document being edited, a graphic, an image, and other editing information, icons, messages, menus, and other user interface (UI) information.

  An image to be displayed on the display 2101 is drawn on the VRAM 2102. The image data generated in the VRAM 2102 is transferred to the display 2101 according to a predetermined rule, whereby an image is displayed on the display 2101. The BMU 2103 controls, for example, data transfer between memories (for example, between the VRAM 2102 and another memory) and data transfer between the memory and each I / O device (for example, the network I / F 2111). The keyboard 2104 has various keys for inputting characters, documents, instructions, and the like. The PD 2105 is used, for example, for instructing icons, menus, and other contents displayed on the display 2101. The CPU 2106 controls each device based on a control program stored in the ROM 2107, HDD 2109, or flexible disk. The ROM 2107 stores various control programs and data. The RAM 2108 has a work area for the CPU 2106, a data save area during error processing, a control program load area, and the like. The HDD 2109 stores each control program and content executed in the information processing apparatus. For example, the HDD 2109 stores image data, an image processing application program, and the like. The FDD 2110 controls access to a flexible disk represented by floppy (registered trademark) or the like. A network I / F 2111 communicates with other information processing apparatuses and external apparatuses such as printers via a network. The CPU bus 2112 includes an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus. The control program can be provided to the CPU 2106 from the ROM 2107, the HDD 2109, and the FDD 2110, or from another information processing apparatus or the like via the network I / F 2111.

  The operation unit 108 of the digital camera 100 according to the above-described embodiment corresponds to the operation of UI information (buttons, icons, etc.) displayed on the display 2101 by the PC 2002 using the keyboard 2104 or the PD 2105 according to the image processing application program 2004. That is, although different from the operation method in the digital camera 100, the PC 2002 realizes an operation unit capable of executing functions that can be executed by the operation unit 108 of the digital camera 100 in accordance with the image processing application program. Further, the operations executed by the control of the CPU 109 in the digital camera 100 in the above-described embodiment are similarly executed by the CPU 2106 performing control according to the image processing application program 2004 in the PC 2002 of the present embodiment. In addition, the content displayed on the display screen 201 in the digital camera 100 in the above embodiment is similarly displayed on the display 2101 in the PC 2002 of the present embodiment. Various data that the digital camera 100 stores in the storage memory 110 and the primary memory 105 in the above embodiment are similarly stored in the VRAM 2102, ROM 2107, RAM 2108, HDD 2109, and the like in the PC 2002 of this embodiment. Then, according to the image processing application program 2004, reading and writing are performed as appropriate.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, similarly to a digital camera, even an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer can record a result of partial evaluation of an image in association with the image. . Therefore, the user can select and use a device that is easy to operate and a device that allows easy viewing of images as appropriate.

(Other embodiments)
In addition, the objective of this invention is achieved by performing the following processes. That is, a storage medium storing a program code for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a program code (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus is stored in the storage medium. Is a process of reading.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  Moreover, the following can be used as a storage medium for supplying the program code. For example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM or the like. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, the present invention includes a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by executing the program code read by the computer. In addition, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Cases are also included.

  Furthermore, the present invention includes a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by the following processing. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the digital camera which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the back part structure of the digital camera which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the upper surface part structure of the digital camera which concerns on this invention. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the data processing part which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on the display screen which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on the display screen which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on the display screen which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on the display screen which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on the display screen which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on the display screen which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the operation | movement which sets mark information to the partial area | region of the image which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the mark information data table which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the image file which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the image file which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the operation | movement which updates the mark information set to the partial area | region of the image which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the mark information data table which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the image displayed on the display screen which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the recording confirmation dialog which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the menu screen which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of schematic structure of the image processing system which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of schematic structure of the information processing apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

401 Image data analysis unit 402 Area recognition unit 403 Mark information generation unit 404 Image data generation unit 405 Data storage unit 406 Control unit 417 Display control unit

Claims (8)

Playback means for playing back images,
A designation means for designating a partial area of the image;
Setting means for setting mark information for the partial area;
An image processing apparatus comprising storage means for storing the partial area and the mark information in association with the image. The reproduction means reproduces an enlarged partial area of the image,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specifying unit specifies the enlarged partial area.   The image processing according to claim 1, wherein the reproduction unit reads the partial area and the mark information stored in association with the image, and reproduces the image together with the partial area and the mark information. apparatus.   4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising update means for reading out the partial area and the mark information stored in association with the image and updating them according to a newly input instruction. .   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mark information indicates an evaluation and a level of the image. The image processing apparatus is a digital camera;
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires the image by photographing a subject. Playing the image,
Designating a partial region of the image;
Setting mark information for the partial area;
And a step of storing the partial region and the mark information in association with the image. On the computer,
Playing the image,
Designating a partial region of the image;
Setting mark information for the partial area;
And storing the partial area and the mark information in association with the image.

Images